READING, Pa. —A new sign in downtown Reading aims to instill a sense of pride in those who live in the city as well as those who visit.
“I think it’s wonderful,” said Adela Rodriguez, a Reading resident. “I think it’s very attractive. I think it’ll call the attention of the incoming traffic and the outcoming traffic and the people that live here.”
The sign features large red letters that spell out READING alongside a black and red cutout of the city’s most recognizable landmark, the Pagoda atop Mount Penn. It’s located in the courtyard in front of the Berks Community Health Center in the 800 block of Penn Street, topping off a turnaround for a section of the city some used to describe as “sketchy.”
“Our aim was to bring new life into this space, and I think we accomplished that,” said Reading Mayor Eddie Morán.
“It wasn’t a pretty sight before it was revitalized,” added Councilman Jaime Baez Jr. “When we look at the northern side and how roads were being paved and we look at the parks and how they are being fixed up, I think this is crucial for District Two so we can see the administration is really working around the city and not just in one area.”
It’s a nearly one-million-dollar revitalization project for that section of the city.
“This outdoor courtyard, which is intended to serve as a space of neighborhood events like the annual Berks Community Health Fair, is a prime example of a dedication promoting a sense of community,” Morán said.
69 News photographer Chad Blimline shows how the new READING sign on Penn Street makes for a unique selfie spot. The Pagoda atop Mount Penn can be seen in the distance.
WFMZ-TV | Chad Blimline
City officials and residents said they hope it’s a sign of things to come, as people could already be seen Monday morning snapping photos in front of the brand-new sign, making for a unique selfie spot.
“It puts us to stop and appreciate the city of Reading, our community,” Adela said.