Community collaboration and staff dedication emphasized in mayor's state of the city address

Yahoo

31-01-2025

Reading's future relies on community collaboration and public and private investment, Mayor Eddie Moran emphasized in his fifth state of the city address.
Moran focused on the city's progress over the past year and future plans Thursday morning during a program at the Redner's Event Center at FirstEnergy Stadium.
'The state of our city is strong,' he said. 'It's strong because of the people who see the promise and potential of this community. It is strong because of the residents and businesses that call Reading home, and it is strong because of the countless ways that people —like the ones right here in this room— show up daily for our city.'
More than two hundred state and local elected officials, community leaders and others attended the event, which reached countless others via a livestream.
Each person, whether an advocate, leader, partner or resident, has played an important role in the growth of the city, Moran said.
'We have faced many challenges, celebrated victories, and above all, we continue to push forward a vision of prosperity and opportunity,' the mayor said. 'I want to personally thank each of you for believing in what we can achieve together.'
Significant progress was made over the past year, he said.
'Make no mistake, Reading is not just ready for what is ahead,' Moran said. 'It is actively advancing on its path growth and revitalization.'
The mayor spoke of the achievements that showcase the dedication of the city's staff, the value of its public and private partnerships and the strength of the community, all of which, he said, is more than a recitation of data and facts.
Moran touched on Reading's partnerships small businesses and nonprofits, many of which were supported by the city through American Rescue Plan Act fund distributions. These investments are helping to foster economic development, support community needs and create a stronger, more connected future for the city, he said.
Reading Mayor Eddie Moran delivers his State of the City Address at the Redner's Event Center in FirstEnergy Stadium on Thursday. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE).
Moran went on to highlighted the key accomplishments of four major city departments: police, fire, community development and public property.
Under the leadership of Police Chief Elia Vazquez, the city's police department achieved significant strides in public safety, the mayor said.
Serious crimes decreased by 21% compared to 2023, marking a substantial improvement in city safety, he said. Motor vehicle deaths saw a 9% reduction and non-fatal shootings decreased by 18%.
The department's proactive efforts included removing over 180 illegal firearms from the streets and conducting 3,201 directed patrols, Moran said, averaging nine per day in high-crime areas.
Community engagement was pivotal, he said, with officers participating in 29 community events, fostering trust and educating residents on public safety.
Advancements in recruitment was a key priority, Moran said. The hiring process was streamlined,and a $5,000 bonus was offered to attract candidate officers and help address staffing shortages.
'When we talk about public safety, we must also recognize the work of a Reading Fire Department under the leadership of Fire Chief James Stoudt,' the mayor said.
The department responded last year to over 26,000 calls, including 65 structured fires and 509 vehicle accidents.
'Their efforts saved more than $1.7 million in property and helped limit fire losses to just over half a million dollars,' Moran said.
The department's highly trained personnel also responded to nonemergency calls and administered live-saving measures when needed, he said.
Since the dedication of the new Ninth and Marion streets fire station in September, the department has a modern state of the art facility, Moran said.
Six new firefighters, EMG trainees and three paramedics joined the department, he said, and will help fill the gaps left by retirements.
Modernizing the department's equipment was another key focus in 2024, he said, noting newly acquired apparatus includes two engines, a rescue truck and specialized vehicles, such as UTVs and a new paramedic unit.
'These investments provide our firefighters with the necessary equipment to respond quickly and effectively no matter the challenge,' Moran said.
Reading Mayor Eddie Moran and his wife, Ruth, enter the Redner's Event Center in FirstEnergy Stadium for his annual State of the City Address on Thursday. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE).
Switching focus to the community development and codes department, the mayor noted 1,677 permits were issued and 391 detailed plan reviews completed in the past year.
This demonstrates the department's commitment to efficiently managing development projects in the city, he said.
Moran also emphasized his focus on affordable housing. He has set a goal of delivering 500 new housing units by the end of his second term, he said.
Helping to fill that need is a critical part of the department's mission, he said, noting 'As the year ended, the department was on track to deliver 125 new housing units.'
The department also secured $1.4 million in federal community project funding to assist in the remediation of private property, creating more opportunities for redevelopment and rehabilitation, he said.
'There's another step forward in addressing the long-standing housing challenges, to support our commitments to affordable housing and access,' Moran said.
The mayor also highlighted several initiatives related to parks and public property, noting $4 million was invested in improving recreational areas.
Moran emphasized the importance of sustainability in public spaces, noting the city is working toward achieving 100% renewable energy by 2050.
The effort includes modernizing infrastructure in public spaces with LED lighting, solar panels and HVAC upgrades.
Reading Mayor Eddie Moran acknowledges the attendees following his annual State of the City Address at the Redner's Event Center in FirstEnergy Stadium on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE).
Moran also made some key points about Reading's recent designation as a city revitalization and improvement zone, or CRIZ.
The CRIZ has the potential to fund transformational projects, he said, noting every dollar invested through it is expected to generate $4 in private investment, creating a significant multiplier effect.
It is a critical tool for realizing what the mayor called Reading's 'limitless potential' and driving future investments and economic strength in the city, he said.
The CRIZ will be integrated with the city's downtown strategic plans and aligned with efforts of local businesses, developers, community organizations and state agencies, Moran said. The goal is to unlock Reading's full economic potential, revitalize neighborhoods and strengthen the downtown area.
'Reading is ready,' the mayor concluded. 'Ready to lead boldly, to create opportunities that drive redevelopment and to build an economy that works for everyone. We are ready to show the world what happens when we embrace diversity, value every voice and work together towards shared progress. We are ready to transform innovative ideas into meaningful actions, building a future rooted in connection, growth and pride for all.'