Latest news with #ReadingCityCouncil
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Letter: Council president race has big implications for Reading
The upcoming election for Reading City Council president has enormous implications. All the issues facing the city: crime, housing, economic development and others, have a direct impact on the well-being of the entire community. Council has sweeping authority to enact ordinances, set budgets and approve projects. As such, the council president plays a critical role in shaping policy that the mayor's administration is responsible for implementing. The position requires governing experience, maturity and a commitment to serve the city's diverse population. Donna Reed has met these criteria and more. She deserves to be reelected council president. Her challengers are inexperienced and unqualified. Just last fall, one councilman embroiled council in a foreign affairs matter, introducing a pro-Hamas, anti-Israel resolution that had no relevance to the taxpayers of Reading. This proved to be a costly distraction and undermined the Greater Reading Unity Coalition's efforts to create harmony in a diverse community. Conversely, Reed has focused on helping the residents of the city. During her tenure, we have seen the economic impact of Alvernia University's CollegeTowne campus, the strengthening of neighborhoods across the city and the spectacular expansion of FirstEnergy Stadium. With this progress, Reading is poised for a renaissance, and Reed's continued leadership will be crucial to fulfilling this promise. A vibrant Reading is critical for the future of the region. Sandra J. Fishman Reading
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Reading's Dominicans mourn those killed in the nightclub disaster
The atmosphere was somber, yet hopeful, Tuesday night as members of Reading's Dominican community gathered at City Hall to mourn the loss and celebrate the lives of the more than 200 killed when a roof collapsed at a nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. As of Monday, the death toll in the April 8 tragedy at the Jet Set nightclub had risen to 231. Another 200 or more were injured, according to Associated Press reports. 'I'd like to thank you all for being here and coming together as a community, united to support the mourning of the lost lives and the other victims that were affected,' said Councilwoman Vanessa Campos. Campos served as master of ceremonies for the memorial vigil, organized by the Dominican Association of Reading and held in Council Chambers due to the inclement weather. Reading City Councilwoman Vanessa Campos speaks during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) About 200 area residents, many with Dominican ancestry, bowed their heads in a prayer led by the Rev. Andy Mercedes. They waved miniature Dominican flags and held battery-operated candles aloft as they joined Mercedes in singing the popular hymn Paz en la Tormenta, or Peace in the Storm. Participants also joined in spiritual songs led by musician George Garcia. Speakers at the event included Patricia Vazquez, president of the Dominican Association; Alexandra Peralta, a local community leader; Magisterial Judge Priscilla Campos; and state, county and city elected officials. Most spoke to the crowd in Spanish, without an interpreter. Reading Mayor Eddie Moran speaks during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) Translating his speech to English, Mayor Eddie Moran, thanked the community for coming together in unity. 'Anybody that has heard of the loss of lives that occurred into the Dominican Republic, I think, will feel the pain,' the mayor said. 'You know, these are real lives that were lost, people who were dreamers, people who had history, people who have touched the hearts of many in the world.' Pastor Andy Mercedes sings 'Paz en la Tormenta' during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) About 18,575 people in Reading identify as Dominican, according to the 2020 U.S. census. This makes Reading one of the top 25 cities with large Dominican populations. With such a large number, Council President Donna Reed said, it is likely that some of those living in Reading lost relatives, friends or acquaintances. Mourners gather during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) 'I know many of you here must have personal stories about the awful tragedy that occurred,' Reed said, offering her condolences. 'We are all family; all one city.' It is particularly heartrending that such an immense tragedy occurred in the early days of spring, she said. It's a time for celebration, she said, when trees and flowers are blooming, the sun is warm and there is new hope all around. It is hard to comprehend such a staggering loss of lives, she said. But the community has come together to celebrate those lives with friendship, music and hope. Reed said she like to believe those killed in the tragedy are also celebrating in the heavens. 'Hopefully, we can in the midst all this terrible sorrow and sadness, think of the light, think of the rebirth,' she said. * during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) * Mourners gather during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) * Reading City Councilwoman Vanessa Campos speaks during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) * during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) * Reading City Councilwoman Vanessa Campos speaks during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) * Reading Mayor Eddie Moran speaks during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) * Pastor Andy Mercedes sings 'Paz en la Tormenta' during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) Show Caption 1 of 7 during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) Expand
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Letter: Spate of gun violence demands leaders' response
Gun violence seems to be prevailing in Reading, our state's fourth-largest city. It's also a problem throughout the counties in to U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan's website, bills in Congress that would help prevent gun violence include the Bipartisan Background Checks Act and Enhanced Background Checks Act. A proposed assault weapons ban would prohibit the manufacturing and sale of guns but would not take them away from people who already own them. The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act is a tangible and lifesaving step forward that will combat the horrific trend of gun violence and better protect schools, children and all Americans. The law clarifies who needs a federal license to buy and sell firearms, imposes an enhanced background check review process, including the review of juvenile mental health records for individuals 16 and older seeking to purchase a firearm, and closes the loophole of prohibiting individuals convicted of domestic violence crimes from purchasing or possessing a firearm for at least five years. The Berks County district attorney's office, Reading Police Department, Mayor Eddie Morán and Reading City Council all need to put a stop to the gun violence plague throughout the city. Alim Howell Upper Darby, Delaware County
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
City mayor calls on council to reconsider funding for affordable housing
Mayor Eddie Moran is calling on City Council to reconsider its decision to deny funding to Opportunity House for an affordable housing project. 'Earlier this week, council voted four to three against a proposal that would have helped 20 families, real people, move from shelters, tents and cars into safe, stable homes,' Moran said during a press conference Thursday, emphasizing the impact the project could have for working families in need. Moran asked council to hold a special meeting to reconsider the funding. Council on Monday voted 4-3 to turn down the nonprofit's request for $2.89 million in HOME-American Rescue Plan Act funding to buy a 20-unit apartment building at 100 S. Fourth St. Councilors Jaime Baez Jr., Vanessa Campos and Rafael Nunez voted in favor of the resolution. Council President Donna Reed and Councilors Wesley Butler, Chris Miller and Melissa Ventura voted no. Moran said he was stunned by the decision. 'It was a vote that was made despite dozens of stories from people who bravely showed up and spoke out, hoping that their voices will lead to a better future,' the mayor said. More than a dozen clients of the shelter spoke to council during the public comment period Monday and at earlier meetings. Many shared their personal struggles and implored council to approve the allocation. Several told of working at low-paying jobs or living on Social Security or disability insurance income and struggling to make ends meet. Michael Wood, a veteran who lives at Opportunity House with his wife Kelly, speaks on the importance of permanent housing during a press conference on Reading City Council's vote to deny funding for housing at 401 S. Fourth St., on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the Opportunity House, 430 N. Second St. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) One shelter resident, Michael Wood, a veteran, reiterated his appeal Thursday. Market-rate housing is out of reach for Wood and his wife, Kelly, he said. Unable to find affordable housing, the couple turned to Opportunity House, he said. 'Since I've been here, I've seen veterans come through that door, myself included,' he said. 'I've seen women and children come through that door.' Wood also asked council to reconsider. A resident holds a sign during a press conference on Reading City Council's vote to deny funding for housing at 401 S. Fourth St., on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the Opportunity House, 430 N. Second St. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) Opportunity House provides the resources and support its clients need to become self-sufficient, he said. But with so little affordable housing available, they are stuck in the shelter. Council members have said they were led to believe the South Fourth Street apartments would be market-rate housing by the owner/developer of the building, Dream Ventures PA II LLC. Some also have expressed concerns about the possible removal of the apartment building from the tax rolls and the value of the property compared with the asking price. The mayor and Modesto Fiume, executive director of Opportunity House, dismissed these concerns, saying the property would remain taxable. Fiume also said a commercial appraisal of the property came in at $3.3 million, more than the purchase price of $2.89 million. Modesto Fiume, CEO of Opportunity House, speaks during a press conference on Reading City Council's vote to deny funding for housing at 401 S. Fourth St., on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the Opportunity House, 430 N. Second St. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) Fiume criticized council's decision, accusing those who voted against the funding of undermining the project and not operating transparently. 'Council President Reed keeps saying there are questions that need to be answered, but they (council) have repeatedly ignored our request to provide us with those questions,' Fiume said. 'There are clearly hidden agendas these four council members have.' If there are no hidden agendas, Fiume said, the only conclusion is that they care little about providing affordable housing to individuals and families on fixed incomes who are stuck living in the shelter. Reed and others opposed to the project have said they are sympathetic to the plight of the homeless but believe the money could be used more effectively in a different location or by spreading it around to multiple organizations. The latter is not an option under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's guidelines for HOME-ARP funds, city administrators said. Fiume emphasized the critical need in his plea to council for reconsideration. 'We have been averaging 87 people per evening,' he said, noting 32% are diagnosed with a permanent disability and 29% are senior citizens. Opportunity House also operates Eckert House, a temporary shelter for use in extreme cold weather, in a former convent at 1500 Eckert Ave. The building, also owned by Dream Ventures, is set to shut down next month. 'At Eckert House, we are averaging 65 people per night,' Fiume said, noting since the facility opening in November, 119 homeless individuals, including 64 children sought shelter there. Of those clients, he said, 31% have been diagnosed with a permanent disability and 24% have a chronic health condition. Fiume said few families at either facility have been able to return to independent living due to the shortage of affordable housing.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Reading City Council president announces bid for reelection
Reading City Council President Donna Reed has announced that she is seeking reelection to the post. Reed, 71, was appointed to serve as council president in January 2023 and elected in November 2023 to serve the final two years of the full term to which the late Jeff Waltman was elected in November 2021. Donna Reed Reed formerly served as council's District 5 representative, a position to which she was elected six times, beginning in 2001. Reed will enter the May 20 primary on the Democratic ticket. She is the third person to announce a primary bid for the president's seat, which is elected at-large. Council members Jaime Baez Jr. and Vanessa Campos also will be running as Democrats for the post. 'This was a serious decision for me,' Reed said in a statement. 'In the past weeks, I've been approached by so many people from city residents to state, county and city officials to folks in law enforcement, legal, business and trades professionals to run again for the office I hold.' Nearly all, she said, stressed the need for consistency and institutional knowledge on the council body. 'I intend to continue to lead into the city's future with independence, integrity and a shared intent to move Reading forward through supporting economic development to increase job opportunities, the return to passenger rail service, and to support collective efforts for a safer and cleaner city,' Reed said. Reed has served on council, with a brief interruption to reenter the news business, since 2002. In those years, Reed said, she has worked with a number of council members. Among the key issues she tackled as a council member, she said, were the preservation of the Antietam Lake Watershed and the successful, decadelong effort to rescue Reading from its former designation as a financially distressed city under state Act 47. Reed's everyday work of council, she said, is to be present and responsive to residents' concerns, deal with ongoing fiduciary and policy matters, and hold fellow officials to their responsibilities stated in the Home Rule Charter. Reed serves as council representative to the Reading Area Transportation Study, the Pagoda Foundation and the America250 Committee. She also is council liaison to the Stadium Commission and BCTV. She is a past member of the city planning commission. Reed was chair of the Reading 275 anniversary celebration, is a trustee of the Berks History Center and a longtime board member of Crime Alert Berks County. She previously served on the board of the Centre Park Historic District and the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance Women2Women Council. Reed is a graduate of Muhlenberg High School and The American University, Washington, D.C., with a bachelor's degree in political science and communication. She worked on Capitol Hill and in a D.C. news bureau before returning to Berks and joining the Reading Eagle where she served for 23 years as a reporter, columnist and editor. Reed said her time on council and former career in local journalism reflect her dedication to public service. 'On council, I serve as the public's voice,' she said. 'As a journalist, I served as the peoples' eyes and ears on government, including covering City Hall.' She also served as vice president/communications for the former Berks County Chamber of Commerce, volunteer coordinator for Meals on Wheels, assignment editor for the Berks Edition of Channel 69 News, media/government relations staffer for a local pharmaceutical research firm, communications coordinator for the Berks County Parks and Recreation Department, editor of The Historical Review of Berks County, and Cocalico editor for The Ephrata Review, during which time she earned two top statewide reporting awards. She handled the publication of 'Pagoda Centennial Tales' for the 100th anniversary of the city's icon, and has written for a number of local, state and regional publications. She is a regular contributor to Berks County Living magazine. 'I believe my long experience and connections in the community have been an asset to the work of the council and to the city and its people,' she said. 'I love Reading, its many cultures and people that can both honor the past and look to the future.' Meet the candidate Candidate: Donna Reed, 71, Reading Position sought: Reading City Council President Background: She has served as council president since January 2023. Reed formerly served as council's District 5 representative, a position to which she was elected six times, beginning in 2001. She has served as vice president/communications for the former Berks County Chamber of Commerce, volunteer coordinator for Meals on Wheels and has been a reporter, columnist and editor. She has a bachelor's degree in political science and communication. Term: Four years. Compensation: The council president is paid an annual salary of $6,875.
