“Making progress” (Reading Eagle, Feb. 15) describes an ambitious vision for the Berkshire Mall but confirms why residents should stay cautious. Much of this is conceptual. Major tenant negotiations are not finalized, and an economic impact study is pending.
The developer said demolition and site work costs increased from $27 million to $41 million, increasing the need for Tax Increment Financing. Before local governments are asked to entertain any TIF concept, residents deserve the basics on the record: a concept site plan, a realistic traffic and access plan and clear documentation of what is committed versus what is aspirational.
The borough indicated the concept plan shown at the meeting would not be officially released without the developer’s consent. That is backwards. If a plan can be shown publicly, it can be shared publicly while making it clear that it is subject to change.
This redevelopment will succeed or fail on infrastructure: traffic circulation, road access, storm water management, and public safety systems. Woodland Road is already constrained. Big-box stores and mixed-use plans require a credible access solution and a traffic impact study before public financing is discussed.
Rhetoric matters. When enforcement tactics are described in public as making life miserable and enforcement escalates during an active sale, it heightens anxiety for tenants and underscores the need for a measured, documented process.
Wyomissing can support redevelopment and insist on a responsible process: Publish the materials, hold an evening public presentation and provide the studies before seeking taxpayers’ support.
Adrian Jadic
Wyomissing