Business View Civil and Municipal | September 2022

156 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 9 living room. It’s where people go to see one another. They see their friends; they see their family and it’s just a great place for people to gather.” The national housing crisis hasn’t quite been a crisis for the Borough because about 20 years ago the County Commissioners took out a $50 million bond and saved half to give to the 16 urban centers that were accepting density. As a result, Phoenixville has been building homes for years and still has more than 2,000 in the pipe to come. With those funds from the County, they’ve been able to replace aging water and sewer lines, redo many of their roads, and upgrade both water and wastewater treatment plants. The Borough has also benefitted from other environmental advancements, including the installation of 16 electric vehicle chargers. Borough Manager Jean Krack states, “We set a self-imposed goal of getting to 50 EV chargers by the end of 2023. By the end of this year, we should be at 32.” Urscheler adds, “We were also the first municipality in Pennsylvania to pass full renewable energy in all of our municipal buildings by 2035 as a resolution.” As part of its sustainability program, the Borough self- funded the upgrade of over 1,400 streetlights and all lighting in its numerous buildings to LED. Phoenixville also has top notch internet access, which is attracting those with remote working positions. When it comes to new projects, the Borough recently celebrated the grand openings of both their new 38,000 square foot recreation centre and gymnasium and a new six bay fire station, which is more centrally located and will make call times shorter. Gorski Engineering developed and built both in tandem. Krack recounts, “The Borough worked with them from the site development all the way to the roof.” Both buildings were started at the same time and finished within three months of each other. “Working with Gorski Engineering has been fantastic,” Ewald adds. The company exceeded his expectations in many ways, but he is overjoyed that both buildings were finished on time and on Sophisticated. Responsive. Effective. Municipal Law. Our attorneys understand the unique challenges facing our municipal clients and collaborate across practice areas to provide creative, cost-effective solutions. We welcome the opportunity to consult on any municipal needs. Let us show you the Wisler Way! Scott C. Denlinger Andrew R. Freimuth James J. Garrity Mark A. Hosterman Offices in Blue Bell and Newtown 610.825.8400 wislerpearlstine.com