READING, Pa. – Photos taken in June show people climbing scaffolding at Reading’s iconic Pagoda, which remains closed for major renovations.
It’s one of several reasons safety concerns are still making headlines, even after a proposal to ban events at the Pagoda failed to move forward during Monday night’s Reading City Council meeting.
“While I am disappointed in what transpired last night, we continue on our goal to reopen the Pagoda,” said Joey Miranda, president of the Reading Pagoda Foundation.
The proposed ordinance would have banned events at all city-owned properties under construction, including the Pagoda. It would have allowed police to remove people and issue a $35 fine. But it didn’t get enough support to even come to a vote.
Jace Codi | WFMZ-TV
Miranda says the goal was simple: safety.
“Just people not respecting the fact that this is an active construction site. Some people had actually jumped the fence and were on the scaffolding, jeopardizing the integrity of the work that is being performed here,” Miranda explained.
But many community members, including those with the group Barrio Alegría, argue safe, permitted events should still be allowed.
“They were hosting a yoga event, and because of the heat it ended up being a hot yoga event. But it was excellent, everything was serene and calm,” said Lisa Gonzalez, a Reading resident.
Gonzalez says events like these are positive for the community and shouldn’t be penalized.
“I don’t think that people should be penalized for having events that it’s already been discussed and it’s proven safe,” she said.
While the proposal failed, the conversation about public safety and access at the Pagoda is far from over.