Lower Pottsgrove Township Reviews Final Stages of Construction Plan

Old plans for a new plant were discussed at the Lower Pottsgrove Township board of commissioners meeting on Thursday.

President and CEO of Gorski Industries Gerald Gorski and president of Bassett Industries David Milks came before the board to seek clarification on permits needed for the final phase of construction on a new plant for the company.

Bassett Industries specializes in fabrication and distribution technology. Construction for their new plant began 20 years ago as part of an approved plan to build the plant in phases. With the final stages of construction about to begin, changes have been made to the original development plan to include a retaining wall and driveway.

The board previously decided the changes would require the application of a new land development permit, a process that Gorski and Milks feel would be costly and time-consuming.

The new additions to the plant fall within the original area approved for development; Gorski and Milks feel this allows them to be relieved of a land development permit and, instead, submit an amended recorded plan.

The board decided to table the issue until it reviews the original land development plan and compares it to the amended plan proposed by Gorski and Milks.

After the meeting, Gorski and Milks expressed concerns over the amount of time and paperwork needed to finish construction in Pottstown.

“It’s too hard to get work done around here,” said Milks.

The board also recognized receipt of a $433,333 grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development. The grant stems from the H20 PA Act, which provides for single or multi-year grants to municipalities or municipal authorities to assist with the construction of drinking water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer projects.

The Lower Pottsgrove Township board of commissioners will hold their next regularly scheduled meeting on June 6.