Business development benefits from an informed community. By understanding what neighboring communities are doing and how they’re doing it you will become an informed advocate for your own.
Table of Contents
Business Development Articles
Phoenixville to close Bridge Street on weekends this summer for ‘open-air market’
Evan Brandt reports on the discussions at the March Council meeting between the administration, businesses and residents on the pros and cons of closing Main Street every weekend from May 27 to Oct. 3 vs once a month.
Souderton looks to update revitalization plan
With Souderton-Telford Main Streets and the Souderton Business Improvement District having merged the beginning of the year into Souderton Connects, it’s time for Souderton to revise its revitalization plan.
Developer seeks public’s input on potential redevelopment of property at corner of West 5th Avenue and Colwell Lane in Conshohocken
A good example of developer outreach and input survey.
A decades-long road project aims to bring Norristown out of isolation. Will revitalization follow?
This article on a Norristown road project highlights the relationship between transportation connections and revitalization.
Listen: Rebuilding Perkasie’s downtown [Podcast]
Listen to consultant and Perkasie Community and Economic Development Director Steve Barth talk about the borough’s work to court businesses to the area over the last several years. 18:55 minutes.
Colleges Invest So ‘What’s the Town Like?’ Gets an Upbeat Answer
Liberal arts colleges are taking a role in revitalizing their local communities downtowns.
Once ‘sleepy’ King of Prussia is booming with development
The King of Prussia District, a nonprofit started to “collaboratively improve (King of Prussia’s) economic environment” does just that.
Investors look to capitalize on Coatesville’s revitalization
Coatesville symposium lays foundation for matchmaking investor / revitalization opportunities.
Kennett Square is a ‘mushrooming’ success with help from county funds
One in a series of articles about how Chester County communities are spending funding received through the county’s Community Revitalization Program.
In West Chester, businesses are prospering
West Chester’s Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) report for 2018: “(We) continued to see a record number of businesses downtown, reduced crime and a robust social media outreach”.
Officials excited about Ridge Pike-Main Street revitalization
Details of Rep. Joe Webster’s community policy hearing on Revitalizing the Ridge Pike-Main Street Corridor: From the West Norriton line to Upper Providence.
Momentum in Malvern: How a sleepy Chester County borough is turning into “a destination for restaurants”
Have more restaurants ruined Malvern? Can new restaurants coexist with old? This PI article puts the past 20 years in perspective.
Could Pottstown see a Phoenixville-like rebirth?
Summary of Pottstowns ongoing community development efforts over the last few decades and where they stand today.
Perkasie has the three components of a flourishing community
Perkasie Borough economic development consultant Barth Consulting Group’s report to Perkasie Borough Council.
Consultants tout tactics to Lansdale Economic Development Committee
A pair of economic development consultants have made their pitch to Lansdale officials to help turn the town around.
More than mushrooms: Kennett Square squeezes more shops, people in a tiny borough
One of “the most beautiful towns” in PA the 1 sq mile borough is chockablock with shops, restaurants, small businesses, and a bustling downtown.
Hearing on Perk Valley Regional Police Force draws crowd
A public hearing on a proposal to form a regional police force among four Perkiomen Valley municipalities at Perkiomen Valley Middle School West.
In Chester County, luxury apartments for some, lost homes for others
Commercial and residential rebirth in Phoenixville has a downside for middle income residents. Affordable Housing Task Force seeks solutions.
At Villanova, a full-court press to improve town-gown relations
Villanova and surrounding communities adjust to each other. Of note in the article: Villanova survey results and Villanova Dines Out! Restaurant Week.
Intersection Improvements Planned for Both Sides of the Perkiomen Bridge
Report with slides on PennDOT’s public plan display at Methacton HS November 14th.
Can Phoenixville’s Success Happen in Pottstown?
Hobart’s Run and The Hill School workshop with Phoenixville Revitalization’s Manny DeMutis and Barry Cassidy.
Phoenixville coffeehouse owners to open in-house brewery, adding to Chesco’s craft beer scene
Steel City Coffeehouse to add beer.
Souderton market promises Main Street revitalization
Developer plans to turn 12,000 sq ft building into a multi-use market.
Stakeholders weigh in on New Hope revitalization
Barth Consulting Group presents business survey findings.
How Phoenixville was able to rise from the ashes — and what other towns can learn from it
Title says it all.
Can borough pride propel Bridgeport’s long-awaited transformation?
Bridgeport Mayor Mark Barbee takes advantage of the work done by his predecessors.
With a food and booze revolution, Phoenixville rises again
Title says it all.
How 3 Pa. towns joined forces to save money … and land
Newtown, Upper Makefield, and Wrightstown Townships in Bucks county come together to confront regional challenges.
Explainer: Cities, boroughs, and townships, oh my! Pa. municipalities clarified
Do you live in a city? A borough? A township? The type of municipality plays a large role in the way it’s governed.
How to Get Rid of Parking Minimums: Phoenixville, PA
From the article: “If you go to towns that aren’t successful, they have tons of free parking.” And if you go to towns with no free parking, it’s much more likely that they’re successful.
Regional Rail Articles
Schuylkill River Passenger Train On Track For Federal Funding
The authority hired Transportation for America, Washington, D.C., as a consultant to help prepare applications for federal funding.
SEPTA authorized to spend $200M on about 70 properties to make way for King of Prussia Rail
SEPTA needs Upper Merion real estate, a lot of it, to clear the way for the $1.8 billion King of Prussia Rail project — and it’s about to go on a buying spree.
All aboard: Montgomery County holds public hearing on proposed passenger rail authority
More than 80 joined a public hearing Wednesday, April 19th that focused on the proposed restoration of passenger rail service from Reading to Philadelphia.
Schuylkill River Passenger Rail
Montgomery, Berks, and Chester Counties have partnered to advance the restoration of passenger rail between Reading and Philadelphia through a Tri-County Passenger Rail Committee. All three counties are now proposing to form a joint authority, the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority (SRPRA).
Philly-To-Reading Commuter Rail Vision Taking Shape
The massive new passenger rail proposal, which could transform both the North East Corridor and the Route 422 corridor, now has the backing of Gov. Wolf and Amtrak.
Passenger rail authority would keep momentum for Reading-to-Philly train, officials say
Berks, Montgomery and Chester county officials and local municipal leaders will discuss the way forward for the restoration of Reading-to-Philly passenger rail service.
Philly to Reading Rail Service Plan: What’s Going On?
A report on Amtrak and PennDOT visions of Reading to Philadelphia Rail Service and possible American Jobs Plan funding.
King of Prussia rail extension is an exemplar of bad planning | Opinion
Planning and funding new regional rail is complicated.
Editorial: Reading-Philadelphia train service keeps gaining momentum
While the planning is just beginning, a Reading-Philadelphia regional rail will have many benefits for the Collegeville region as well.
SEPTA to use COVID relief funds to move ahead with King of Prussia rail line
SEPTA officials shared updates on the proposed extension on Tuesday, including changes to its route and renderings of its five stations.
SEPTA to use COVID relief funds to move ahead with King of Prussia rail line
The SEPTA board approved a plan to use $40 million of the federal coronavirus relief money to free up funds to go toward the King of Prussia Rail Project.
KOP Rail Project Gets $360K Federal Lifeline For 5 New Stations
Not quite regional rail, but a connection from the Norristown High Speed Line to First Avenue in King of Prussia.
SEPTA doubles down on commitment to $2B King of Prussia Rail project
SEPTA officials shared updates on the proposed extension, including changes to its route and renderings of its five stations.
A glimpse at SEPTA’s proposed KoP stations
SEPTA shared renderings of the proposed King of Prussia rail’s stations at authority public meeting.
Phoenixville rail study shows $350M in economic benefits
The results of a new study show more than $350 million in economic benefits over 30 years from the return of passenger rail service into Philadelphia.
$194M Passenger Rail Proposal: Reading To Phoenixville To Philly
The latest proposal for the new passenger project would run from Reading to Philadelphia, stopping only in Phoenixville in between.
Monday Public Hearing Set for Return of Rail Service
Post about and link to Phoenixville’s Mayor’s Task Force virtual public hearing. Re: An application for $3,131,700 for planning an acquisition relating to the resumption of passenger rail service to Phoenixville.
The Mayor’s Task Force on Rail Transportation Virtual Town Hall
The Mayor’s Task Force on Rail Transportation met on April 22, 2019 in Columbia Station to give a presentation and panel discussion on the restoration of commuter rail service to the Phoenixville Area! One hour and 12 minutes long.
See the summary in Evan Brandt’s Mercury and Digital Notebook articles below.
Higher property values could pay for return of commuter rail to Phoenixville
At town hall style meeting and online, Phoenixville’s Mayor’s Task Force on Rail Transportation explained how financing for the project would work.
All Aboard: Return of Rail Meeting Draws Crowd
At town hall style meeting and online, Phoenixville’s Mayor’s Task Force on Rail Transportation explained how financing for the project would work.
Though expensive, the King of Prussia rail line is necessary | Opinion
Three regional thought leaders advocate for continuing the effort to bring regional rail to King of Prussia despite the obstacles.
Task Force Confident Phoenixville Passenger Rail Will Happen
Title says it all.
Norfolk Southern Says No To Phoenixville Passenger Rail Proposal
Specifically, to the proposal as it is.
Task force looks to return rail service to Phoenixville
There is more detail on the rail project in this article. Also talks about funding and a demonstration program.
Phoenixville Rail Project Taking Shape; 3 New Stations Proposed
Title says it all.
Montgomery County Planning Resources
Planning Smarter MONTCO 2020
Montco Planning Commission initiative to provide important information about planning; enabling local leaders and citizens to better plan for the future of their municipalities.
2018 MCPC Annual Report (pdf)
Highlights of the Montgomery County Planning Commission’s achievements in 2018.