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Pottstown staff update council on passenger-rail planning, transit procurement and local roadwork
Summary
Manager Keller told the Committee of the Whole on May 7 that the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority is conducting early station-area planning with DVRPC and that borough staff will host stakeholder interviews and later review a concept draft.
Manager Keller told the Committee of the Whole on May 7 that the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority is conducting early station-area planning with DVRPC, including stakeholder interviews and a concept plan that will examine potential station locations, vehicle access, pedestrian circulation and adjacent development opportunities to support future passenger rail service.
Keller said borough staff will host interviews and that the authority will present a concept draft to council when available. "While we're still very much in the early stages of that project, it is an important step in preparing the borough for the return of passenger rail," he said.
In a separate manager's update, staff announced the borough secured a $7,500 PECO Green Region grant to replant trees in Riverfront Park after several removals due to emerald ash borer damage. Staff also said the Hanover Street railroad crossing was closed for repaving work and expected to remain closed through Friday, and that PECO would begin gas-main replacement work on Evans Street over the coming months with coordination near Rupert Elementary School. Lower Providence informed the borough of a Sunnybrook bridge emergency repair that will cause a two-month lane shift on High Street (one 10-foot lane and one 11-foot lane maintained).
On public transportation procurement, staff said state procurement requires a five-year contract cycle for fixed-route and paratransit services. The borough solicited proposals and received a single bid from Part Inc. Staff will list the five-year contract for council consideration at the Monday meeting. Staff also asked the council to list a resolution certifying local match for PART operating assistance for fiscal years 2025 and 2026.
Separately, the borough reported that Arbus Inc., a transportation broker, has requested a license to use the bus-stop shelter and associated parking lot at 51 South Hanover Street (Charles W. Dickinson Transportation Center). The proposed license would be $200 per month for an initial two-year term; borough staff will list the item for council action Monday unless there are objections.
Ending: The passenger-rail concept plan is in stakeholder-interview stages and will return to council for review; procurement and licensing items will be listed for formal action at the next council meeting.
