Development Initiative Considered in Spring City

The stagnation of Spring City's Main Street came up at this month's borough council meeting, following a somewhat heated discussion at January's meeting between council members and attendees. 

On Monday's agenda was the topic of  "Proposed Economic Development Initiative Ordinance". 

Council president Louis DiGuiseppe said that the discussion started in the Finance and Ordinance (F&O) Committee after last month's meeting to start discussing ideas for how the borough could help businesses that want to move into or stay in Spring City.

The F&O committee's first suggestion was to form an economic development committee comprised of residents, businessmen and councilmen to get ideas and suggestions 

Councilman Michael Hays said he thought a committee idea was a good start. 

"The revitalization committee we had no longer meets on a regular basis," Hays said. 

DiGuiseppe went on to explain that he feels the biggest concern hindering development is the lack of parking and the cost to build in the borough. 

"Perhaps we could reduce building fees and costs, someonbe comes in and says 'Well I'd build here but I have to pay $20,000 in fees,' maybe we cut those fees back some," DiGuiseppe said. 

Comparing Spring City to Royersford's Main Street, DiGuiseppe said he'd like to get a big draw restaurant like Annamarie's or a shop like Sweet Ashley's Chocolate. 

Several council members expressed the opinion that one of the biggest problems with getting new businesses into Spring City is the lack of parking. 

"What can you do to create parking?" DiGuiseppe asked. "[We'd be willing to help] especially if someone's willing to do something about the parking in the area. I know there's a tree lot off Main that's been just trees for years, would it be worth it to clear that for parking?"

Hays also suggested that council look at improving the main entrances into town, to make the "gateway" areas look nicer. 

DiGuiseppe pointed out that the borough does have an upcoming streetscape project and that there will be  anew cast-iron "Welcome to Spring City" sign on Bridge Street. 

Getting involvement is going to be a hurdle for the council, according to several comments. 

"The six businessmen I've talked to said, 'I don't want to be on a committee but anything you come up with is fine," DiGuiseppe said. 

Council is actively looking for interested people. Anyone who may want to serve on the economic development committee is encouraged to contact DiGuiseppe at diglou@comcast.net.