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Pottstown's Rich Architectural Culture Could be at Stake...

By
Real Estate Agent with Springer Realty Group RS305712

If you have followed my blogs in the past, you are well aware that I treasure the wonderful unique-ness of the Pottstown area's architecture and culture.  From the beautiful facades in the downtown area to the unique historical advertising murals on some of the buildings, I understand and value this town's individuality. Discussions at this weeks borough council meeting could mean our town is at the beginning stages of erasing that heritage in the name of "moving forward" for successful future business partnerships...

Pottstown's Architectural Integrity At Stake

Changes to the borough's certified local historic district took center stage at Monday's Pottstown Borough Council meeting.

A move intended to make downtown Pottstown more business friendly may have an adverse effect on the preservation of the area's architectural heritage.   The borough council on Monday adopted policy that amends Pottstown's certified local historic districts and eliminates a portion of the downtown commercial district.

     The motion drew opposition from Pottstown Councilman Joseph Kirkland. While he agreed the process -- involved with opening businesses downtown -- could and should be streamlined, the removal of the Historic Architecture Review Board's jurisdiction is a "drastic move," he said.

The proposed law's language was unclear, Kirkland said of terminology such as "should be" when referring to architectural features, instead of the more firm "shall."

Kirkland said he's "been trained to read this kind of stuff for 20 years ... and this has too many loopholes."

Borough Councilman Jeff Chomnuk opposed Kirkland's objections and said the proposal was not "an anti HARB" issue nor did he intend it to be.

"I want to streamline the process … and stimulate investment in downtown Pottstown," Chomnuk said.

Pottstown Mayor Bonnie Heath appeared sympathetic to the architectural community.

"At stake is our historical and architectural features … that not many (towns possess) like we have," she told the board.

Heath talked of the borough's Susquehanna building -- which passes the ordinance but "takes up space," she said and added she would rather have seen the historical building renovated.

"(HARB) is a small part of us not getting businesses into downtown," Council Vice President Mark Gibson added.

Despite the objections and a motion from Councilor Dan Weand to table the motion for six months, the board passed the motion.

"This could be the sole reason for our rich architectural heritage to be lost," Kirkland said.

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