Ciresi announces $120K for Pottstown blight remediation

POTTSTOWN, May 26 – Highlighting two projects specific to the borough, state Rep. Joe Ciresi announced more than $120,000 in Commonwealth Financing Authority funding for blight remediation in Pottstown.

“This is exactly the type of funding that directly helps municipalities make the improvements that improve aesthetics but also safety,” Ciresi, D-Montgomery, said of the Blight Remediation Program. “I’m proud of and excited for Pottstown and the borough, PAID and YWCA for their efforts to secure these grants. I know that this funding will enhance our deserving community and keep Pottstown on the path to revitalization.”

Pottstown Area Industrial Development, Inc. was awarded $92,049 and the Borough of Pottstown was awarded $28,000 for blight remediation projects. PAID and the YWCA Tri-County Area are partnering on a project for the demolition and cleanup of two blighted properties at 323 and 325 King Street in Pottstown, which will be replaced by a structure to serve youth empowerment programming, early childhood education, community meeting space and administrative offices.

PAID is appreciative for this latest vital grant award from the Blight Remediation Program,” said Peggy Lee-Clark, executive director of PAID. “These types of investments move blighted projects forward that otherwise would continue to deteriorate with no evident solution. With this grant, we are one step closer to having this property go back into productive use while supporting the great work of the YWCA Tri-County Area.”

Added Stacey Woodland, chief executive officer of the YWCA Tri-County Area: “YWCA Tri-County Area, having been part of the Pottstown community since 1908, is thrilled to be able to support this property investment in the community! I echo Peggy Lee-Clark’s statement that this grant puts us one step closer to having this property go back into productive use. I would like to add that this will support the expansion of YW’s work to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.”

The Blight Remediation Program was created in 2020 to provide for blight remediation, including hazard mitigation, within the commonwealth, and authorizes the CFA to adopt guidelines to ensure that grants are made available to all geographic areas of the commonwealth.

“This grant award will help to advance stabilization efforts for blighted residential housing inventories in the Borough of Pottstown,” said Justin Keller, Pottstown Borough’s manager. “The funding will be used to improve the appearance of blighted properties and position these properties for future disposition to new owner-occupied owners who share the borough’s goal of promoting responsible and productive end uses that improve the quality of life while also benefiting the borough’s tax base.”

More information is available by contacting Ciresi’s office at 484-200-8265.