Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Phoenixville public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues
315 Gay Street Zoning Application (Masons Lodge)
The Masons want to convert the former church on Gay Street to a private club with event space and rentable basement offices. Council stayed out of it, leaving the decision to the Zoning Hearing Board on Nov. 18.
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.
2027 Budget and 10.5-Mill Tax Levy
The 2027 draft budget totals $39.1 million with a proposed 10.5-mil combined property tax rate — the high end, with staff aiming to lower it before December adoption. About half of general fund spending goes to emergency services, and the budget funds five new firefighters via a SAFER grant, park improvements, police equipment, and a $5,200 library contribution bump.
Firefighter hiring pipeline begins
Council authorized a federal grant application for five firefighters — 75% reimbursed for two years, then 35%, with the borough picking up the full cost by year four. Council Member Dugan warned the tax impact must go through Finance before any hiring.