Council Supports Concept of Parking Plan for Both Sides of South Charlotte Street Making it One-Way

Maria Bleile, left, was honored by a borough council resolution Monday night, recognizing her 15 years of service to Pottstown Borough. From left are Mayor Sharon Thomas, Council President Dan Weand and Borough Manager Mark Flanders.

If you blinked Monday night, you might have missed the council meeting.

It was only 35 minutes long and the only discussion of note was about the parking proposal for South Charlotte Street.

Rockwell Development Group, which is trying to convert the long-vacant shirt factory at Cherry and South Charlotte streets into market-rate apartments, wants to make South Charlotte Street one-way so parking can be allowed on both sides of the street.

Two residents spoke against it, saying it could hinder fire trucks to have vehicles parked on both sides of the street.

Council Vice President Sheryl Miller, who said she supports re-development, said she had too many questions to vote in favor of the concept as it proceeds to the zoning hearing board in pursuit of a variance.

"Developers are here to make money, and they're going to develop," said Miller, who announced last week she is dropping out of the race for a second term. "It's council's job to hold them accountable."

Council voted 6-1 to support the concept.

Here are the Tweets from the meeting.