DeMutis Presents Plans for Arts and Entertainment Trail

Two months after submitting his plans for Lot "O" of the steel site, Manny DeMutis was back in front of the Planning Commission with a new project named The Fairway, envisioned as an arts and entertainment trail that would replace what is currently the Schuylkill River Trail. From the Steel Site blog:

Phoenix Steel Site developer Manny DeMutis presented to the Phoenixville Planning Commission Thursday a plan to improve the Schuylkill River Trail located next to the proposed downtown development. The 7 acre site is adjacent to a temporary trail that was constructed as a make shift effort to have a trail in the downtown.

The plan that DeMutis presented would have amenities to compliment the trail plan. The plan would work as part of the proposed development as the temporary trail will be moved approximately 12 closer to the stream as the parcel will be realigned to accommodate the development.

“We seek to have the trail amenity be a integral part of the development,” DeMutis said. It is important to the project to have our retail located next to the trail be part of the festival atmosphere which will be created by the development. We are going to create a trail destination with unique shops and food establishments located along the trail.”

The plans call for the 800-foot segment of the trail to be enhanced by two gateways that will define the area, which will become the arts and entertainment portion of the trail. The area will serve as a festival marketplace as the stores along located on the new street which abuts to the trail will be marketed to artisans and crafts people. The area will serve as a destination for those along the trail.

Read more about the proposal at The Phoenixville Steel Site blog.

Public meeting to discuss future of Melchiorre Park scheduled for Nov. 29th

On Thursday, November 29th, the Borough is holding a 'brainstorming session' in which plans for Melchiorre Park will be discussed with its park planning consultants. The event will be held at the High School and will begin 7pm. For those of you who do not know about Melchiorre Park (of which I am included, even though I apparently live across the street from it), it is a 23 acre park located south of High Street on the land between it and French Creek. It appears, based on the drawing on the Borough home page , to be the land that is next to Westridge Village and across the street from the new Northridge Village community. As part of the meeting, the consultants will 'provide a brief background of the project and present a pre-final master plan for the park'. Source: Phoenixville Borough Website

Tyler James Closed?

My reporter on the street Jen tells me of a rumor that Tyler James has closed its doors as of yesterday. Can anyone confirm?

Local Business Spotlight: The Fenix

As mentioned a couple of months back , Phoenixville will soon be home to a premium martini and whiskey bar. Named The Fenix, it is owned by the owners of Molly Maguire's and will be located right next door to Molly's at 193 Bridge Stret. The Fenix hopes to have a soft opening tonight or tomorrow with a grand opening coming in September. I sent an email into General Manager Michael Matarazzo who had this to say regarding the new venture: --- Opening in September 2008, The Fenix will offer a unique selection of over 15 specialty martinis as well as classic cocktails, fine wines and spirits. An eye-catching menu of delicious food will also be available along with great music and live DJ’s. The Fenix will create an exciting and varied cocktail party atmosphere every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 4pm. Our guests will enjoy the comfortable lounge for food or a casual after work drink. Later on, they can listen or dance to the best music and DJ’s around or just gather at

Anonymous said…

How is he going to move the trail? In some areas, there isn't 12 inches to French Creek, let alone 12 feet. Has anyone connected with this plan actually walked the trail lately?

4/25/11, 2:15 PM

Just more blather and BS from this con artist. He'll find a way to get some money to "study the feasablity" of the project even if if never happens.

What happened to his 60 million dollar mix use complex? Anybody who thinks this guy is out for anyone but himself is a chump or just sadly mistaken.

4/25/11, 3:39 PM

Gee since he owns the property next to the trail don't you think he could move it? There are going to be bulldozers all over working the site I don't think it would be a problem.

Why are so many people negative? Yes he is going to be making money on the development but is trying to give back with projects like this.

Get over it.

4/27/11, 11:25 AM

The above 3 comments are some of the stupidest comments i have ever read. People think that they can write anything because there are anonymous comments. Like little kids whispering down the lane

4/29/11, 12:14 PM

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