What’s New in Pottstown’s Growth

 What’s New in Pottstown’s Growth

1. Adaptive Reuse & Downtown Housing

• Hanover Street Mill Conversion: Dwight City Group has broken ground on transforming the historic Hanover Street Mill (274 N. Hanover St.) into 85 upscale one- and two-bedroom apartments. The project includes a rooftop deck, fitness center, café, resident lounge, and office space. Leasing is expected within 12–18 months, marking a significant boost to Downtown’s revitalization. (Business Wire)

2. Retail & Convenience Developments

• Royal Farms Opening: A new Royal Farms convenience store has opened at 296 Armand Hammer Blvd, offering 24/7 fresh food, fuel, and services—a convenience addition for locals and commuters alike. (Trade and Industry Development)

3. Public Spaces & Infrastructure Upgrades

• Brookside Park Revamp: Scheduled for Spring 2025, designs include new inclusive playground equipment, improved accessibility, drainage upgrades, healthier trees, and a Bankshot basketball court—all supported by DCNR, local foundations, and matching funds. (Pottstown)
• South Street Park Update: Also starting Spring 2025, this project will introduce ADA-accessible play equipment and upgraded safety features such as long-lasting surfacing and repaired sidewalks. (Pottstown)
• Stormwater Inlet Expansion: A phased plan is underway to install 39 new stormwater inlets across town to better manage runoff, largely funded by Community Development Block Grants. (Pottstown)
• LED Streetlight Conversion: Nearly 1,800 aging streetlights are being replaced with energy-efficient LEDs and smart controls for improved safety and maintenance—funded by a combination of local and state sources. (Pottstown)
• Pollock Park Remediation: Soil contaminated with PCBs is being cleaned up using EPA and state grants, with park enhancements to follow in Summer 2025. (Pottstown)
• Moser Road Bridge Rehab: Slated for Fall 2025, the bridge over Moser Road will undergo structural repairs, abutment work, repainting, and repaving, likely requiring a six-month closure. (Pottstown)

4. Planning & Strategic Frameworks

• Keim Street Gateway Plan (2020): Focuses on revitalizing this corridor with beautification, connectivity enhancements, and industrial heritage preservation aligned with Schuylkill River Trail access. (Pottstown)
• KEEP – Keystone Employment & Economic Plan (2019): Offers mixed-use redevelopment visions for Keystone Boulevard, emphasizing infrastructure, design, pedestrian access, open space, and job creation. (Pottstown)
• ULI Advisory Report (2019): Advises on cohesive economic, housing, and workforce strategies, along with implementation steps. (Pottstown)
• Trail and Connectivity Studies: Recommendations from 2018 explore expanding bike/walk networks and improving links to the Schuylkill River Trail and broader regional system. (Pottstown)

5. Economic Development & Community Health

• PAED’s Ongoing Role: The Pottstown Area Economic Development (PAED), with roots since 1965, continues spearheading economic growth through strategies, business support, and pandemic recovery efforts. Recent initiatives include property tours (e.g., commercial space on Moser Rd), community perception surveys, and highlighting available downtown real estate. (Pottstown Area Economic Development)
• Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD): The Pottstown Regional Community Foundation has proposed ETOD strategies recommending investment in transit-linked development, affordable housing, and inclusive growth centered around the train station. (Pottstown Regional Community Foundation)
• Health Needs Assessment (2023): The CHNA highlights social and health disparities—such as poor health ratings, mental health issues, food and housing insecurity, and systemic inequities among underserved neighborhoods—guiding future community planning. (Pottstown Regional Community Foundation)

6. Transit & Mobility

• Pottstown Area Rapid Transit (PART): Continues to provide bus services within town and to Norristown (SEPTA Route 93), with fixed fares, passes, paratransit, and routes originating from the downtown transportation hub. (Wikipedia)
• Schuylkill River Trail Connection: Active planning continues to further connect Pottstown to regional trails, with vision to fill gaps toward Phoenixville and Mont Clare for better non-motorized access. (Wikipedia)

Summary Snapshot

What Stands Out?

• Holistic Development: Efforts span housing, infrastructure, equity, and mobility—reflecting a coordinated approach across sectors.
• Balance of Heritage and Modernization: Historic preservation (mill conversion) paired with new, accessible public spaces.
• Equity In Focus: Multiple projects integrate inclusivity—from park designs to health-informed planning and transit-oriented investments.