[{"_1":2,"_86":-5,"_87":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6081033,"mediaKeyId","2944307-2e4f0738468b279a28c609e4533138b7","parentId",2944307,"title","Votes at a glance: Phoenixville Borough Council actions on easements, ordinances, personnel and planning (April 8, 2025)","audioSeconds",1444,"startMs",1433000,"endMs",2877000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2944307-2e4f0738468b279a28c609e4533138b7&start=1433&end=2877","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2944307-2e4f0738468b279a28c609e4533138b7/thumbnail_1433000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6081033/Phoenixville/Chester-County/Pennsylvania/Votes-at-a-glance-Phoenixville-Borough-Council-actions-on-easements-ordinances-personnel-and-planning-April-8-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081033-6f834d6a4c7a73819c968801fc92624e/orig.mp4?Expires=1776763391&Signature=PveJDYWqpcAmJ8ok8mfl8oDLZGxMr7ob7yoh3s7iIIB3pw23asEY-fgiK2KZ3W-2o~jL7Y-LizwwV0KutCdkCjRh08yh2LAiZr1dyd~uPs7qwt-kOjKx482uzcljFOn09-lsbgm6BsUsTNQs42NuoZPB-nQfA2~DtelI5pLOEXcrpMnT3JbwoxfE~rZEv36h8vI98f0t-urrmcN~yKKhuF1NI3Ze6SGS49zVoo0I6TGFySmb-IP4i2X2krosnCY24UCQyYgu1AEBORSaF7M4R0jmXAfaAiUM1uzft7HgKCFSfsO-3c02TRovsVO-~AWXVqL2-qvrBZDt4ieEUwDSQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Phoenixville Borough, PA","date","2025-04-10T13:12:30.99Z","article","At its April 8 meeting the Phoenixville Borough Council took votes on a slate of routine and land‑use matters: easements and right‑of‑way actions related to the Bridge and Star Street intersection project; ordinance amendments to the borough code; the conditional hiring of a patrol officer; ratification of borough involvement in an Act 2 environmental cleanup notice; several Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) certificates of appropriateness for signage; and the conditional approval of a Planning Commission–recommended Good Samaritan land‑development plan (reported separately).

Below are the formal actions taken, with motion text, movers/seconders, vote tallies and brief notes. Where the transcript did not include a numerical tally, the vote result is recorded as stated in the record.

Votes at a glance

1) Consent agenda (general consent items; one item removed prior to vote)
Motion: Approve the consent agenda (except withdrawn item b4).
Mover: Ms. Berkley; Second: (recorded)
Outcome: Approved, 8-0.
Note: Consent agenda included routine items and multiple reappointments recorded in the meeting packet.

2) Conditional offer of employment — David Dry (patrol officer)
Motion: Authorize a conditional offer of employment for David Dry (patrol officer).
Mover: Ms. Berkley; Second: Ms. Weiss
Outcome: Approved, 8-0.

3) Civil Service Commission rules and regulations (adoption)
Motion: Adopt the Civil Service Commission’s recommended revisions to rules and regulations.
Mover: Ms. Berkley; Second: Mr. Moore
Outcome: Approved (voice vote), recorded as carried.

4) Ratify borough request for involvement under Pennsylvania Act 2 (voluntary cleanup)
Motion: Ratify the issuance of a request for involvement letter regarding the Act 2 notice received for a property identified in the notice (date/address as stated in the notice).
Mover: Mr. Kirchner; Second: Mr. Weiss
Outcome: Approved, 8-0.
Note: The solicitor explained the borough has 30 days under the Pennsylvania Land Recycling and Environmental Standards Act (Act 2) to express interest; ratification preserves the borough’s ability to review cleanup documentation.

5) Resolution — extinguishment of a trail easement, 512 South Street (UPI 1521.1A)
Motion: Adopt a resolution authorizing extinguishment and recording of a trail easement over 512 South Street.
Mover: Ms. Berkley; Second: Mr. Strindfeld
Outcome: Approved, 6-2.
Note: Solicitor explained extinguishment of a property interest is effected by resolution per borough code; item had been tabled previously.

6) Resolution — acceptance of permanent sidewalk easement, 85 Star Street (UPI 15-10-98)
Motion: Adopt a resolution authorizing acceptance of a permanent sidewalk easement for portion of 85 Star Street.
Mover: Mr. Weiss; Second: Ms. Berkley
Outcome: Approved, 8-0.

7) Resolution — driveway relocation and sidewalk easement, 55 Star Street & 70 Holy Ghost Way (UPI 15-10-97 & 15-10-104)
Motion: Adopt a resolution authorizing approval of a driveway relocation agreement and acceptance of a permanent sidewalk easement for those parcels.
Mover: Mr. Weiss; Second: Ms. Berkley
Outcome: Approved, 8-0.

8) Resolution — transfer of borough real estate (portion), UPI 15-10-103
Motion: Adopt a resolution authorizing the transfer of a portion of borough‑owned real estate (UPI 15-10-103).
Mover: Mr. Weiss; Second: Ms. Berkley
Outcome: Approved, 8-0.

9) Ordinance advertisement — acceptance of dedication of right of way (Star Street) previously offered from 101 Bridge Street (UPI 15-9-157)
Motion: Authorize scheduling/advertising an ordinance accepting dedication of right of way on Star Street previously offered from 101 Bridge Street.
Mover: Mr. Weiss; Second: Ms. Berkley
Outcome: Approved to advertise, 8-0.
Note: Staff said advertising would be held off until clarity from property owner if necessary.

10) Ordinance amendment — Chapter 11 (housing; rental licensing waiver for trust‑held owner‑occupied properties)
Motion: Adopt ordinance amendment to Chapter 11 (rental licensing) to provide a waiver process for trust‑held properties occupied by the trust beneficiary.
Mover: Ms. Berkley; Second: Mr. Weiss
Outcome: Approved, 8-0.

11) Ordinance amendment — Chapter 15 (motor vehicles)
Motion: Adopt ordinance amendment to Chapter 15 (motor vehicles updates).
Mover: Ms. Berkley; Second: Mr. Strindfeld
Outcome: Approved, 8-0.

12) Certificates of Appropriateness (HARB matters)
- 10 South Main Street (signage): Motion to approve certificate of appropriateness (relocation of previously‑approved sign). Outcome: Approved, 8-0.
- 323 Bridge Street (signage): Motion to approve certificate of appropriateness. Outcome: Motion carries (tally not specified in transcript).
- 368 Bridge Street (certificate of appropriateness for exterior/stucco): Council approved in part and denied in part with a condition to modify stucco color consistent with HARB discussion; motion amended on floor and carried, 8-0.
- 37 Rich Street (signage): Motion to approve. Outcome: Approved, 6-2.
Notes: Council debated whether applicants’ prior noncompliance with code enforcement should affect approvals; solicitor advised the application must be considered on its merits and enforcement proceeds separately if approvals are not followed.

13) Planning Commission referral — 133/135/137 High Street (Good Samaritan Services)
Motion: Adopt a resolution conditionally approving the preliminary/final subdivision and land development plan for 133, 135 and 137 High Street.
Mover: Mr. Moore; Second: Ms. Berkley
Outcome: Approved, 8-0.
(Full project coverage in separate article.)

14) Personnel appointment — reappointment of Frank Markey (moved from consent)
Motion: Table the reappointment of Frank Markey for interviews and follow‑up.
Mover: Ms. Dugan; Second: Ms. Berkley
Outcome: Motion to table approved, 8-0.

What to watch next
- Staff and applicants must record required covenants and complete engineering, legal and permitting steps before many approvals become actionable (e.g., parking covenants, preconstruction demolition plans).
- The extinguishment of the 512 South Street trail easement drew a 6-2 split and may generate follow‑up or public interest given the property‑interest nature of the vote.
","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 8, 2025 – Borough Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Council adopted multiple resolutions and ordinances, approved a conditional hire, ratified involvement in an Act 2 cleanup, and decided several Historic Architectural Review Board applications. Most items passed unanimously; the extinguishment of a trail easement passed 6-2 and one signage approval passed 6-2.","taxTitle","Phoenixville, Chester County, Pennsylvania","taxId",71496,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":46,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6081038,"Council conditionally approves Good Samaritan plan to replace three homes with single 16‑bed facility on High Street",851,2026000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2944307-2e4f0738468b279a28c609e4533138b7&start=2026&end=2877","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2944307-2e4f0738468b279a28c609e4533138b7/thumbnail_2026000.jpg","/articles/6081038/Phoenixville/Chester-County/Pennsylvania/Council-conditionally-approves-Good-Samaritan-plan-to-replace-three-homes-with-single-16bed-facility-on-High-Street","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081038-e79aff9fc97618ad9c04024c3ce5c08c/orig.mp4?Expires=1776763391&Signature=dnvx3eCr5biCQaHcPJ35nXNAbWaYZxJdc9WKXzJAIqY5xUkJpWzZ2Iu8CBFjDCvgvpcVf8M24yDM5GYAkz6gcPI34ofg6JuNKoV3UtMFb4bptAjHxg88daFtOGW2-mFxVST23VNJgZDqAKuJxbzLbDPb1bhBurSih4rwnzMF3XHUInf~UYk5DEAEZ8JsLVJ4p4X21ajI6nD1ZDzQ4B5MxPpDVAxEKbyu8hC6ypzneKHroYvWlsN0OLTprExFAp77I~hv6Tv5mvUaL-50ogJu7~uBXe2VKRvBcpKdCmEIW2MU6hLE9PYrhff3iAyKs09jxZlg-H4PQ7kLvat-GVkYxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Phoenixville Borough Council on April 8 conditionally approved a land‑development plan from Good Samaritan Services to consolidate two contiguous parcels on High Street, demolish existing structures and construct a single attached building containing 16 bedrooms.

The action followed a recommendation from the borough Planning Commission and passed on an 8-0 vote after a presentation and questions from council members. \"We're not proposing serving additional people,\" Nate Hoffer, chief executive officer of Good Samaritan Services, told council. \"We're requesting to do the same impactful work that we've done for over 20 years, but just in a much more sustainable, nicer, safer, aesthetically pleasing facility.\"

Council member Mr. Moore introduced the application and the borough solicitor summarized the proposal and requested waivers. The solicitor described the project as consolidation of the two parcels (about 5,201 square feet combined, as stated in the application), demolition of three residential structures and construction of a single multifamily building with an outdoor porch, rear yard, retaining wall, landscaping, lighting and stormwater facilities. The applicant requested two waivers: from subsection 22-502.1(a) (landscaping plan certification by a planting professional) and from stormwater management ordinance 23-306 (on-site infiltration), proposing instead a 50‑gallon rain barrel and a 2,000‑gallon underground cistern to collect stormwater for nonpotable reuse (to flush toilets).

The applicant said the new building would provide three dedicated parking spaces reserved for the development at a separate Good Samaritan property at 104 High Street; attorneys will file a declaration of covenant reserving those spaces \"in perpetuity,\" according to council discussion. Hoffer said the organization owns several nearby properties and it historically has not had parking conflicts at its Good Samaritan houses. \"Historically, if we're serving 13, 14, 15, 16 people in those homes, 2 to 3 at any given time will own a vehicle,\" Hoffer said. \"We own a property up the road at 104 High Street that has eight parking spaces…three are reserved for this development.\"

Council members asked about demolition risks because the existing buildings share walls with adjacent structures. The applicant and project consultant said structural assessments and preconstruction coordination would be required before any demolition and that a preconstruction meeting and appropriate contractor selection were among the conditions the borough placed on the approval. The council also required a covenant linking the three off‑site parking spaces to the new development and other standard conditions tied to final plan submission and building permits.

Planning commission records show the commission unanimously recommended conditional approval at its March 13 meeting after review of the application and site constraints. The council adopted a resolution conditionally approving the preliminary/final subdivision and land development plan for 133, 135 and 137 High Street by motion of Mr. Moore, seconded by Ms. Berkley; the motion carried 8-0.

The project does not increase the number of residents served, the applicant said; it consolidates three small licensed homes into one building intended to provide more efficient on‑site services, a single kitchen and space for counseling and case management. The council noted this is a significant capital undertaking by Good Samaritan Services and that additional permitting and construction‑phase protections are required before work begins.

If the applicant completes the required covenants, engineering reviews and demolition safeguards, the council’s conditional approval allows the project to proceed toward final permitting and construction.

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Votes at a glance: Phoenixville Borough Council actions on easements, ordinances, personnel and planning (April 8, 2025)

Council conditionally approves Good Samaritan plan to replace three homes with single 16‑bed facility on High Street