Church Street opening

The 80-year-old lifelong Church Street resident objected to opening the street for new homes, saying it would dump traffic into the historic Black part of town, then delivered a broader reflection on America's racial tensions and the need for communication.

She asked 'why Church Street?' and said residents were told the project was a walking path and bike trail, only to see it become a road extension in front of one of the oldest African American churches — calling it a bait and switch.

A Vermillion resident on the Pottstown side asked why the town isn't investing in sidewalks, drainage, parks and street lighting for existing residents instead of a road project that appears designed to accommodate one new development.

He said the Church Street situation feels offensive after prior discussions with the board, questioned who truly supports the community, and also raised concerns about construction trash and litter along Gibson Park sidewalks.