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Reading Zoning Board Approves Conversion of Historic Buildings into Apartments

Issue #015

November 10th, 2023

In this issue of Reading Local Scoop

 📆. Enormous List of Events This Coming Week!

 ⛪︎ Reading Community Commemorates 85th Anniversary of Kristallnacht

⛪︎ Reading Zoning Board Approves Conversion of Historic Buildings into Apartments

👮🏼‍♂️ Arrest Warrants Issued for Berks County Men in Schuylkill Robbery

 🏈 Jeff Lang Resigns as Gov. Mifflin Head Football Coach to Uphold Family Business Legacy

 🏈 Berks County Teams Pursue Victory in District 3 Football Playoffs

 ⚽️ Philadelphia Union Advances to Eastern Conference Semifinal

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EVENTS

 This Week’s Events in the Reading PA Area

Friday - November 10th

Saturday - November 11th

Gingerbread House Dupe w/ AnitaTrinket - 10 AM

Art for Arf's Sake Auction - 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM

All Ages Line Dancing @ Gouglersville Fire Co #1 - 8 PM - 11 PM

Sunday - November 12th

Reading Community Commemorates 85th Anniversary of Kristallnacht

The Reading community came together to observe the 85th anniversary of Kristallnacht, also known as the Night of Broken Glass, which is recognized as the event that initiated the Holocaust. The Jewish Federation of Reading, in collaboration with Christ Episcopal Church, organized a community prayer service and a circle of light peace vigil, where attendees held candles in remembrance.

The remembrance event took place against the backdrop of recent tensions in the Middle East, including an attack by Hamas on Israel. The vigil served as a poignant reminder of the past atrocities and the enduring need for peace and kindness in the present day.

Reading Zoning Board Approves Conversion of Historic Buildings
into Apartments

The Reading Zoning Hearing Board has given the green light to two separate redevelopment projects aimed at transforming historic buildings into apartment complexes. A New York-based developer, Heights Advisors, received approval to adapt the former Central Catholic High School building into 78 apartments. Despite the city council's initial opposition due to concerns over residential density, the developer has agreed to create 98 parking spaces, slightly below the city requirement.

Additionally, HDC MidAtlantic and Landis Quality Living were granted a special exception to convert several dilapidated industrial buildings into 51 units for elderly housing. The project, which will preserve the historic facades while constructing new living spaces behind them, will also include a parking lot with more spaces than required by the ordinance.

Both projects reflect a commitment to preserving Reading's architectural heritage while addressing the need for housing. The city's community development director expressed support for these initiatives, highlighting the demand for affordable housing and the revitalization of blighted properties.

CRIME

Arrest Warrants Issued for Berks County Men in Schuylkill Robbery

Pennsylvania State Police at Frackville have issued arrest warrants for Luke P. Boyer and Darren M. Fiske from Berks County on charges related to a June 5 armed robbery at the New Ringgold Market in Schuylkill County. The men are accused of felony robbery, conspiracy, and theft. Their accomplice, Brandon S. Herb from Coal Township, was previously arrested and is currently held on bail.

During the robbery, Boyer and Herb, masked and armed, reportedly stole $5,000 to $6,000 while threatening a cashier with a Taser. Fiske is said to have been the getaway driver. The suspects later divided the stolen money at Boyer's residence. Fiske confessed to his role as the driver in an interview with state police. Boyer faces additional misdemeanor charges. Both Boyer and Fiske remain at large, while Herb is detained with bail set at $100,000.

Reading Local Scoop - Sports

Jeff Lang Resigns as Gov. Mifflin
Head Football Coach to Uphold
Family Business Legacy

Governor Mifflin

Jeff Lang has stepped down as the head football coach at Gov. Mifflin to prioritize his family's business, Whippoorwill Campground, after his father-in-law's passing.

Lang, who has been coaching for 33 years and teaching science since 1992, will also retire from his teaching position at the end of the school year. Under his leadership, the team achieved notable successes, including a District 3 championship in 2020 and multiple Berks Section I titles.

Lang, who has a deep connection with the offensive line position and has been inducted into the Berks Football Hall of Fame as an assistant, credits his mentor, Mick Vecchio, for his football knowledge and success. Despite a challenging final season with a 5-6 record, Lang cherishes the relationships he's built with players and colleagues, many of whom have pursued careers in teaching and coaching.

He plans to dedicate his time to the family campground and does not foresee a return to football or teaching in the near future.

Berks County Teams Pursue Victory in District 3 Football Playoffs

The District 3 football playoffs are heating up with four Berks County teams vying for a spot in the championships. Wyomissing, the top seed in Class 3A, is set to host Schuylkill Valley in a highly anticipated semifinal. Meanwhile, Twin Valley will face Elco in the Class 4A quarterfinals, and Wilson is up against Cumberland Valley in the Class 6A quarterfinals.

Wyomissing, aiming for its fifth consecutive district title, is well-rested after a bye and will rely on its strong running game. Schuylkill Valley, buoyed by a historic home district win, is led by standout running back Dominic Giuffre and is looking to upset the defending champions.

In Class 4A, Twin Valley, after a bye week and a shared Lancaster-Lebanon Section 3 crown, is preparing to leverage its top rushing offense against Elco. Elco's senior running back Jake Williams, with an impressive season performance, poses a significant threat.

The Class 6A matchup features Wilson, with senior quarterback Tommy Hunsicker at the helm, facing off against Cumberland Valley. The teams have a long playoff history, with Cumberland Valley currently leading in wins.

Each team is focusing on fundamentals, recovery, and strategic play as they prepare for their respective games, with hopes of advancing further in the quest for district glory.

Philadelphia Union Advances to Eastern Conference Semifinal vs FC Cincinnati

Union

Philadelphia Union has successfully advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinal for the third consecutive year after defeating New England Revolution 1-0. They are now set to face FC Cincinnati, the Supporters' Shield winners, in a crucial match scheduled for either November 25th or 26th, with the exact kick-off time yet to be announced.

In their 2023 encounters, the Union and Cincinnati have faced each other twice. The first match saw Cincinnati emerge victorious with a 1-0 win, although Philadelphia was not at full strength as they were preparing for the Concacaf Champions League Quarterfinal. Despite fielding a rotated squad, Philadelphia displayed resilience but ultimately conceded a late penalty kick goal. In their second meeting, Philadelphia initially led with two first-half goals from Jose Martinez and Daniel Gazdag. However, Cincinnati made a strong comeback in the second half, with Aaron Boupendza and Brandon Vazquez scoring to level the match.

The upcoming semifinal promises to be a highly competitive encounter between these two teams.

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