Urban Land Institute, the nationally recognized think tank, has found that Pottstown needs upwards of $62 million over the next eight years to sustain and expand its revitalization, writes Evan Brandt for The Pottstown Mercury.

During the Oct. 25 presentation, the think tank introduced its report to 95 stakeholders who were interviewed to help the consultants reach their conclusions.

The report was sponsored by Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation, the borough, school district, and Tower Health.

Among other things, the consultants were tasked with identifying a “catalytic project” that could help drive revitalization forward and a strategy for job growth and enablement.

According to the preliminary report, Pottstown has to improve, upgrade, and build new infrastructure, prepare its residents for living-wage jobs, and invest more in education.

The town also has to stabilize renovate, and diversify its housing stock and clearly define its role as a regional hub.

This process would cost at least $61 million, with $25 million coming from local sources.

“You have to invest in yourselves if you expect others to invest in you,” said ULI task force chairman Mike Higbee.

Read more about the revitalization plans at The Pottstown Mercury by clicking here.

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