Spring City Borough Council appointed nine members to a comprehensive plan task force during its Monday, November 2, meeting, taking another step toward updating the borough's 34-year-old comprehensive plan.
Comprehensive Plan Task Force Takes Shape
The task force will work with the Chester County Planning Commission to help develop a long-term vision for Spring City, addressing land use, infrastructure, roads, parks, and other community priorities.
The group is limited to nine members, including all five members of the borough's planning commission:
- Dan Bauman
- Deshana Battelle
- Taylor Boyd
- Doug Amlin
- Brandon Woll, who also serves on borough council
Council filled the remaining four positions with the following appointees:
- Matt Handley, borough councilor
- Tash Kassam, borough property owner and local real estate investor
- Matt Doyen, borough resident and owner of the Local Things general store on Main Street
- Rachel Joffred, borough resident
Joffred volunteered during the meeting after Councilor Sara Woll questioned whether the opportunity to serve on the task force had been sufficiently publicized.
Council had also considered Gina Aiello, a borough resident and alternate member of the zoning hearing board, but ultimately approved a slate that included Joffred instead. Aiello had expressed interest via email but was not present during Monday's meeting.
Borough Manager Kisha Tyler explained that the planning process is expected to take 18 to 24 months, with the task force's first meeting anticipated in December. The process will be guided by Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code, which establishes requirements for comprehensive planning.
Tyler emphasized that residents who are not appointed to the task force will still have opportunities to participate through public meetings and stakeholder discussions.
The updated comprehensive plan, the borough's first since 1992, will help guide future development decisions and establish priorities for Spring City's growth and infrastructure needs.
New Faces on Borough Committees
Council also appointed Becca Fitzpatrick to the parks and recreation committee, filling a vacancy created by the resignation of longtime member and former borough councilor Paul Kern.
Handley, who serves as the chair of the committee, thanked Kern for his years of service and described Fitzpatrick as a borough resident eager to become more involved in the community.
"She's very passionate about supporting the work of Parks and Rec, getting involved, being hands-on," Handley said.
Council also appointed Alison Herget and Lisa Scott to the environmental advisory council (EAC), expanding its membership from three to five.
Herget, a borough resident for more than three years, has participated in cleanup efforts along the Schuylkill River Trail. Scott, a 20-year resident, has an interest in community gardening and experience with the Phoenixville Green Team.
EAC Chair and Councilor Dylan Hutchinson introduced both appointees, highlighting their interest in supporting the council's environmental initiatives. The EAC was established earlier this year.
