Northtown Planning Department reveals interactive economic development story map

The Norristown Municipal Council meeting on May 6, 2025, showcased an innovative economic development tool that promises to enhance community engagement and transparency. The Planning Department introduced a new interactive story map, designed to provide residents and stakeholders with a visual overview of ongoing and upcoming projects throughout the municipality.

Senior Planner Nouth Geiser presented the story map, which categorizes projects into various sectors, including mixed-use developments, public infrastructure, commercial, residential, recreation, and tourism. This user-friendly tool allows the public to explore completed projects, those under construction, and future plans by simply clicking on project tiles that reveal detailed descriptions, statuses, and images.

Council members expressed enthusiasm for the story map, with Councilwoman Robinson praising its intuitive design and ease of use. The map is set to go live on the municipal website, making it accessible to the public as early as May 7, 2025, pending council approval.

In addition to the story map, the meeting covered several significant economic development updates. Notable projects included the redevelopment of the Norristown State Hospital, which is moving forward with a public hearing scheduled for May 21, and the Arch Street Greenway project, which is currently under review. Other updates highlighted ongoing construction efforts at various housing developments and the anticipated completion of the 14 West Main Street project by the end of spring 2025.

The council's discussions underscored a commitment to fostering economic growth and improving community resources, with plans for regular updates to the story map to keep residents informed about the municipality's development landscape. As these initiatives progress, Norristown aims to enhance its infrastructure and community engagement, paving the way for a vibrant future.