Phoenixville Survey Favors Open-Air Downtown Dining

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — It looks like restaurant patrons can continue to enjoy the open-air dining experience in downtown Phoenixville this spring, according to the results of an online survey.

A total of 62.3% of the 2,619 people participating in a survey concluded that the borough of Phoenixville should continue with the open-air experience every weekend.

The six-day survey was conducted online to determine if the public favored continuing to close the primary area downtown to motorists.

Phoenixville has transformed from a steel town to a popular dining and tourist destination.
The open-air proposal calls for closing the 100 and 200 blocks of Bridge Street from May 6 to Nov. 7.

The borough Parks and Recreation Committee Tuesday night recommended referring the survey results to borough council.

Council is expected to discuss the survey results at its next public meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 8.

The borough began open-air dining in 2020 during the pandemic when Gov. Tom Wolf ordered restaurants to halt indoor dining to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Kelly Getzfread, assistant borough manager, said the survey was available on social media, the borough’s website, and other sources.

She said safety is the number one priority of the 3.87-square mile borough.

A total of 90.91%, or 2,381 or those taking the survey, patronized the open-air experience, while 9.09% did not, according to the survey.

According to the survey results, 646 participants, or 24.6% recommended closing the area only once a month.

In addition, 176 participants, or 6.72% recommended not closing the area at all.