Phoenixville's SteelTown Village To Begin Construction

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — A groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the future SteelTown Village in Phoenixville was held on Wednesday, signifying the launch of a sometimes controversial project that will bring 48 new affordable housing units to the borough.

Talks have been underway for some time for the new development, a project of Petra Community Housing, which will cater to veterans, the elderly, families, and individuals with disabilities. It will be located on Mason and Wheatland Streets, just off of Route 23.

Detractors of SteelTown pointed toward the potential impact on traffic and infrastructure, and the project, which had been formally proposed last September, seemed stalled in March. Organizers feared missed deadlines could mean a loss of funding, and supporters mobilized with a petition to usher the project along. Borough Council gave final approval for SteelTown that month.

Petra has characterized the $13 million SteelTown project as a solution to the increased development in the town.

"As Phoenixville continues its trend of rapid population growth and luxury offerings, the opportunities for existing, lower-income residents are dwindling," a Petra spokesperson said.

The development will include 48 rental units ranging from one bedroom to three bedrooms.

Artistic rendering of SteelTown via Petra