The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
FIRST LOOK
>> People came out in droves to a public meeting last week to find out what’s in store for plans to develop 68 acres on the grounds of the Norristown State Hospital.
At least 60 people showed up to see what lead developer Tony Maras, president of Pinnacle Realty Development Company, had to say about the mixed-use development called the Preserve at Stonybrook.
He went through the “framework plan” for the development, which includes more than 700 residential units and 69,000 square feet of commercial space for a grocery store, restaurant and daycare center. Other possible uses include a proposed indoor sports facility and flex warehouse tech space, which Maras said potentially could house a biotech firm, office space and a job training program. Stormwater and connectivity were also key priorities.
“Our feedback from council was that they wanted a mixeduse project,” Maras said, noting the priorities for “market rate residential housing, flex and industrial space and commercial space.”
“This is the plan that council felt best fit their need to create rateables in the township for tax revenue purposes,” Maras said.
The land conveyance on the historically state-owned acreage was around six years in the making, with an agreement of sale between the state and local entities reached in November 2022 and formalized in February 2023, according to a municipal spokesperson. While Norristown is the recipient of the land, the Redevelopment Authority is currently in possession of the property on behalf of the mu
nicipality.
The Preserve at Stony Brook was among five proposals selected for the mixed-use development project in December 2023. Pinnacle Realty Development Company was selected as lead developer on the project, but a municipal spokesperson previously said additional partners will be enlisted to assist with several facets of the project including architecture, construction and engineering.
Council members are ‘no show’
No council members were in attendance during the March 14 meeting.
In Maras’ presentation, he suggested a portion of the property be used as a “town square” for events and farmers markets. He added the property would
Area residents are pictured during a March 14, 2024 public meeting discussing Norristown State Hospital development plans.
not be gated and the streets would be considered public.
“This is not only for this community. Norristown could do this for its residents as a whole,” Maras said.
However, several attendees had reservations about the preliminary plans shared, stressing more should be taken into account for existing residents.
“People who already live in this area quite frankly unless they’re spending money it doesn’t seem like we’re going to have any business going to this property,“said Norristown resident Haylee Fry, adding that “it doesn’t seem like it’s community centered.”
Seth Shapiro, a principal at BartonPartners Urban Design and Architecture countered that shared space is incorporated
Residential breakdown questioned
The project’s residential component was also a topic of conversation. The breakdown consisted of 282 apartment rentals, and 446 other owner-occupied townhome units expected to be sold between $300,000 and $400,000, according to Maras.
Some residents called for more housing affordability while others questioned the need for it at all.
“This county, and yes,
Norristown, needs more housing for bus drivers, teachers, social workers, grocery clerks, mail carriers … all the regular people who keep this economy going. We need more affordable housing, and Preserve at Stony Creek can be a part of the solution,” said Mike Hays, a Bridgeport resident and co-founder of the Montco 30% Project.
“We’re putting up a development in the middle of Norristown. Why are we putting up more housing? Why?” asked an attendee of the March 14 meeting. “We don’t need more housing in Montgomery County.”
More dialogue needed
Other resident questions centered around environmental practices, stormwater, traffic, and wastewater.
“So my point is if you really are taking our concerns into consideration or our suggestions into consideration, you’ll hear from the people,” said former Norristown councilwoman Mila Hayes.
“Council represents the people of this community, the taxpayers of this community, and the people that are here are vested in this community.”
Participants also stressed the importance of increasing access and outreach to Norristown’s Latinx community. People urged developers to provide translators or materials in Spanish.
Maras expected the planning process would take several months, and up to 18-to-25 months before starting construction on the project. He anticipated a “build out” that would take between 3.5 and 4 years. Maras added more meetings would be open to the public.
Sean Turner, Norristown’s assistant director of planning, agreed on the opportunity for more feedback. “We’re right at the start of the process. We’re looking to get feedback,” Turner said.
A second community meeting is scheduled for noon on March 20 at Municipal Hall, 235 E. Airy St.
“We are the people that are paying the taxes and it is really important that you include us in those discussions,” Hayes said. “We’ve got a state rep here, we’ve got some former council people here that are very vested in this community, and the people that pay the taxes, and it is really important that when you come to these meetings as well that you say ‘what do you want’ as opposed (to) ‘well council is saying this’ — because council represents us.”