A zoning map is presented during an April 15, 2025 Norristown Municipal Council work session. (Image courtesy Municipality of Norristown)
A proposed large-scale development project on the grounds of the Norristown State Hospital has cleared a major hurdle as municipal officials implemented a mixed-use overlay.
The unanimous authorization last week to revise the municipality’s zoning map and text amendment was necessary in order to realize plans to transform 68 acres of previously occupied state-owned land that were deeded to the municipality for development.
“The goal of this ordinance was to accomplish the vision we started two years ago with our proposed concept plan in response to the RFP,” said Tony Maras, founder and principal of Pinnacle Realty Development Co. “This ordinance is written to facilitate that development. Without this ordinance, this project could not proceed forward.”
The land is currently zoned institutional, according to Musonye, which presents a logistical challenge to execute the Preserve at Stony Brook.
A years-long process focusing on land planning and feasibility preceded the state conveying the acreage, valued at $4.7 million, for municipal development, officials said. The Montgomery County Redevelopment Authority had been in possession of the state-owned property on behalf of Norristown. Developers, municipal and Montgomery County Redevelopment Authority officials signed an agreement of sale in late February.
The development is slated to include 36,000 square feet of restaurants and a supermarket, 202,000 square feet of flex, technology and office space, 453 new homes classified as “modern affordable housing,” as well as 288 apartments, according to Norristown Planning and Municipal Development Director Jayne Musonye.
Municipal officials stressed the need for the implementation of the mixed-use overlay for developers to “encourage and permit uses that are compatible and complementary with the historic character of the community and areas surrounding the Institutional Zoning District and will assist in Norristown’s Economic Development Revitalization strategy.”
Musonye underscored at an April council session how the overlay casts a wide net of “permitted uses,” as related to commercial, industrial, residential, retail, and service components. Some optional usage includes theatres, performing arts venues, offices, banks, technology and medical offices, restaurants, shops, barbers, and drycleaners.
Additionally, residential use encompasses mid-rise apartments, garden style apartments as well as mixed-use apartments and townhomes, she said. Parking and public transit connectivity were also raised as Musonye highlighted public access features such as green spaces and a water feature.
Officials convened a hearing prior to voting, but no public comment was offered. Maras characterized the ordinance as a “living and breathing document that could evolve.” Maras noted several initiatives taking place, such as the completion of the “asbestos inspection,” as preliminary measures continue.
“We will hopefully start seeing the master plan hopefully by the end of the summer,” he said.
In other business, two probationary police officers were sworn in during the June 17 work session. Jacob Drummer and Alexander Wharton were surrounded by their loved ones as Magisterial District Judge Denise Ashe administered the oath of office.
The Norristown Police Department continues to revive its ranks as it operates without its leading law enforcement officer. Lt. James Angelucci has served as interim chief since December following the resignation of former Chief Jacqueline Bailey-Davis. The police force declined throughout Bailey-Davis’ tenure, with 11 vacancies identified at one point prior to her departure. The department recorded 58 “sworn personnel,” with 40 uniformed officers and 18 leading law enforcement officials as of December 2024. The department has “52 deployable officers” as of late June, according to Angelucci.
Municipal officials plan to hold two community meetings with three finalists. Two sessions will take place at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 10 inside Municipal Hall’s council chambers at 235 E. Airy St. in Norristown. Those interested are encouraged to send in questions ahead of the meetings through an online forum on the municipality’s website.
Employees of the Month
Three members of Norristown’s Public Works Department were recognized as the June employees of the month for their efforts helping a resident in distress.
Earl Bechtel, Trey Carter and Rashidi Santos were working on May 29 along the Schuylkill River Trail near Haws Avenue when they observed a who “appeared to be ‘not acting right,’” according to Municipal Administrator Leonard Lightner. They checked on him and called 911 and was later transported to the hospital. Officials noted the man was “reported missing the previous evening and had spent the night outside in the elements.” Officials later found the man “suffers from dementia and was unable to provide his own identifying information.”
Lightner commended the trio of public works crew members for their vigilance.
“They’re out there and … they saw a person with dementia, and they stopped, and they helped,” Lightner said last week.
“Thank you very much. We’re very grateful for the work that you do,” said Norristown Municipal Council President Rebecca Smith as her words were met with applause from the crowd.
The next Norristown Municipal Council work is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15 at Municipal Hall. Visit norristown.org for more information.
