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PA Downtown survey shows strong positive responses as Pottstown pursues Main Street designation
Summary
An outreach survey fielded as part of Pottstown's Main Street designation effort drew 1,154 responses and showed strong positive sentiment on architecture and downtown visitation; organizers will use the results as a three- and five-year benchmark for Main Street work and plan a press release and outreach to local businesses.
Pottstown officials reviewed results of a public survey conducted by PA Downtown as part of the boroughapplication for Main Street designation. The survey ran from May 14 to July 6 and produced 1,154 responses; presenters said the results will serve as baseline measures to be repeated in years three and five.
Lee Clark, economic development (PA Downtown representative), summarized the findings and said the highest-rated local attribute was quality architecture (87%), with 69% of respondents visiting downtown at least a few times a month and 80% reporting the downtown has safe places to cross the street. Clark said most responses were positive but flagged opportunities including marketing the community, improving evening vibrancy and building maintenance.
The survey sample included residents, business owners and visitors. Clark said visitor responses tended to be more favorable than resident responses and that younger respondents (ages 18to 24) reported higher satisfaction and more frequent downtown visits than older cohorts.
Councilors and staff discussed using the data for outreach and to support the Main Street designation process. Clark said PA Downtown produced summary materials and would provide the data to council; staff also plan a press release and distribution to local businesses. "We extended to July 6. It just closed on July 6," Clark said, adding that PA Downtown compiled the results and would use them in the eventual designation for Pottstown.
Councilors asked staff to share the findings with merchants and to post the summary widely in the borough. The presentation included demographic breakdowns and comparisons of residents versus visitors, which organizers said will help guide marketing and program priorities for downtown revitalization.
