POTTSTOWN BOROUGH OPEN SPACE PLAN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Transcription

1 POTTSTOWN BOROUGH OPEN SPACE PLAN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 2006

2 POTTSTOWN BOROUGH OFFICIALS MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 100 E. High Street Pottstown, PA BOROUGH COUNCIL MEMBERS Jack F Wolf, President Stephen M. Toroney, Vice-President Greg M. Berry Mark S. Gibson Arthur L. Green James W. Vlahos, Jr. MAYOR Sharon V. Thomas OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE Ronald C. Downie Dennis Wausnock Kurt Zwikl James Fairchild, Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority John Reber, Borough Parks and Recreation Director Ginamarie Mangano, County Planning Commission Riverfront Park, Cover Background Smith Family Plaza, Cover Foreground Credit: Montgomery County Planning Commission

3 POTTSTOWN BOROUGH OPEN SPACE PLAN 2006 Prepared by MCPC under funding through The Montgomery County Green Fields/Green Towns Program Montgomery County Planning Commission

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5 TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1 CHAPTER 2 COMMUNITY PROFILE 1 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND 3 REGIONAL SETTING 3 EXISTING LAND USE ANALYSIS 3 Residential 6 Commercial/Office 6 Industrial 6 Institutional 6 Parks/Recreation 6 Utilities 6 Agriculture 6 Water 6 Undeveloped 6 Land Use Conclusion 7 COMMUNITY DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS 7 Population 7 Racial Composition 8 Population Projections 8 Household Types 9 Education 9 Age 9 Income 11 Special Needs Groups 11 Housing Types 11 Largest Employers 11 Occupation 11 Employment Forecast 12 Status of Relevant Plans GOALS & OBJECTIVES OPEN SPACE PLAN Goals and Recommendations iii

6 CHAPTER 3 CHAPTER 4 CHAPTER 5 CHAPTER 6 CHAPTER OPEN SPACE PLAN Goals & Objectives EXISTING PROTECTED LAND 21 PERMANENTLY PROTECTED LAND 22 TEMPORARILY PROTECTED LAND 22 CONCLUSION INVENTORY OF POTENTIALLY VULNERABLE RESOURCES 25 CULTURAL RESOURCES 25 Scenic Areas & Streetscapes 25 Architectural Environment and High Street 26 Natural Environment 26 Institutionally-Owned Open Space 26 Brownfields & Vacant Land 26 HISTORIC RESOURCES 26 National Register Historic Sites 27 VEGETATION & WILDLIFE 27 Woodlands 30 Habitat 30 GEOLOGY 30 SOILS 31 Hydric Soils 31 Alluvial Soils 31 SURFACE WATERS & HYDROLOGY 32 Watersheds & Stream Corridors 32 Floodplains 33 Wetlands 33 CONCLUSION POTENTIAL OPEN SPACE LINKAGES 35 POTTSTOWN BOROUGH 35 POTTSTOWN REGION 37 Schuylkill River Trail 38 West County Trail 38 Manatawny Trail 38 POTTSTOWN NETWORK 38 Sidewalks 38 High Street 39 Neighborhood Spurs ANALYSIS OF UNPROTECTED RESOURCES 41 VULNERABLE RESOURCES 41 Highest Priority Resources 42 High Priority Resources EVALUATION OF GROWTH AREAS 45 POPULATION, HOUSING, AND EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS 48 FUTURE GROWTH AREAS 48 Residential 48 Nonresidential 49 CONCLUSION iv

7 CHAPTER 8 CHAPTER 9 CHAPTER 10 CHAPTER 11 EVALUATION OF OPEN SPACE NEEDS 51 EXISTING PARKS & FACILITIES 51 Acreage Categorizations 52 Open Space Setting & Use 53 OPEN SPACE NEEDS 53 Green Infrastructure & Natural Resource Protection 53 Open Space Network & Accessibility 55 Passive Recreation 56 Active Recreation 56 NRPA Acreage Standard 56 NEEDS SUMMARY EVALUATION OF COUNTY AND ABUTTING MUNICIPAL PLANS 59 COMPARISON TO MONTGOMERY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 60 Applicable County Goals 60 RELATION TO POTTSTOWN METROPOLITAN REGIONAL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 61 RELATION TO PLANS OF ABUTTING MUNICIPALITIES 61 West Pottsgrove Township 61 Upper Pottsgrove Township 61 Lower Pottsgrove Township 61 North Coventry Township 62 East Coventry Township RECOMMENDATIONS 64 RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES 64 Acquire Additional Lands 64 Develop Metal Welding Facility 64 Enhance Amenities at Existing Parks 64 Enhance Existing Plazas 64 ADA/ASTM Compliance 65 Memorial Park Spray Park 65 Acquire Passive Open Space Acreage 65 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT 65 Development of Underground Drainage System 65 Institute Best Management Practices 65 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE 66 Upgrade Streetscapes and Maintain Street Trees 66 Enhance Existing Borough Gateways 66 Preserve Cultural and Historic Resources 67 OPEN SPACE NETWORK AND ACCESSIBILITY 67 Strengthen Pottstown s Internal Linkage Network 63 Preserve Use of Institutional Recreation Facilities 65 Acquire Acreage Adjacent to Existing Parks 65 Enhance Amenities at Existing Parks 67 EVALUATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS 67 ACQUISITION METHODS 69 NON-ACQUISITION METHODS 71 CONCLUSION IMPLEMENTATION 73 FUNDING SOURCES 74 Montgomery County Open Space Grants 74 Montgomery County Community Revitalization Program 74 Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources 74 Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection 74 Keystone Recreation, Park & Conservation Fund v

8 75 Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development 75 Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission 75 Pennsylvania Department of Transportation 76 Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission 76 National Park Service Rivers, Trails, & Conservation Assistance Program 76 PECO Energy Green Region Open Space Grant Program 77 General Revenue Funds and Bond Issue 77 Donations 77 IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX vi

9 LIST OF FIGURES CHAPTER 1 CHAPTER 3 CHAPTER 4 COMMUNITY PROFILE 2 Figure 1 Regional Position 4 Figure 2 Existing Land Use 5 Figure 3 Existing Land Use, Figure 4 Population Classification 7 Figure 5 Racial Composition 8 Figure 6 Population Projection 8 Figure 7 Household Types 9 Figure 8 Education Level 9 Figure 10 Income Levels (1999$) 10 Figure 9 Age Profile (1999$) 10 Figure 11 Special Needs Groups 11 Figure 13 Labor Force by Occupation 12 Figure 12 Housing Types 13 Figure 14 Employment Forecast EXISTING PROTECTED LAND 23 Figure 14 Existing Public, Private, & Institutional Open Space 24 Figure 15 Existing Open Space INVENTORY OF POTENTIALLY VULNERABLE RESOURCES 26 Figure 16 Scenic Areas 27 Figure 17 Vacant & Institutional Lands 27 Figure 19 Woodlands 28 Figure 18 Historic Resources 29 Figure 18A List of Historic Resources 30 Figure 20 Geology 31 Figure 21 Soils 32 Figure 22 Watersheds vii

10 33 Figure 23 Floodplains & Wetlands CHAPTER 5 POTENTIAL OPEN SPACE LINKAGES 36 Figure 24 Proposed Pedestrian Linkages 37 Figure 24A Proposed County Trail Network CHAPTER 6 ANALYSIS OF UNPROTECTED RESOURCES 43 Figure 25 Vulnerable Resources CHAPTER 7 EVALUATION OF GROWTH AREAS 47 Figure 26 Housing Types 48 Figure 27 Pottstown Growth Areas CHAPTER 8 EVALUATION OF OPEN SPACE NEEDS 52 Figure 28 Open Space Setting & Use 54 Figure 29 Open Space Accessibility 56 Figure 30 Minimum Open Space Acreage Needs CHAPTER 10 RECOMMENDATIONS 72 Figure 31 Recommendations CHAPTER 11 IMPLEMENTATION 78 Figure 32 Implementation Matrix viii

11 CHAPTER 1 COMMUNITY PROFILE The Community Profile Chapter of the Pottstown Open Space Plan is designed to provide residents, planners and officials with the necessary background information to make well-informed decisions regarding the future preservation of natural and cultural resources within their community. It consists of three parts: 1) the Community Context section, which examines the community s historical background and regional setting, 2) the Existing Land Use Analysis, which details the use of each property in the borough, and 3) the Community Demographic Analysis, a study of the demographic trends in the borough of Pottstown. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Pottstown s location at the convergence of the Manatawny Creek and the Schuylkill River has long attracted settlers, from members of the Delaware Indian tribe to early Dutch, German and Swedish peoples. By the early 1700 s this area was attracting ironmasters and the production of iron became its leading industry, with the Potts family owning more than a half dozen forges. The Potts family built a mansion and designated the area as their company headquarters. The one thousand acres purchased by John Potts became known as Pottstown, derived from Pott s Town, in It was later incorporated as a borough in While Pottstown s early history was centered around iron production, it would later become a dominant site of steel production through the early 1900s, making Pottstown the major employment center for the region. Additionally, its many cultural activities, shops and banks helped Pottstown evolve as a major social center. 1

12 Figure 1 Regional Position Full page Map Regional Settings 2

13 REGIONAL SETTING Pottstown is located about 38 miles southwest of Philadelphia, 21 miles northwest of King of Prussia, 17 miles east of Reading, and 26 miles south of Allentown. Pottstown is situated on the north side of the Schuylkill River near the confluence of the Manatawny Creek. Pottstown is near where the boundaries of Montgomery, Chester, and Berks Counties meet. As such, Pottstown influences and is influenced by the patterns of growth and the communities in those three counties. Pottstown is the urban core for its immediate suburban areas that include West Pottsgrove, Upper Pottsgrove, Lower Pottsgrove and North Coventry Townships and for a larger tri-county area that includes smaller communities and rural areas beyond the immediate suburban development. In recent years, significant growth has occurred along the east-west Schuylkill River Corridor and the north-south Route 100 corridor. Substantial residential and commercial growth has been noted in Pottstown s suburban communities. Such growth can be contributed to the easy access Route 422 provides to the employment centers of King of Prussia, Philadelphia, and Reading. The natural features of the Pottstown area include the waters of the Schuylkill River and the Manatawny Creek; the rolling foothills of the Piedmont Plateau and the surrounding hills and ridges in North Coventry Township, Chester County; in Berks County west of Route 100, extending from Pine Forge to Boyertown; and in the northwest area of Limerick Township. The Schuylkill River in the Pottstown area is a large, slow, meandering stream that provides habitat for aquatic life, migrating water fowl, birds, and a wildlife corridor for deer and other mammals. The river provides recreational opportunities for boating, canoeing, fishing, nature study, and hiking. Manatawny Creek is a reliable freshwater stream that tumbles and meanders through its upper reaches. It too provides habitat for some fishes and other wildlife. The hills that surround the Pottstown area are readily visible from several vantage points in the borough. The hills in North Coventry attain elevations of over 840 feet; in Berks County, 1,060 feet; and in Limerick, 540 feet. Most hill and ridge tops remain wooded, but development has rapidly intruded on these natural assets. Preserved open space in Pottstown is significant for a primarily developed municipality. To date, Pottstown has purchased or leased segments of land along the majority of Schuylkill River frontage (Riverfront Park) and Manatawny Creek (Memorial Park). North Coventry Township has likewise preserved some segments along the south shore of the river, and West Pottsgrove has acquired some land along Manatawny Creek. The nearest Montgomery County park sites are located at Sunrise Mill in northwest Limerick Township and along the Perkiomen Creek. Chester County s Warwick Park is located about 16 miles to the southwest. Berks County has a small park at Gibraltar along Route 724, 14 miles to the west. Montgomery County maintains the Pottsgrove Mansion, a historical site in Pottstown (less than 2 acres). National parks are provided at Hopewell Village, a historical site about 12 miles to the southwest, and at Valley Forge, a historical site and large open space located about 18 miles to the southeast. Under the Pennsylvania Department of Community Affairs, the Schuylkill River Corridor has been designated as a Heritage Park. As such, there promises to be more technical and funding assistance available for recreational development along the river corridor. EXISTING LAND USE ANALYSIS The Existing Land Use Analysis is the second part of the Community Profile Chapter for the Pottstown Open Space Plan. This analysis focuses on the current land uses within the municipality, enabling a more in-depth focus of municipal land use patterns. In addition to the Existing Land Use Map (Figure 2), Figure 3 details the acreage of each category as of June, These numbers are useful in understanding the make-up of land uses in the borough and help to identify potential open space and/or recreational needs. RESIDENTIAL Less than half or approximately 40% of the borough s land is dedicated to residential uses. Of 3

14 Figure 2 Existing Land Use 4

15 Figure 3 Existing Land Use, 2004 Land Use 2004 Acres % Total Residential % Commercial/Office % Industrial % Institutional % Parks/Recreation/OS % Utilities % Agriculture 1 0.0% Water % Total Developed % Total Undeveloped % Total Acreage* % 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Residential Commercial/Office Industrial Institutional Parks/Recreation/OS Utilities Agriculture Total Developed Source: Montgomery County Planning Commission Land Use Maps. * Discrepancies due to digitization of parcel information. 5

16 these uses, nearly 60% are types other than single-family detached. There are a variety of lot sizes in the borough, with the smaller lots concentrated in the downtown core and the larger lots situated in the North and West Ends of the borough. COMMERCIAL/OFFICE Commercial and/or office uses account for approximately 11.0% of the borough s total acreage. The majority of commercial and office uses are concentrated in the downtown core, specifically along High Street. Also, there is a significant concentration along Route 100 in the Tri-County Business Campus. Additionally, the borough has commercial areas scattered throughout the borough. Most would be classified as either neighborhood commercial or highway business uses. INDUSTRIAL Industrial activities account for 12.2% of all land uses in the borough. Although small light industrial uses exist in various areas of the borough, the major concentration of industrial uses exists along the Schuylkill River Corridor and in and around the Tri-County Business Campus in the northwest portion of the borough. INSTITUTIONAL All government buildings, schools, churches, and church-related uses are considered institutional uses. Institutional uses account for 14.8% of all land uses. The Hill School has long been the largest single institutional use in the borough. The site contains academic, administrative and residential buildings, parking lots and athletic fields and facilities. In addition, the borough has a high concentration of religious uses, with over fifty churches located in Pottstown. PARKS/RECREATION Both public and private open space are included in this calculation. Of the borough s 2,668 acres 6.9% is dedicated to open space. The majority of this land is located along the Schuylkill River and the Manatawny Creek. Riverfront Park and Memorial Park are the largest single pieces of open space in the borough. There are many smaller neighborhood parks scattered throughout the borough as well. UTILITIES Utility land uses account for 7.3% of all land uses. Much of this land can be attributed to the rail corridor that runs the span of the borough, as well as transmission line right-of-ways for Philadelphia Electric Company (PECO). AGRICULTURE According to the County Board of Assessment data only one acre dedicated to agricultural uses exists in the borough. This acre is divided among several properties scattered throughout the borough. Given the urban character of Pottstown, these parcels may have this classification but are most likely not involved in agricultural activities. WATER 1.1% of the total land area in the borough is dedicated to water. The majority of which belongs to the Manatawny Creek. UNDEVELOPED The majority of land in the borough is developed, only 8.8% of the borough s land remains undeveloped. This number however will most likely reduce quickly as developers begin to recognize the positive qualities of the borough and infill development increases. CONCLUSION The borough is primarily developed; with the exception of some strategically located parcels, specifically, along the Manatawny Creek, Schuylkill River, and along High Street between the newly purchased Metal Welding Facility and Pottsgrove Manor. There is relatively little opportunity to preserve much more open space. With this in mind, focus will be paid on enhancing current open space to make it safe, accessible, and usable; developing logical connections between existing areas of open space, institutional uses, and major natural and historic resources; and enhancing the borough s gateways and Downtown Core. 6

17 COMMUNITY DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS The Community Demographic Analysis consists of information relating to Pottstown s population, housing, and economics. With few exceptions, the source of the information is the decennial U.S. Census for 2000 and other reports of the Census Bureau. Demographic characteristics provide insight when planning for open space preservation and recreational development. They can assist in determining not only how much land should be preserved, but also where. Additionally, this information can furlation trends in the borough from 1990 to Between , the borough experienced relatively little change in population, increasing by only 28 residents or 0.1%. Of the 21,859 residents in the borough in 2000, 298 were classified as living in group quarters. This number remained the same from Group quarters include group homes, elderly housing, etc. RACIAL COMPOSITION Figure 4 Population Classification Population Type % Change Number % Total Number % Total 1980 to 1990 Household Population 21, % 21, % 0.1% Group Quarters Population % % 0.0% Total Population 21, % 21, % 0.1% Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; Census of Population and Housing, 1980, Approximately 21% of the borough s 21,859 residents identify as being nonwhite according to the 2000 Census. This is an increase from 12.7% rether assist a municipality in determining what type of recreational facilities, if any, should be placed in the preserved land. POPULATION The rate of municipal population change (relative population increase or decrease) is an important measure of the magnitude of population change that has occurred over time. Figure 4 shows popucorded in the 1990 Census (Figure 5). Pottstown ranked 4th in the County for having the highest percentage of nonwhite residents and 7th for having the largest increase in number of nonwhite residents. Amongst the other municipalities in the County, Pottstown ranked 2nd for both having the largest increase in number of Hispanic residents from and for having the largest overall number of Hispanic residents. Figure 5 Racial Composistion Race White 19,056 17,343 Black or African American 2,439 3,291 American Indian or Alaska Native Asian, Native Hawaiian, or Other Pacific Islander Other Two or More Races Total Population 21,831 21,859 Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; Census of Population and Housing, 1990,

18 Figure 6 Population Projection Year Population , , * 21, * 21, * 21,660 22,000 21,900 21,800 21,700 21,600 21,500 21,400 21, * 21, * 21, * 2010* 2015* 2020* 2025* Source: U.S. Census Bureau; Census of Population and Housing, 2000; DVRPC projections. * Projected population POPULATION PROJECTIONS Current population projections for the next twentyfive years (Figure 6) shows a slight decline in population from 2000 to 2010, with population increasing from 2010 to At this rate, the borough s population is expected to increase from 21,859 in 2000 to 21,920 in This represents a percent change %. In general, projections are based on several factors, including past levels of development, recently proposed development, proximity to employment centers, available land, and public facilities (particularly sewers). HOUSEHOLD TYPES A household profile is defined by the Census Bureau as a person or persons occupying a single housing unit. A household can be broken down Figure 7 Household Types into two categories. A family household is two or more related persons living in a single housing unit, and a non-family household is occupied by a single person or a group of unrelated persons. Nationally, as well as locally, households are changing. There has been an overall increase in non-family and single person s households since the 1970 s. Fragmentation of the family unit through divorce, death of a spouse, or children leaving home to form their own households has contributed to an increase in the number of households and a decrease in the size of households. The average household size is the number of persons in households divided by the number of occupied housing units. This too has seen a national decline as households continue to diversify. Household Types % Change % Total % Total Number Number 1990 to 2000 Married Couples with Children 1, % 1, % -11.4% Married Couples with No Children 2, % 2, % -14.2% Single Parent % 1, % 19.4% Other Family % % 23.5% 1 Person Non-Family Households 2, % 3, % 6.1% 2+ Person Non-Family Household % % 35.6% Total No. of Households 9, % 9, % 0.7% Average People per Household % Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; Census of Population and Housing, 1990,

19 Figure 8 Education Level Educational Level % Change Number % Total Number % Total Less than 9th grade 1, % % -50.9% 9th through 12th grade, no diploma 2, % 2, % -7.3% High school graduate (includes equivalency) 6, % 6, % 7.2% Some college or Associate degree 2, % 2, % 16.4% Bachelor's degree 1, % 1, % -3.9% Gradute or Professional degree % % -2.6% Total Pop. 25 years and older 14, % 14, % -1.1% Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; Census of Population and Housing, 1990, Figure 7 shows the total number of households increased 0.7% from 1990 to 2000 for a total of 9,146 households. The majority household type for both 1990 and 2000 was classified as 1 Person Non-Family Households. This classification increased by 6.1% over the ten year period. The classification with the largest increase was 2+ Person Non-Family Household, with an increase of 35.6%. Married couples with and without children declined during the same period, while single parent households increased. EDUCATION From 1990 to 2000 the number of residents 25 years and older with less than a ninth grade education decreased from 1,445 to 709, a change of 50.9% (Figure 8). During the same period those with a high school diploma or some college or Associates degree increased by 7.2% and 16.4% respectively. Overall, the total population 25 years and older decreased by 1.1%. AGE Figure 9 shows that the median age from 1990 to 2000 increased from 34.1 to The age groups that experienced the greatest change Figure 10 Income Levels (1999 $) were 5-17, 35-44, and The and year old age groups declined from 1990 by 21.9% and 20.4% respectively. Overall the distribution of males and females by age groups are relatively similar until age 54. For ages 55 and older there are more females than males. INCOME Income is measured by both a municipality s per capita income and median household income. The two measures can not be compared and therefore must be examined separately. Per capita income is an average derived by dividing the total income of a given area by that same area s total population. Median household income is the midpoint level at which half the households of a given area have a higher income and half have a lower income. Both the per capita and median household income levels increased for the residents of Pottstown from 1989 to 1999 (Figure 10). Both the per capita and median household income figures for Pottstown fall below those for the County as a whole. Montgomery County s per capita and median household income for 1999 are $30,898 and $43,720 respectively. These figures are unadjusted for Income* % Change Per Capita $13,291 $ 19, % Median Household $28,944 $ 35, % Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; Census of Population and Housing, 1990, *Unadjusted income figures were used for both years. both years providing a more accurate picture. 9

20 Figure 9 Age Profile Age %Change % Total % Total Number Number , % 1, % -4.9% , % 3, % 19.1% , % 1, % -21.9% , % 3, % -20.4% , % 3, % 33.4% , % 2, % 30.2% , % 1, % -12.2% , % 1, % -24.1% 75+ 1, % 1, % 7.0% Total 21, % 21, % 0.1% Median Age Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; Census of Population and Housing, 1990, Age/Sex Pyramid Age Groups 2000 Female 2000 Male Figure 11 Special Needs Groups Special Needs Group % Change Number % Total Number % Total Persons with Disabilities 2, % N/A Persons with Mobility and Self Care Limitations % N/A Over 65 Years of Age 3, % 3, % -10.7% Under 18 Years of Age 5, % 5, % 10.8% Income Below Poverty Level % % 32.1% Total Population 21,831 21, % Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; Census of Population and Housing, 1990,

21 SPECIAL NEEDS GROUPS Certain groups within the borough of Pottstown have special needs that should be considered in determining how much open space is needed, the type of open space that is needed, and the specific design of the open space development. In particular, the very young, the very old, those with incomes below the poverty level, and people with disabilities have special needs that will affect the need for and development of open space. Due to changes in the Census Bureau s reporting some information can not be compared between the two years. 13.1% of the population or 2,865 residents between the ages of have a disability (Figure 11). Additionally, the borough experienced an increase in residents below the age of 18, a total of 25.6% of the population. There has also been an increase in the number of residents below the poverty level, from 364 to 481, an increase of 32.1%. HOUSING TYPES Figure 12 details the housing break-down by type for the borough of Pottstown. The majority of housing types in the borough for both 1990 and 2000 were single-family detached units. The number of these units increased from 3,523 to 3,828 or by 8.7% over the ten year period. Only singlefamily attached and mobile homes/trailers/others decreased during the same period. Overall, the total number of housing units increased by 3.1% or 296 units for a total of 9,996 housing units. LARGEST EMPLOYERS The Tri-County Chamber of Commerce, headquartered in Pottstown, represents businesses from an area that includes: Collegeville, Spring City, the Coventry s, Limerick, Douglassville, and Boyertown. Five of the area s largest employers are located in the borough of Pottstown. They list the largest employers in the borough as: Pottstown Memorial Medical Center (1,120), Pottstown School District (498), Torque-Traction Manufacturing Technologies (460), NEAPCO (325) and Wal- Mart (315). OCCUPATION People living in the borough of Pottstown were employed in a wide variety of occupations at the time of the 2000 Census. The total number of employed persons living in the borough was 10,412 (Figure 13). Of this number the majority or 20.0% of the employed population was working in the Production/Transportation Sectors. This was followed closely by 19.5% employed in the Clerical/Office Sectors and 17.5% in the Service Sector. EMPLOYMENT FORECAST Employment within the borough is expected to decline during the next 10 years, as forecasted by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. This decline may partially be attributed to an increase in the number of residents not participating in the workforce due to age, in particular those younger than 16 and those residents 65 and older (Figure 14). Figure 13 Labor Force by Occupation Occupation 2000 Number % Total Management % Professional 1, % Sales 1, % Clerical/Office 2, % Construction % Production/Transportation 2, % Farming % Services 1, % Total 10, % Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; Census of Population and Housing,

22 Figure 12 Housing Types Housing Types % Change Number % Total Number % Total Single Family Detached 3, % 3, % 8.7% Single Family Attached 2, % 2, % -6.2% Multi Family (2-4 Units) 1, % 1, % 11.4% Multi Family (5 or More Units) 1, % 1, % 10.4% Mobile Home/Trailer/Other % 7 0.1% -96.0% Total Housing Units 9, % 9, % 3.1% Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; Census of Population and Housing, 1990, Housing Types Comparison 45% 40% 35% 30% 36.3% 38.3% 29.9% 27.2% 25% 20% 15% 17.6% 19.0% 15.4% 14.4% 10% 5% 0% 1.8% 0.1% Single Family Detached Single Family Attached Multi Family (2-4 Units) Multi Family (5 or More Units) Mobile Home/Trailer/Other STATUS OF RELEVANT PLANS Pottstown s Comprehensive Plan was originally written in 1960 and then updated in With the borough almost completely developed, the plan focused on economic development and revitalization of the borough. Emphasis was placed on the rich history of the borough and its location along the Schuylkill River corridor. With regards to open space the plan focuses on providing park and recreation opportunities for all residents. Pottstown Metropolitan Regional Comprehensive Plan was adopted at the end of Pottstown Borough is one of eight municipalities involved in this effort, along with Douglass Township, East Coventry Township, Lower Pottsgrove 12

23 Figure 14 Employment Forecast Year Total Employment 15, , * 14, * 14, * 13, * 13, * 13,650 14,500 14,000 13,500 13,000 12, * 13,500 *Source: DVRPC Forecasts * 2005* 2010* 2015* 2020* 2025* Township, New Hanover Township, North Coventry Township, Upper Pottsgrove Township, and West Pottsgrove Township. This plan targets Pottstown as the commercial recreational center for the region. Regional recreation opportunities are plentiful with the borough s location along the Schuylkill River, and the presence of both Memorial and Riverfront Parks. The borough s existing comprehensive plan will be replaced by the regional plan. Re-establish Manatawny Creek Riparian Buffers on-going; Better access to Riverfront Park construction of the pedestrian promenade; and Build Keystone Boulevard to access the Keystone Opportunity Zone (KOZ) and link to West Pottsgrove lands. The Schuylkill River Trail will be built adjacent to the roadway on-going. John Potts Park Plan (1998) was a grassroots, community based initiative to establish a county park in Pottstown and the Pottsgroves. The plan continues to be a driving force in the borough s park and recreation endeavors. Specific recommendations and their status are as follows: Manatawny Creek Greenway and the Colebrookdale R.R. Spur Trail on-going; York Street underpass construction pending; College Drive extension and a High - King Street link on-going; College and Nittany Warehouse / High Street site completed renovation of Nittany Warehouse for College expansion; Acquisition and adaptive reuse of lands between High / King Sts. and Manatawny 2005 OS funds for the acquisition of the Pottstown Metal Works Facility; Expansion of Pottsgrove Manor Historic Site Lands Creek and Colebrookdale Spur ongoing; Expansion of Pottsgrove Manor lands ongoing; Riverfront & Memorial Parks Master Plan, 2003 establishes a comprehensive recreational vision for Memorial and Riverfront Parks. The Plan focuses on both active and passive recreational opportunities and establishes a clear program for the provision of park and recreational activities. Recommendations for Riverfront Park included: Renovate the Schuylkill River Center Building for additional uses and tenants home of the Schuylkill River Greenway Association and possible expansion of College; Expand parking at the Schuylkill River Center Building to accommodate Riverfront Park users to be accomplished as part of the pedestrian promenade development; Further develop / enhance existing amphitheatre on-going; Enhance existing River Walk leading to the Hanover Street Bridge to be accomplished as part of the pedestrian promenade development; and Coordinate improvements with the Schuylkill River Trail and Schuylkill River Water Trail / Landing on-going. Recommendations for Memorial Park included: Enhance the King Street entrance on-going; 13

24 Implement drainage improvements at the ball fields on-going; Expand playground and develop a water play area on-going; and BMX track and skate park at the former pool location completed. Reconnections Plan, 2005 is a joint effort between Pottstown Borough and North Coventry Township. The plan focuses on the shared heritage of the two municipalities because of their location along the Schuylkill River. Specifically, it examines re-establishing pedestrian connections between the two municipalities and enhancing their shared gateways. Montgomery County Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 2005, establishes a plan of action for the county s growth for the next 20 years. Specifically, the Open Space Chapter strongly encourages the creation of an open space system linked together with a comprehensive trail, sidewalk, and greenway network. 14

25 CHAPTER 2 GOALS & OBJECTIVES An important component of any planning effort is to establish a set of short and long term goals and objectives. The Goals and Objectives of this plan act not only as steps to achieve the overarching goals of open space preservation and protection but as markers by which to measure the municipality s progress. THE 1996 OPEN SPACE AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE PLAN The borough of Pottstown completed the Open Space and Environmental Resource Plan in At that time a series of goals and objectives were developed to address issues regarding the preservation of open space and the protection of environmental resources. As a part of the update process required by the Montgomery County Open Space Program, Pottstown Borough has evaluated its previous goals and objectives to address whether the goals are still valid and to evaluate why some of the last plan's recommendations were not implemented. Below are listed the previous goals and objectives. It should be recognized that these goals and objectives are general and were written with a certain amount of flexibility so as to adjust to changing circumstances. Each item is addressed as to whether or not it was accomplished since the development of the last Open Space Plan. 1. Preserve, protect, and enhance the open space resources of the borough of Pottstown. Acquire and preserve lands that offer opportunities for recreation. Protect, preserve, and perhaps acquire lands that offer important environmental protection. Acquire, clear, and redevelop certain lands as open space to expand the inventory of open space lands, improve continuity of the open space system, or remove negative environmental influences. The borough purchased land for Riverfront Park, Washington Street Park and the Transit Plaza under the 1994 Open Space Program. 15

26 2. Preserve, protect, and enhance the environmental resources of Pottstown. Protect and enhance the vegetative cover in stream valleys and around bodies of water. Protect wetlands that filter and control surface water runoff. Protect disturbed lands and steep slopes from erosion. Protect the quality of water by controlling pollution, siltation, and sedimentation. Continue to follow standards of drainage control that enhance groundwater recharge. Encourage upstream communities to observe environmental standards for protecting water resources. Implemented erosion control measures with the partnership of the Delaware River Keepers. Petitioned the Department of Environmental Resources to evaluate the Manatawny with regard to the removal of the dam and its effects on flooding in the borough. Marked storm drains and provided education with regard to stormwater issues. 3. Preserve, protect, and enhance naturalized lands, as well as biotic and wildlife resources. Preserve a variety of naturalized environments, including lands along the river, upland stream valleys, various wooded sites, wetlands and natural open fields. Protect those environments that are the habitat of rare or endangered species of plants or animals and those special environments that are rare to Pottstown. Encourage a diversity of biotic resources and wildlife habitats through the enhancement of the man-made environment. The borough s zoning ordinance contains provisions for a Floodplain Overlay District. Additionally, developers are required to provide an adequate amount of landscaping through the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances. 4. Protect and enhance scenic resources and the visual environment; enhance the sense of place. Preserve sites and vantage points that offer panoramic views and vistas of the community and protect view sheds. Preserve areas of scenic quality, both natural and man-made. Encourage the landscape enhancement of public lands and facilities and of private property. Continue to enhance the public streets and ways by the planting and maintenance of street trees. Enhance points of community focus, such as entrances, key intersections, or heavily trafficked ways with landscaping, appropriate furnishings and, perhaps, works of art. The borough adopted a new Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance in The newly adopted regulations pay particular attention to landscaping and the aesthetics of both public and private properties. In May of 2004, the borough in conjunction with North Coventry Township, Chester County, completed a Reconnections Plan. The primary goal of the Plan is to reestablish the connections between the two communities, while enhancing their shared gateways. Both Pottstown Borough and North Coventry Township are in the process of applying for grant monies to achieve the goals of the Plan. The borough s Shade Tree Commission has been active in the planting and continued maintenance of the borough s street trees. 5. Preserve and protect historic resources. Encourage all citizens of Pottstown to sense and appreciate their rich architectural and historical heritage. Encourage the protection, restoration, and reinvestment in historical sites. Continue to protect and expand a variety of historic environments. In 2002 the Pennsylvania Bureau for Historic Preservation declared a majority of the borough s structures eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Consequently, many of the borough s neighborhoods were given the designation of a Conservation District. Because of such a designation, the borough has implemented a mandatory architectural review process for all new construction, additions, and construction of accessory structures to more easily be able to regulate the architectural integrity of 16

27 these areas. 6. Support development and community stability by providing open space and recreation. Locate open space and recreation sites to support and enhance the environment for living. Locate and design parks to provide focus and support for the social and cultural structure of the community and its respective neighborhoods. Provide recreation facilities and open space of a quality supportive of quality development. Provide quality, multi-purpose open spaces within downtown Pottstown to visually enhance the architecture and townscape, promote activity, and support commercial development. Provide decorative landscaping at strategic locations to enhance the image of the community, beautify the neighborhood environments, and establish a sense of place and identity. Maximize opportunities for new development to participate in the formation and expansion of the park system. Cooperatively work with the County and other municipalities to regionalize and expand recreation facilities, programs, and park systems. Cooperatively work with private and public entities to expand current offerings and facilities. The development of the Transit Plaza and Washington Street Park not only added to the visual quality of the borough, but also provides a areas for residents to enjoy passive recreational opportunities. 7. Provide a variety and balance of facilities which can meet the varied recreational needs of residents, businesses, and industry. Acquire recreation sites or rights to use of the land for development of facilities. Develop a combination of open space, parks, and playgrounds that will provide for both passive and active recreational opportunities. The Master Parks Plan acknowledges the varied needs and requirements of the borough s and region s residents. The acquisition and development of the Washington Street Park provided a much needed recreational area for this neighborhood. 8. Provide equitable and convenient accessibility to recreation facilities. Locate facilities to provide an equitable distribution of recreational opportunities. When and where possible, improve access routes (streets, sidewalks, roads, and trails) between populated areas and the various centers of activity and between one recreation site and another. Where appropriate, provide the means for crossing natural barriers and safe, convenient ways of crossing major transportation routes. Interconnect with recreation trails in adjoining communities so that each community may benefit from an expanded system of trails. For areas where access to and from certain population enclaves is difficult and perhaps hazardous, provide appropriate recreation facilities within such enclaves. The adoption of the Master Parks Plan. On-going. The Reconnections Plan and the Master Parks Plan focus on establishing linkages and connections within and between facilities. The completion of the Pedestrian Underpass will facilitate access between Memorial and Riverfront Parks. The completion of the Pedestrian Promenade Phases I and II will enhance access from the Downtown to the River. The borough is addressing ADA compliance issues with regards to its parks. 9. Develop a system of facilities which can deliver recreation services effectively and efficiently. Develop local facilities in an organized hierarchy of function and space. Consider the mutual preservation of open space and development of trails, and other facilities with neighboring communities. Participate in and support the development of subregional and regional parks. The Department of Parks and Recreation offers a wide variety of 17

28 activities to borough residents throughout the year. 10. Design facilities to optimize recreation enjoyment and opportunities and to minimize long-term maintenance and operational costs. Design facilities so that there is flexibility to adjust to changing demands and opportunities. Design facilities for easy, low-cost maintenance and using durable materials and equipment. Prepare long-range improvement plans for each site. The borough took the first step by adopting the Master Park Plan. Much of the 2006 Open Space Plan is designed to realize/implement portions of the Master Park Plan. 11. Provide a variety and balance of recreational programs which can meet the varied needs of the citizens. Encourage, supplement, and coordinate with the recreation programs provided to certain segments of the population by other institutions. Provide programs to complement those provided by other institutions. Constantly evaluate the need for programs with a view toward a growing population and its changing socioeconomic characteristics and changes in services provided by other institutions. Adjust the provision of programs accordingly. Provide public facilities and enlist the use of private facilities which will be supportive of needed programs. Encourage and support, when appropriate, the formation and operation of volunteer programs. The borough s Parks and Recreation Department provides a vast number of programs and activities for residents of all ages, from the borough and surrounding region OPEN SPACE PLAN The Pottstown Borough Open Space Committee has evaluated the goals and objectives of the previous plan and revised them to reflect what was discussed during the audit process. This chapter will serve as the framework for Pottstown borough s plan for open space preservation and protection of natural resources. Short and long term goals are provided regarding development, retention of open space, and protection of environmental features followed by a series of objectives GOALS & OBJECTIVES 1. CONTINUE TO IMPLEMENT THE BOROUGH S PARK AND RECREA- TION MASTER PLAN. Α. Acquire lands designated in the Master Plan for acquisition. Β. Explore funding opportunities to help develop the recreational opportunities proposed in the Plan. C. Address stormwater management issues on these lands. D. Explore private public partnerships that may help achieve the goals of the Plan. 2. ENHANCE THE BOROUGH S EX- ISTING RECREATIONAL AMENI- TIES AND EXPLORE NEW POSSI- BILITIES FOR THE ADDITION OF RECREATIONAL SPACE. Α. Make needed repairs to recreational equipment and facilities. Β. Ensure that all recreational facilities are accessible by achieving ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance. C. Explore possibilities for acquiring a swimming pool for public use. 3. ESTABLISH A GREEN TOWN IM- AGE. A. Fill gaps in the street tree network, especially in the Downtown. B. Create green gateways at strategic borough entrances, specifically areas identified in the borough s Reconnections Plan. C. Direct landowners on how to create and maintain greener public spaces, streetscapes, and parking lots. D. Develop a façade and streetscape improvement plan. 4. PROVIDE OPEN SPACE OPPOR- TUNITIES IN ALL DISTRICTS. A. Adopt methods to require useful and sustainable green space in redeveloped areas. B. Maintain and enhance existing park, open space, and community facilities. 18

29 5. PRESERVE THE VALUABLE NATU- RAL FEATURES OF THE BOR- OUGH. A. Adopt methods, such as stream bank restoration and the establishment of riparian buffers, to address the water quality issues, especially for the Manatawny Creek. B. Maintain and enhance existing park, open space, and community facilities. 6. DEVELOP INTERNAL AND EXTER- NAL LINKAGES TO THE OPEN SPACE NETWORK. Α. Participate in regional trail planning. B. Develop a local trail plan to compliment t he regional system. C. Manage sidewalk system to increase pe destrian access throughout the borough. D. Develop clear signage to enhance usage of services and businesses. E. Support development of the Schuylkill River Trail. 7. PROTECT THE BROROUGH S HIS- TORIC AND SCENIC RESOURCES. A. Implement a program to preserve the facades of historic structures. B. Develop a detailed inventory of the borough s historic structures. 19

30 20

31 CHAPTER 3 EXISTING PROTECTED LAND A key component of the open space plan is a review of existing protected land. An inventory of existing conditions, along with an assessment of future needs, is necessary for formulating many of the plan's goals and objectives. Existing protected land refers to land preserved for active or passive recreational use and/or for environmental conservation purposes. In addition to municipally-owned areas, it can include land preserved by private conservation groups, farmland, schools sites, and private open space preserved as part of residential or non-residential development. This chapter identifies existing open and recreational land in Pottstown Borough and separates it into two categories of protection - permanently and temporarily protected land. The latter category makes an important contribution to the overall recreation base of a community by preserving open space, conserving significant natural features, and/or providing recreation facilities that do not require municipal involvement in maintenance. However, temporarily protected land can easily be lost. In evaluating open space needs, this distinction is important, as is the goal of increasing the amount of permanently protected land so that future generations can also benefit from open space. PERMANENTLY PROTECTED LAND Pottstown s existing system of parks and open space is quite extensive for a developed borough. Fifteen parks are owned and maintained by the borough. These parks comprise a total of approximately 150 acres of land, 90 of which are considered active recreation. 138 acres of the borough s open space is located along either the Manatawny Creek or Schuylkill River. MUNICIPAL OPEN SPACE Pottstown Borough borough s existing system of 21

32 parks and open space has grown over the past ten years with the acquisition of lands for Riverfront Park, Washington Street Park, and the Transit Plaza. Currently, 15 parks and open spaces are owned and maintained by Pottstown Borough. These parks comprise a total of acres of land, 90.3 acres of which are considered active open space. These spaces include amenities such as, ball fields, tennis courts, hockey courts, and playgrounds. Additionally, each offers community residents important recreational opportunities and scenic amenities. As part of the County s 2003 Green Fields/Green Towns Program, the borough purchased the acre tract of land known as the Pottstown Metal Welding Property in January This property was purchased under the program s emergency acquisition guidelines. The borough received $488,700 from the County toward the total sales price of the property. The property will be used for open space and recreation purposes including the location for the carousel, a borough parks department office, community building and parking provided that 55% of the site remain green area. The site will also act as a greenway connector along the north/south and east/west corridors of the borough. This property links Memorial Park, Riverfront Park, and the Montgomery County Community College. It also is an important piece in the goal to eventually link Pottsgrove Manor and the Downtown Core. TEMPORARILY PROTECTED Over acres of open space are temporarily protected in Pottstown Borough (see Figure 14). This land falls into several categories including private open space, institutional uses, and lands benefiting from certain tax incentive programs. PRIVATE OPEN SPACE Approximately acres of temporarily protected lands are in private ownership. The majority of these lands belong to the Brookside Country Club and the North End Swimming Club. of recreational open space offered by several institutions and industries. The Pottstown School District provides much open space in the form of playing fields, basketball courts, and open fields. These open spaces differ from the municipally owned spaces because they may not remain open forever. First, land use decisions for public schools are not made by the municipality. Therefore, as enrollment patterns in the region as a whole change, the local schools could be closed. When this happens, often schools are closed and used for other purposes, including offices or apartments, and the recreational and open space is lost. Second, if the institutional space changes hands, there is no guarantee that the new owners will want or be able to offer the same open space for public use. Despite their temporary nature, these sources of open space are still important to a municipality as they offer residents a greater range of choices to meet their recreational needs. They also add an aesthetic quality to the borough by opening up views and providing some relief to the largely developed landscape. CONCLUSION In total, Pottstown has a significant amount of protected land, with more than 300 acres being either permanently or temporarily protected. This land provides municipality residents with many opportunities to enjoy all that open space can offer -- recreation, tranquility, beauty, and a sense of community. However, close to half of this open space could be lost to development over time if the land owners or land use changes. If the borough acquires open and recreational land, residents can be assured that the municipality will be able to offer them the same or greater level of active and passive open space as they enjoy today. INSTITUTIONAL Pottstown Borough also has a substantial amount 22

33 Figure 14 Existing Public, Private, & Institutional Open Space Open Space Type Public Open Space Private Open Space Schools Site Number Name Protection Type Acreage Location Park Type 1 Memorial Park Permanent 78.0 King & Manatawny Sts. Community Active 2 Riverfront Park Permanent 60.0 College Dr. Community Passive 3 Brookside Park Permanent 0.5 Brookside & Virginia Sts. Neighborhood Active 4 Cherry Street Park Permanent 0.25 Cherry & Evans Sts. Neighborhood Active 5 Chestnut Street Park Permanent block of Chestnut St. Neighborhood Active 6 Chestnut Street Park Permanent 0.5 Chestnut & Washington Sts. Neighborhood Active 7 Maple Street Park Permanent 6.3 Maple St. & Moser Rd. Neighborhood Active 8 Polluck Park Permanent 1.0 South & Cross Sts. Neighborhood Active 9 Potts Drive Park Permanent 0.5 Potts Dr. & West Beech St. Neighborhood Active 10 Pottstown Metal Welding Property Permanent 2.3 High & Manatawny Streets Community Passive 11 Ricketts Community Center Permanent 0.5 Beech & Grant St. Neighborhood Active 12 South Street Park Permanent 0.25 South & Washington Sts. Neighborhood Active 13 Spruce Street Park Permanent 1.0 Spruce & Gay St. Neighborhood Active 14 Terrace Lane Park Permanent 0.25 Terrace Ln. & Mineral St. Neighborhood Active 15 Walnut Street Park Permanent block of Walnut St. Neighborhood Active 16 Washington Street Park Permanent 0.5 West & Washington Sts. Neighborhood Active Active Open Space Passive Open Space Total Open Space Community Parks Neighborhood Parks Upland Village Temporary 0.41 Upland St. Active 18 Manatawny Association Temporary 0.53 King St. Passive 19 North End Swim Club Temporary 6.42 North Adams St. Active 20 Brookside Country Club Temporary Adams St. Active 21 Hill School Temporary Jackson St. Active Total Private Open Space Montgomery County Community College Temporary 5.31 College Dr. Active 23 Wyndcroft School Temporary 1.61 Rosedale Dr. Active Pottstown Borough School District Temporary Various Active Total Schools Active/Passive Use 23

34 Figure 15 Existing Open Space 24

35 CHAPTER 4 INVENTORY OF POTENTIALLY VULNERABLE RESOURCES A place is not just a particular location; a place is recognizable and enjoyed because of its own unique set of natural, historic, and cultural features. This section gives a brief description of some of Pottstown s most important resources as they relate to open space. While Pottstown s physical setting and natural features were some of the factors determining the borough s early development patterns, these factors are less important as the borough redevelops and land uses change. Although various resources and features were considered for this discussion, only those important to current and future planning efforts within the borough are included here. CULTURAL RESOURCES SCENIC AREAS & STREETSCAPES Scenic resources are elements of both natural and built environments that stand out among the attributes of a community. They tend to be the most pleasant and interesting places, such as historic sites, natural features, recreation areas, and town centers. Although the process of identifying a scenic resource is largely dependent on the observer's own opinions and preferences, information collected from the community provides a relatively broad inventory. Wherever possible, these areas should be preserved and linked to the community's open space and recreation system. Pottstown s scenic areas are displayed in Figure 16 and can be categorized in one of two ways: the architectural environment or the natural environment. ARCHITECTURAL ENVIRONMENT & HIGH STREET Although many of the borough s structures are characterized by historic architectural styles, as 25

36 Figure 16 Scenic Areas and provide scenic views that should not be ignored. Areas along the Manatawny Creek and Schuylkill River not only offer natural vistas of these waterways, but also a unique portrait into the unique ecosystems supported by these areas. INSTITUTIONALLY-OWNED OPEN SPACE As described in Chapter Three, many institutions lie within Pottstown that have historically added greatly to a Pottstown resident s quality of life. These institutions offer open space, recreation space, and attractive architecture to local neighborhoods and the greater community. The rolling hills of the Hill School, as well as the variations in architectural styles characteristic of the borough s many churches are just two examples of these spaces. The wide distribution of these vulnerable resources is shown in Figure 17. evidenced by the fact that much of the borough has been declared a Conservation District; this is particularly apparent along High Street. The visual environment created by the variety of buildings and architectural styles helps to define the borough. There is a specific relationship between the buildings, sidewalks, and street network along High Street, which creates a rigid visual organization. Pottstown s High Street offers a unique shopping and office district that shapes the character of the borough in a unique way that no large shopping mall can. High Street epitomizes the classic American town. Here, small scale, commercial establishments run the length of the pedestrian scale main street lined with decorative streetlights and street trees. Here, life has a human scale that is often lost somewhere among highways and shopping malls. If this part of Pottstown were changed or lost, the character of Pottstown as a whole would change significantly. NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Although many of the scenic resources of Pottstown are provided by developed areas, Pottstown's open spaces also define the community BROWNFIELDS & VACANT LAND The nation s changing economy has left many useful lands within the borough underutilized. Due to a variety of factors, including cooperation between public and private partnerships, redevelopment is occurring here. Projects at the former Mrs. Smith s site, Nittany Warehouse, and along Keystone Boulevard are some of the latest examples of the changing face of the borough. These redevelopment proposals are a key to the revitalization of Pottstown and the growth of its green infrastructure system. Figure 17 also shows the vacant land that exists in the borough and all the institutional land, some of which is threatened. HISTORIC RESOURCES The borough s historic resources include two Historic Districts and five sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places as well as other noteworthy homes, commercial buildings, and churches. Figure 18 describes the location and styles of important structures. NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC SITES The Old Pottstown Historic District, High Street Historic District, William Grubb Mansion, Jefferson School, Pottsgrove Manor, Pottstown Railroad 26

37 Figure 17 Vacant & Institutional Lands they are affected by development. The Jefferson School, Pottstown Railroad Station, and Pottstown Roller Mills have all undergone some type of development. The borough ensured, through the land development process and architectural review board, that the integrity of the resources be maintained. VEGETATION & WILDLIFE WOODLANDS The original vegetation of Montgomery County was a dense forest of hardwoods which covered over 99 percent of the county. Oaks were the dominant species, but chestnut, tulip poplar, hickory, ash, red maple, and dogwoods were also present. Several hundred years of clearing and cultivation, and in more recent times the rapid development of houses and commercial facilities, have reduced woodlands to a shadow of their former extent. Station, and Pottstown Roller Mill are all sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Sites on the Register are those that are considered nationally to be worthy of preservation on the basis of their historical, architectural, archeological, or cultural significance. Some of the older neighborhoods, individual homes, commercial buildings, and churches throughout the borough provide a glimpse of the history of the development of the area in the layout and design of the structures. Additionally, over twentythree other sites in the borough are eligible for listing on the Register. These include Cedar Manor, Charlotte Street Historic District, Christ Episcopal Church, Glasgow Village, and Grace Lutheran Church, to name just a few. Figure 19 Woodlands Woodlands and hedgerows serve many purposes, both functional and aesthetic. Woodlands prevent erosion, provide habitat for wildlife, provide buffers for creeks, and offer recreational opportunities for residents. Hedgerows and wooded corridors prevent erosion also, and provide cover for wildlife movement, shelter, and migration. The borough recognizes the importance of these historic resources and pays close attention to how 27

38 Figure 18 Historic Resources 28

39 Figure 18A Historic Resources POTTSTOWN BOROUGH OPEN SPACE PLAN Listed Historic Districts 1 2 Old Pottstown Historic District High Street Historic District Location Built Style Manatawny Ck, Beech St., Adams St., Apple St., Hanover St., High & South Hanover Sts. High St. Between Adams St. & Rosedale Dr Late Federal, Victorian, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Richardsonian, and Late Victorian Victorian, Late Victorian, Gothic Revival, Four- Square, and Classical Revival Eligible Historic Districts 3 Glasgow Village 1300 Glasgow St Fourth Street Charlotte Street Charlotte St Lincoln Avenue South Side Federal, Queen Anne, and Victorian Federal, Late Federal, Gothic Revival, and Four- Square Federal, Late Queen Anne, Mansard, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Four-Square, Victorian, and Commercial Late Federal and Late Queen Anne Federal, Victorian, and an Eastern European Chuch 8 The Hill School Campus High St Gothic Revival, Queen Anne, Collegiate Gothic, and Medieval Revival 9 Iron Works Victorian and Late Victorian 10 East End 's Bungaloid and Four-Square Listed Historic Resources 1 Pottsgrove Pottsgrove Manor Mansion 2 Railroad Station High St. & Benjamin Franklin Hwy; West of Pottstown High St. Between Hanover & York Sts. 1752, 1754 Georgian 1928 Classical Revival 3 Roller Mill South & Hanover Sts Grubb Mansion 1304 East High St Queen Anne 5 Jefferson School Warren St., Lincoln St., Hale St., Beech St. 1923, 1938 Classical Revival While Pottstown is a developed borough, it has several wooded areas that serve functional and aesthetic purposes. Specifically, Pottstown has wooded areas along the Schuylkill River, portions of the Manatawny Creek, and in the ravine between Route 100 and Upland Avenue. The larger stands of woodlands are located within permanently pro- tected areas of the borough, specifically in Riverfront Park, Memorial Park, and other preserved areas along the Manatawny. Other wooded tracts remain within the industrial park lands in the northwest corner of the borough. None of the woodlands are large enough in dimension to be classified as" deep woods or forest environment. Never- 29

40 Figure 20 Geology bedrock geology is the foundation of an area. Bedrock, along with the hydrologic cycle, is responsible for the changes in elevation, steep slopes, location of watercourses, and orientation (orientation, in turn, will influence vegetative communities, soils, and availability of sunlight). The formations underlying Pottstown are shown in Figure 20. Most of Pottstown Borough is built on the Brunswick geologic formation, which also underlies most of the northwestern half of the county. This very fine-grained rock formation is a combination of reddish-brown shale, mudstone, and siltstone that results in a landscape of rolling hills with moderate and stable slopes. theless, the woodlands provide cover and food essential to larger mammals and a certain habitat for woodland plants. HABITAT Habitat areas have increased functionality when large blocks of protected land are grouped together. Many plant species need mature forest canopies that keep the forest floor damp, wetlands need sizeable hydrologic systems, and some native bird species need seclusion within a woodland. A mosaic of different habitat types, accessible to many species makes for valuable habitat areas. In addition to the woodland areas, Pottstown does have several small wetland habitat areas. Some of the wetlands merely appear to be areas subject to periodic flooding with damp soils. Other areas are consistently wet and may have standing water. Both types are very important to certain species. GEOLOGY Except for surface outcrops, bedrock geology is unseen, and as a result its influence on natural features is not always acknowledged. However, the influence is both strong and pervasive, for The Brunswick formation, in northwestern Pottstown is a band that is cut in a fingerlike pattern by the Lockatong formation, a geologic formation that consists of dark grey to black argellite with interspersed black shale. This is part of a larger band, several miles wide, that runs from Upper Pottsgrove to West Pottsgrove. SOILS One of the most influential natural features, soils are a result of the hydrology and the weathering capacity of the underlying geology in a given area. They are also influenced by the orientation of the land and the types of vegetation that grow in them. Conversely, the type of soil influences the vegetative cover of the land, which effects the quality and quantity of surface and groundwater, wildlife diversity, rates of erosion, and the aesthetic quality of the landscape. Though soils are diverse, soil scientists have classified the soils found in Montgomery County into several groups called soil series. Soils listed within the same series will display similar subsurface characteristics. The surface characteristics of soils within a particular series can vary in slope, degree of erosion, size of stones, and other easily recognizable features. Although a variety of soil types exist in all parts of the borough, more than 90% of Pottstown is comprised of soils classified as made land. This is land that has been excavated, disturbed, filled, paved, or built upon. Although the made land usually consists of the original natural soils of that location, the soils are often mixed with substrata soils or other types. The quality of made 30

41 Figure 21 Soils the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). However, since not all hydric soils are found in undrained conditions, especially in more urban locales, not all hydric soils develop wetland vegetation. Other soils that have hydric components are found in depressions, bottomlands, swales, drainageways and alluvial soils. These soils should not be developed for obvious reasons such as erosion potential, seepage from septic systems into the groundwater, and the inability to build solid foundations Pottstown largest section of hydric soils is in the western section of the borough in the industrial district. While the wet soils are extensive in this part of the borough, problems posed by the soils are not likely to affect new development because most of the area is already developed and the central sewer system services the entire borough. land varies from one extreme to another. Evaluation of these soils should be done on a site-by-site, location-by location basis. The less than 10% of Pottstown that is comprised of undisturbed natural soils shows considerable variety. In many instances, these soils have not been disturbed because they present some obstacle to development. Soils located along the Schuylkill River and Manatawny Creek are generally poorly drained, soft and unstable, and subject to a high-water table and periodic flooding. Other undisturbed soils are found on steeper slopes of stream valleys and ravines. In addition to the soil mapping units, soils can also be divided more broadly into hydric and alluvial soils. These groups of soil pertinent to the borough are described below and symbolized in Figure 21. HYDRIC SOILS These are periodically wet soils in an undrained condition that often support the growth of wetland vegetation. In an undisturbed, undrained condition, hydric soils are almost always wetlands, with a seasonal high water table at or near the surface, and therefore are subject to regulation by ALLUVIAL SOILS Alluvial soils are frequently, but not always, located within a floodplain. They have been deposited by flowing water and are not stable as a result of their texture and composition. The presence of alluvial soils is only one indicator of a floodplain. Changes in the tributary drainage area or slope of the adjacent stream may create a floodplain that is either larger or smaller than the area of alluvial soils. An important aspect of alluvial soils is that they often form aquifer recharge areas. Pottstown s concentrations of alluvial soils exist along the Manatawny Creek and Schuylkill River corridors, with the majority of these soils in both Memorial and Riverfront Parks. The majority of the land that includes alluvial soils is already protected. These parcels should be managed in a way that protects both water and soil resources using riparian buffers. SURFACE WATERS AND HYDROLOGY Water is a valuable resource, consumed by people and industry, enjoyed at recreation facilities, employed in the assimilation of treated sewage, and integral to the landscape. The average rainfall in the county varies from 43 inches near City Line 31

42 Figure 22 Watersheds town in Berks County and drains an area of about 94 square miles. Both the Schuylkill River and Manatawny Creek can be considered as reliable sources of water. Other water flows to Pottstown from upstream communities by several small tributary streams. These include Stowe Creek at the western boundary, an unnamed stream located wets of Route 100, and another that parallels the west side of Farmington Road. This latter stream gathers surface water from a 570-acre area of Upper Pottsgrove Township. Locally, Pottstown receives surface drainage from a small area of West Pottsgrove Township near the airport and from the hill north of Glasgow. Surface drainage from Upper Pottsgrove flows into Pottstown from the area north of Wilson Street near State Street and from the area west of Hanover Street. Avenue to 47 inches in the vicinity of the Green Lane Reservoir. It should be noted that in any given year, annual precipitation can vary from the average by as much as ten inches. Generally speaking in a natural setting, 25% of precipitation becomes direct runoff, 50% evaporates or is transpired by plants, and 25% replenishes groundwater. WATERSHEDS & STREAM CORRIDORS In terms of drainage, Pottstown s land area is part of the Delaware River watershed, as is the entirety of Montgomery County. However, sitting at the top of three watersheds, runoff from the borough gets to the Delaware in three very different ways, as shown in Figure 22. Pottstown lies within the Schuylkill River Basin, which is a part of the Delaware River Basin. The Schuylkill River is both the main drainage channel and the source of water to the borough. Water is brought to Pottstown via the upstream drainage area of the river that covers more than 960 square miles. Manatawny Creek is also a major source of water. The Manatawny watershed reaches nearly to Kutz- Most of the precipitation that falls within the borough is carried away by channels located within Pottstown. Only a minor portion of Pottstown s surface drainage flows into another municipality. Water runoff from about 230 acres in Pottstown flows into Upper Pottsgrove along the borough s northeastern boundary. Water runoff is carried to the Schuylkill River via a number of small drainageways. Four stream channels flow into the Manatawny Creek and then to the river. Another four channels flow directly to the Schuylkill. Many of these channels are now piped underground and are no longer visible. The majority of precipitation that falls on Pottstown is drained to the Schuylkill River. About 57% of the borough s area is shed to the river; nearly 35% flows to the Manatawny Creek and then to the Schuylkill River; and about 7% drains to Sprogels Run in Upper Pottsgrove. FLOODPLAINS The 100-year floodplain is a feature that will affect the health, safety, and welfare of Pottstown residents. Much of the time, it is dry. During storms however, the floodplain stores and conveys floodwater. Development within the floodplain reduces the carrying capacity and increases the height and 32

43 destructive ability of floodwater. In addition to carrying flood waters, the floodplain and stream corridor serve other important functions. The condition of the stream corridor itself is important in minimizing erosion and water pollution, protecting water quality, and providing animal habitat and recreation opportunities. Well vegetated corridors will reduce pollutant loads to streams, shade the stream, and provide habitat for wildlife. If vegetation is preserved along the banks of smaller tributaries as well as the main stem, pollutant loads are greatly reduced. Unconsolidated gravel and stone deposits are also found along stream corridors and these areas allow for groundwater recharge. The 100-year floodplain of the Manatawny Creek and the Schuylkill River fall within Pottstown's borders. All of Memorial Park and Riverfront Park fall within the floodplain. The floodplain as shown in Figure 23 is important to identify as development within and close to its boundaries is not permitted nor is it wise in terms of the safety and welfare of the residents. A mature forest environment is encouraged within the floodplain to maintain water quality and soil stability. Figure 23 Floodplains & Wetlands WETLANDS Pottstown has very few wetlands, based on the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI), prepared by the U. S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. The largest areas are found along the Schuylkill River, east of Manatawny Creek as shown in Figure 23. The NWI offers a broad based, generalized overview of wetlands; other wetlands may exist in the municipality. Hydric soils, primarily Bowmansville, Croton, Doylestown, Hatboro and Watchung soils, may also indicate the presence of wetlands. The Army Corps of Engineers or a qualified consultant should be enlisted for a final determination where wetlands are suspected to be present. CONCLUSION Cultural and scenic resources will only become more vulnerable as redevelopment continues. New development should enhance resources and preserve local character. Garden gateways along tree-lined arterial roads and general tree planting throughout the borough should be encouraged. Efforts to protect historic structures and benefits from along the High and Hanover Street corridors will help protect the character of Pottstown. The developed nature of Pottstown leaves few natural resources remaining for preservation or protection. Past efforts of the borough have protected valuable stream corridors and woodlands. To enhance these features, further protection of these remaining resources should be developed. The enhancements could help to increase groundwater infiltration, protect surface water quality, and provide habitat for native bird and plant species. 33

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45 CHAPTER 5 POTENTIAL OPEN SPACE LINKAGES An important aspect of open space is the accessibility of that space to community residents and to the region as a whole. This section of the plan identifies potential pedestrian linkages that can tie together the borough s parks, schools, and community resources, while connecting to the greater regional open space systems. Such connections help form a more comprehensive open space system for residents and contribute to the creation of a more effective and enjoyable regional network. They can increase the accessibility of parks by allowing off-street pedestrian and bicycle access and can offer recreational opportunities in and of themselves. Further, successful linkages will create economic opportunities by increasing access to Main Street from borough neighborhoods and surrounding communities. Examples of potential linkages include utility corridors, stream valleys, abandoned rail lines, sidewalks, and similar linear features. Possible connections to enhance connections to Pottstown are described below and shown in Figures 24 & 24A. POTTSTOWN BOROUGH Throughout the borough thee are specific locations from which pedestrians may originate or which might the terminus of their journey. Schools, parks, and community resources may be such locations. Figure 24 depicts these locations along with a primarily sidewalk pedestrian system that connects the locations with each other and to the larger regional trail network. POTTSTOWN REGION Having recently completed the Pottstown Metropolitan Regional Comprehensive Plan, the member municipalities made the preservation of open space and the creation of trails an essential component. Focus has been given to the trail network that can be created linking an open space network out of individual open space parcels in the region. The network of 35

46 Figure 24 Proposed Pedestrian Linkages 36

47 both regional and local trails will facilitate the open space planning process and growth of the network into the future. The Schuylkill River is an obvious corridor that can both divide and connect communities that make up the Pottstown Region. This area of the Region holds great potential to improve quality of life by providing community linkages, recreational opportunities, and aesthetic appeal. The first trail segment completed in the Region leads park users for approximately one mile along the river in Pottstown Borough. Proposed trails will bring that total to over 15 miles of trails on both sides of the river to make the Region s contribution to the Schuylkill River Greenway. Just outside the Region, the completed 22-mile Perkiomen Trail connects Green Lane and Valley Forge. Other trails in the network include the Manatawny and West County trails that will traverse the Region, adding to the larger backbone to which local and regional trails can affix. Understanding the time and costs associated with such trail development, the borough intends to work with developers to try to begin to initiate these trails. While trail development along future developed parcels would be ideal; the borough intends to work to negotiate easements along the proposed trail. SCHUYLKILL RIVER TRAIL In 1995, Montgomery County completed the development of the Schuylkill River Trail from Philadelphia to Valley Forge, which passes through Lower Providence, West Norriton, Plymouth, and Whitemarsh Townships, and Norristown and Conshohocken Boroughs. In 2002, an extension was added from Betzwood in Valley Forge National Historical Park to Oaks in Upper Providence Township, where it connects to the Perkiomen Trail. In January 1994, the Schuylkill River Trail was designated a National Recreational Trail and has since received the Outdoor America award for being one of the nation s first 500 rail-trails. The trail will eventually follow the Schuylkill River Figure 24A Proposed County Trail Network 37

48 all the way from its headwaters in Schuylkill County to its confluence with the Delaware River in Philadelphia. A total of 22.5 miles of the trail passes through Montgomery County. At Mont Clare, the main stem of the trail will cross the river to Phoenixville, following the Chester County side until recrossing the river at Pottstown, where it will extend upriver into Berks County. In much of Berks County the Schuylkill Trail, called the Thun Trail, has been developed by the Schuylkill River Greenway Association. A parallel trail, the Schuylkill East Trail, will follow the Montgomery County side of the river between Mont Clare and Pottstown. The Schuylkill River Trail is the main spine of the Schuylkill Heritage Corridor, and it is now a primary feature of the Schuylkill River Valley Heritage Area. The trail s accessibility to urban and suburban communities makes it an invaluable transportation and recreation source. It will also connect other larger trails such as the Horseshoe and Appalachian trails. WEST COUNTY TRAIL This trail of approximately 14 miles will combine road bike lanes with some off-road corridors between Pottstown Borough and the Green Lane area. The trail will connect the Schuylkill River Trail with the Perkiomen Trail, and its alignment will be selected to take advantage of greenways, creek valleys, adjacent roadways, and utility corridors wherever possible, as well as to make connections to the Sunrise Trail near the County s Sunrise Mill Historic Site, in Lower Frederick Township. MANATAWNY TRAIL The proposed trail will follow the Manatawny Creek corridor and the underutilized Colebrookdale Spur between Pottstown and Berks County. The scenic corridor begins at the Schuylkill River and extends through Pottstown Borough, West Pottsgrove Township, and several Berks County municipalities on its way to Boyertown. The trail is a major feature of the John Potts Regional Park and will be a major linkage to the Schuylkill Greenway and Schuylkill River Trail. POTTSTOWN NETWORK The borough feels strongly that all of its residents should have the ability to access major public institutional uses and the borough s extensive park system through a comprehensive pedestrian network. Figure 24 details this complex network of sidewalk and trail connections that allow for residents, regardless of where they reside in the borough, to access these amenities. The map was developed in conjunction with the Borough Department of Parks and Recreation. The development of the park connections network focused on several major concepts: 1) overall connectivity of the borough, 2) efficient access, 3) the use of primary roadways, 4) development of a circular park access system, and 5) the incorporation of the borough s more historic neighborhoods and downtown corridor. SIDEWALKS The sidewalks of Pottstown are a built-in open space linkage throughout the community that many rural communities lack. The existence of sidewalks on almost all streets in Pottstown means that people can walk from one place to another without requiring additional vehicular trips. For drivers, sidewalks allow for more parking opportunities, making destinations more accessible from various parking areas. Similarly, the sidewalks of the borough allow open space and parks to be linked to one another. In addition, sidewalks provide a passive recreation area in that they are, in effect, walking trails. Below are some potential ways to further develop the linkages between neighborhoods within Pottstown. HIGH STREET High Street is an obvious setting where strong pedestrian linkages are desirable. The further enhancement of these linkages would greatly increase the walkability of downtown Pottstown. Below is a list of some of the enhancements that could benefit Main Street. Develop connections between some of the borough s larger institutions (e.g., Montgomery County Community College, The Hill School, etc.) and High Street, and Memorial 38

49 and Riverfront Parks. Maintain and upgrade sidewalks Create a historic walking tour that showcases the borough s historic properties, both residential and non-residential. NEIGHBORHOOD SPURS High Street is not the only destination within Pottstown that should be included in the linkage portion of the open space network. Parks throughout the borough, school facilities, and residential neighborhoods would benefit from a comprehensive linkage plan. This would require a study of the level of service existing sidewalks and crossings provide and possible signage to encourage and direct pedestrian traffic. By stitching neighborhoods and destinations together, the borough becomes a more cohesive community, creating greater revitalization potential. 39

50 CHAPTER 6 ANALYSIS OF UNPROTECTED RESOURCES This chapter identifies areas where vulnerable resources are not permanently protected, proposes priorities for their future preservation, and establishes specific protection goals. Generally, the priority categories are based on the extent of resources found in a given area, particularly where a concentration exists, their location and contribution to community identity, and the open space goals established in chapter two. These priorities are only based on vulnerable resources, and may not be the same as the priorities established in the implementation portion of this plan. VULNERABLE RESOURCES Pottstown contains both natural and man-made vulnerable resources. Natural resources in need of protection include stream corridors, urban woodlands, riparian edges, wetland areas, and large open space areas. Man made, or cultural resources include historic districts and buildings. Protection of these resources will be prioritized into two categories: Highest Priority and High Priority. HIGHEST PRIORITY RESOURCES 1. Large Open Space Areas While much of the municipality is currently developed, a few large open space areas do remain. Such areas that should be targeted would be those that would extend an existing park or area of open space, lands that create linkages between open space areas, and riparian corridors (which can be thought of in terms of linear open space), that should be protected. Of particular interest is the recently acquired Pottstown Metal Welding Facility, located adjacent to Memorial Park, between High and King Streets. This property is an important north-south linkage between Memorial and Riverfront Parks, as well as an east-west 41

51 Additionally in Memorial Park, the Master Plan recommends the creation of a wetlands restoration area to provide wildlife habitat, flood control, groundwater recharge, and educational opportunities. The Schuylkill River from the Hanover Street Bridge. connection to better connect Pottsgrove Manor with Downtown Pottstown. This is a connection that is important both from a borough and County standpoint and was strongly established in the John Potts Park Plan. Acquisition of this property begins to help to establish a continuous greenway between Pottsgrove Manor and Downtown. Other lands that would help to further this connection are also priorities for future acquisition. 2. Stream Corridors- Pottstown s highest priority for natural resource protection is its stream corridors. The Manatawny Creek and Schuylkill River provide a bucolic landscape in the midst of an urban environment. These assets must be protected. In the past, and even in the present, creeks are channeled into pipes and the surrounding banks are paved over to accommodate development or have become eroded due to insufficient stormwater drainage. Such practices are no longer acceptable in the borough. Following the completion of the 2003 Master Plan, the borough began to manage Riverfront Park as a riparian buffer. Although, challenging with the need for removal of invasive and exotic plant species and the implementation of stormwater best management practices, the borough has begun a process to restore and protect this important asset. 3. Historic Resources- Protection of Pottstown s historic resources is of the utmost importance. In addition to the resources within the two established Historic Districts that are afforded protection under the current historic ordinances, many historic buildings remain outside the districts, and are not afforded any protection. Due to the abundance of historic structures, the borough would like to develop a detailed inventory of its historic structures. In addition to the current architectural review process, the borough would like to implement a program to preserve the facades of historically significant structures. This perhaps may take the form of a façade improvement program. HIGH PRIORITY RESOURCES 1. Urban Woodlands Although almost completely developed, the borough has been able to maintain stands and groupings of trees along the banks of the Schuylkill and the Manatawny, including street trees, and these should be protected as urban woodlands. There are many documented benefits provided by trees in urban areas, including decreased stormwater runoff, improved climate, attractive pedestrian environments, and increased home values. For these reasons, Pottstown would like to implement tougher regulations to prevent the removal of existing mature trees. With the removal of the Manatawny Creek Dam in 2000, lower water levels have exposed large areas of creek bed. A riparian buffer should be established in these areas. 42

52 Figure 25 Vulnerable Resources 43

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54 CHAPTER 7 EVALUATION OF GROWTH AREAS As described in the Montgomery County Comprehensive Plan, the borough is located in the Existing Suburban Development District. This is apparent as only 235 acres (8.8% of all land) within the borough are undeveloped and these mainly remain because of the presence of environmental constraints. However, with the exception of existing stable neighborhoods, the entire borough is a growth area as redevelopment opportunities increase. The County Comprehensive Plan also designates the borough s downtown core as a Major Development Center, defined as an area of existing activity that is expected to intensify over time. It is anticipated that this area will see a broader mix of uses, become more transit-friendly, and have more convenient pedestrian movements. This chapter analyzes the current demographic trends and how the needs of those areas within the borough likely to see growth, will change. This analysis is then used to support the borough s open space needs and goals in developing recommendations found in Chapter Ten. POPULATION, HOUSING, AND EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS Chapter One describes the population change in the borough since its peak in the 1960s. This population loss can be contributed to the fact that the borough is fully developed and average household size has decreased throughout the region through the 1990s. However, the combination of the region s location near Philadelphia, the proximity of two major roadways, the availability of jobs, and the suburban lifestyle is drawing more people to the Pottstown Metropolitan Region every year. All of the surrounding Montgomery County townships, except for West Pottsgrove experienced population growth in the 1990s, with rates ranging from 23.7% in New Hanover and Upper Pottsgrove to 29.2% in Douglass 45

55 Township. These growth trends continue over the next 25 years. DVRPC projections show a decrease in borough population by 6% from 2000 to 2025, while projections show the continued growth of surrounding municipalities, including North and East Coventry in Chester County. Also found in Chapter One are DVRPC s predictions that there will be a slight decrease in employment opportunities in Pottstown by 2025, of 4.0%. This projected decline may be attributed to the borough s aging population. There is however a possibility that these projections may be revised over time as more businesses locate to the borough, specifically those in the industrial core. Additionally employment growth may be seen along the borough s main street corridor, as the service sector increases. In the past several years, Pottstown has received several significant redevelopment proposals, both residential and non-residential. The proposed mixed use redevelopment of the Mrs. Smith Site, the redevelopment of existing brownfield sites, the revitalization of Main Street, the expansion of Montgomery County Community College, and the recent increase of residential infill development appear to be signs that the employment and population base of the borough is stabilizing, if not increasing. This may require the revision of both population and employment projections over the next several years. It is important to note that these projections are based on past trends and existing zoning. These projections would not include the borough s most recent efforts to develop a new user friendly zoning and subdivision and land development ordinances, that incorporate the concept of a greener borough with greater densities and a greater mix of uses. Additionally, the borough has taken several steps in becoming a more friendly environment to live and work, including its Homeownership Initiative Program, the establishment of a Keystone Opportunity Zone, and the leveraging of available ALTHOUGH CURRENT PROJECTIONS SHOW A DECLINE IN POPULATION AND EMPLOYMENT OVER THE NEXT 25 YEARS, RECENT EFFORTS BY THE BOR- OUGH MAY ESTABLISH MORE POSITIVE TRENDS. Downtown Pottstown Revitalization 46

56 Figure 26 Housing Types Housing Types % Change Number % Total Number % Total Single Family Detached 3, % 3, % 8.7% Single Family Attached 2, % 2, % -6.2% Multi Family (2-4 Units) 1, % 1, % 11.4% Multi Family (5 or More Units) 1, % 1, % 10.4% Mobile Home/Trailer/Other % 7 0.1% -96.0% Total Housing Units 9, % 9, % 3.1% Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; Census of Population and Housing, 1990, % 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Single Family Detached Single Family Attached Multi Family (2-4 Units) Multi Family (5 or More Units) Mobile Home/Trailer/Other 47

57 Figure 27 Pottstown Growth Areas monies to encourage business development in the borough. It is possible that these population and employment projections may be inaccurate, underestimating the results these changes will create. Therefore, the borough is optimistic that actual growth may outpace these projections. FUTURE GROWTH AREAS RESIDENTIAL Many districts within Pottstown are quite stable, with little change expected. However, some areas are underutilized at which redevelopment or revitalization opportunities are ripe. Recently, the borough has been experiencing an increasing amount of residential infill development. Additionally, it is anticipated that existing underutilized properties may be redeveloped for residential purposes, becoming thriving communities that make use of local transit amenities and Pottstown s strong regional position. Figure 26 shows that while single-family detached housing exists as the largest percentage of total housing units in the borough, during the years between 1990 and 2000 there was a greater overall increase in multi-family units. New infill development will diversify the housing types, specifically adding more single-family attached units within the borough, while maintaining the high density, pedestrian friendly character of Pottstown. The increasing pace of the redevelopment of Pottstown will lead to stability in the borough, attracting an increased mix of uses. NONRESIDENTIAL The Vision Plan of the Montgomery County Comprehensive Plan designates Pottstown as a Major Development Center within an existing developed area. This is defined as an existing area that will continue to have a mix of uses while becoming more transit-friendly and walkable. The pace of this redevelopment is beginning to gain speed, including the expansion of the Community College, proposals for lands in the Keystone Opportunity Zone, and revitalization of High Street. Figure 27geographically displays the area of Potts- 48

58 town centered on the Industrial and High Street corridors in which redevelopment is occurring and encouraged. These areas will become more dense, particularly near the downtown core. As these areas of Pottstown grow and a commercial core with dense residential areas develops, the needs of this area will change. CONCLUSION With recent efforts in the borough, it is anticipated that the population and employment projections for the borough may not be downward sliding as currently forecasted. In addition to these efforts the borough, as part of the Pottstown Metropolitan Regional Planning effort, has been targeted for revitalization and redevelopment. With these efforts, the borough s residential, employment, recreational, and transit opportunities will increase, making the borough a more inviting place to live and work. 49

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60 CHAPTER 8 EVALUATION OF OPEN SPACE NEEDS This section of the plan examines the amount of existing public open space and types of recreation facilities in relation to current and expected future needs. Recreation-oriented organizations such as the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) recommend that municipalities strive to meet their open space needs independently of other providers, such as schools and private developments. Therefore open space provided by quasi-public establishments is considered only peripherally. An analysis of recreational public open space considers how open space land is distributed in addition to showing if a deficit exists or will occur in the future. The results of the analysis should help guide decisions concerning future open space preservation and facilities planning. EXISTING PARKS & FACILITIES Pottstown has over 30 areas totaling 153 acres of existing publicly-owned, permanently-preserved open space. These facilities each contribute to the open space network in different ways. Parks and open space can be divided into numerous categories for analysis. Below are two categorizations that are important when evaluating Pottstown s open space needs. ACREAGE CATEGORIZATIONS One way the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) defines open space is by acreage. Community parks are generally 20 to 100 acres in size, and are intended to serve people living within one or two miles of the park. Because community parks serve a wide area of an approximate one-mile radius, people may need to drive to them. Typically, these parks include natural open areas, athletic complexes, swimming pools, and other large scale recreational spaces. Community park facilities in the borough include Memorial 51

61 and Riverfront Parks. These are the borough s largest parks and can draw residents from across Pottstown and the region for concerts, community events, and sports leagues. Traditional neighborhood parks are usually less than 15 acres and can accommodate a wide range of recreational activities. Neighborhood parks are used by people living from a quarter to a half mile away who can walk or bike to the park. These parks support those desiring informal recreation. Good examples are playgrounds, tot lots, and pocket parks. These are most valuable in areas that are not conveniently served by community parks because of distance or inaccessibility. Neighborhood parks are scattered across the borough and are in reasonably close proximity to all residents. Neighborhood parks can also include very small mini-parks. Mini-parks are usually less than one acre and have facilities designed to serve a very limited segment of the community. Mini-parks are used by people that live within a quarter mile radius of the park. Example of mini-parks include everything from tot-lots in residential communities to urban plazas in a commercial district. OPEN SPACE SETTING & USE Where population densities are high and land is highly valued, activity on open spaces may need to be intensified on less space. Parks may need to provide for playing fields for an active community, leaving little room remaining for resource protection areas. In other settings, the development of an urban plaza inserts green spaces into highly developed districts. Conversely, in less developed areas, the protection of large blocks of natural resources may be a high priority, allowing for a use of the land that requires less maintenance. Three corners of a triangle emerge as the far extremes of potential open space settings as shown in Figure 28. Every parcel within an open space system will have varying proportions of each of these setting types as described below. Some will line up near a vertex, while other open spaces will have mixed uses. Below is a discussion of these open space settings. RESOURCE PROTECTION Open space in this setting would include streams, wetlands, and steep slopes. Special flora or fauna species may exist in these protected areas. If amenities exist at all, they may include only a small parking lot and walking path. These settings may be used by schools or summer camps for habitat studies, fishermen, or nature enthusiasts. Riverfront Park is one example of this type of passive recreation that lies in the resource protection corner of the triangle. RECREATIONAL FACILITY Various forms of fields and courts exist here to serve an active population throughout the year. This type of site requires a good deal of maintenance and should expect intense use during sports seasons. The playing fields at Memorial Park place it in the recreation corner of the triangle. COMMUNITY GATHERING PLACES & CONNECTIONS These areas can serve as gathering areas or play areas for a community. Main Streets can benefit from the green space provided by these places. Also include here are the trail systems that link different uses and pavilions at parks. Transit Plaza falls into this category. Figure 28 Open Space Setting & Use COMMUNITY PLACES & CONNECTIONS RECREATION RESOURCE PROTECTION 52

62 OPEN SPACE NEEDS As demographics, land use changes, and development pressure changes within a community, so do the needs of the population. For instance, a younger population may utilize active open space in the form of playing fields. Active recreation facilities should be located where significant residential density exists or is proposed. A population with fewer children may be better served with less intense open space uses such as walking trails. This setting also allows for natural resource protection opportunities. GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE & NATU- RAL RESOURCE PROTECTION Natural resources in the borough are often overlooked. However, when grouped with green infrastructure amenities such as street trees, they make up a significant part of Pottstown s character. Chapter Six describes the benefits woodlands, canopy trees, streams, and wetlands offer to borough residents. If these features are lost or degraded, Pottstown s character will be likewise affected. In recent years, the borough has been partnering with other agencies/organizations to restore the streambank along the Manatawny Creek. This project has become a major priority as flooding in the borough, and in particular, Memorial Park, has increased. A priority exists to maintain existing street and neighborhood trees. On public lands such as Memorial and Riverfront Parks, as well as other smaller areas, existing mature trees should be supplemented with the next generation of trees to take their place. On private lands, policies should be created to ensure these neighborhoods maintain their character as part of the larger green infrastructure network. To further enhance the image of the borough, a series of gateway entrances along the main arterial roads are needed. These gateways could consist of enhanced streetscaping and pocket green spaces that work to delineate the entrance into Pottstown. Streams are another valuable feature, sometimes overlooked. Over the last several years, projects have been implemented to help restore and improve the quality of the Manatawny. As redevelopment occurs, stormwater management should be a priority to increase the health of local stream networks for Pottstown residents and those downstream. Stormwater management and aesthetic green infrastructure applications can compliment each other. Walking Trail Riverfront Park OPEN SPACE NET- WORK & ACCESSIBILITY Pottstown has an admirable system of parks and open space. A map of the borough reveals significant park areas throughout Pottstown. But it is not enough to have good parklands. Recreation opportunities could be expanded using trails as part of a diverse green infrastructure system. As described in Chapter Five, upgrad- 53

63 Figure 29 Open Space Accessibility 54

64 Pottstown Transit Plaza ing the existing sidewalk system and accompanying streetscaping will increase local accessibility to the park system and the overall appeal of the borough. Although most neighborhoods have a reasonable degree of accessibility, upgrading linkages, including sidewalks, will enhance accessibility. Figure 29 displays those areas that are currently underserved by open space amenities based on a quarter-mile and half-mile radius. Of the entire borough, only a small portion of the North End is underserved in terms of open space. PASSIVE RECREATION Because Pottstown is largely built out, the opportunities for large passive recreation areas within the borough are limited. There are numerous small and moderate size parks that have passive recreation. Brookside, Walnut Street, and Washington Street Parks have features making them suitable for passive recreation. In addition, Memorial and Riverfront Park s have dedicated passive recreation areas. An older population and smaller household populations will require a greater proportion of open space for passive recreation. Until this demographic trend shifts, open space efforts should give more attention to passive recreational space needs. This includes jogging routes, walking trails, sidewalk linkages, and naturalized areas. Also opportunities exist for vendors and other amenities in parks to increase the variety of uses at open space sites. In January, 2003, the borough completed a Master Plan for Riverfront and Memorial Parks. The Plan paid particular attention to Riverfront Park being the location for more passive recreational opportunities in the borough. Recommendations included: the expansion of the Schuylkill River Center (which has already occurred), enhancements to the existing amphitheater, development of picnic areas, the development of a native plants arboretum, and the completion of the Schuylkill River Trail. It is the borough s goal to identify opportunities to address the recommendations of the Plan. During the previous Open Space Program, the borough purchased lands for both active (Washington Street Park) and passive recreational opportunities (Transit Plaza). The top priority of the borough during the Green Fields/Green Towns Program is the acquisition of the Pottstown Metal Welding Facility. This area located along High and King Streets will provide a linkage between Memorial and Riverfront Parks. The plan is for this property to add to the borough s existing passive recreation opportunities. Additionally, a future goal would be to have a continuous greenway between Pottsgrove Manor and the Downtown. This parcel is vital in accomplishing that connection. It is anticipated that in addition to providing a vital north/south and east/west linkage, that this property will evolve into a community focal point and gathering place. With the location of the Carousel Project on the site and the plan for an expanse of passive open space, it is the hope of the borough that this site will provide opportunities for community festivities and social gatherings, both indoor and out. With its close proximity to the expansion of the Montgomery County Community College, this site will act as a campus green for students and faculty to have class, relax, study, etc. The goal for the site is to provide passive recreational opportunities, such as a trail connection between the two parks and community gathering space. In addition, the larger building will house the Carou- 55

65 sel Project. Figure 30 Minimum Open Space Acreage Needs ACTIVE RECREATION The Master Plan paid particular attention to Memorial Park as the active recreation area of the borough, and even the greater Pottstown region. While the borough has addressed some of the recommendations of the Plan, there are many more areas that need attention. Recommendations for Memorial Park include: the development of an internal loop trail system and construction of the Colebrookdale Trail, the provision of picnic areas, tennis courts, expanded children s playground and water play area, sand volleyball, BMX track and skate park (completed), the construction of additional athletic fields for baseball, softball, soccer/football, and dek hockey. NRPA ACREAGE STANDARD The NRPA has developed national standards for recreation, parks, and open space (Recreation, Park and Open Space Standards and Guidelines; 1983). Its standards are widely used, although they should be viewed only as a guide for planning, not as absolute standards. The commonly used standard is the population ratio method, or Projected Population* Range From To From To From To Recommended Acreage** Community Neighborhood TOTAL Existing Acreage Community Neighborhood TOTAL Difference Community Neighborhood TOTAL Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; MCPC; NRPA * Projected Population ** Recommended Acreage - Range per 1000 persons as follows: Community Level = acres; Neighborhood Level = acres; Total = acres the number of acres of parkland per 1,000 people. The NRPA estimates that a total of 6.25 to 10.5 acres of municipally owned and developed open space per 1,000 people is a useful guide. Generally speaking, the more densely populated an area is the higher the ratio should be, so a more developed borough like Pottstown would apply a higher ratio than a rural community. For the purposes of this plan, however, both the low and high ratios are used to create a range for evaluating existing conditions and to perhaps establish an acreage goal for the community. As the role of parks and open space expands in local communities, these standards have become a smaller part of the open space needs equation. Instead, municipal open space systems should not only have adequate acreages, but also offer high levels of service. Pottstown excels in this aspect with its current open space management. Figure 30 shows Pottstown s current total open space acreage is slightly higher than the recommended lower end of the range. While the amount of Community Open Space is slightly below the recommended minimum, Neighborhood Open Space is close to the recommended maximum acreage. These numbers, along with the service areas shown in Figure 30, illustrate that Pottstown is well served by existing open space. NEEDS SUMMARY Pottstown Borough is revitalizing. With new zoning, private investment, and an infusion of open space funding, Pottstown is poised to strengthen its status as the core of the Pottstown region. By knowing where growth will be focused, it is easier to understand the future needs of the community. Based on the discussion above, the following needs exist in Pottstown to maintain the quality of life residents enjoy. These are generally listed starting with the highest priority. Acquire properties that will not only provide important recreational opportunities, but will also help establish important linkages between vital open space areas. Follow the recommendations of the 2003 Master Plan to develop the active and passive recreational opportunities in Memorial and Riverfront Parks. Address stormwater issues on these site to improve their usability. 56

66 Develop the green linkages and infrastructure of the newly acquired Metal Welding Facility, so as to integrate this parcel in to the greater borough open space. Make needed repairs to existing recreational equipment and facilities throughout the borough. Develop a system of local and regional trail connections, specifically within Memorial and Riverfront Parks and along the Schuylkill River. Preserve heritage resources to compliment green infrastructure and build sense of place. Preserve the valuable natural features of the borough. Maintain existing park and open space facilities to continue to serve the community. 57

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68 CHAPTER 9 EVALUATION OF COUNTY AND ABUTTING MUNICIPAL PLANS The preceding chapters investigate the resources, needs, and opportunities that exist within the municipal bounds of Pottstown. With this information, recommendations can be made to effectively serve borough residents. However, the land use decisions that the borough makes affect the larger region just as decisions made in neighboring municipalities affect the borough. Therefore, this open space planning effort should not be performed in the vacuum of the municipal borders, but should consider surrounding planning efforts. This chapter compares the recommendations of this plan with those in the County Comprehensive Plan, the Pottstown Metropolitan Regional Comprehensive Plan and the open space and comprehensive plans of abutting Pottstown Metropolitan communities. The intent is to prevent conflicts between plans and to encourage collaboration of efforts. By gaining an understanding of how Pottstown's plan will fit into the larger open space and trail linkage picture, partners can optimize both the quantity and quality of future open space preservation and management. COMPARISON TO MONTGOMERY COUNTY COMPEHENSIVE PLAN In 2001, Montgomery County began updating its Comprehensive Plan. Now completed, this plan will help guide the growth of housing, transportation, economic development, community facilities, and natural & cultural resource management, through 2025 and beyond. Each of these factors could potentially bear great significance on open space needs and opportunities in Pottstown and the Metropolitan region. 59

69 Part of this plan is the Vision Plan of the County in This Vision sets up four issues as the highest priority for action based on a survey of County residents: Controlling sprawl Controlling traffic congestion Preserving open space/natural areas Revitalizing older boroughs and townships Pottstown s Open Space Plan addresses all of these issues by setting a future course for wise land use, increasing linkages and accessibility, clustering and diversifying growth, and maintaining existing open space. APPLICABLE COUNTY GOALS The Comprehensive Plan lists 48 goals that describe and expand upon the Vision of the County in Several of these goals parallel those in this Open Space Plan, adding strength to the recommendations set forth in the following chapter. These goals are listed in the box below. More specifically, the County Comprehensive Plan identifies several trails that run through the Pottstown Metropolitan region as important recreational resources, two of which run through the borough, The Schuylkill and Manatawny Greenways. These trails, described in Chapter Five, will help link neighborhoods in Pottstown to communities across the county. The Economic Development Chapter of the County Comprehensive Plan designates Pottstown as an existing development center with a significant downtown commercial area. Several tracts adjacent to the rail corridor are underutilized industrial lands on which green spaces should be created during redevelopment. Also, consistent with the County plan, Pottstown proposes the extension of proposed open space areas along the Manatawny and Schuylkill corridors. Schuylkill River Under Route 100 RELATION TO POTTS- TOWN METROPILTAN REGIONAL COMPREHEN- SIVE PLAN The Pottstown Metropolitan Regional Comprehensive Plan outlines a coordinated open space, recreation, and trail network amongst the eight municipalities of Douglass Township, East Coventry Township, Lower Pottsgrove Township, New Selected County Comprehensive Plan Goals LAND USE Direct development to designated growth areas Enhance older developed areas Preserve and create community identity and a sense of place OPEN SPACE, NATURAL FEATURES, & CULTURAL RESOURCES Create a greenway system along rivers, creeks, and other sensitive natural and historic features Protect historic resources and cultural landscapes TRANSPORTATION Increase opportunities to take public transit, walk, ride a bike, or other nonautomotive transportation means WATER RESOURCES Create attractive stormwater facilities that control flooding, recharge groundwater, and improve water quality ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Revitalize the County's downtowns and Main Streets Adaptively reuse vacant and underutilized industrial sites 60

70 Hanover Township, North Coventry Township, Pottstown Borough, Upper Pottstgrove Township and West Pottsgrove Township. Due to its location as the quasi nucleus of the region, the borough will play an integral part. Specifically, the following recommendations directly impact the borough. They are: Maximize the protection of vulnerable natural features. Protect water resources. Connect communities by enhancing the green infrastructure network, including the Schuylkill River Greenway. Expand the regional trail network, by planning jointly and increasing linkages at the neighborhood scale (Reconnections Plan). Educate residents about the value of green infrastructure and promote its use by the community. Provide recreational opportunities for all residents of the Pottstown Metropolitan Region. The borough recognizes the importance of these recommendations and has integrated them in to their overall open space plans. RELATION TO PLANS OF ABUTTING MUNICIPALITIES Five townships abut Pottstown, three in Montgomery County and two in Chester County. The current zoning map, open space policies and other pertinent information of each township are summarized below. Adjacent, yet incompatible, land uses may result in conflicts while potential linkages could lead to cooperative partnerships between municipal neighbors. As required by the Montgomery County Open Space Program in 1993, municipalities wanting to participate in the program, were required to develop their own open space plans. Both Lower and Upper Pottsgrove did this, while West Pottsgrove completed a joint plan with the borough, ultimately providing their funding to Pottstown In the past decade since the creation of these open space plans, parcels have been preserved, trails proposed and developed, and the demographics of the communities have changed. It is therefore vital that Pottstown keeps abreast of the continually evolving planning efforts of its neighbors. WEST POTTSTGROVE TOWNSHIP The greatest opportunity for coordination between the borough and West Pottsgrove exists with development of the Manatawny Greenway trail. Additionally, with the eventual closure of the 800 acre Pottstown Landfill; there may be opportunities for the two municipalities and the region as a whole to develop a reuse for the site, which may include open space, recreational, and trail opportunities. Additionally, the extension of the Schuylkill River Trail will require coordination and cooperation on behalf of both municipalities. UPPER POTTSGROVE TOWNSHIP Along the borough s border with Upper Pottsgrove Township, the greatest opportunity present is the County s development of the West County Trail. When complete, the trail will be approximately 14 miles and combine road bike lanes with off-road corridors between Pottstown and Green Lane Borough. The trail will connect the Schuylkill and Perkiomen Trails, as well as the Sunrise Trail. LOWER POTTSGROVE TOWNSHIP Primary opportunity for coordination between the borough and Lower Pottsgrove Township exists with the development of the County s Schuylkill River Trail. NORTH COVENTRY TOWNSHIP In 2004, the borough and North Coventry Township embarked on a joint effort to enhance the ties between the two communities and their shared heritage along the Schuylkill River. The plan, entitled Reconnections: Reconnecting the people of North Coventry Township and Pottstown Borough with each other and their Schuylkill River Heritage, makes recommendations for stronger pedestrian connections along the River 61

71 and between the two municipalities. EAST COVENTRY TOWNSHIP A portion of the Schuylkill River Trail will follow the River along the Township line. Future regional trails proposed in the Township will also establish linkages to the borough via North Coventry. 62

72 CHAPTER 10 RECOMMENDATIONS The purpose of the preceding analysis is to guide the borough toward sound, rational recommendations for improving its system of parks and open space. This chapter identifies and explains those recommendations based on the goals described in Chapter Two and the needs identified in Chapter Eight. As Pottstown is relatively built out and expected growth will occur through redevelopment and infill development, these recommendations focus on enhancing the existing open space network, as well as increasing open space acreage within the borough wherever possible. The following recommendations include proposed target areas for acquisition of new public open space as well as other non-acquisition recommendations. They correspond to the borough s overall preservation plan and goals and focus on creating a sustainable network of cohesive park and open space parcels. These recommendations are divided into four categories. Recreation Opportunities Stormwater Management/Flood Mitigation Green Infrastructure Open Space Network & Accessibility Also described here are a number of acquisition and non-acquisition methods available to the borough. 63

73 RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES ACTIVE RECREATION (1) ACQUIRE ADDITIONAL LANDS Pottstown should pursue the acquisition of land adjacent to existing active open space, in order to increase the amount and variety of preserved natural areas within the borough. The following property is a priority for acquisition: The Pottstown Metal Welding Facility located between King and High Streets was identified in the borough s Park and Recreation Master Plan. This property helps to establish the connection between Memorial and Riverfront Parks. It is also a key acquisition in establishing a green corridor between Pottsgrove Manor and Downtown Pottstown. (2) DEVELOP METAL WELDING FACILITY Significant enhancements to the Metal Welding Property will aid in serving its desired purpose as a vital north/south and east/west linkage that will serve the community as a focal point and gathering space. The plan for the property will Spray Park in Medford, Oregon equipment so as to increase the safety, accessibility, and usability of the parks. The borough s Department of Parks and Recreation has identified the following parks as targets for equipment upgrades. These parks have been identified for upgrades, based on there location in the borough. By targeting the following parks, the borough will be able to provide suitable playgrounds in the four quadrants of the borough. These parks are: Terrace Lane Park needs all new equipment (est. $50,000) include greening of the site to include community space and trail connections. Additionally, the large existing metal welding building will be developed as the future home of the Carousel Project. It is anticipated that this site will be a regional, as well as local draw. (3-6) ENHANCE AMENITIES AT EXISTING PARKS The borough of Pottstown owns and operates fifteen parks. Of these, all but one is considered active recreation. The largest of these being Memorial Park at 78-acres. These parks provide a wealth of recreational opportunities, from athletic fields to playground equipment. Several of these parks are in need of upgrades to the existing South Street Park needs upgraded equipment (est. $50,000) Cherry Street Park needs upgraded equipment (est. $50,000) Walnut Street Park needs upgraded equipment (est. $50,000) (7-9) ADA/ASTM COMPLIANCE The borough is in the process of bringing their parks into ADA/ASTM compliance. To achieve this compliance the borough needs to ensure that the parks are accessible by wheelchairs and that the surfaces and equipment are safe and functional. With minimal enhancements, four of the borough s parks are close to meeting these 64

74 standards. Total costs for these upgrades are estimated at $60,000 for all four parks. They are: Maple Street Park Potts Drive Park West & Washington Street Parks (10) MEMORIAL PARK SPRAY PARK With the closing of the borough s only public pool in the late 1990 s, there is no option for aquatic recreation in the summer months. Due to the increased liability of a public pool, the borough has been exploring alternative recreational facilities. The preferred option is a spray park. They are designed to be safe and unique play areas where water is sprayed from structures or ground sprays and then drained away before it can accumulate. To best address the development of the spray park and complimentary water management conservation component (which will recycle the water), the borough should phase the project: Phase 1 is to be the actual design, landscaping, and construction of the spray park ($314,000) Phase 2 is for the construction of the supportive amenities, specifically, concession stand, restrooms, and component housing ($150,000) PASSIVE RECREATION (11) ACQUIRE PASSIVE OPEN SPACE ACREAGE There are several privately owned parcels within the borough that are important in the development of the borough s trail network and in establishing connections between existing areas of passive open space. These were identified in the John Potts Park Plan and are generally shown in Figures Such parcels that should be targeted for acquisition are those located along the Manatawny Creek, West High Street, and the Schuylkill River. The parcels offer prime opportunities for Pottstown to provide its residents additional access to passive open space. STORMWATER MANAGEMENT (12) In order to maximize the use of its active open space, Pottstown should take actions that will directly address stormwater management issues found in its parks, particularly Memorial Park. Stormwater management is a priority for the Pottstown s open space efforts due to stormwater s direct effect on the low lying areas of its active recreation land. In addition to restricting use of the low lying areas, standing water in areas of slow draining stormwater can create public health and safety hazards for area residents. DEVELOPMENT OF UNDERGROUND DRAINAGE SYSTEM Upon completion of an engineering study, it was determined that the best system for mitigating stormwater issues would be through the development of an underground drainage system, in particular, storage vaults. The development of such a system, at an estimated cost of $300,000 would allow the borough to maximize the usability of Memorial Park and to better implement the Park and Recreation Master Plan. INSTITUTE BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES There are several practices that the borough might employ to begin to address stormwater management issues, such as; Create vegetated swales. Increase amount of natural vegetation along roadsides and in areas adjacent to high runoff surfaces. Create vegetated swales along areas leading from high run-off areas to storm drains. Implement methods of stream bank restoration. Reduce slopes leading into lower lying areas. GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE Green Infrastructure, as applicable in Pottstown, is comprised of amenities that give relief to the urban environment. Many of the recommendations here are based on the borough s own streetscape enhancement initiatives, as well as the recommendations of the 65

75 Reconnections Plan, 2004 with North Coventry. UPGRADE STREETSCAPES AND MAINTAIN STREET TREES Street trees give relief to the urban landscape and help create a more livable, walkable environment a more pleasant pedestrian experience. When strategically placed and maintained in redevelopment areas, commercial districts, parking lots, and neighborhoods, they add aesthetic appeal, filter air, provide shade, and generally improve property values. Also, when coupled with regulation concerning façade treatments, public amenities, and building design standards, a complete streetscape aesthetic can be created. This adds continuity to a district, especially when standards are periodically reviewed. To ensure long term viability of street trees, species diversity should be apart of planting considerations. The business community should also be included in the tree selection process to increase available funds and to ensure species suitability. Below are the areas on which these efforts should be focused. High & Hanover Streets As a result of its own revitalization efforts, Pottstown has invested significantly in improvements along High Street. These improvements should be continued and should include creating a continuous street tree canopy stretching throughout the borough. Neighborhoods In areas appropriate throughout the borough, street trees and grassed sidewalk strips can be useful to improve local image and quality of life. Incentives to encourage community greening, including education and outreach programs, should be examined. (13-14) ENHANCE EXISTING BOROUGH GATEWAYS Gateway areas are those areas that help to define the type of community one is entering and gives a hint to the type of experience they will have. Special attention needs to be paid to these areas of the borough, particularly along High and Hanover Streets that are the main entrances into the borough and connections with surrounding municipalities. Public and private partnerships should be developed to help enhance these areas through landscaping, signage, public art/ monuments, etc. to signify that travelers are entering the borough and that their visit will be a positive one. The recently developed borough logo should be incorporated into these features to help better delineate the borders of the borough and to define its image. PRESERVE CULTURAL AND HISTORIC RESOURCES Although not directly related to open space preservation, saving cultural and historic resources is important to defining the borough s sense of place. Preservation of the historic resources listed in Chapter Four can be achieved using a variety of methods. The borough should continue to explore the possibility of additional designated historic districts, tax incentives for rehabilitation, and historic preservation ordinances. The development of a façade improvement program can encourage property owners to adopt architectural styles that will become consistent throughout the borough. This is not intended to homogenize architectural styles, rather it will raise the standard for new buildings, Private Parking Lots Incentives to add landscaping should be given to owners of large parking lots created before landscaping standards were adopted. Changes to parking lots and accompanying sidewalk systems will improve the walkability of the commercial areas within the borough and assist in revitalization efforts. Pottstown Plaza 66

76 additions, and façade upgrades. OPEN SPACE NETWORK & ACCESSIBILTY Potential open space linkages are described in Chapter Five. Linkages create a more useful open space system that provides greater accessibility and greater diversity of open space opportunities. These add to the recreation and transportation opportunities of local and regional residents. STRENGTHEN POTTSTOWN S INTERNAL LINKAGE NETWORK Sidewalks The borough should inventory the existing sidewalks and identify potential areas for additional sidewalk and bicycle trails. A list indicating priority areas for sidewalk construction and rehabilitation should be comprised, so that the borough can upgrade the sidewalk network to serve residents of various mobile capacities. Gathering Places Existing community gathering places lie on High Street. More areas such as this should be encouraged as downtown amenities for local residents. Wayfinding Signage To further improve the pedestrian circulation in the borough, for both residents and visitors, directional signage should be placed at strategic points. This will guide pedestrians between parks, the commercial center, and other destinations, adding a sense of continuity to the community. EVALUATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS Potential Properties will be evaluated on the following criteria, in no particular order (refer to Figure 25 for location of priority parcels): Location Distribution Balance of Types Diversity How it meets the needs and goals Creation of an overall network or system Linkages with the municipality and to outside Ability to acquire or protect Current vulnerability ACQUISITION METHODS There are a number of ways a municipality can obtain land for open space. An overview of these alternatives is provided here to serve as a guide for the borough s future open space acquisition efforts. In the long term, all of these could conceivably be used by the borough, although at any given time one or more may be more appropriate than others for acquiring a specific site. More generally, however, they indicate that the borough can be flexible in its approach to implementing the plan s goals. FEE SIMPLE ACQUISITION This option is the most direct way to acquire open space because it simply involves negotiating with a private landowner to arrive at a mutually acceptable purchase price and then completing the deal. The municipality then has free and clear title to the property, or fee simple ownership. Because it is usually a straightforward transaction, municipalities often prefer this approach, particularly for establishing a community park. INSTALLMENT BUYING With this method, the municipality agrees to purchase a set number of acres annually until the full parcel is acquired. In return, the full site is removed from the tax rolls when the initial agreement is signed. The owner may choose to remain on his/her land until it is completely sold and paid for. The advantage of this method is that benefits accrue to both the municipality and the landowner. For a municipality with limited funds, installment buying spreads the cost over a period of time. The landowner in the meantime is relieved of real property responsibilities when the agreement is signed. LONG TERM LEASE WITH OPTION TO BUY This method involves the negotiation of a lease price with a property owner and includes conditions for use and possible purchase of the property. The primary advantage is that it permits 67

77 flexibility; if the property is not needed in the future for open space, it returns to the owner. lessee is required to carry liability insurance covering personal injury and property damage. MANDATORY DEDICATION The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Act 247) enables municipalities to require that residential development dedicate land or fees in lieu of land for public recreation. In order to do this, municipalities must have an adopted recreation plan and an adopted ordinance relating to mandatory dedication before land or fees can be accepted. The amount of land required must be related to the demand for recreation land typically created by new development. The required fee should reflect the fair market value of the land. PURCHASE AND LEASE-BACK Purchase and lease-back results in buying land and leasing it back to the owner in accordance with agreed-upon policies for the use and protection of the land. Its primary advantage is that it permits purchase of property before prices rise or before the property is lost to development. It also permits flexibility because once the land is purchased it can be used for another public purpose, sold, or exchanged for another parcel. PURCHASE AND RESALE This method is similar to purchase and leaseback, except that the land is purchased with the sole intent of reselling it under conditions or restrictive covenants. If the land is acquired at a low cost, the resulting profits help repay initial purchase costs and can be used to acquire additional land. Another advantage is that after resale, the municipality is relieved of ownership and maintenance responsibilities and the land is taxable. LEASING This method is a popular, relatively inexpensive way to acquire open space, especially if the land is unlikely to be developed (for example, reservoirs and utility land). The term of the lease usually ranges form 20 to 50 years; at a minimum, a period should be established that is long enough to finance anticipated capital improvements. The owner of the leased land prescribes conditions and terms under which the land can be used and the EASEMENTS Easements are a successful way to save public funds, yet receive open space benefits. An easement is a limited right over land owned by another person (often a government entity or land trust). Legally, a person has the right to use his property subject to zoning laws, subdivision regulation, etc; however, the owner may sell his/her right to use the land in specific ways. Conservation easements are used to preserve land with relatively low cost (without acquiring the whole property). The land remains privately owned and the easement involves the property owner voluntarily agreeing to donate or sell the right to develop the land. The property has a deed restriction on the property that is binding for future owners. It may require that there be no new buildings constructed or woodlands will be preserved and can result in tax breaks for owners. Pedestrian easements allows access for the public to walk, hike, and ride bicycles along a specific area. EMINENT DOMAIN Eminent domain is the condemnation of land for a public use by due process of the law. It must involve the determination of a fair market value for the property and a clear definition of the public purposes for which it is being condemned. Before exercising the right of eminent domain, a municipality should study the necessity of obtaining the particular site and the feasibility of acquiring it by other acquisition methods. Only if all other methods fail and the property is essential to an open space system should eminent domain be considered. LAND TRUSTS AND CONSERVANCIES Land trusts and conservancies are private, non-profit tax exempt trusts, usually organized by a citizen supported, non-profit agency. Their funds can be used to provide open space and to preserve natural resources such as stream valleys. Administration and management of the land are the responsibility of the service agency. Private non-profits have an 68

78 advantage in that they can often move faster to acquire property than can a government agency. Frequently a public-private partnership is formed whereby the private agency acquires land and then resells it to a government agency at a later date. There are a number of existing conservation groups what will work with private landowners to conserve their land. However, such situations may or may not include provisions for public access. Because of this, a municipality should work closely with these organizations and landowners where public access is a goal. In this way, conservancies can function as an alternative method of acquiring open space. LAND EXCHANGES This method involves the trading of land between one owner and another to obtain mutual advantages. An arrangement can be made between landowners to exchange land that serves their interests. VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS Voluntary agreements can be established between government agencies and owners of agricultural lands, industrial holdings, and utility lands for various purposes. They are strictly voluntary, with permission to use the land for public enjoyment in clearly specified ways. For example, a utility company might permit trail use of a power line right-of-way. PURCHASE OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS If the municipality is only interested in protecting land or designated features of a property without gaining the right for public access, then this method of acquisition of partial interests rather than full fee title in land is available. In essence, a municipality could preserve significant natural, scenic, historic, or cultural resources by purchasing a landowner s right to develop the property or otherwise alter the character of the features that are deemed worthy of protection. RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL AND PURCHASE OPTION These methods involve establishing an agreement which specifies that the land may be acquired by the municipality at a future date. A right of first refusal provides the municipality with the option to match an offered purchase price within a specified time period should a landowner receive a legitimate offer to sell. A purchase option is simply a right that the municipality holds to purchase the land by a specified date at a specified price. Both rights of first refusal and purchase option can be either donated or sold to the municipality. LIFE OR TERM ESTATES This technique involves the acquisition of land with certain restrictions attached to the deed. A municipality may be better able to negotiate the purchase of property if certain interests in the land are reserved for the benefit of the landowner. For example, a municipality could purchase land with all rights of ownership conveyed except the right to occupy a house or a portion of the full property for a specified term (usually 25 years) or until the death of the landowner. DONATIONS AND BARGAIN SALES These methods of acquisition involve obtaining land at less than its full market value. Receiving donations of the full value of land is the least expensive way for a municipality to obtain land and can, in some instances, be a wise approach for a landowner to take to directly benefit from tax incentives and the shelter effects of charitable deductions. If a full donation of land is not possible or if the landowner has an immediate need for cash through sale, then a partial donation and bargain sale might be a prudent alternative. By selling land at a price that is less than its full value, a landowner can still receive tax benefits based on the difference between the fair market value of the land and its actual sale price. The primary benefit to these techniques is that a municipality acquires land at a lower cost while the seller obtains tax deductions. NON-ACQUISITION METHODS Acquisition provides the most control over land use, but can also come at a high financial cost. An important part of open space planning involves understanding and using preservation techniques that are not dependent upon land acquisition 69

79 which communities can use to preserve vulnerable resources. Such preservation might add to the public open space system or may largely be privately held land. The techniques below are ordinances and proposed amendments that may be beneficial to enhance open space planning and natural resource protection. INCENTIVE ZONING Communities can encourage developers through incentive zoning to provide open space, recreation facilities, trails, and parkland. The incentives are placed in specific zoning districts, and might allow a developer to build a higher density than permitted or a smaller lot size. The ordinances should be crafted so that the cost for providing the amenity does not exceed the benefit received from the incentive. NATURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION ORDINANCES The ordinances listed below protect natural features to help maintain soil structure, water quality, and aesthetic values. Enhancing the current borough ordinances may be beneficial in protecting natural resources. relevant to the maintenance of common open space. The municipality can not require the open space to be dedicated or open to the public or to include specific recreational facilities. However, the community can require that the land meet specific standards such as being flat, open land suitable for playing fields. The subdivision ordinance can also require developers to provide open space but it also allows further provisions. The ordinance can require the land to be dedicated to the borough. If a developer does not want to provide the land, the ordinance can require fees in lieu of land. An adopted recreation plan must be in existence in order to have this requirement and must follow the provisions within the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code. A community needs to make a decision of whether fees in lieu of should be accepted so as to create larger central parks for a number of neighborhoods or if there should be smaller scale open space within developments. Requiring developments to provide open space allows municipalities to meet the needs of new residents without building additional municipal parks. The provision of requiring open space or a fee in lieu of allows for a community to have flexibility in establishing their open space priorities. Steep Slopes Floodplains Stream Corridors Wetlands Groundwater Canopy Trees & Woodlands Stormwater Management REQUIRE OPEN SPACE IN DEVELOPMENTS OR A FEE IN LIEU OF OPEN SPACE Municipalities can require developers to provide open space through their zoning and/or the subdivision ordinance. An open space requirement when placed in the zoning ordinance must be located in specific zoning districts (for example the high-density residential district). The zoning ordinance can specify the percentage of required open space, for example between 15 and 20 percent, and other criteria TRANSFER OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS This method of preserving rural land transfers development from rural areas to growth areas. With a transfer of development rights program, rural landowners can sell their development rights to developers in the region s growth areas instead of developing their rural land. Since Pottstown does not have much rural land, this option may not match the borough s needs. HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORDINANCES While not directly related to open space preservation, historic preservation ordinances help save historic properties that add to the character of an area. There are a number of techniques that communities can use for historic preservation. One possibility is that communities can amend their building codes to require a review before demolition permits are issued. This method 70

80 delays demolition and allows for community input. Communities can also amend their zoning ordinance to encourage historic preservation. One way of encouraging historic preservation is the creation of a village ordinance that gives development bonuses for preserving buildings or restricts the uses within the district. Incompatible uses with historic areas, such as gas stations, are not permitted in these districts. The zoning ordinance can also encourage historic preservation by allowing historic buildings to have more uses than normally permitted in a particular district. For example, apartments, bed and breakfast establishments, or offices might be permitted in historic homes located in a singlefamily detached residential district. keeping the majority of the land open and deedrestricted. This approach ensures that land is developed in a sensitive manner yielding the landowner some monetary compensation, while also preserving the most important environmental amenities on the site. CONCLUSION The recommendations set forth in this chapter serve as action steps to implement the Open Space Plan. The following chapter defines the priority level of these recommendations, examines funding sources for borough action and provides an implementation schedule. A third possibility is that communities can create historic districts with approval of the Pennsylvania Museum Commission. This approach is more restrictive than the previous approaches discussed. Once a historic district is created, municipalities have stringent control over design and preservation of facades. A borough architectural review board is required to be created to review all proposed changes to historic buildings. Pottstown borough should encourage the reuse of existing buildings, mixed uses, and the preservation of Main Street character. Practices to further document or protect historic structures should be investigated. DONATIONS OF PROPERTIES FOR PERMANENT OPEN SPACE Landowners can preserve their land by donating the full title of their property or by donating their development rights to a nonprofit land conservation group. These two methods permanently preserve open space. Landowners who donate development rights receive tax benefits and their land must be permanently restricted from future development. Land conservation groups that operate in this region of Montgomery County and who receive donations include: Montgomery County Lands Trust, Natural Lands Trust, and Heritage Conservancy. Some land conservation groups can also help local landowners to develop some of their land while 71

81 Figure 30 Recommendations 72

82 CHAPTER 11 IMPLEMENTATION Implementation is perhaps the most important part of the open space plan. Having identified and examined the open space issues important to the borough, a list of prioritized actions is established here to guide Pottstown toward achieving its goals. In essence, this chapter is Pottstown s action plan. In the near term, implementation principally involves securing funds from Pottstown s allocation under the County Open Space Program for projects of the highest priority. It also means taking other, nonacquisition actions for open space preservation and recreation network planning and development. This will generally occur in the first phase of the Green Fields/Green Towns Program ending in Spring Long term priorities will build upon these earlier efforts, and will be implemented in the proceeding five to ten years. For each proposed action, primary responsibility is proposed among specific borough groups and consultants. FUNDING SOURCES In addition to the funds allocated through the County Open Space Program, Pottstown is eligible for funds from a variety of sources including grants, general revenue funds, bond issues, and donations (of cash, materials, or labor). Pottstown will pursue other grants available from Montgomery County, The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), and others. These grants can be used in conjunction with the County s Open Space grants 73

83 to help defray the cost of the borough s match. A sampling of possible grant sources is described below. MONTGOMERY COUNTY OPEN SPACE GRANTS (MCOS) In 2003, a referendum to fund open space and green infrastructure projects was passed in Montgomery County. Know as the Green Fields/Green Towns Program, this funding was allocated to municipalities, private non-profit conservation organizations and the county to preserve more open space and enhance the livability of existing communities throughout the County. Pottstown is eligible to receive a total of $1,496,412 for open space acquisition and enhancement. This grant requires matching funds equal to 10% of project costs from the municipality. The County grants come with several conditions. The most important condition is that any land purchased with grant money must be permanently preserved as open space or for active recreation. Another condition is that Pottstown must complete and adopt the Open Space Plan. This plan must be approved by the County s Open Space Board before grant money can be disbursed. MONTGOMERY COUNTY COMMU- NITY REVITALIZATION PROGRAM (MCRP) Initiated in 2000, this program is intended to create a strategic, economic development program that will strengthen and stabilize the county s older communities for the long term. It helps these communities become more vibrant, livable, and attractive places. Funding from this competitive program is used for projects consistent with the borough s Community Revitalization Plan. PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION & NATURAL RE- SOURCES (DCNR) DCNR manages a variety of grant and technical assistance programs concerned with a variety of issues. DCNR annually awards about $30 million in planning, acquisition, and development grants for parks, recreation, rivers conservation, trails, greenways, and protection of open space and critical natural areas. Most DCNR grants require a 50/50 match. DCNR also provides pre-application workshops to assist applicants in the preparation of their application forms. A priority goals of the these programs is to develop and sustain partnerships with communities, non-profits, and other organizations for recreation and conservation projects and purposes. With this in mind, the Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) was established. It is a combination of several funding sources and grant programs, including the Commonwealth s Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund (KEY 93, described below), the Environmental Stewardship and Watershed Protection Act (Growing Greener, also described below), Act 68 Snowmobile and ATV Trails Fund, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and the Recreational Trails component of the Transportation Equity Act for the Twenty-First Century (TEA-21). PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (DEP) The Growing Greener program has funded efforts to clean up Pennsylvania s rivers and streams, reclaimed abandoned mines and toxic waste sites, invested in new alternative energy sources, preserved farmland and open space, and developed watershed restoration programs. Thus far, Growing Greener has generated nearly $1.50 in matching funds for the environment for every $1.00 in state money. As the Growing Greener program evolves, it will focus on brownfield redevelopment, farmland and open space preservation, water quality improvements, enhanced state and community parks, and an upgraded fish and wildlife infrastructure. Growing Greener II will accomplish these goals while making critical investments in community revitalization and the promotion of the use of clean energy. KEYSTONE RECREATION, PARK, & CONSERVATION FUND The Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund Act was signed into law in It directs a portion of the state s Real Estate Transfer Tax to the Keystone Fund, establishing a dedicated and permanent funding sources for recreation, parks, conservation, and other programming. Grants 74

84 from this program require a minimum 50% match from the recipient municipality or nonprofit organization. As of 2002, $144 million had been granted to more than 2,100 projects. The demand on the Keystone Fund already outstrips resources by a 4 to 1 margin. PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVEL- OPMENT (DCED) The mission DCED is To foster opportunities for businesses and communities to succeed and thrive in a global economy, thereby enabling Pennsylvanians to achieve a superior quality of life. Therefore there are several assistance and grant programs available to Pennsylvania municipalities. Often, local economic and community revitalization efforts are supported by the implementation of green infrastructure and open space plans. Below is a list of programs offered by DCED through which revitalization funds may flow to implement the recommendations described in this open space plan. Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) - Provides grant assistance and technical assistance to aid communities in their community and economic development efforts Community Revitalization Program (CR) - Provides grant funds to support local initiatives that promote the stability of communities Main Street Program - This program provides assistance for revitalization planning and projects. Elm Street Program - Grant funds for planning, technical assistance and physical improvements to residential and mixed use areas in proximity to central business districts. Industrial Sites Reuse Program - Grant and low-interest loan financing to perform environmental site assessment and remediation work at former industrial sites. PENNSYLVANIA HISTORICAL & MU- SEUM COMMISSION (PHMC) Many communities value their historic resources and work to preserve them for future generations. These resources can then be integrated into the open space network and cultural amenities of that community to enhance local image and aesthetics. The PHMC offers several programs that aid municipalities in these efforts. Certified Local Government Grant Program - Provides funding for cultural resource surveys, national register nominations, technical and planning assistance, educational and interpretive programs, staffing and training, and pooling CLG grants and third party administration Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Program - Funding for preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation Pennsylvania History and Museum Grant Program - Funding under this program is designated to support a wide variety of museum, history, archives and historic preservation projects, as well as nonprofit organizations and local governments. There are 10 types of grants. PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (PENNDOT) SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL This category includes projects for bicyclists and pedestrians that permit safe passage for children to walk or bike to school. This includes activities that enhance the transportation system through the construction of new facilities or the improvement of existing facilities to make them more usable for pedestrians and bicyclists. Some examples of eligible activities include: sidewalk improvements, pedestrian/bicycle crossing improvements, bike lanes, traffic diversion improvements, off-street bicycle and pedestrian facilities. In addition, this program may fund traffic calming measures to slow the speed of cars such as the following: curb extensions, bulb-outs, traffic circles, Pottstown Riverfront Park 75