Peggy Lee Clark, Pottstown's economic development representative, told council on Oct. 8 that several businesses have recently located in borough industrial and downtown locations and encouraged residents to support small restaurants that have opened in recent months. "Restaurants are on very, very, very small margins, so please get out and support these restaurants," Clark said.

Clark said the borough's FET event drew new attendees and noted that 35 of this year's attendees were first‑timers. She updated council on the Streetscapes project, saying more than 100 people have participated in sessions and that consultants will present conceptual drawings next; projects that receive strong public support would be candidates for public funding.

Manager Keller reminded council that the Walk & Thrive grant deadline for sidewalk repairs—targeted to qualifying low‑ and moderate‑income homeowners for street tree‑related sidewalk damage—was the week of Oct. 10; he said staff had received roughly 14 applications and expected conditional awards early next year. Keller also announced that the DVRPC‑led street station area plan for passenger rail is in analysis and that the first public open house was expected Nov. 6 (location to be posted on the borough website once finalized).

Clark also flagged a federal funding concern: she said the recent federal government funding lapse affected access to certain U.S. Census and Opportunity Zone resources, and she urged residents and elected officials to press state and federal representatives to restore appropriations quickly so workforce programs, community colleges and nonprofit partners are not further disrupted.

Taken together, the reports signaled continuing downtown planning work, modest near‑term grant activity and an emphasis on using public engagement and external grants to advance physical improvements. No council votes were taken on Oct. 8 on streetscape or grant awards; staff said further public presentations and funding requests are forthcoming.