4. THE GREENWAY BUILDING BLOCKS

• West Pottsgrove Township • Pottstown Borough • Lower Pottsgrove Township • Limerick Township • Royersford Borough • Upper Providence Township • Lower Providence Township • West Norriton Township • Upper Merion Township Norristown Borough • Bridgeport Borough Plymouth Township • Conshohocken Borough • West Conshohocken Borough • Whitemarsh Township • Lower Merion Township • West Pottsgrove Township • Pottstown Borough Lower Pottsgrove Township • Limerick Township Royersford Borough • Upper Providence Township • Lower Providence Township • West Norriton Township • Upper Merion Township • Norristown Borough Bridgeport Borough • Plymouth Township Conshohocken Borough • West Conshohocken Borough • Whitemarsh Township • Lower Merion Township West Pottsgrove Township • Pottstown Borough • Lower Pottsgrove Township Limerick Township • Royersford Borough • Upper Providence Township Lower Providence Township • West Norriton Township • Upper Merion Township Norristown Borough • Bridgeport Borough Plymouth Township • Conshohocken Borough • West Conshohocken Borough • Whitemarsh Township • Lower Merion Township • West Pottsgrove Township Pottstown Borough Lower Pottsgrove Township • Limerick Township Royersford Borough • Upper Providence Township • Lower Providence • Upper Providence Township • Lower Providence Township • West Norriton Township • Upper Merion Township Norristown Borough • Bridgeport Borough Plymouth Township • Conshohocken Borough • West Conshohocken Borough • Whitemarsh Township • Lower Merion Township • West Pottsgrove Township • Pottstown Borough Lower Pottsgrove Township • Limerick Township Royersford Borough • Upper Providence Township • Lower Providence Township • West Norriton Township • Upper Merion Township • Norristown Borough Bridgeport Borough • Plymouth Township Conshohocken Borough • West Conshohocken Borough • Whitemarsh Township • Lower Merion Township West Pottsgrove Township • Pottstown Borough • Lower Pottsgrove Township Limerick Township • Royersford Borough • Upper Providence Township Lower Providence Township • West Norriton Township • Upper Merion Township Norristown Borough • Bridgeport Borough Plymouth Township • Conshohocken Borough • West Conshohocken Borough • Whitemarsh Township • Lower Merion Township • West Pottsgrove Township Pottstown Borough Lower Pottsgrove Township • Limerick Township Royersford Borough • Upper Providence Township • Lower Providence • Upper Providence Township • Lower Providence Township • West Norriton Township • Upper Merion Township Norristown Borough • Bridgeport Borough Plymouth Township • Conshohocken Borough • West Conshohocken Borough • Whitemarsh Township • Lower Merion Township • West Pottsgrove Township • Pottstown Borough Lower Pottsgrove Township • Limerick Township Royersford Borough • Upper Providence Township • Lower Providence Township • West Norriton Township • Upper Merion Township • Norristown Borough Bridgeport Borough • Plymouth Township Conshohocken Borough • West Conshohocken Borough • Whitemarsh Township • Lower Merion Township West Pottsgrove Township • Pottstown Borough • Lower Pottsgrove Township Limerick Township • Royersford Borough • Upper Providence Township Lower Providence Township • West Norriton Township • Upper Merion Township Norristown Borough • Bridgeport Borough Plymouth Township • Conshohocken Borough • West Conshohocken Borough • Whitemarsh Township • Lower Merion Township • West Pottsgrove Township Pottstown Borough Lower Pottsgrove Township • Limerick Township Royersford Borough • Upper Providence Township • Lower Providence • Upper Providence Township • Lower Providence Township • West Norriton Township • Upper Merion Township Norristown Borough • Bridgeport Borough Plymouth Township • Conshohocken Borough • West Conshohocken Borough • Whitemarsh Township • Lower Merion Township • West Pottsgrove Township • Pottstown Borough Lower Pottsgrove Township • Limerick Township Royersford Borough • Upper Providence Township • Lower Providence Township • West Norriton Township • Upper Merion Township • Norristown Borough Bridgeport Borough • Plymouth Township Conshohocken Borough • West Conshohocken Borough • Whitemarsh Township • Lower Merion Township West Pottsgrove Township • Pottstown Borough • Lower Pottsgrove Township Limerick Township • Royersford Borough • Upper Providence Township Lower Providence Township • West Norriton Township • Upper Merion Township Norristown Borough • Bridgeport Borough Plymouth Township • Conshohocken Borough • West Conshohocken Borough • Whitemarsh Township • Lower Merion Township • West Pottsgrove Township Pottstown Borough Lower Pottsgrove Township • Limerick Township Royersford Borough • Upper Providence Township • Lower Providence • Upper Providence Township • Lower Providence Township • West TheNorriton Schuylkill Township •River Upper Merionis the Townshipheart of Norristown Borough • Bridgeport Borough Plymouth Township • ConshohockenMontgomery Borough • West County’s Conshohocken Greenway...... Borough • Whitemarsh Township • Lower Merion Township • West Pottsgrove Township • Pottstown Borough Lower Pottsgrove Township • Limerick Township Royersford Borough • Upper Providence Township • Lower Providence Township • West Norriton Township • Upper Merion Township • Norristown Borough Bridgeport Borough • Plymouth Township Conshohocken Borough • West Conshohocken Borough • Whitemarsh Township • Lower Merion Township West Pottsgrove Township • Pottstown Borough • Lower Pottsgrove Township Limerick Township • Royersford Borough • Upper Providence Township Lower Providence Township • West Norriton Township • Upper Merion Township Norristown Borough • Bridgeport Borough Plymouth Township • Conshohocken Borough • West Conshohocken Borough • Whitemarsh Township • Lower Merion Township • West Pottsgrove Township Pottstown Borough Lower Pottsgrove Township • Limerick Township Royersford Borough • Upper Providence Township • Lower Providence • Upper Providence Township • Lower Providence Township • West Norriton Township • Upper Merion Township Norristown Borough • Bridgeport Borough Plymouth Township • Conshohocken Borough • West Conshohocken Borough • Whitemarsh Township • Lower Merion Township • West Pottsgrove Township • Pottstown Borough Lower Pottsgrove Township • Limerick Township Royersford Borough • Upper Providence Township • Lower Providence Township • West Norriton Township • Upper Merion Township • Norristown Borough Bridgeport Borough • Plymouth Township Conshohocken Borough • West Conshohocken Borough • Whitemarsh Township • Lower Merion Township West Pottsgrove Township • Pottstown Borough • Lower Pottsgrove Township Limerick Township • Royersford Borough • Upper Providence Township Lower Providence Township • West Norriton Township • Upper Merion Township Norristown Borough • Bridgeport Borough Plymouth Township • Conshohocken Borough • West Conshohocken Borough • Whitemarsh Township • Lower Merion Township • West Pottsgrove Township Pottstown Borough Lower Pottsgrove Township • Limerick Township Royersford Borough • Upper Providence Township • Lower Providence • Upper Providence Township • Lower Providence Township • West Norriton Township • Upper Merion Township Norristown Borough • Bridgeport Borough Plymouth Township • Conshohocken Borough • West Conshohocken Borough • Whitemarsh Township • Lower Merion Township • West Pottsgrove Township • Pottstown Borough Lower Pottsgrove Township • Limerick

73 74 4.6 Regional Linkages

4.6.1 Adjacent Counties

Philadelphia

In , the section of the known as the Manayunk Recreational Path is undergoing improvements that will eventually create a seamless connection between Montgomery County’s riverfront trail and the parks and amenities along the river through the city. The Manayunk Path will begin at the Montgomery County line and bring trail users to important recreational and alternative commuter routes along both sides of the Schuylkill River and along Forbidden Drive through the Wissahickon / Valley Green portion of Fairmount Park. Additional connecting will ultimately connect the Art Museum – Fairmount Waterworks area to Schuylkill River Park in Center City and the West River Drive pathway system.

The large amount of land already preserved along the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, and trail and greenway plans currently in progress, make it quite likely that a continuous greenway will eventually follow the river all the way to its confluence with the Delaware. Many of the City’s unique cultural, historic, educational, and economic amenities will be accessible along this greenway and thus available to greenway visitors upriver in Montgomery County.

Murals along Manayunk Towpath Manayunk welcomes visitors Manayunk is a conveniently located riverfront location whose restaurants, shops, and offices are becoming a destination for tourists and residents alike throughout the region. This area serves as an important model for revitalization and adaptive reuse of former industrial areas. A cooperative heritage tourism program can benefit both the City and Montgomery and Chester Counties by increasing visitor interest in the region’s rich variety of cultural and historic features.

Chester County

Major trail projects currently under design will create significant bicycle and pedestrian linkages between the Montgomery and Chester County sides of the river. When completed, the Chester Valley Trail will facilitate connections between King of Prussia in Upper Merion Township and Downingtown in Chester County in addition to providing transportation options between King of Prussia and the Norristown side of the river. The , after crossing into Chester County from Mont Clare to Phoenixville, will extend via privately developed trails in Phoenixville to join Chester County’s section of this trail. Seven riverfront municipalities in Chester County will be linked to the river by the Schuylkill River Trail, which will recross the river into Montgomery County just below Pottstown Borough.

138 The Schuylkill River Trail represents a collaboration between the two counties, with Montgomery County responsible for extending the trail upriver from Oaks to Mont Clare, and Chester County taking the lead on implementing the trail from Mont Clare to the Berks County border. Parks, open space, and historic sites on both sides of the river in areas such as Mont Clare / Phoenixville, Frick’s Lock, and Pottstown, make the shared greenway community a rich visitor experience, with natural and cultural features enhancing each other as recreational, scenic, and educational amenities. The intact canal area at Mont Clare in Montgomery County and the deserted 19th-century village of Frick’s Lock in Chester County are special examples of visitor destination areas immediately adjacent to the river.

Restoration of the Foundry Building near French Creek in Phoenixville

The revitalizing Borough of Phoenixville adds opportunities for shopping, dining, and recreation in an area of pedestrian-friendly streets and historic architecture. A façade restoration project at the historic Colonial Theater exemplifies Phoenixville’s interest in preserving its unique community character. The French Creek Center, a large mixed-use development proposed for a former industrial area along the French Creek, plans to stimulate economic development through adaptive reuse and appropriate blending of new office, retail, and residential space. A major amenity in this area is the restored historic Foundry Building, where Phoenixville Area Economic Development Corporation is creating a “Symbols of Steel” Sculpture Garden. Work on a Schuylkill Valley Visitors’ Center at the Foundry Building will begin in Spring 2003.

Berks County

The Thun Trail, a project of Schuylkill River Greenway Association, will eventually link Montgomery County at the West Pottsgrove border up the Schuylkill River through Berks County to the City of Reading. A section of the Thun Trail beginning at old Morlatton Village in Douglassville, Berks County, is due to open in 2002. This trail section includes a redecked railroad trestle that provides pedestrian and bicycle access between Douglass Township and the Birdsboro area. Morlatton Village is a premier example of the scenic and historic amenities associated with the river in Berks County.

Old Morlatton Village and beginning of Thun Trail

139 The City of Reading has recently begun a renewed focus on the Schuylkill River as a front door for city revitalization. Schuylkill River Greenway Association has also begun a study of a major recreational node on the river trail at Hamburg, north of Reading. From Hamburg, the John B. Bartram Trail is under implementation north to Schuylkill Haven in Schuylkill County. These trail projects, with Reading as a key urban center along the river, provide an opportunity for a continuous greenway stretching from Montgomery County to the river’s headwaters.

4.6.2 Other Regional Influences

Regional Planning in the Pottstown Area

In 1998, the Pottstown Historical Society began a concept-planning process to study how Montgomery County can locate a new park in and around the “Pottsgroves”. This plan suggested that regional parks be considered in a new way to meet today’s needs for conveniently located, readily accessible passive and active recreation. The resulting John Potts Park Concept Plan proposed linking the Pottsgrove communities together rather than creating enclaves of separated open space. The park could serve as an economic catalyst for the continued revitalization of Pottstown and the Pottsgroves and help to re-establish these communities as the focus of western Montgomery County. This park concept was an early example of how a greenway could be more than trails and open space.

More recently, the Pottstown Metropolitan Regional Planning Commission has focused on land use, quality of life issues, and opportunities for achieving regional objectives through cooperation on land-use regulations, shared initiatives, and continued communication. The riverfront municipalities of Lower Pottsgrove, Pottstown, and West Pottsgrove in Montgomery County and North and East Coventry Townships in Chester County are members of this Regional Planning Commission.

Schuylkill River Sojourn

In June 1999, Schuylkill River Greenway Association’s first annual Schuylkill River Sojourn drew attention to the special recreational and scenic opportunities along the Schuylkill River. Montgomery County Commissioners’ Voyage of Rediscovery was a parallel event that explored the unique character of the 42- mile river section in Montgomery County. The Sojourn was thus an event that set the stage for developing a greenway that would incorporate open space and trails into revitalized, more livable communities.

The County’s vision of the Schuylkill River as the catalyst for new life in aging communities has particular resonance for riverfront boroughs such as Norristown, struggling to maintain its role as destination for County-seat activities, and Pottstown, where economic decline has resulted from loss of formerly successful commerce and industry.

Schuylkill River Water Trail

A partnership project between Schuylkill River Greenway Association and the PA Fish and Boat Commission, the trail facilitates use of, and access to, the river includes a map highlighting points of access, amenities, water conditions, and portage routes and locations. Official water trail stops in Montgomery County include Pottstown Riverfront Park, Limerick’s Linfield Landing Park, and Norristown’s Riverfront Park.

140 4.6.3 Trails

Schuylkill River Trail

Montgomery County’s aggressive planning and development of a comprehensive trail network have resulted in current and potential linkages among the many parks, historic sites, older communities, and new land developments throughout the County. These regional trails are intended to provide not only recreation but also community connections and transportation alternatives. In the early 1990s, the Schuylkill River Trail opened in Montgomery County between Miquon and Valley Forge and quickly became the County’s most popular and heavily used linear park. This trail provides a riverfront experience for more than 400,000 visitors each year and is a spine for more local connections to older riverfront boroughs, a variety of parks and open space, transportation hubs, and river recreation opportunities. In Spring 2002, the Schuylkill River Trail was extended to connect with the 20-mile , opening up a direct link between the river and many of the communities in the interior of the County.

Connecting Trails

Additional trails in the planning or implementation stages will expand this network of connections throughout the County and will make the County’s Schuylkill Greenway accessible, via bicycle, foot, or horseback, to all county residents. This expanded trail network is intended to foster local linkages so that, wherever possible, residents are connected to their municipal centers, local points of interest, and to each other. Among these trails, the following will be important for creating access to Montgomery County’s Greenway Community:

The Schuylkill East Trail will be a primarily pedestrian path between Mont Clare and Pottstown that will be a more passive alternative to the regional Schuylkill River Trail on the Chester County side of the river. Pedestrian linkages may be feasible via old railroad bridges at Royersford, Sanatoga, and above the Sprogel’s Run in Lower Pottsgrove.

The Perkiomen Trail, when fully completed in 2003, will create a continuous 20-mile connection between the Schuylkill River and Montgomery County’s Green Lane Park. The Perkiomen Trail will give access to several other County parks and historic sites and will spark revitalization activities in older boroughs such as Collegeville and Schwenksville. This trail will also foster the implementation of additional regional trails through and along the Swamp Creek.

The , following the approximate route of the old Liberty Bell Trolley, will create a link between the river and the North Penn area and other rapidly developing portions of the County. This trail will include a good deal of on-road sections and may become a popular commuting alternative.

Schuylkill River Trail at Port Indian Perkiomen Trail through Collegeville Borough

141 The Chester Valley Trail will run from the Schuylkill River Trail, approximately four miles south through Upper Merion Township to the Chester County line, near the densely populated area of King of Prussia. The trail will then continue through Chester County to Downingtown.

The will run from Plymouth Township along the Plymouth Creek and then parallel the railroad and turnpike corridors through Fort Washington and Willow Grove to the Bucks County border. This trail will be important as both recreation and transportation corridor, serving major commercial and office development areas of the County.

The Wissahickon Trail has been mostly implemented as a green ribbon paralleling the between its headwaters in Montgomery Township and its confluence with the Schuylkill above Roxborough. This Wissahickon Trail corridor encompasses the Valley Green section of Fairmount Park and includes some of the most scenic wooded landscapes in the eastern part of the County. Land preservation and good stewardship in the Wissahickon corridor are extremely important to water quality in the Schuylkill River.

Wissahickon Green Ribbon in Whitemarsh Township

Other Pedestrian / Bicycle Facilities Plans

Montgomery County’s 1998 Bicycling Road Map recommends a system of on-road primary and secondary bicycle routes that should be created through roadway enhancements. As the identified roads are improved, accommodations for bicyclists, such as bike lanes and widened shoulders, are proposed. These routes, many of which connect to the river, can provide good access to the greenway. Many of the proposed on- road bicycle routes have been reinforced by municipal trail plans that recommend on-road connections via the same roads.

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission prepared a bicycle and pedestrian mobility plan for Southeastern in 1995. The recommended network for Montgomery County is consistent with the on-road bicycle and off-road trail system planned by the County.

The , a vision for an interconnected system of trails extending from Florida to Maine, will follow the tidal portion of the Schuylkill River through Philadelphia before crossing mid-city to continue up the Delaware River. The East Coast Greenway map identifies the Schuylkill River Trail to Valley Forge as a primary connecting greenway.

142 4.6.4 Statewide Greenway Objectives

PA DCNR’s Greenways Program creates a framework that is extremely appropriate and complementary to Montgomery County’s Schuylkill Greenway Community concept. Similar to the County’s planned comprehensive trail and greenway network, the State’s program is based upon a “hubs and spokes” strategy, with hubs being nodes of significant parkland, natural resources, historical / cultural features, or community facilities, and spokes being the connecting corridors. PA Greenways: An Action Plan for Creating Connections, provides a coordinated approach to making connections by creating greenways, finding that greenways add considerably to quality of life and can be an integral part of wise land use and community design. Montgomery County’s greenway along the Schuylkill River can be implemented within the context of the State’s greenway objectives and can become part of a statewide system of greenway connections.

4.6.5 Transit

Convenient public transit service is important to a developing greenway system in several ways. Public transportation that runs parallel to the River can link the resources within the river corridor. Transit service that intersects with the Greenway can help people outside of the river valley reach the greenway. Such service can offer alternatives to automobile transportation, especially with bicycle carrier facilities onboard transit vehicles. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and the Berks Area Reading Transportation Authority (BARTA) are both re-evaluating transit service within the Greenway corridor under the Cross County Metro and Schuylkill Valley Metro studies. SEPTA provides transit service to many of the Greenway communities through a combination of bus, regional rail, and trolley transport modes.

SEPTA Rail Service at Miquon Station Bus arrives in heart of Manayunk

Existing Commuter Rail

The R6 line terminating in Norristown provides regional rail service to Philadelphia and connecting points serving commuters in the Plymouth / Conshohocken / Whitemarsh area. The Norristown Transportation Center (NTC) is a hub for a number of SEPTA bus routes and is the beginning of the line for the Route 100 Trolley line to Upper Darby. The Schuylkill River Trail runs by or near Montgomery County rail stations at Norristown, Conshohocken, Spring Mill, and Miquon. SEPTA currently accommodates bicycles in rail cars during off-peak hours and has worked with various bicycling advocates to install bicycle racks at train stations.

143 Proposed Commuter Rail

Several new rail initiatives are under consideration, with public input being gathered and issues of alignment, funding, design, and engineering being explored.

The Schuylkill Valley Metro initiative is a concept for restoring passenger rail service between Philadelphia and Pottstown, most likely along the existing Norfolk Southern freight corridor. The service might eventually be extended into Berks County as far as the City of Reading. Existing train stations, such as Royersford and Pottstown, and new train stations where needed would be incorporated into this system. If successfully funded, the Schuylkill Valley Metro would be an extremely positive step toward promoting community revitalization, heritage tourism, and appropriate development in the Greenway corridor.

Norristown: A hub for proposed MetroRail

The Cross County Metro is a proposed MetroRail service that would extend from Thornton in Chester County to Trenton, NJ, along ’s Trenton Cut-Off right of way. Along this route, service would be provided to Norristown, Valley Forge, and King of Prussia. As with the Schuylkill Valley Metro, this initiative would provide opportunities for linking various greenway amenities.

Bus Service

SEPTA’s bus routes provide service to many areas of the Greenway corridor, including Pottstown, where the Pottstown Urban Transit Company provides additional local service. The Royersford / Spring City area, the Valley Forge / Phoenixville area, and the portions of the County surrounding Norristown and Conshohocken are also well served by bus routes. SEPTA is currently working on bicycle accommodations for new buses.

144 4.7 Relevant Planning Initiatives

4.7.1 The Greenway in the Regional Planning Context

Sprawl development and land-use regulations are a continuing debate within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In 1998, Governor Ridge’s 21st Century Commission called sprawl “the greatest environmental threat facing the state.” The Pennsylvania legislature recently passed legislation to reform the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code - the legislation that controls land development in the state. These reforms encourage municipalities to work cooperatively to slow sprawl and to promote sensible, regionally based growth planning.

The establishment of the Schuylkill River Greenway and the implementation of its goals can have a direct positive effect on controlling sprawl and directing development in Montgomery County. Since the Greenway Study recommendations are advisory, implementation of these recommendations will depend upon public education about the greenway project and cooperation among Montgomery County, the riverfront municipalities, and the other greenway partners.

4.7.2 Land Use and Open Space

In 1993, Montgomery County embarked on a $100 million open space program, including the provision of municipal grants to purchase and protect open space for natural resource protection and active and passive recreation. This highly successful program has permanently preserved well over 3,000 acres of open space and made open space preservation a priority in many communities. Montgomery County also makes funds available to leverage state funding for purchase of agricultural development rights. As of 2001, the County’s farmland preservation program had protected more than 5,000 acres of agricultural land.

Open space preservation is high priority in Montgomery County. Montgomery County’s 1996 Open Space Plan, Creating an Open Space Legacy, recommends protecting the Schuylkill River “corridor” as a “greenway”, and as a principal component of an interconnected, regional open space and trail network. This plan also identifies the need for additional county parkland. Montgomery County’s Comprehensive Plan Update, to be completed in 2003, reinforces the need for greenway connections, natural resource protection, and community revitalization.

145 4.7.3 Planning Resources

In addition to County comprehensive and open space plans, a variety of local and regional studies, plans, programs, and initiatives set the stage for Montgomery County’s Schuylkill River Greenway.

The Schuylkill River Watershed Conservation Plan (SRWCP), prepared in 1999 through 2001, was funded through grants from PA DCNR and The William Penn Foundation. The completion of this plan makes appropriate projects within the Schuylkill Watershed eligible for funding through DCNR’s Rivers Conservation Program. The plan makes recommendations for a variety of implementation projects that will conserve and enhance river resources. Many of the priority projects identified in the Schuylkill River Greenway Stewardship Study, including preservation of key riverfront parcels for water quality and habitat protection, riparian buffering, and reduction of non-point source pollution, may be compatible with the recommendations of the Watershed Conservation Plan. The creation of a continuous riparian protection area whenever possible within the Schuylkill’s flood plain and the protection of connected habitat corridors along the river’s tributaries would be equally beneficial to river towns and suburban communities within the Greenway. Coordination between the objectives of the Watershed Conservation Plan and the Greenway Stewardship Study will ensure that the plans are mutually complementary.

State of the Schuylkill Watershed, also supported by The William Penn Foundation, was an accompanying initiative undertaken in 2000 in which The Conservation Fund joined with more than twenty-five organizations throughout Pennsylvania to establish an indicators report for measuring future conservation efforts in the Schuylkill Watershed. The project was designed to enhance the capacity of diverse watershed groups to work together toward conservation of a vital shared resource. This report includes a comprehensive public outreach component to increase public awareness and support for future conservation efforts.

Riparian buffers protect the river near Valley Forge

146 Schuylkill River Heritage Corridor Management Action Plan, 1995, articulates the goals and objectives of the Schuylkill Heritage Corridor as designated under the Pennsylvania Heritage Parks Program. This program places strong emphasis on the agricultural, industrial, and cultural landscape components that represent the heritage of the Schuylkill River within Berks, Chester, and Montgomery Counties and Philadelphia. Through this program, the State provides Heritage Park Grants administered by Schuylkill River Greenway Association.

In 2001, the Schuylkill River Valley National Heritage Act designated the Schuylkill Watershed as a National Heritage Area in order to “conserve, interpret and develop the historical, cultural, natural, and recreational resources related to the industrial and cultural heritage of the Schuylkill River Valley of Southeastern Pennsylvania.” As administrator of this national heritage area, Schuylkill River Greenway Association is preparing a comprehensive management strategy that will be submitted in 2003 to the Secretary of the Interior. This management plan will create a regional context within which Montgomery County’s Greenway Community can develop and evolve. It will be essential that local and regional greenway plans and initiatives continue to be consistent and collaborative.

Due for completion in 2002, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission is completing a Schuylkill River Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Study, which will create transit-oriented development vision plans and zoning ordinances at five proposed Schuylkill Valley Metro station area sites along the Schuylkill River. Transit oriented development focuses on compact, high-density development adjacent to a transit site. Two of these sites, Port Kennedy and Pottstown, are within Montgomery County. Phoenixville, Chester County, and Douglassville, Berks County, are two additional sites located on the Schuylkill River. This project is federally funded through TEA-21 (Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century).

Several Land Redevelopment Programs promote the rehabilitation and reuse of abandoned or underutilized industrial properties. Montgomery County’s Brownfields Study (1999 - 2001) identified a number of these properties, and this list is being utilized by the County’s Redevelopment Authority to promote remediation and redevelopment of these sites. Many of the identified brownfields properties are located along the river, in areas where adaptive reuse could focus new economic development in river towns.

Adaptive reuse in Norristown’s West End Mrs. Smith’s Pies Property in Pottstown

In addition, Pennsylvania’s Keystone Opportunity Zone Program provides opportunities to develop appropriate properties with greatly reduced or completely eliminated state and local taxes. This program is applicable to Norristown and Pottstown. Pottstown has used this program very

147 effectively by designating an area of run-down properties along the river as a Keystone Opportunity Zone. Almost completed, the construction of a new riverfront access road, Keystone Boulevard, has set the stage for redevelopment of litter-strewn junkyards with new industrial and commercial uses. Keystone Boulevard incorporates a section of the Schuylkill River Trail and respects existing riparian woodland along the river’s edge.

Montgomery County’s Community Revitalization Program was established in 2000 to provide funding for projects that would revitalize municipalities in Montgomery County, enhance the quality of life for existing residents, and make the County’s municipalities more attractive for future residential and commercial development. It is a two-part program - the planning for and then implementation of community revitalization projects. Plans completed by the municipalities must address four required elements: economic development, housing, infrastructure and public safety. In the Greenway corridor, each of the six riverfront boroughs has either completed, or is working to complete, its revitalization plan. Many of the projects recommended as objectives in the Greenway Stewardship Study should be eligible for funding from the County’s Revitalization Program.

Linking Landscapes: The Plan for the Protected Open Space Network in Chester County, PA, provides a vision for multi-municipal open space planning on a countywide basis in Chester County. This plan builds on principles and policies established in the previous Landscape: Managing Change in Chester County 1996-2020. Linking Landscapes identifies the Schuylkill River Corridor as the most feasible location for a multi-county open space corridor involving Chester County. The plan also emphasizes many of the same priorities regarding community revitalization, natural features protection, and connected landscapes contained in the Montgomery County Schuylkill River Greenway Stewardship Study.

Old railroad bridge at Royersford – future pathway to Spring City

148 National and State Influences on The Schuylkill River Greenway

Several federal and state programs specifically target funding for potential elements in the Schuylkill River Greenway. These include:

TEA-21 (Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century): This program provides funding for bike and pedestrian trails, transportation improvements, roads, beautification, multi-modal transportation, bridges, and other potential elements of the Greenway vision. Montgomery County has utilized several of these grants for trail projects.

“Growing Smarter” legislation (signed into Pennsylvania law in June, 2000): This encourages joint municipal planning and allows the creation of locally designated growth areas. This legislation will allow Greenway municipalities to work in concert to implement the Greenway vision.

“Growing Greener” legislation (signed into law December 15, 1999): This law earmarks nearly $650 million in state funds for environmental projects. Much of the funding focuses on watershed and riparian projects with direct applications for Greenway projects.

Growing Greener riverbank restoration – Upper Schuylkill Valley Park Pennsylvania Land Recycling Program: This state program encourages and facilitates adaptive reuse of contaminated sites and directly relates to the Montgomery County program. This program facilitated the successful Millennium Project along the river in Conshohocken and may be applicable to a variety of old industrial sites in the greenway corridor.

The Millennium Project under construction The site of DEP’s future “Green” Offices Norristown Conshohocken

149 4.8 Schuylkill River Greenway in Montgomery County: Existing Conditions Maps

Montgomery County’s section of the Schuylkill River contains a wealth of natural, historic, and man- made features and facilities. Many of these provide excellent opportunities that can be emphasized in creating the Greenway. Others present challenges to be resolved in order to maximize the success of the Greenway Community. All of these existing conditions must be taken into consideration and integrated into planning and development as the Greenway evolves.

Six types of existing conditions and/or opportunities are mapped and described in the following sections. Also included is a map of Existing Land Use within the Greenway Study Area.

Utility Corridors may be good, and sometimes the only, means of forging linkages within the Greenway. At the same time, these corridors often represent complicated issues of ownership, serious concerns about safety and security, and physical and visual impediments that may require costly and long-term solutions before connections can be fully implemented.

Historic Resources are prevalent in the Greenway corridor and are the heart of the heritage approach emphasized throughout the Schuylkill River Valley National Heritage Area. These resources include remnants of agricultural and industrial activities and tell the story of the river’s early use and settlement in Montgomery County.

Natural and Scenic Features are what make the Schuylkill River corridor a unique landscape. These features provide the most compelling reason for people to come to the river but at the same time must be protected from overuse and inappropriate development that might destroy these sensitive natural systems.

Recreational Opportunities shape the ways in which people use and access the river and its adjacent greenway corridor. Many options exist for both passive and active recreation, but as usage grows, strategies for sharing the river will become increasingly important.

Greenway Implementation Opportunities are locations and projects of varying priority that can make a major contribution to the creation of the Greenway Community

Greenway Opportunities and Issues are the raw materials of the future Greenway Community. Each of these locations, features, facilities, and connections is an integral part of the Greenway in Montgomery County

Greenway Study Area is a complex mosaic of land uses that covers the entirety of each municipality within the Greenway Study Area. Although some portions of this study area do not have a direct relationship with the river, the development and preservation decisions that take place throughout the entire municipality can have a real impact on the implementation of the successful greenway corridor.

150 171 172 4.8.6 Schuylkill River Greenway Opportunities in Montgomery County

The following list describes the Schuylkill River Greenway Opportunities shown on the Issues and Opportunities Map.

1. Venice Island / Manayunk: Current and proposed commercial activities in Manayunk and Venice Island in Philadelphia provide a trailhead and activity destination for the future Greenway users. Recent residential development proposals for Venice Island have been quite controversial.

2. Lower Merion River Trail: An informal walking trail has been created by volunteer efforts between the Flat Rock Dam and Green Street in Belmont Hills. The trail is accessible from Flat Rock Park and is a leg of a potential walking loop between Conshohocken and Manayunk.

3. Flat Rock Dam: The Flat Rock Dam is the highest dam on the Schuylkill River south of Reading. The Commonwealth, which owns the dam, completely rebuilt it with concrete in 1977. The Manayunk canal begins at the eastern side of the dam. Below the dam is a popular whitewater canoeing/kayaking area. A fish ladder has been funded for the dam and is under design.

4. SEPTA R6 Norristown Line: The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA) currently operates a commuter train line from Philadelphia to Norristown along the Schuylkill River. The Schuylkill Valley Metro Project proposed by SEPTA would provide commuter service from Philadelphia to Reading along this same corridor. The rail line could provide increased access to the river for various users including tourists visiting the Philadelphia area.

5. Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education: The Schuylkill Center is a 500-acre outdoor environmental education center well known for its active land management and restoration mission and for promoting education in the region. The center serves more than 50,000 annually; many are young students from urban neighborhoods in the Philadelphia School District. The center, working with other environmental educational institutions along the river, could develop and implement Schuylkill River based environmental education programs.

6. River Park: Preferred Real Estate, Inc has rehabilitated the former Simpson Paper plant in Whitemarsh Township as a 228,000 square foot office complex. As part of this project, 30 acres of land formerly owned by the paper company have been permanently preserved as open space. River activities for workers in River Park and other riverfront offices should be considered.

7. Miquon Area Preservation Society (MAPS): This neighborhood conservation organization works to preserve open space in the Miquon area of Whitemarsh Township near the former Simpson Paper plant. In cooperation with Montgomery County Lands Trust, this group is an excellent example of how local residents can become advocates and stewards for preserved land. Additional preservation opportunities exist on remaining large private properties and on the Eagle Lodge Golf Course property.

8. VFW Post Property / Boat Launch: The Gladwyne VFW Post is located at the northern end of River Road. The VFW post includes a boat launch and several acres of riverfront land. This site presents an opportunity for future public access to the river and for public dining and catering facilities.

9. Simpson Island: Lower Merion Township owns this two-acre island lying just off the VFW property. The island could be used as the focus of environmental education and river interpretation programs. Limited camping may also be an option.

181 10. Lower Merion Township Leaf Composting Site: Lower Merion Township operates a leaf composting facility on lands recently acquired from Conrail. The property adjoins the river and may provide the potential for a trail location and other forms of passive recreation.

11. Sierra Club / : The Sierra Club developed a two-mile hiking trail along a high voltage power transmission line owned by PECO Energy in Whitemarsh Township. The trail provides spectacular views of the river. Views along the river should be made accessible for the enjoyment of residents of all ages.

12. Schuylkill River Trail: The Schuylkill River Trail parallels the river all the way from Valley Forge National Historical Park to Manayunk in Philadelphia and has recently been extended to join the Perkiomen Trail at Oaks. This trail should be integrated into other activities planned along the Greenway.

13. Spring Mill Park: The 38-acre Spring Mill Park property owned by Montgomery County provides access to the Schuylkill River Trail and the river. A master plan for this park recommends working with Whitemarsh Township to create canoe access and a riverfront path.

14. Riverbend Nature Center: This non-profit environmental education organization serves the Lower Merion Township area. The center includes offices and display areas with 31 acres of creek, field, forest and pond habitat. Riverbend could cooperate with Lower Merion Conservancy, the Schuylkill Center, and local school districts to foster river-based environmental education programs. Because this area of Lower Merion is cut off from the river by the railroad and Schuylkill Expressway, a large culvert at the end of Spring Mill Road presents one of the few opportunities for developing access to the riverfront.

15. Millennium Corporate Center: O’Neill Properties is constructing this mixed-use development along the riverfront in Conshohocken Borough. Parcels for this project were acquired under Pennsylvania’s Land Recycling Program. Conshohocken Borough has worked with the developer to make sure that public river access and river recreation amenities are included in this project.

16. Conshohocken Redevelopment Area: The Conshohocken riverfront has benefited from several redevelopment projects. Since 1985, over 900,000 square feet of office development has been completed with over one million square feet of office development on the drawing boards. Continued efforts should be undertaken to provide public access to the river with a sufficient riparian buffer in the areas of the borough that are being redeveloped.

17. West Conshohocken Redevelopment Area: Fifteen years ago, West Conshohocken was a small borough with no public sewers, no office buildings, and several old abandoned mills. Since that time over 1.4 million square feet of commercial development, including office space and a large hotel, has been completed along the riverfront. As part of these projects, a waterfront path now follows the river through a large portion of the Borough. This path is an opportunity to bring public events and activities to the riverfront and should be included in the Borough’s planning for pedestrian linkages.

18. Plymouth Creek / Cross County Bike Trail: With its headwaters in Plymouth Meeting, Plymouth Creek enters the Schuylkill at the northern end of Conshohocken Borough. The lower end of the creek could be used as parkland. The proposed Cross County Bike Trail will follow the creek and connect to Plymouth Meeting and continue to Fort Washington and beyond.

182 19. Conshohocken Area Canal Remnants: The stone shell of the Conshohocken lock tender’s house can be seen along the river near the Plymouth Dam. A linear depression in the land along the river in portions of Conshohocken Borough marks the former location of the canal. The stone walls of the lower lock appear to be intact on the Hale Pump property in Whitemarsh Township. These remnants should be preserved and made accessible to the public where possible.

20. Plymouth Dam is a rock filled timber crib dam similar to Vincent Dam. Owned by the State, this dam is in extremely poor condition and is due for removal in the near future. Removal of the structure will eliminate the need for a canoe portage and should enhance opportunities for fishing, bird watching, and non- motorized boating.

21. Brownfields Redevelopment Opportunity / Alan Wood Steel: The Alan Wood Company included a large furnace and rolling mill on the Plymouth Township side and a coking operation and power plant on the Upper Merion side. The steel plant was located along the river due to proximity to rail lines, water, and locally quarried limestone. Since the steel plant closed in 1977, much of the land on the Upper Merion side has been has been redeveloped for manufacturing facilities. A good deal of land on the Plymouth Township side remains available for redevelopment and adaptive reuse. The Schuylkill River Trail runs along the river through this area. Any redevelopment projects that take place should include connections to the trail and enhanced river access wherever possible.

22. Connection to the Montgomery County Fire Academy: The Fire Academy located on Conshohocken Road is an important County facility used to train volunteers and professionals in a variety of emergency procedures. Water rescue and other water-based emergency activities needed for the Schuylkill could be coordinated and taught through the academy. Also, the large auditorium and classroom facilities could be used for various river activities.

23. Swedeland Basin: This 14-acre desilting basin is owned by Upper Merion Township. Never used for coal silt dredging, the basin could easily be improved as riverfront open space and as a node along a future riverfront trail between West Conshohocken and Bridgeport. As with all of the wooded riverfront land in this area, care should be taken to protect riparian woodlands and sensitive floodplain areas.

24. Power Lines- PECO Property: A series of three high voltage power lines cross the river just down stream from the PA Turnpike. This utility corridor offers views and potential river access on both sides of the river.

25. Bridgeport Canal / Brownfields Redevelopment Opportunities: Most of the riverfront in Bridgeport contains the remnants of the canal. Preservation and potential restoration of portions of the canal could be undertaken in conjunction with the redevelopment of properties along the riverfront.

26. Norristown Riverfront Revitalization / Brownfields Redevelopment: Norristown is currently engaged in planning efforts to revitalize its downtown. Several initiatives are underway to implement economic development, redevelopment, and revitalization strategies. O’Neill Properties has proposed a mixed-use redevelopment plan for the riverfront involving recreation uses and commercial development. In any Norristown planning and development projects, emphasis should be placed on riverfront access, river recreation opportunities, and keeping the main street area connected to the riverfront.

27. Norristown Dam: The dam was completely encased in concrete by PECO Energy before being transferred to Montgomery County a few years ago. The Norristown Dam pool is the second largest on the river after the Fairmount Dam pool in Philadelphia and offers a variety of slack water recreation uses

183 including rowing, power boating, water skiing, and fishing. PECO is committed to the future implementation of a fish ladder to accommodate shad migration. An informal canoe portage around this dam exists on the Norristown side. A formal portage should be incorporated in any development plans for the waterfront.

28. Stony Creek: A 20 square mile area primarily in Norristown, Whitpain, and East Norriton is drained by the Stony Creek. The creek flows through the , Elmwood Park and the Elmwood Zoo prior to entering the river near Barbadoes Island just below Norristown Riverfront Park. Stony Creek offers an opportunity to develop a greenway connection between the river and the various communities around Norristown. Stony Creek Anglers is a community group that works very actively on stream cleanup projects and improvement of fish habitat in the creek.

29. Upper Merion Boat House: Upper Merion Township owns a crew rowing boat house and dock facility on the southern side of the river across from Barbadoes Island. Individuals and high school crew teams use the boathouse. Continuation and expansion of the use of the boathouse and this section of the river for rowing should be considered. Access to the boathouse and to the river could be expanded by acquisition of adjoining undeveloped riverfront properties.

30. Barbadoes Island: PECO Energy has owned Barbadoes Island, located in West Norriton Township, since 1922. Although power generation equipment still exists on the island, electricity has not been produced on the island for the past several decades. PECO maintains emergency power generation facilities along with a substation and maintenance facilities. The majority of the island is undeveloped and was once used for recreation including bathhouses and a horse-racing track. Although PECO is not currently interested in selling the island, future uses could include a variety of mixed-use development and river recreation options. Access to the island is currently extremely limited and would need to be improved.

31. Riverside and Montgomery Cemeteries: Both historic cemeteries overlook the river in West Norriton at the Norristown border. Encompassing a combined 75 acres, the properties are scenic amenities that provide a park-like setting. Montgomery Cemetery is the burial site of several notable Civil War leaders and is owned by the Historical Society of Montgomery County. Both cemeteries could be the focus of heritage tourism programs along the river.

32. Abrams and Norristown Basins / Cat Fish Dam Remnant: Three silt basins were constructed along the Upper Merion riverfront between Bridgeport and Valley Forge. Two of them, the North and Middle Abrams basins, were recently purchased and preserved by Upper Merion Township. The Norristown Basin, located between the rail line and the river is owned by Norfolk Southern and is currently undeveloped property which, when combined with other lands along the river in Upper Merion Township and Bridgeport Borough, would create a park and recreation site along the river. The end walls of the former Cat Fish Dam remain along both sides of the river. The former lock through the dam is still part of the end wall structure in Upper Merion Township immediately up river from Trout Run. This remnant could be cleaned up and made more accessible to river users.

33. Norfolk Southern Rail Road recently acquired the two-track freight line that parallels the river. This line provides a vital rail link among New York, Philadelphia and the Midwest. Several freight trains with as many as 180 cars use this rail line daily. Agreements should be made with Norfolk Southern to preserve the riverfront land the company owns and, in some cases, to make it available for public use. Future overpasses or tunnels may be necessary to accommodate public recreation access to the river.

184 34. Schuylkill Valley Metro Project: SEPTA’s proposed MetroRail project along or paralleling the existing Norfolk Southern rail line will extend commuter rail service between Philadelphia, Pottstown, and Reading. This service will enhance opportunities for heritage tourism and community revitalization in the greenway.

35. Old Betzwood Studios Property: A mixed-use development project has been proposed for a 53-acre industrial site in West Norriton Township near the Betzwood Bridge and Route 422. This site, formerly known as the Synthane Taylor facility, includes a large manufacturing building as well as earlier buildings used in the production of some of the first motion pictures made in this country. At present, this property is being considered for brownfields remediation to address soil and groundwater contamination, including heavy metals, lead, solvents, and hydrocarbons. Future uses of this site should be designed in a way that complements the riverfront and enhances the access and use of the river.

36. C and E Refractory / Future Schuylkill Valley Metro Station Site: The former C and E Refractory Facility is located across the river from the Betzwood Studios property. The industrial buildings have been demolished; however, it appears that brownfields remediation would be necessary in order to reuse the site. Redevelopment on this site should be sensitive to the location of the river and nearby Valley Forge Park.

37. Betzwood Bridge: The former Betzwood Bridge, located within Valley Forge National Historical Park, was removed in the early 1990s due to structural deterioration. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation currently plans to construct a new bridge at the former location to serve commuter traffic as well as to accommodate pedestrian, bike, and equestrian access across the river. A variety of issues relating to the impact of bridge traffic on the national park still need to be resolved. A bridge for non-motorized recreational traffic should be considered as an alternative to combining motorized and non-motorized traffic on the same bridge.

38. Catfish Lane Mobile Home Park: A mobile home park is located near the Catfish Lane Recreation Area. This private facility offers the potential for recreational vehicle-type camping near the Schuylkill River. It also represents one of the few outparcels in this area of the park and should be acquired for park use should the opportunity arise.

39. Valley Forge National Historical Park: This 3,466-acre national park preserves nationally significant historic and natural resources, and welcomes nearly two million visitors each year for historic interpretation and programs. Other uses of the park include nature appreciation, hiking, biking, and horse trails, and fishing. There are several access points to the Schuylkill, including a public boat ramp. Protection of lands within the park boundary but not owned by the National Park Service is important to the integrity of the park and should be a high priority.

40. Valley Creek / Horseshoe Trail: Valley Creek, a popular fly-fishing creek, enters the Schuylkill along the boundary with Chester County. It is the only Exceptional Value stream (highest water quality ranking) in Montgomery County and flows almost two miles through Valley Forge National Historical Park. Washington’s Headquarters is located along the Valley Creek just upstream from its mouth on the Schuylkill River. Improved access to the river along Valley Creek should be combined with improved storm water management of the Valley Creek watershed to abate severe storm water damage to the creek within Valley Forge National Historical Park.

41. Pawlings Road Thumb: St. Gabriel’s Hall is the centerpiece of an area of mostly undeveloped land that includes National Park property, the County’s Mill Grove Historic Site, and the recently developed Perkiomen Trail. Vacant lands currently under private ownership would be important additions to the public parkland and should be acquired if the opportunity arises.

185 42. Gertrude Avenue Properties: Riverfront parcels owned by Montgomery County provide an opportunity for non-motorized boat access.

43. Perkiomen Trail: The Perkiomen Trail intersects the Schuylkill River Trail near Oaks. This trail provides access to Valley Forge Park, Montgomery County’s Lower Perkiomen Valley Park, and a variety of other destinations. Property acquisition and trail development activities should continue as a high priority for the County.

44. Andrus Island: Located near the confluence of the Perkiomen Creek, Andrus Island is a 27-acre property owned by the Natural Lands Trust. The island contains some interesting native woodland species and can be an important water trail element and nature study location.

45. Oaks Desilting Basin: This 34-acre basin is currently used by a private contractor to process reclaimed coal sediments from other impounding basins. It should be preserved as open space when the coal reclamation operations are completed.

46. Schuylkill River Trail Extension: Plans are currently being developed to extend the existing Schuylkill Trail from Valley Forge to Berks County. The trail extension will provide significant recreation opportunity along the river and should be pursued as a high priority.

47. Lock 60 Mont Clare / Port Providence Canal: The Schuylkill Canal Association has maintained the 1.6-mile canal segment and Lock 60 area for nearly 20 years with the help of Upper Providence Township. The canal segment starts along the east side of Black Rock Dam. This portion of the canal and Lock 60 was part of the Schuylkill Navigation canal system completed in 1824. The navigation system consisted of 63 miles of canal, 34 dams and 109 locks and facilitated the movement of coal for industrial use along the river. Combined with the railroad system, the canal contributed to the industrial and commercial growth along the river and is an important part of its history. The County should cooperate with state and local government to assist local organizations in supporting this important heritage site.

48. Phoenix Iron Canal: This canal was used to transport iron ore, coal and other raw materials needed to make iron and steel. The canal begins on the Schuylkill River above the Black Rock Dam and ends at the former Phoenix Iron Works site along the French Creek in Phoenixville. This area is part of Montgomery County’s cooperative greenway project Schuylkilloop.

49. Black Rock Dam: PECO / Exelon maintains the Black Rock Dam to ensure cooling water supply for the Cromby power plant located between Phoenixville and Spring City in Chester County approximately three miles up river. The Dam was originally constructed as part of the Schuylkill Navigation canal system and is in good condition. A fish ladder and a safe portage around the dam are important future projects. 50. Schuylkill River East Trail: An informal unpaved pathway exists along the eastern side of the Schuylkill River between Lock 60 and the Upper Schuylkill Valley Park. This trail is part of a larger trail system being planned along the Montgomery County side of the river from Upper Providence Township to Pottstown.

51. Black Rock Natural Areas Inventory Site: The Natural Areas Inventory of Montgomery County compiled in 1995 identified the Mont Clare Cliffs and Ravines as one of the 30 sites of local significance within the County. This area was selected due to the habitat it provides for a diversity of plant life and animal species. The river corridor provides a path for many types of songbirds and is a popular bird watching location. Development taking place on properties along the top of these cliffs must carefully respect the sensitive natural features. The County should protect these areas through acquisition or conservation easement.

186 52. Black Rock Impounding Basin: The basin comprises 54 acres. About 10% of the basin’s capacity is filled by coal silt that was captured when the Black Rock Dam pool was dredged in 1950. The basin is currently owned by Chester County and is being restored as a natural area called Audubon’s Schuylkill River.

53. River Crest / Malickson Properties: These properties comprise more than several hundred areas and are currently being developed as a large golf course community. Both properties contain wooded ravines that should be carefully protected from development impacts. The developer / owners of both properties have been cooperative in working with the County to ensure riverfront preservation and public access.

54. Pennsylvania Fish Commission Access: A substantial powerboat access facility is located along the river in Chester County near the Route 113 Bridge. The large area of slack water created by the Black Rock Dam is a popular location for power boating. Conflicts between various recreational uses and natural resource protection will need to be resolved in this area.

55. Upper Schuylkill Valley Park: The Upper Schuylkill Valley Park, founded in 1972, now comprises 154 acres along the north bank of the Schuylkill River. The park includes a picnic grove and access to the river for non-motorized boating and fishing. Animal exhibits at the park continue to be a popular attraction for Montgomery County families. The Montgomery County Geriatric facility is located next to the park. A master plan for the park is under implementation, and various stream restoration and greenway projects are in the planning stages.

56. Mingo Silt Basin, encompassing 49 acres, is a current coal reclamation project. This property should be restored and preserved as open space.

57. Royersford Borough Brownfields Redevelopment: Many old industrial sites along Royersford’s riverfront are vacant and available for redevelopment or adaptive reuse. Assistance for eligible projects may be available from Montgomery County Redevelopment Authority’s brownfields program.

58. Trinley Mill Road Extension: An old public road right of way is located downriver from the existing Trinley Mill Road. It stretches about a mile past this road and passes under the Norfolk Southern rail line, connecting with Major Hollow Road and perhaps to Royersford. Ownership of this road should be investigated, and if possible, the road should be reestablished as a trail.

59. Linfield Landing Park: The park was purchased by Limerick Township in 1984 with a grant from Montgomery County. This 6-acre park provides a boat launch and picnicking facilities and is an official Water Trail Landing. The Township should expand this park by connecting it to the State Game Lands a short distance upriver.

60. Vincent Dam: The Vincent Dam, also formerly known as the Knickerbocker Dam, was one of 7 dams built in Montgomery County during the early 1800’s to make the river navigable for canal boats hauling coal and food to Philadelphia. The dam is fully breached and quickly deteriorating. The Pennsylvania Bureau of Mine Reclamation owns the dam and will remove it when funds become available.

61. Pennsylvania Game Lands: This 155-acre property just above Vincent Dam is maintained by the Pennsylvania Game Commission for hunting at various times during the year. Public access for walking paths is permitted if safety regulations are observed. This property provides access to the riverfront and the dam. A riverfront trail should be extended downriver to Linfield Landing Park and upriver into the vacant distillery property. 187 62. Linfield Distillery Brownfields Redevelopment Site: The former Continental Distillery located in Linfield contains approximately 180 acres with large vacant warehouses. It has been subdivided but is currently undeveloped. Trail access and an extensive buffer area along the river should be secured as part of any development proposals. An historic house toward the river should be protected and restored if possible as an historic site.

63. Parkersford: On September 19, 1777, General George Washington forded the river with his Continental Army at Parker’s Ford. He stopped at the Evans house at the “neck” of the river in Linfield to dry his pants by the fireplace and write a letter to the President of Congress. This house is currently standing, although its condition is deteriorating. This historic crossing should be commemorated through a heritage tourism interpretive program.

64. Frick’s Lock Historic Area: This deserted village is owned by PECO / Exelon and must remain uninhabitated due to safety regulations for the generating station across the river. PECO is currently cooperating with Chester County and local organizations to restore portions of this village as an historic interpretive area. This will be an important point of interest along the future Schuylkill River Trail.

65. Limerick Nuclear Power Generation Station: The large nuclear power plant owned by PECO / Exelon occupies 587 acres in Limerick and Lower Pottsgrove Townships. The cooling towers are landmarks that can be seen from long distances. Major transmission lines cross the landscape in several directions. Although this property is somewhat preserved because of public utility regulations, the fields and riparian woodlands would benefit from a permanent conservation easement and a native landscape management plan. When safety issues permit, the riverfront portion of this property provides the location of the proposed Schuylkill East Trail. Appropriate public access will be a high priority long-term goal.

66. Linfield Basin: This 50-acre desilting basin was recently acquired by Chester County and will be eventually restored as a natural habitat area.

67. Sanatoga Basin: This 67-acre desilting basin has also been acquired by Chester County and will become a natural area, part of the Audubon’s Schuylkill River project. This basin is an important future location for several trail linkages that may cross the river on no longer used railroad trestles.

68. Pottstown Trap Rock Quarry: This quarry is used for the mining of trap rock and is currently being expanded. This operation is a high-impact industrial activity immediately along the river, and its effect on the river and greenway should be studied and monitored.

69. Sanatoga Road Connection: The bridge surface across the Schuylkill at Sanatoga was removed a number of years ago, leaving the bridge piers in place. A decorative stone underpass once led under the railroad near the confluence of the Sanatoga Creek. The bridge piers could be redecked and become a pedestrian / bicycle bridge to the Chester County side of the river.

70. Occidental Chemical Corporation: OxyChem occupies the former Firestone Tire plant located on 260 acres within the bend in the river below Pottstown. Currently OxyChem produces PVC resins on site. Another portion of the property is leased for warehouse space. Portions of the site contain chemical landfills that have been remediated under Superfund. Undeveloped land along the riverfront and a 40-acre vacant meadow are important natural buffers for the river. Oxychem has expressed willingness to explore opportunities for conservation and limited public access along the riverfront portion of the property.

188 71. Linkage to Schuylkill River Trail: Montgomery County is working with PENNDOT to incorporate a trail crossing on the reconstructed Route 422 Expressway Bridge just above the Oxychem site. At this location, the Schuylkill River Trail will come back into Montgomery County, where it will continue upriver through Pottstown into Berks County.

72. Relocation of Rail Siding: A rail spur borders the river from the Montgomery Community College area of Pottstown down to the Oxychem facility. This rail line currently serves only Oxychem, and it could be relocated without interrupting that service. Since the rail spur separates the riverbank from possible trail and river access locations, its realignment would greatly facilitate the proposed bicycle / pedestrian trail.

73. John Potts Park: A coalition of business and civic groups in the Pottstown Area recently developed a proposal for a regional park called John Potts Park. The park would extend from Lower Pottsgrove Township, Pottstown Borough and West Pottsgrove Township through a Greenway along the Schuylkill River and Manatawny Creek. The park would connect Pottsgrove Mansion, Montgomery County Community College, Sanatoga Park, the Thun Trail, and Memorial Park. In addition to the park features, road improvements are proposed to stimulate the redevelopment of brownfields properties that border on the proposed park.

74. Manatawny Creek: The Manatawny Creek drains 85 square miles in both Montgomery and Berks County. A dam near the creek’s confluence was removed several years ago, and the stream corridor is currently shifting and adjusting to its new conditions. The Berks County Conservancy is currently developing a river conservation plan for the Manatawny Creek watershed. An underutilized rail line, the Colebrookdale Spur, parallels the Creek through West Pottsgrove Township into Berks County. The acquisition of this rail spur could create an exceptional rail trail and greenway extending from Pottstown to Boyertown. Montgomery and Berks Counties should cooperate with local public agencies and private organizations to secure ownership of this corridor and implement a regional greenway.

75. Brownfields Development/KOZ Area: Vacant or underutilized industrial properties stretch from Hanover Street in Pottstown to the former Stanley Flagg Property in West Pottsgrove Township. These properties have great potential for brownfields redevelopment. The Keystone Opportunity Zone designation offers important tax-free incentives to future property owners.

76. Riverfront Lands in West Pottsgrove / Route 422: The majority of riverfront land in West Pottsgrove Township is separated from the interior of the Township by the Route 422 expressway. PENNDOT is considering options for improving and realigning this section of the expressway. This creates an opportunity for riverfront land preservation and new access locations across the highway right-of-way.

77. Thun Trail: This Berks County portion of the regional trail is a project of Schuylkill River Greenway Association and has been completed for some distance between Douglassville and Birdsboro. The completion of the Pottstown / West Pottsgrove segment of the Schuylkill River Trail will bring this regional trail to the Berks County line. A cooperative effort should encourage the completion of the Thun Trail between West Pottsgrove and Douglassville.

189 Manayunk streetscape Power lines in Plymouth Township

Small business opportunity along the trail Vacant land near Upper Merion Boathouse

Temporary Betzwood pedestrian bridge Riverfront land awaits access in Limerick

190