News Center

Ciresi announces $78,500 in tax credits for Pottstown area revitalization

(Nov 15, 2019) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, Nov. 15 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced that Neighborhood Assistance Program Tax Credits have been approved by the Department of Community and Economic Development for two projects in the 146 th Legislative District. Genesis Housing Corp. in Pottstown was approved for $75,000, Family Services of Montgomery County in Lower Pottsgrove Township was approved for $3,750. “Between the housing needs of Pottstown and our senior citizen needs in Lower Pottsgrove, this is a big win for our communities,” Ciresi said. “This funding will help families in our community, alleviate blighted properties and help low-income seniors. “The improvements also will help relieve the stress that these groups of people are under. With many of our seniors facing medical expenses, fixed incomes and even poverty, financial struggles create a perfect storm for depression and other mental health issues. These funds mean that we can have our seniors’ backs and put our community on the right track.” This year’s GHC projects will focus on neighborhood revitalization using partnerships to build a new affordable single-family home, exterior renovations for affordable rental units, homeowner rehab and facade improvements. All projects are designed to increase financial literacy and promote healthy communities. GHC has partnered with Pottstown Community Action, Read more

 

Ciresi announces $400,000 for Limerick, Royersford park improvements

(Nov 14, 2019) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, Nov. 14 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced that two $200,000 grants will be awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to improve parks in Limerick Township and Royersford Borough. “This is the kind of influx of cash we need to make real changes happen in our communities,” Ciresi said. “This money will be used to make improvements to Limerick Community Park and Royersford’s Victory Park. Between the construction of a pavilion, installation of playground equipment, ADA access ramps, and improved walkways and parking, our parks will become the beacons of community activity they were always meant to be. These spaces will truly be open and integrated for all of the public to enjoy.” Improvements to Limerick Community Park will include the construction of a pavilion, pedestrian walkway and parking area; installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing and utilities; ADA access, landscaping, project sign, and other related site improvements. The rehabilitation of Victory Park will include construction of pedestrian walkways; installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing and fencing; ADA access, landscaping and stormwater management, improved signage and other related site improvements. Ciresi announced an earlier $120,000 grant for the Victory Park ADA improvement project, which has a total cost of Read more

 

Ciresi announces over $1.7M in grants for Limerick Township, Royersford Borough

(Nov 12, 2019) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced that two grants totaling $1.78 million have been awarded to Limerick Township and Royersford Borough to assist with sidewalk improvements and the rehabilitation of the Royersford Trestle Bridge. “These grants help us build and repair our infrastructure,” Ciresi said. “This money will help ensure that our pedestrians are safer and those with different needs will be able to use our crosswalks and sidewalks. I can’t wait to see the restoration of the 1919 railroad bridge to enhance recreational outlets and connect our local trail systems.” This allocation of money has been split into two separate grants for the district awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority. Royersford Borough will receive $1 million to restore the 1919 railroad trestle bridge, which spans the Schuylkill River from Royersford to Spring City. The bridge is approximately 1,020 feet long and will require extensive repairs that will include concrete maintenance to repair and reinforce the piers and abutments, replacement of longitudinal beams and roller bearings. When completed the bridge will be used by commuters from Spring City to Royersford and will connect to the Schuylkill River Trail and Royersford Trail system. The total project cost is $1.4 million. “The Schuylkill River Trail – with over 65 miles connecting Read more

 

PennDOT Updates: 422 Lane Closure, Road Lane Restrictions

(Nov 08, 2019) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

U.S. 422 East Lane Closure at Night Next Week for Bridge Beam Placement in Montgomery County Eastbound U.S. 422 motorists will encounter a right lane closure between the Oaks and U.S. 202 interchanges on Monday, November 11, through Friday, November 15, from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. for bridge beam placement under a project to construct new, wider structures to carry U.S. 422 motorists over the Schuylkill River, Norfolk Southern Railroad, South Trooper Road and Schuylkill River Trail in West Norriton, Upper Merion and Lower Providence townships. PennDOT to Repair and Resurface State Highways Montgomery County Sunday, November 10, from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., lane restrictions are scheduled on Main Street between Route 363 (Trooper Road) and Forrest Avenue in West Norriton Township for paving operations; Sunday, November 10, through Friday, November 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., lane restrictions are scheduled on Route 29 (Gravel Pike) between Route 73 (Skippack Pike) and Second Street in Marlborough Township for milling and paving operations; Sunday, November 10, through Friday, November 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., lane restrictions are scheduled on Limerick Road between Ridge Pike and Township Line Road in Limerick Township for milling and paving operations; and Tuesday, November 12, through Thursday, November 14, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., lane restrictions are scheduled Read more

 

10/31/19 – Film Tax Credit – Philadelphia

(Nov 01, 2019) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

Materials from a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing hosted by State Rep. Maria Donatucci and State Rep. Joe Ciresi. Read more

 

Ciresi to host Town Hall on Nov. 6

(Oct 28, 2019) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, Oct. 28 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced he will be hosting a discussion on what is happening in Harrisburg and to hear from his constituents. The Town Hall will be held from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at Pottsgrove High School, Main Auditorium, 1345 Kauffman Road, Pottstown 19464. Residents of the 146 th Legislative District will be able to voice their concerns and tell Ciresi directly what issues matter most to them. For more information and to RSVP to the event , call Ciresi’s office at 484-200-8265. Media coverage is invited. ### Read more

 

Donatucci, Ciresi to host Policy Committee hearing on film tax credit October 31 in Philadelphia

(Oct 24, 2019) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 23 – State Reps. Maria Donatucci, D-Phila./Delaware, and Joseph Ciresi, D-Montgomery, will host a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing on the film tax credit next week. The hearing will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 31 at the Museum of the American Revolution, 101 South 3 rd St., 19106. The media and public are invited to attend. Donatucci and Ciresi requested the hearing to discuss the economic impacts of the film tax credit program and what more the state can do to grow the film industry. They will be joined by legislators from across the state, including Policy Chair Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster. The current agenda is: 10 a.m. Welcome and opening remarks. 10:10 a.m. Carrie Lepore, deputy secretary for Office of Marketing, Tourism and Film, DCED. 10:25 a.m. Panel One: Sharon Pinkenson , executive director, Greater Philadelphia Film Office. M. Night Shyamalan , filmmaker. Angela Miele , vice president of state tax policy, MPAA. 10:55 a.m. Panel Two: Nancy Glass , CEO/executive producer, Glass Entertainment Group. Mark Wiley , writer and producer. David Haas , member of board of directors, Wyncote Foundation. Mike McCann , board member, Pennsylvania Film Industry Association. Jeff Rotwitt , CEO and president, Sun Center Studios. 11:30 a.m. Panel Three: Thomas O’Donnell , president, Theatrical Teamsters Local 817. Read more

 

Ciresi announces House passage of bills to support volunteer first responders

(Oct 24, 2019) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, OCT. 24 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced that the Pennsylvania House of Representatives approved several House bills this week that he had co-sponsored, as well as S.B. 146, to help volunteer emergency services solve the volunteer shortage crisis, while rewarding those who answer the call. “These bills are about making sure that none of our fire, EMS or rescue volunteers are left behind,” Ciresi said. “We can’t ask so much from these heroes and then turn them away when they need us most. I am doing everything I can in Harrisburg to help get more support for our men and women who risk their lives to protect the life and property of our neighbors.” Many of these bills came out of the recommendations contained in the SR 6 report, which noted that the number of volunteer firefighters fell from over 300,000 in the 1970s to just 36,000, with significant decreases in emergency medical services volunteers, as well. “The sharp and continued drop in volunteerism for our fire and EMS companies highlights the urgent need for greater support for recruitment and retention,” Ciresi added. The bills, which would expand support for emergency provider companies and reward first responders for their service, include: Property Tax Relief for Volunteers ( H.B. 1839 , H.B. 1705 ) – allowing property tax credits of up to 100% for Read more

 

Come to my Veterans Breakfast

(Oct 21, 2019) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

My next upcoming Veterans Breakfast will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday, November 8 at Royersford VFW Post 6341, 730 S. 4th Ave, Royersford, PA 19468. Please fill out the RSVP form below if you plan to attend. Looking forward to seeing you there! Read more

 

Come to my Town Hall Meeting

(Oct 21, 2019) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

My next upcoming Town Hall Meeting will be held from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6 at Pottsgrove Senior High School, 1345 Kauffman Road, Pottstown, PA 19464. We want to hear from you about the issues that matter most to you and your community. Looking forward to seeing you there! Read more

 

Ciresi to host Veterans’ Photo ID Discount Cards Event

(Oct 11, 2019) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, Oct. 11 – Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced he will be hosting a mobile event for Veterans’ Photo ID Discount Cards with Montgomery County Recorder of Deeds Jeanne Sorg. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 24 at his Royersford Office, 301 N. Lewis Road, Suite 140C, Royersford, 19468. Veterans’ Photo ID Discount Cards may be used for discounts on goods and services at participating merchants. All Montgomery County veterans are welcome and should bring a photo ID, such as a drivers’ license, and DD214 forms to receive the discount ID card. An accessible entrance is available in the rear of the building off Oak Street. Please contact Sorg's office at 610-278-3292 or Ciresi's office at 484-200-8265 for more information. ### Read more

 

Ciresi applauds $1.5 million in additional state funding for Pottstown schools

(Sep 27, 2019) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

POTTSTOWN, Sept. 27 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, said $1.5 million in additional state funding that’s on its way to Pottstown School District is just the start of his fight to ensure equitable and adequate funding for schools in his district and across the state. A grant of $1.5 million is expected to be awarded to the district when contracts are signed and will be used to put a dent in the $24 million the school district said it will take to make needed facility repairs and upgrades over the next five years. According to Ciresi, Pottstown was awarded the additional funds because state budget negotiators continue to delay distributing all basic education dollars through the fair funding formula enacted by the legislature in 2016. Because of this, Pottstown loses $13 million or more each year in state funding. “ I am happy the state is trying to make up for this disparity and know that the $1.5 million Pottstown schools are receiving will be put to good use,” Ciresi said. “I voted ‘no’ on my first budget because schools like Pottstown are not being fairly funded. My constituents sent me to Harrisburg to fight for property tax reform, fair funding for education and infrastructure investment. I will continue to fight for any extra money the state is able to provide our underfunded schools, and certainly will continue to fight each budget season to distribute all education dollars through the new, fairer Read more

 

Ciresi announces over $56K in state funding for Pollock Park remediation

(Sep 25, 2019) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, Sept. 25 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced that the Department of Community and Economic Development has approved $56,704 in new funding through a Industrial Sites Reuse Program grant to perform an environmental assessment and remediation plan for Pollock Park on the former Mayer Pollock Steel Company site in Pottstown Borough, Montgomery County. The borough plans to remediate the site, which has been closed since 2017, and return it to recreational use. “With the commonwealth’s help, we will restore this recreational space in Pottstown and make it safe once again,” Ciresi said. “With this new funding, we come a step closer to properly cleaning and reopening Pollock Park, which will lead to years of enjoyment of this outdoor space for our residents. I’d like to thank the DCED and Governor Wolf for their support of public health and outdoor recreation with this funding.” Pollock Park is a public park serving a residential neighborhood in Pottstown Borough and is a designated trail head park for the Schuylkill River Trail. Heavy metals and Polychlorinated biphenyl have been identified in the soil throughout the property. It is believed that contamination originates from the previous use of the site as a scrap yard. The grant will provide $56,704 to perform the comprehensive scope of work which includes soil tests, installing and monitoring ground water wells, data validation, Read more

 

Ciresi announces over $280K for Pottstown stormwater arch repairs

(Sep 19, 2019) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, Sept. 19 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced that a $281,884 grant has been awarded to assist with storm sewers and flood mitigation for a rehabilitation project in Pottstown. Ciresi strongly recommended and pushed for the funding made available through a Flood Mitigation Program grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development. “Safe roadways and functioning water systems are two of the basic things government has to get right,” Ciresi said. “Pottstown is a historic, once-industrial town with stormwater systems under our feet that date back to Civil War Reconstruction. Before Pottstown’s leaders write the next chapter, we have to make sure the foundation is safe and stable.” Ciresi has been working to call attention to and advocate for a solution for the poor state of repair for the Pottstown stormwater arch system, much of which was built over 150 years ago. In July, he joined state and local officials in touring the arch system and calling for funding to repair and maintain the arches and to pass Gov. Tom Wolf’s Restore Pennsylvania infrastructure investment proposal. Ciresi also visited the underground portion of the arch system in May to better understand its current state, including several collapsed portions. The $281,884 grant will allow the Borough of Pottstown to undertake a comprehensive inspection and evaluation Read more

 

Ciresi announces over $120K approved for Royersford’s Victory Park

(Sep 17, 2019) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, Sept. 17 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced that a $120,000 grant has been awarded to construct ADA improvements at Royersford’s Victory Park. “Exciting changes are underway in Royersford, with new businesses popping up regularly,” Ciresi said. “This grant award will improve the borough’s largest recreational resource – Victory Park. These overdue improvements will create a truly integrated and accessible site that will provide safe and comfortable recreation for years to come.” The $120,000 grant will support improvements at Victory Park in Royersford Borough, Montgomery County, which currently has no ADA-accessible facilities. The project includes the construction of an ADA-accessible playground, pathways to connect the park’s facilities, accessible parking spaces, improved signage, and other upgrades such as benches and trash receptacles. Ciresi said the project also addresses residents’ safety concerns by installing safety fencing along the park’s busy 2nd Avenue entrance. Additionally, this project improves the park’s environmental sustainability by installing native landscaping and rain gardens to improve water quality of the runoff into the nearby Schuylkill River. The total cost of this project is $448,500. Additional information is available by contacting Ciresi’s district office at 484-200-8265. Read more

 

Hanbidge, Ciresi announce $2.9M for Montgomery County Community College

(Sep 16, 2019) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, Sept. 13 – State Reps. Liz Hanbidge and Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced that the estimated amount of $2,900,000 has been approved for funding by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to help Montgomery County Community College with renovating the South Hall Building on the West Campus in Pottstown. This projects total cost is approximately $4,225,000. “I’m very pleased to see that Montgomery County Community College’s application for state assistance has been approved, and the project can now get underway,” Hanbidge said. “This substantial investment in our own community college will offset construction costs and renovations, serving to allow greater investment in our students’ education. The infrastructure and facilities of our educational institutions are pivotal to ensuring students enter an environment where they can learn to their full potential.” “Local sponsorship will be needed to fill out any remaining funds, but with this head start, I can’t wait to see the results of this project,” Ciresi said. “I want to thank the Wolf administration for their approval of these Community College projects and look forward to seeing more investments in education here and around the state. It’s important that we take a keen interest in our students and ensure that they have all of the tools they need to succeed and fill the job roles across the state Read more

 

9/12/19 – Economic Impact of the Arts – Pottstown

(Sep 13, 2019) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

Materials from a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing hosted by State Rep. Joe Ciresi. Read more

 

Ciresi, Policy Committee focus on economic impact of the arts

(Sep 12, 2019) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

POTTSTOWN, Sept. 12 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today hosted a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing on the economic impact of the arts at the Steel River Playhouse. Ciresi requested the hearing on the arts to learn how to ensure that arts organizations are financially stable, promote attendance and participation in arts programs, and determine what overall work can be done to broaden support for the arts. Ciresi was joined by legislators from across the state. “Today’s hearing was a great example of how we can work together to learn from one another in order to create policy decisions that benefit all Pennsylvanians,” Ciresi said. “With the information we have shared with each other today, we will be able to grow our arts programs and move towards an age of ingenuity, creativity and excitement. The arts lead to higher civic engagement, child welfare, and lower crime and poverty rates. They bring about social awareness and a better understanding of our cultures and the world around us. By introducing our children to the arts, and continuing to stay creative in our older age, we create lasting memories and the foundations for skills that can last a lifetime. In addition, the arts provide for three percent of the nation’s GDP alone, an $800 billion industry. When you consider traveling expenses and local merchants that benefit from strong art programs, the numbers begin to add up quickly economically too.” Read more

 

Ciresi honored at Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center meeting

(Sep 10, 2019) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, Sept. 10 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, recently announced a $40,000 grant for the Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center in Limerick. Funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Education, this Career and Technical Education (CTE) Supplemental Equipment Purchase grant will boost job readiness and training. “I has been my privilege to serve the students of my district by helping them obtain this grant,” Ciresi said. “This money will go towards creating a job training program specifically designed for single mothers to land an entry level job in an auto shop, on top of transporting high school students to co-op jobs for hands-on learning and experience. With these jobs in high demand, we can ensure that we are filling these positions and getting more people to work. I am looking forward to continuing my work with WMCTC to make sure it remains a leader in providing technical skills and opportunities.” For more information about this grant, call Ciresi’s office at 484-200-8265. ### Attention Editors: Photos can be found here . Read more

 

Policy Hearing in Pottstown Next Week; PennDOT updates

(Sep 06, 2019) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

You are invited to a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing on the economic impact of the arts in Pottstown. When: Thursday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m.Where: Steel River Playhouse, 245 E. High Street, Pottstown We requested the hearing on the arts to learn how to ensure that arts organizations are financially stable, promote attendance and participation in arts programs, and what overall work can be done to broaden support for the arts. We will be joined by fellow legislators from across the commonwealth. I hope you can attend. Read more

 

Ciresi announces $78,500 in tax credits for Pottstown area revitalization
Nov 15, 2019

Ciresi announces $400,000 for Limerick, Royersford park improvements
Nov 14, 2019

Ciresi announces over $1.7M in grants for Limerick Township, Royersford Borough
Nov 12, 2019

PennDOT Updates: 422 Lane Closure, Road Lane Restrictions
Nov 08, 2019

10/31/19 – Film Tax Credit – Philadelphia
Nov 01, 2019

Ciresi to host Town Hall on Nov. 6
Oct 28, 2019

Donatucci, Ciresi to host Policy Committee hearing on film tax credit October 31 in Philadelphia
Oct 24, 2019

Ciresi announces House passage of bills to support volunteer first responders
Oct 24, 2019

Come to my Veterans Breakfast
Oct 21, 2019

Come to my Town Hall Meeting
Oct 21, 2019

Ciresi to host Veterans’ Photo ID Discount Cards Event
Oct 11, 2019

Ciresi applauds $1.5 million in additional state funding for Pottstown schools
Sep 27, 2019

Ciresi announces over $56K in state funding for Pollock Park remediation
Sep 25, 2019

Ciresi announces over $280K for Pottstown stormwater arch repairs
Sep 19, 2019

Ciresi announces over $120K approved for Royersford’s Victory Park
Sep 17, 2019

Hanbidge, Ciresi announce $2.9M for Montgomery County Community College
Sep 16, 2019

9/12/19 – Economic Impact of the Arts – Pottstown
Sep 13, 2019

Ciresi, Policy Committee focus on economic impact of the arts
Sep 12, 2019

Ciresi honored at Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center meeting
Sep 10, 2019

Policy Hearing in Pottstown Next Week; PennDOT updates
Sep 06, 2019