AARP New Jersey Awards Grant to The Borough of Glen Rock as Part of its Nationwide Program to Make Communities More Livable

 The grant will be used to enhance safety and walkability for all residents

Today, AARP New Jersey announced that The Borough of Glen Rock has received a 2023 Community Challenge grant – part of the largest group of grantees to date with $3.6 million awarded among 310 organizations nationwide.

“AARP New Jersey is committed to working with local leaders to improve residents’ quality of life through tangible changes,” said Stephanie Hunsinger, AARP New Jersey State Director. “We are proud to collaborate with this year’s grantees as they make immediate improvements in their communities to jumpstart long-term change, especially for New Jerseyans 50 and over.”

The Borough of Glen Rock will conduct three walk audits throughout the downtown area, with a focus on participation and feedback from older residents. The audits will identify ways to improve the walkability and safety of downtown Glen Rock, which includes apartment complexes, small local businesses, a library, a municipal building, and two public parks. The town will organize the audits so that all residents can engage in the process of improving walkability.

“Glen Rock's achievement in securing a 2023 AARP Community Challenge Grant for a walk audit demonstrates our commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible environment,” said Mary Barchetto, Council President, Borough of Glen Rock. “By prioritizing walkability, the Borough not only supports the mobility and well-being of seniors but also enriches the entire community. The Borough is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and age-friendly town that values the needs of its senior residents. With the data from this audit, the Borough of Glen Rock can improve mobility for seniors and their overall quality of life.”

AARP Community Challenge grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. True to the program’s quick-action nature, projects must be completed by November 30, 2023.

This year, the AARP Community Challenge accepted applications across three different grant opportunities, including existing flagship grants in addition to new capacity-building microgrants for

improving walkability and community gardens. New demonstration grants will focus on improving transportation systems, with funding support provided by Toyota Motor North America, and housing choice design competitions.

AARP is also bolstering its investment in rural communities, mobility innovation, transportation options, and health and food access.

The grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for people of all ages, especially those age 50 and older.

View the full list of grantees and their project descriptions at aarp.org/communitychallenge and learn more about AARP’s livable communities work at aarp.org/livable.

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About AARP

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.