A recent, onsite event at the former Norristown State Hospital grounds included state and local officials heralding the oncoming redevelopment, even as details continue to evolve. Jim Melwert reported the latest discussions on area social services for KYW Newsradio.

Property ownership recently shifted from the state back to Norristown borough, a move negotiated by Pa. State Rep. Matt Bradford.

The transferal precipitated additional rounds of how to accommodate the real estate’s divergent interests: its commercial viability versus its role in providing local mental health and social services.

The borough is now collaborating with the Montgomery County Redevelopment Authority for proposals.

Bradford was unshy about citing the need for regional mental health services.

“This wasn’t doing right by the residents of the neighboring community,” he said. “But frankly, even folks who are receiving services in neighboring buildings, you had buildings that were dilapidated, burned out and literally falling down.”

Thomas Lepera, Norristown council president, said the site could be a game changer across the region.

“For 30–40 years, Norristown has carried the water for not only Montgomery County, but for the five-county area as far as social services goes, those services should be spread out evenly, so that a place like Norristown could sustain itself,” he said.

More on the future of Norristown State Hospital and its importance to those in need of ongoing social services is at KYW Newsradio.