The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
STATE OF MIND
More than 100 residents attend public meeting Polled area residents believe the property is under utilized
NORRISTOWN >> Only a decade ago a major movie studio was contemplating filming here, and now its fate is up for debate.
At a little more than 198 acres holding 55 buildings, the Norristown State Hospital property is being scrutinized like never before in its 138-year history.
Signing in for the Public Meeting for the Norristown State Hospital at Norristown Municipal Hall on Tuesday, 110 people came to hear the latest findings from chief consultant Michael Baker International (MBI) on potential uses for the property and also have the chance to voice their opinions.
“What we wanted to do with the meeting was present basic information and give the public some additional opportunity to react to that information and give us additional input and comments on their overall thought on this process and the outcome of what is ultimately the best use for the Norristown State Hospital campus,” noted MBI project manager Troy Truax.
The meeting heralded the next phase of MRI’s exhaustive series of studies, which essentially examine the compelling question: should the property, owned by the state of Pennsylvania and overseen by the Department of General Services, concede to redevelopment or be left as is, preserving open space and continuing to offer social services?
HOSPITAL >> PAGE 5