Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Phoenixville public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
18 issues with medium priority
374 Church Street Workforce Housing Project
A 48-unit condo building — half market-rate, half Habitat for Humanity workforce housing — cleared its historic design review. It's an experiment in building affordable housing without subsidies, with land costs offset by the market-rate units.
Water and Sewer Rates for 2027
Water rates rise to $10.80 per thousand gallons while sewer stays at $7.15; both bonds will be paid off early in 2027, saving taxpayers roughly $22,000 and $80,000 in interest.
Honky Tonk liquor license transfer approved with conditions
The Phoenixville Honky Tonk at 130 Bridge Street got its liquor license transfer approved, but the borough attached real conditions: soundproofing to protect residents living above, and a patio easement before any permits are issued.
EMS agreement renewed — no surprise ambulance bills
The renewed TowerDIRECT contract keeps a resident-friendly rule: no balance billing. If you call 911 in Phoenixville, the ambulance provider can't chase you for deductibles or copays beyond what the borough pays.
Liquor license transfer to 130 Bridge Street
A Jersey Shore hospitality group wants to open a country-themed Honky Tonk with BBQ, an arcade, and live music at the old Iron Hill Brewery site. Council heard the case but tabled the license-transfer vote to October after the solicitor questioned the applicant's documentation and standing.
Old Kindergarten Center property conditions
A next-door neighbor says weeds are seven feet tall in violation of borough code, and he suspects asbestos-caulked windows remain on the property ahead of possible demolition. He's asking the Borough to verify the remediation plan protects the neighborhood.
Vanderslice Street traffic and parking
A resident described bottlenecks, gridlock with trucks, and dangerous conditions for kids and pedestrians on Vanderslice Street — and warned that 12 new driveways from the Station Hill development would make it far worse.
Civil War Centennial Memorial revitalization
The little-known 1963 Civil War memorial in Reeves Park is getting a rethink: new juried artwork, signage that tells the full story — including Black Phoenixville Union veterans — and a welcoming gathering space, all funded by Diversity In Action Phoenixville.
Police hiring and ride-along outreach
The police department restarted its officer hiring process, and several council members did 9-hour ride-alongs to better understand the job as veteran officers near retirement.
395 Bridge Street Parking Lot design
The Paradise Street lot across from the fire station is now officially a municipal lot, along with trailhead lots at 198 Mowere Road and Ashland Street; coin payment is gone since the kiosks no longer take it.
Emergency water main break costs
This winter caused a record year of water main breaks, including three on 18-inch lines, forcing the borough to spend nearly $280,000 extra on repairs and outside contractors across two budget actions.
15 Water Street acquisition
The Borough is buying the only house on Water Street, between its own parcels, to connect its water treatment plant campus — negotiated as a sale instead of condemnation.
Sidewalk cafe and outdoor business rules
The updated ordinance now covers all outdoor businesses, not just sidewalk cafes, adds permits and operating hours, and requires ADA-compliant walkways during open streets weekends.
101 High Street development
A vacant five-parcel corner at High and Dayton will get a four-story, 14-unit apartment building with an ADA-accessible ground-floor unit — new housing on a long-empty north-side block.
Odessa Development major amendment
The 382-unit Odessa project got a major plan amendment: eight fewer townhouse units, a resident gathering plaza, a new sidewalk on Road D and grading for a possible future road connection. Dugan cast the lone no vote.
Truist banking rate increase
Staff renegotiated the borough's bank rate from 1.75% to 3%, which President Ewald pegged at roughly $700,000 more in interest income — a win for taxpayers without a tax hike.
Downtown landmark renovation at 231-233 Bridge Street
A big renovation project on one of Bridge Street's hallmark buildings cleared HARB review after working through issues with PVC signage materials. Council highlighted it as the kind of downtown investment worth celebrating.
Resident's records request regarding her husband's death
Colleen Lucchesi told council she's spent over a year trying through Right-to-Know requests to get the police report and her late husband's cell phone back after his death. She was told to speak with staff after the meeting.