Board seeks pool solution
WEST POTTSGROVE >> As 2019 gets rolling, the township commissioners have decided they want some kind of final resolution with its often-closed township pool.
It’s been three years since the pool was open for a full season.
Previous attempts to hire an outside agency or company to run the pool, located on Anthony Wayne Drive, have resulted either in the pool being closed halfway through the season, or the pool not opening at all.
“There’s nothing wrong with it. But we can’t have it
just sitting there, or we’re going to have mechanical problems eventually,” Commissioners’ Chairman Steve Miller said.
He appointed Commissioners Pete LaRosa and Mark Green to head up a committee to make a final determination on the facility, formerly the private Colonial Pool, which the township purchased in 2010 after the club could not pay its property tax bill.
“I agree 100 percent,” said LaRosa, who has championed the pool’s cause since the township bought it and brought in at least one vendor who operated it for half a season.
“We’ve got to find someone to open it, or do something else with it,” LaRosa said.
Miller said an invitation for the public to offer suggestions should be posted on the township’s website.
Commissioner Charles Valentine said perhaps the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation should be approached about playing a role as well.
Operated since 1968 as a private, nonprofit community pool, the Colonial fell behind on its tax payments and finally fell victim to a combination of age, a slow economy and more homes with their own pools in their backyards.
The township paid $71,000 in back taxes and unpaid bills to take over the pool in 2010.
The township also put as least $250,000 into refurbishing the pool facility by the time it re-opened in August, 2011.