Discover the latest in our involvement with the Thriving Communities Program. Pottstown Regional Community Foundation (PRCF) continues to serve as our community’s local coordinating agency in this exciting venture. It is with great anticipation that we share the latest on reactivating the Philadelphia to Reading passenger rail line to benefit our Pottstown community.
Background
Last October, PRCF attended the Mpact Transit + Community Conference along with more than 75 community participants, many of which were supported by scholarships to cover attendance costs. Community engagement ensured diverse backgrounds and concerns were heard. Through this event and ongoing communication and research, PRCF has been able to take a proactive approach, maximizing our resources as we proceed with advocating alongside the community as it plans for this transformative infrastructure.
Designed to address long-standing disparities in housing, transportation, and economic opportunity, the Thriving Communities Program allows Pottstown the opportunity to pursue equitable transit-oriented development. Our evolving plan maximizes the benefits of this Program to improve connections to services, jobs, and resources. Our ultimate goal is that all community members have the opportunity to benefit from increased transit access, more housing choices, and economic growth.
PRCF continues to collaborate with local government, nonprofit organizations, housing experts, transportation planners, and—of course—our residents. While gaining insights from participant surveys and partnering with regional planning agencies, we ground our efforts in local research and leverage systems already in place. The Program’s focus encompasses the Borough of Pottstown and nearby municipalities within PRCF’s 10-mile service radius in western Montgomery, northern Chester, and eastern Berks counties. The outcome of this extensive, equitable access will have countless benefits.
Powerful Growth for Communities & Individuals
PRCF has been thoroughly researching best practices for implementing this initiative to minimize disruptions and other issues, including displacement concerns, for our community. Taking intentional action on what has been learned is one way to ensure there are long-term gains for diverse members of our community. PRCF looks forward to grant applications that support local action on best practices for equitable transit-oriented development. The Foundation will also support local stakeholders to advance their knowledge at Mpact 2025 in Portland, Oregon this fall.
Revitalization of Underserved Areas. Studies reveal historical disinvestment in areas of Pottstown, making the Thriving Communities Program an ideal resource. Transit-oriented development should help generate new services, businesses, and housing around transit hubs. A shared railway also increases the potential for government investments.
Improvement of Economic Access. A rail system provides reliable access to jobs for individuals who cannot afford car ownership. Counties along the rail line gain equal access to major transport routes and cities where jobs, services, and healthcare are more extensive. Opportunities become more available to underserved and rural areas. And small businesses benefit from improved delivery logistics and commuter access. Simply put, the ease of transit access makes previously overlooked geography an attractive option for living, working, and growing.
Environmental Sustainability. Communities disproportionately affected by pollution (for example, factory-centric areas) have the advantage of improved public health. Rail systems produce fewer emissions and overall pollution than other modes of transportation.
Increase of Regional Collaboration. Connected counties are able to work together easily, offering the support of shared equity as well as economic and environmental goals. Additionally, the Thriving Communities Program prioritizes underrepresented voices, starting with the individual. The Program is fueled by conferences, and other events that seek community input from all involved.
“Our goal is to continue increasing awareness of this transit initiative, provide opportunities to learn how communities across the country have successfully navigated similar opportunities and challenges, and find ways for the community to act on what we’ve learned. We welcome everyone to contribute in whatever way their time, skills, and resources allow,” states PRCF’s senior program officer, Howard Brown, who is also on the Mpact national steering committee.
As we journey along this transit initiative, PRCF encourages residents to follow groups like Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority, review planning materials and community survey data, attend project update forums, and consider supporting the effort through donations. We know our towns best. Together, we can generate more opportunities and stronger infrastructures for education, workforce development, revitalization, and sustainability. It is our time. All aboard!
