Sustainable Pennsylvania

Municipal Certification Project

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Phoenixville Borough

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Municipal Website
Population:18,602
Key Action:
Current Assessment:
Bronze
Assessment History:

Stormwater and Flooding

Question:
The municipality is working collaboratively with neighboring municipalities and community groups. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The community collaborates with other municipalities and authorities in their watershed to manage source water, treatment and distribution, sewage, and stormwater. - B. The municipality collaborates with (or has recruited/fostered) a watershed group or organization to protect and improve the wetlands and waterways located in the community's watersheds.
Notes:

Public Engagement

Question:
Municipality works with schools and/or local nonprofits/community organizations to engage students about community issues such as waste reduction and recycling, public safety, wellness, conservation, nature, etc.
Answer:
A. Yes
Notes:
Question:
A program exists to actively pursue and match residents and local businesses to volunteer opportunities, including board, committee, and commission positions, and others that will strengthen community engagement and improve capacity for community organizations. This must include an online portal where potential volunteers can enter their information.
Answer:
A. Yes (documentation required)
Notes:
A. The Borough maintains a list of available positions within our various boards and committees, located here: https://phoenixville.org/274/Applications-Openings-Vacancies
Question:
The municipality communicates regularly with the public about public meetings, municipal news, and other important information. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The municipality has up-to-date council meeting schedules, agendas, and minutes posted online. - B. The municipality broadcasts public meetings on an online platform (Zoom, Facebook, Youtube, Vimeo, etc.) and has links to recorded public meetings on their municipal website. - C. Municipality communicates with the public via a regularly scheduled newsletter or regularly updated and dated web-based news postings. - D. Municipality regularly communicates via Facebook and/or Twitter or a specifically designed civic engagement app like Civic Plus or Nextdoor.
Notes:

Finances

Question:
The municipality has financially assessed obligations for pensions, labor contract proposals for their duration, and other post-employment benefits.
Answer:
A. Obligations for pensions/other post-employment benefits are funded for the long-term to at least 80%. (documentation required) - B. The municipality financially assesses each labor contract proposal for the contract's duration looking specifically at how the overall costs will affect the community's budget (looking at pensions, leave, healthcare, salaries, etc.).
Notes:
A. The attached audit contains information about long-term pension funding.
Question:
The municipality utilizes the following best practices for creating, managing, and publicizing the municipal budget. Select all that apply.
Answer:
C. Funds equivalent to a minimum of 2 months worth of expenditures or revenue are carried over year to year. - D. When the final budget is advertised it includes working documents to help the public to better prepare themselves to comment on and/or support the final budget. - A. There is an annual revenue-expenditure trend analysis conducted including 4 previous years. (documentation required)
Notes:
A. Please see attached Revenue Expenditure Analysis
Question:
The municipality has studied the potential financial sustainability of short and long term shocks to police, EMS, and fire services and created a financial resiliency plan.
Answer:
A. Yes (documentation required)
Notes:
A. Please see attached Police Report

Regional Cooperation

Question:
The municipality and local public schools cooperate to share facilities and other resources. For example, the municipality assists with the cost of evening lifeguards for community use or the provision of crossing guards.
Answer:
A. Yes
Notes:
Question:
The municipality utilizes written Intergovernmental Cooperative Agreements (ICA) to engage in multi-municipal endeavors. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipality has at least one written intergovernmental cooperation (ICA) agreement (updated in the last 15 years). (documentation required)
Notes:
A. The Borough passed Resolution 2021-13, an ICA between the Borough of Phoenixville and the Phoenixville Area School District.

Equitable Policies and Practices

Question:
The municipality has taken or regularly takes the following actions to ensure it is improving organizational diversity and inclusion. Some of these steps could be included as part of vision, strategy, or plan development. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
B. The municipality has undertaken a compensation analysis to determine that compensation is within wage and/or salary parameters for each respective position and any variation in pay is based upon legitimate, nondiscriminatory business factors. - D. The municipality has written job descriptions for every position and clear employment policies that have been reviewed by a solicitor or qualified labor attorney.
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has held the following trainings (or had municipal officials attend) on state and federal laws within the last three years. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
E. Other (PHRC Trainings, etc) - B. Sexual Harassment
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has provided diversity, equity, and inclusivity training for municipal employees. These trainings must go beyond state and federal requirements. (documentation required) Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
C. Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity (JEDI) Training
Notes:
Question:
The municipality is engaged in programs to communicate that the community is welcoming to persons who represent diversity. For example: sister city relations, diversity sensitivity training, multilingual signage, etc. (documentation required) Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
D. The community actively supports public events celebrating social and cultural diversity such as MLK day, Juneteenth, Pride, Cinco de Mayo, etc.
Notes:
Juneteenth Celebration - https://www.culturechesco.org/ph Pride - https://phillygaycalendar.com/events/chester-county-pridefest-2024/ Alianzas de Phoenixville - https://www.alianzasdephoenixville.org/
Question:
The municipality has implemented policies to improve the creation of public policy that is equitable and to improve access to the political processes. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The municipality publicizes efforts to make accessible and equitable infrastructure improvements.
Notes:

Operations Materials Management

Question:
In which of the following ways does the municipality track its internal or operational waste? Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. We collect waste data from our hauler(s).
Notes:
Question:
All municipal buildings have an active recycling program. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. There is a active recycling program for all municipal operations. - B. The program includes composting. - C. The program includes informational signage at waste/recycling receptacles.
Notes:

Community Wide Materials Management

Question:
What community-wide waste and recycling data does your municipality collect on an annual basis? Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options. (documentation required)
Answer:
A. Residential Collection - total waste sent to landfill or incinerator - C. Residential Collection - total yard waste collected for composting - E. Commercial Collection - total waste sent to landfill or incinerator - F. Commercial Collection - total recycling collected - I. Residential recycling material quantities by type (i.e. mixed fibers, plastic #1, glass, etc...) - J. Commercial recycling material quantities by type (i.e. mixed fibers, plastic #1, glass, etc...)
Notes:
Question:
The municipality supports or provides composting.
Answer:
A. The municipality provides curbside brush and leaves collection for at least 10 weeks in the fall. - C. Promotes education on backyard composting and reducing food waste.
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has a waste reduction ordinance for commercial and institutional facilities requiring they recycle at least 5 materials types, including but not limited to: mixed fiber (paper), glass, aluminum, steel, cardboard, #'s 1 and 2 plastics.
Answer:
A. Yes (documentation required)
Notes:
Section B discusses Commercial Establishments
Question:
The municipality has a recycling program that includes the following: Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. updated information on the website or in newsletters about recycling, guidelines for what is accepted, and recommendations for reducing, reusing, and repairing. - B. The municipality uses hang tags or sends notices to raise awareness on improving recycling quality. (documentation required) - C. The municipality provides free or very low cost recycling bins to improve the quality of the recycling stream.
Notes:
Question:
The municipality collects the following types of recyclable materials at the curb. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. Aluminum - B. Steel - C. MIxed fibers (paper or cardboard) - D. Glass - F. Plastics - Mixed Plastics (#'s 3 thru 7 - please check this if you collect any of these)
Notes:
Question:
The municipality collects or contracts for recycling collection at the curb.
Answer:
A. Yes, Required for Gold and Platinum.
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has done an assessment or audit measuring the average annual tonnage sent to landfill or incinerator, the quality and volume of recycling, and the details of composting and hard to recycle collections.
Answer:
A. Yes (documentation required)
Notes:
A. Summary report is attached.

Resiliency Planning

Question:
The community has identified vulnerable populations in the community to prepare for emergencies and created a registry to check in on those citizens in the case of an emergency. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The community has identified at risk or vulnerable populations.
Notes:
Question:
Key government operations have planned to provide low impact backup power supply on-site to protect important security features in the case of more frequent or prolonged blackouts. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The municipality has installed battery backup with on site or mobile solar generation to provide power for important government operations. (documentation required) - B. The municipality has battery storage sufficient to operate key functions for prolonged blackouts (2 to 3 days). (documentation required)
Notes:
A. and B. please view the attached list of generators for the various Borough locations
Question:
The community has conducted emergency communications planning and/or has adopted a reverse 911 system. This can be part of disaster preparedness process. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. Yes the community has conducted emergency communications planning. - B. The community uses a reverse 911 system.
Notes:
Question:
The community has created and trained a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) or a similar group of citizens to assist in the event of a disaster. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The community has created a CERT or similar volunteer response team (beyond what the Volunteer Fire or EMS team does) to assist in the event of a disaster. - B. The CERT has created a disaster response plan in collaboration with municipal and/or other public safety authorities. (documentation required)
Notes:
B. The Borough of Phoenixville's EOP is attached, as well as an annex for a radiologic emergency
Question:
The municipality has done a resiliency assessment and has created a resilience plan. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The municipality has performed or has participated in a regional assessment of hazards and potential risks of climate change. (documentation required)
Notes:
A. Phoenixville participated in the Chester County 2021 Hazard Mitigation Plan, which can be found here: https://www.chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/63888/Chester-County-HMP-July21. This plan has been adopted as the Hazard Mitigation Plan for the Borough of Phoenixville.

Sustainability Program

Question:
The municipality has a sustainability program. Required for Gold and Platinum. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipality has a sustainability program that includes specific goals and guiding principles. This could be an ecodistrict or climate action plan but must include provisions for equity. Required for Gold and Platinum. (documentation required) - C. The goals of the sustainability program are aligned with the goals of the community's comprehensive plan. - D. There is ongoing training for municipal employees and officials with the goal of advancing the objectives of the municipal sustainability program. - E. Procedures are in place to measure and track the impacts of the sustainability program and periodically report to the public the results. (documentation required)
Notes:
A and E. Please see attached resolution
Question:
The municipality has passed a resolution to affirm (or reaffirm) participation in the Sustainable Pennsylvania Community Certification Program. Required for Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
Answer:
B. Yes, we are committed to passing a resolution within 6 months. Required for Bronze.
Notes:
Question:
There is ongoing professional development for municipal personnel and officials that includes participating in programs with (at a minimum of once per year) Pennsylvania Municipal League, Local Government Academy, PA DCED or other Pennsylvania municipal training association programs.
Answer:
A. Yes, professional development has occured at a minimum of once per year for all or most staff and/or elected officials.
Notes:
PELRAS Newly Elected Officials Training International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
Question:
The municipality participates in an ecodistrict process for one or all of its neighborhoods. Select all that apply.
Answer:
B. There is an active ecodistrict process in the municipality with a designated backbone organization planning with community/district level partners to create an ecodistrict plan for the community or a district within it.
Notes:
Question:
The sustainability team has goals, and reports annually to the public on its progress towards achieving those goals. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The sustainability team has specific goals.
Notes:
Question:
The community has an active sustainability team, an Environmental Advisory Council (EAC), or comparable body that has at least one board member, one staff member, and one resident who is responsible for advising and/or creating policy and conducting outreach related to all three aspects of sustainability: Environment, Equity, and Economy. Required for Silver, Gold and Platinum.
Answer:
A. The municipality has an active sustainability team, EAC, or comparable committee that has incorporated all three aspects of sustainability. Required for Silver, Gold, and Platinum. (documentation required)
Notes:
A. https://phoenixville.org/243/ITTS---Infrastructure-Technology-Transpo

Health and Wellness

Question:
The municipality enforces policies to improve air quality and limit resident exposure to sources of poor air quality. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. A burn ban has been formally adopted and made part of municipal ordinance, and State or County outdoor wood-fired boiler construction and operation is in accordance with state law. - B. The municipality enforces the state's anti-idling law, including posting signs in high-traffic areas and near vulnerable populations (schools, nursing homes, outdoor event areas, etc.)
Notes:
Question:
The municipality considers and promotes health and wellness. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The municipality provides access to recreational opportunities and amenities to promote active and healthy lifestyles (this can include ecotourism, river/creek access for fishing, hiking and walking trails with programming, etc.). - B. The municipality runs, supports, and/or promotes, exercise and/or wellness programs for all age groups. - C. The municipally runs or supports community wellness program/s addressing issues of mental health, such as social isolation, suicide prevention, PTSD/Trauma and/or others. - D. A program to promote safe walking to school is in place (including trails in suburban and rural communities).
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has passed a zoning ordinance permitting urban or suburban agriculture (small-scale or accessory-use) by right and setting guidelines for urban or suburban livestock. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The zoning ordinance includes small-scale or accessory-use agriculture by right in one or more residential or mixed-use district. (documentation required) - B. The municipality has guidelines permitting urban or suburban livestock in residential or mixed-use districts.
Notes:
A. https://ecode360.com/14093160#14093160 (2.C.(1)) Community gardens permitted in all districts
Question:
The municipality supports local food access by assessing access, planning, and/or supporting programs or policies that increase local food access. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The municipality completed or was party to a food access assessment. This could be a part of another type of community assessment or plan. (documentation required) - B. The community has a plan for improving access to healthy foods (this could be a part of another community plan) or supports a local organization that does. (documentation required) - C. The municipality supports educational programs for residents on the benefits of organic and locally purchased food. - D. The municipality supports local farmers markets or food stands in the community. - F. The municipality hosts and/or supports a community produce garden that is open to the public.
Notes:
A. Phoenixville was part of the Chester County Food Security Assessment completed in 2018. C. The Borough is home to Phoenixville Area Community Services (PACS) which provides access to food for community members in need; we also host the Fresh2You Mobile Market at our rec center once/week June - November.

Water Conservation

Question:
The municipality or municipal authority supports or promotes a program for residents, institutions, and/or businesses to conserve water.
Answer:
A. Yes
Notes:

Water Planning and Protection

Question:
The comprehensive plan (or separate water-specific plans that are currently in use - such as a One Water plan or a flood mitigation plan) includes recommendations for: Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. encouraging low impact development or enhanced stormwater management techniques to manage stormwater runoff and onsite stormwater infiltration where geologically effective. - B. protecting and preserving wetlands, waterways/riparian buffers. - C. reclaiming developed land where flooding has occurred regularly and/or at increasing intervals and is contributing to significant flooding elsewhere in the watershed. - D. protecting homes and properties where vulnerable populations are at significant risk of flooding.
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has an up-to-date official map for land or water bodies that the municipality intends to restore, preserve, and protect. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipality has an up-to-date official map to protect future land uses such as open space, trails, and/or parks. (documentation required) - B. The municipality has an up-to-date official map that specifically identifies wetlands, riparian buffers, and/or waterways. (documentation required)
Notes:
A. and B. Both of these maps can be found as appendices to the Comp Plan, which can be found here: https://phoenixville.org/DocumentCenter/View/3134/2022-Adopted-PXV-Comp-Plan-PDF
Question:
The municipality has an ordinance aimed to incentivize or mandate the protection and/or restoration of riparian buffers, wetlands, and waterways.
Answer:
A. Yes (documentation required)
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has developed and implemented a Stormwater Management Plan of Best Management Practices including all 6 minimum control measures, including Public Education and Outreach, Public Participation, Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination, Construction Site Runoff Control, Post Construction Runoff Control, and Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping, to meet the MS4 requirements.
Answer:
A. Yes
Notes:

Planning and Zoning

Question:
Two or more of the municipality's planning officials (planning commission members, planning department staff, code officials) have attended trainings on the following land use topics. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. Racial equity or the history of racial segregation in Pennsylvania or the local region (documentation required) - B. Stormwater best practices and policies (documentation required)
Notes:
A. the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training covered racial equity B. One of our codes officials has obtained his NPDES certification
Question:
The municipality has up-to-date zoning and related ordinances that reflect the objectives of the comprehensive plan. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipal zoning ordinance was amended to achieve the goals of the most recent comp plan (flexibility will be granted where the comp plan was passed less than 24 months prior). - B. The municipality has an up-to-date subdivision and land development ordinance (SALDO) that reflects the objectives of the comprehensive plan. - C. The municipality has passed other ordinances or policies to support or incentivize the objectives of the comprehensive plan.
Notes:
A. https://ecode360.com/14092799#14092799 B. https://ecode360.com/14089948#14089951 C. https://ecode360.com/14093160#14093160 (2.A.(1) and 2.A.(2).(a)) for adaptive reuse
Question:
The municipality regularly updates and effectively uses their comprehensive land use plan as a community engagement process and a guiding document. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The comprehensive plan had a process for significant stakeholder engagement and included a plan with specific steps for reaching vulnerable and/or marginalized community members. (documentation required) - C. The comp plan includes instructions for who is responsible for the implementable steps. - D. The comp plan includes mechanisms or guidelines for reporting progress towards those steps to the public and/or for making adjustments.
Notes:
A. The Borough has developed goals in partnership with the Council on Affordable Housing in the Comp Plan, and is working to increase the supply of affordable housing within out community (these goals can be found on page 104 of the Comp Plan); the Comp Plan can be found here: https://phoenixville.org/DocumentCenter/View/3134/2022-Adopted-PXV-Comp-Plan-PDF

Equitable Housing

Question:
The zoning ordinance provides for or accommodates a full range of housing opportunities.
Answer:
A. The municipality allows for more than 6 different types of housing (see the "more info" button for acceptable types). (documentation required)
Notes:
https://ecode360.com/37682273 Our code breaks it down into dwelling, multifamily dwelling, two-family dwelling, etc. We don't break it down into attached vs. detached, our code simply designates between residential and commercial.
Question:
The municipality has inclusionary housing incentives/requirements for housing developments or support for affordable housing. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
C. The municipality provides support for or promotes local programs for affordable housing. (documentation required)
Notes:
C. Hankin project resolution
Question:
The municipality has a plan to improve access to affordable/equitable residential housing. The plan can be a part of the community's comprehensive plan or could be created by a community organization with municipal support. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. A plan has been created for how to close the needs gap for affordable/equitable residential housing. (documentation required) - B. The plan includes specific recommendations with timelines for how to achieve the goals of the plan. - C. The community periodically reports to the public on the progress of the plan toward providing access to affordable housing.
Notes:
https://www.chescoplanning.org/housing/pdf/Phoenixville.pdf
Question:
An assessment has been completed analyzing the need for affordable/equitable housing in the community and region. It can be a part of the community's comprehensive planning process or completed by a community organization with municipal support. It is important that the assessment considers the region as a whole, because many communities have been segregated from the issues of the region they exist within. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The municipality has created or supported the creation of an affordable/equitable housing assessment. (documentation required) - D. The assessment included considerations for fresh food and/or passive and active recreational amenities. - E. The assessment included considerations access to jobs.
Notes:

Human Scale Development

Question:
The comprehensive plan encourages walkable/mixed use development. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The plan calls for retail, offices, commercial services, housing, and civic uses to exist in same district. - B. The plan calls for publicly accessible areas within walkable/mixed use neighborhoods. - C. The plan calls for compact housing and street design to encourage access to all amenities in those districts.
Notes:
Question:
The zoning and SALDO ordinances promote walkable, mixed use development. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The zoning ordinance, SALDO, or district overlays have districts that permit retail, officies, commercial services, housing, and civic uses in the same district. (documentation required) - B. The community's land use ordinances encourage compact design to ensure that the distances between amenities and services are accessible by pedestrians. - C. Storefront requirements, signage, and street design are oriented towards the pedestrian. - D. The land use ordinances encourage other principles of mixed use/walkable neighborhoods. - E. The zoning ordinance incorporates form-based zoning to encourage walkable human scale growth. (documentation required)
Notes:
A. https://ecode360.com/14093160#14093160
Question:
Zoning and/or SALDO ordinances have been updated to reduce parking requirements, establish a parking maximum, or to eliminate parking requirements altogether, where transit is available.
Answer:
A. There are areas within the community with reduced parking minimums for developers. (documentation required)
Notes:
A. https://ecode360.com/28051249#28051249 (point 4)
Question:
The municipality is focused on maintaining, improving, or redeveloping areas as opposed to opening up new land for development and this is reflected in community planning documents and ordinances. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipal comp plan calls for limiting the expansion of land development to specific areas while protecting undeveloped land.
Notes:

Community Wide Greenhouse Gas Mitigation

Question:
The municipal comprehensive plan contains an energy conservation element that states an energy reduction goal, or makes specific suggestions for how the municipality can encourage and/or incentivize energy conservation and efficiency. Recommendations might include plans to increase walkability, increase efficacy of energy code enforcement, add/improve energy incentives to the development process, etc. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The comprehensive plan contains an energy reduction goal or directly refers to the community's climate action plan. (documentation required) - B. The comprehensive plan makes specific recommendations for how the municipality can promote, encourage, or incentivize energy efficiency and reduction. (documentation required)
Notes:
The comp plan can be found here: https://phoenixville.org/DocumentCenter/View/3134/2022-Adopted-PXV-Comp-Plan-PDF?bidId= A. and B. can be found beginning on page 83
Question:
The municipality has taken the following actions to improve market conditions for installing solar energy systems on residential and commercial buildings. Select all that apply.
Answer:
C. Residential and commercial roof mounted solar systems do not require zoning permits or are permitted by right in most zoning districts.
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has passed a resolution committing to making the transition to 100% renewable energy, such as Sierra Club's Ready for 100 initiative.
Answer:
A. Yes
Notes:
Question:
Municipal support is provided to a public program for residents and businesses to conserve energy, promote renewable energy sources, and mitigate carbon emissions. Municipal support can come in the form of direct funding, in-kind donations of time and/or physical resources, and/or assistance with community outreach. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The municipality provides support for a public program to promote renewable energy. (documentation required) - B. The municipality provides support for a public program to promote energy efficiency. (documentation required)
Notes:
A. and B. https://www.phoenixville.org/233/Sustainability

Economic Development

Question:
The municipality supports local businesses and main street or economic development programs. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipality has an active main street program or economic development corporation. (documentation required) - B. The municipality is collaborating with local businesses to make pedestrian improvements to encourage more foot traffic. (documentation required) - C. The municipality supports an initiative to encourage residents to buy local.
Notes:
A. https://phoenixvillechamber.org/economic-development/paedco/ B. https://www.gvftma.com/post/phoenixville-borough-and-gvf-partner-on-mid-block-crosswalk
Question:
The municipality has policies to incentivize or encourage small-scale developers and developments. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The municipality has reviewed zoning code and related ordinances to assess barriers to small scale developers. - B. The municipality has updated code to allow for incremental development by right or has adopted form based zoning. (documentation required)
Notes:
Question:
The municipality maintains or supports program/s to recognize local businesses or leaders who encourage or improve sustainability. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipality recognizes local business or community leaders who foster sustainability in the community or region, either with awards or with posts in local newsletters or on social media. - B. There is a program that is supported by the municipality to encourage businesses to be aware of innovative sustainable business approaches and recognize their success. (documentation required)
Notes:
B. https://phoenixville.org/233/Sustainability
Question:
The municipal website provides businesses with a list of programs, tools, and resources they can use to improve community sustainability. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The community has a sustainable business landing page that connects businesses to resources to improve sustainability. - B. The landing page has information about Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy, Energy Audits or other energy reduction programs. - C. The landing page provides information about the community's latest planning efforts and related goals (comp plan, ecodistricts, etc). - D. The landing page provides links to relevant zoning, permitting and related programs that might be needed by business leaders.
Notes:

Community Revitalization

Question:
A Historic Review Commission is active.
Answer:
A. Yes
Notes:
Question:
The municipality is actively working to remediate blighted, vacant, and/or abandoned buildings and/or brownfields in their community. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipal comprehensive plan or other relevant community plan has specific recommendations for remediating blighted and abandoned buildings or brownfields in the community. (documentation required) - C. The municipality manages or participates in an active program to put blighted, abandoned, or brownfield properties back into productive use. (documentation required)
Notes:
A. https://phoenixville.org/DocumentCenter/View/3134/2022-Adopted-PXV-Comp-Plan-PDF - discussion on blighted properties can be found on page 76 under the 'Economic Development' section C. https://ecode360.com/14087819?highlight=blight&searchId=1867388039286259#14087819
Question:
The municipality has elected to administer and enforce Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code (UCC) and the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC). Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipality administers the UCC. - B. The municipality administers the IMPC.
Notes:
Question:
The municipality operates a rental inspection program for all non-owner occupied buildings. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipality manages a rental inspection program. (documentation required) - D. Code enforcement officers are trained on the rental inspection program.
Notes:
https://phoenixville.org/182/Inspections
Question:
The municipality supports or promotes a program to test for and remediate lead in privately owned plumbing systems.
Answer:
A. Yes
Notes:

Innovations

Question:
Are there any sustainability actions that your community has taken that are not represented by the questions in the other sections? (points will be awarded during the review)
Answer:
A. Yes (documentation required)
Notes:
The Borough is in the process of implementing hydrothermal carbonization as a treatment mechanism for waste water. This will be the first of it's kind in North America; more information can be found here: https://pxvneo.com/

Organization Details

Question:
On our Sustainable PA website, we will create a profile recognizing your community when you earn certification. Please provide a quote from an elected official or staff member on the value of sustainability in your community. Please see the More Info button for where it will be used. Please provide the name and title/position of the person who the quote should be attributed to in the first text box below, and provide the quote in the user comments box below that.
Answer:
Jonathan Ewald, President, Phoenixville Borough Council
Notes:
Phoenixville's journey toward sustainability is a testament to the collective will of our residents, leadership, and dedicated community organizations. From committing to 100% clean energy to introducing innovative technologies like the hydrothermal carbonization system, we aim to redefine what it means to be a truly green community. Sustainability is not just about large-scale programs—although those are crucial—but also about inspiring residents to make everyday choices that contribute to our shared environmental goals. Whether it's creating wildlife-friendly habitats, reducing waste, or embracing energy efficiency at home, every small action adds up to a significant impact. We are creating a resilient, eco-conscious community that prioritizes not just the well-being of our residents today, but also for future generations who will inherit this town.
Question:
On your municipality's profile page on the Sustainable PA website, we ask that each community share one action or project related to sustainability which the community would like to highlight. Please provide a description of what you would like to highlight in the comments section below. Please click on the "More Info" button to see how it will look on a community profile.
Answer:
PXVNEO
Notes:
PXVNEO is the hydrothermal carbonization process described in the Innovation #1 question in this section. More information about the process can be found at pxvneo.com

Land Conservation Management

Question:
The municipal comprehensive plan includes recommendations: Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options. (documentation required)
Answer:
A. for protecting woodlands and increasing tree cover in the municipality. - B. for preserving environmentally sensitive and/or ecologically significant areas. - C. for protecting productive agricultural areas. - D. for promoting community gardens and infill green space. - E. for expanding and/or improving parks, recreational spaces, and open space. - F. connecting parks and open with greenways and trails. - G. to expand park access so a majority of residents are within a walkable distance to a park. (must be under 1 mile - suggest 1/2 mile and have a goal of at least 90% of population) - H. to conserve and enhance areas where important wildlife and fish habitats exist and promote connectivity to allow species to migrate to suitable habitat (e.g., using land exchanges, conservation easements, leases; by removing barriers, etc.).
Notes:
The Comp Plan can be found here: https://phoenixville.org/DocumentCenter/View/3134/2022-Adopted-PXV-Comp-Plan-PDF
Question:
Municipal land use ordinances protect or expand valuable green space and ecologically important assets including: Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. improving parks/recreation, publicly accessible open space with greenways designated to connect parks and trails (documentation required) - C. community gardens and urban agriculture are permitted by right. (documentation required) - D. tree/woodland replacement criteria - B. zones or districts where ecologically valuable green space and productive agricultural areas are maintained and/or expanded (documentation required)
Notes:
The Borough's Comprehensive Park Plan can be found here: https://phoenixville.org/DocumentCenter/View/3924/Borough-of-Phoenixville-Comprehensive-Park-Plan-2023 A. Each park has a list of recommended improvements B. https://phoenixville.org/DocumentCenter/View/142/Resource-Protection-Map-PDF?bidId= C. Page 24 of the Park Plan includes the Community Garden, located at Reservoir Park
Question:
The municipality has written policies and/or incentives to conserve environmentally and ecologically sensitive places, including: (documentation required) Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. Slopes over 25% and/or slide prone soils and geology - B. Natural springs and vernal pools - C. Mature woodlands - D. Natural Heritage Areas
Notes:
A: https://ecode360.com/14090341 B. https://ecode360.com/41554778 C. https://ecode360.com/14090307 D. https://ecode360.com/40098574

Parks and Habitat Programs

Question:
The municipality has been actively building out green space and parks to ensure access to all citizens. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The municipality has built or is in the process of building trail or walkable connections to all major parks, green spaces, and significant community amenities (grocery stores, community centers, libraries, etc...). (documentation required) - B. The municipality maintains or is currently building out the municipal park system such that everyone in the community is a walkable distance (less than .5 miles) away from a publically accessible park or green space. Doesn't apply to rural communities. - C. Parks that have been built or redesigned in the last 10 years included a robust public input process. - D. All municipal parks have been reviewed and redesigned to ensure access to those of all abilities.
Notes:
A. https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/46d11a98d89e4ee0bea52d22bab6b59b - this is our trail map, which shows the various trails throughout the Borough

Transportation Planning

Question:
The comprehensive plan includes transportation-related recommendations and/or goals related to climate change, equitable access, and improving community health outcomes. Those transportation-related recommendations or goals include: (documentation required) Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
C. Improving community health outcomes through active transportation - D. increasing equitable access to all modes of transportation - E. Reducing Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMTs) - F. Increasing bicycle, transit, and pedestrian commuting
Notes:
https://phoenixville.org/DocumentCenter/View/3134/2022-Adopted-PXV-Comp-Plan-PDF C. page 101 D. page 101 E. page 45 F. page 101

Mobility Options

Question:
The municipal complete streets policy: (documentation required) Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
D. requires that all new construction and reconstruction/retrofits accommodate all users (i.e., pedestrians, bicyclists, people with disabilities, etc.). - E. requires all maintenance projects and ongoing operations, such as resurfacing, repaving, restriping, rehabilitation, or other types of changes to the transportation system to account for the needs of all users.
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has passed transit policies or built transit-related infrastructure. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipality has completed or participated in a transit access assessment either as a stand-alone process or as part of a comprehensive planning or ecodistrict process. This can also be part of a regional process.
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has created and is implementing plans and policies to improve bicycle infrastructure and increase bicycle usage. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipality has a plan for a bicycle infrastructure network that will reach a majority of the municipal population and commercial businesses with protected and/or separated bike lanes. (documentation required) - C. The municipality actively promotes bicycling with information provided on its website, newsletter, and/or other communication networks. - D. Regional public transit permits bicycles on its vehicles and/or has bike storage at key locations. - E. The municipality has bike racks at key locations around the town. - F. Police are trained on the rights and responsibilities of bicyclists and state law on passing bicycles.
Notes:
A. Trail system/Chester County Multimodal plan
Question:
The municipality has passed a complete streets policy and it has earned a grade from the National Complete Streets Coalition.
Answer:
A. The municipality has passed a complete streets policy that has earned a grade of less than 15 points or is ungraded by the Complete Streets Coalition (See 'more info' for CSC scores). (documentation required)
Notes:

Vehicle Carbon Reduction and Efficiency

Question:
The municipality has completed a vehicle fleet assessment to analyze the potential for lower- or zero-carbon vehicles, right-sizing vehicles for the job/trip requirement, replacing older diesel trucks or equipment with cleaner technology. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
C. A policy is in place to regularly calibrate and maintain vehicles and track fuel efficiency/carbon reduction. - D. The municipality has replaced one or more vehicles with hybrids or electric vehicles. (documentation required) - F. The municipality uses GPS trackers on municipal vehicles to monitor efficiency and test efficacy of calibrations.
Notes:
The attached letter for PennDOT indicates that the fuel type for one of our police vehicles is electric and gas (hybrid).
Question:
The municipality is taking steps to improve Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption in the community. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The municipality has assessed EV Infrastructure and created a plan for where the municipal government should install chargers on government owned property. - B. Public electric vehicle charging stations are available at all or most municipally owned lots. (documentation required) - C. Municipality provides information about available EV charging infrastructure on its website.
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has analyzed and/or implemented parking policy to increase efficiency and improve street-level parking access. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. A parking study or analysis has been done to assess available parking for one or more commercial business districts. This could be stand-alone or as part of Comp Plan. (documentation required) - B. Parking fees or permitting have been updated to improve traffic flow, reduce "circling," and improve street-level parking access for local businesses.
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has plans or policies designed to improve vehicle efficiency and shift drivers to more sustainable forms of travel. The goals of vehicle efficiency programs or practices should be secondary to protecting the safety, convenience, connectivity, and accessibility of the system for bicycle, pedestrian, and other non-motorized vehicular traffic. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The municipality supports a program to educate citizens and/or business on the benefits of transportation demand-side management. - B. Access management and/or congestion management programs have been evaluated and are being implemented to improve the flow of traffic and lower carbon emissions. - D. Carpooling/vanpooling is promoted and/or facilitated by the municipality.
Notes:

Energy Use, Conservation and Green Building

Municipal Energy Use
Question:
To what extent has the municipality engaged in an energy audit for municipally owned buildings? Select all that apply. See below for required documentation. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
B. We have undergone a professionally-conducted energy audit. (documentation required) - C. We have implemented some of the recommendations from the energy audit.
Notes:
B. Sierra Club; audit was completed by Gracey Moralis. Audit is attached.
Question:
Municipality has retrofitted or replaced at least 90% of street lights, outdoor lighting, and traffic signals with LED bulbs. Select all that apply.
Answer:
B. Yes (documentation required)
Notes:
B. Page 6 of the M&V report shows 1,000+ utility poles were upgraded to LED
Question:
The municipality owns or leases, on site or off, a renewable energy system/s. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The municipality has a solar system installed on one of its properties. (documentation required)
Notes:
A. The Borough's Public Works building has solar installed on the roof (https://phoenixville.org/2578/Public-Works-Building), and Borough Hall is in the process of installing solar panels.
Question:
What percentage of the municipality’s energy use was produced from renewable sources? Please calculate for the current year using the total energy use, renewable energy use, and current year you reported above. See "more info" for calculation instructions.
Answer:
B. 1-24%
Notes:
Question:
Do you have a year or more worth of data to share about the municipality's energy use? If so, please select "yes" below and then click "more info" for instructions on how to report. Please note: you must submit this data to earn points for quantified energy reductions in the following questions.
Answer:
A. Yes (documentation required)
Notes:

Governance and Community Engagement

Public Safety
Question:
The police chief or other public safety officers offer a regular public forum (quarterly at the minimum) providing an opportunity for the public to discuss community concerns with police commanders. For example: 'Coffee with Chief' or regular neighborhood community meetings.
Answer:
A. Yes
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has assessed the state of the opioid epidemic or drug related incidences in their community, created a response plan, and has policies in place to mitigate the problem. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
C. The municipality has a formal policy for all public safety officers to carry Narcan for use on members of the public. (documentation required) - A. The community has assessed the state of the opioid epidemic in their community or has done so in partnership with a larger regional entity (COG, County, Health Dept., etc.). (1) - D. The municipality has Narcan and information for recovery services available for the general public. - E. The municipality has a policy where police officers are encouraged to exercise discretionary authority at point of contact to divert individuals to a community-based, harm-reduction intervention for law violations driven by unmet behavioral health need - F. The municipality has hired or works with an agency to provide a social worker to accompany law enforcement officers for certain types of calls.
Notes:
C. 1175 Narcan Administration covers the deployment of Narcan in all Police vehicles E. Human Needs Network discusses a diversionary program called LETI (Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative)
Question:
The municipality collaborates with neighboring municipalities in the provision of public safety services. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. Municipality maintains updated public safety mutual aid agreements with neighboring municipalities and shares resources. - B. Municipality participates in a regional service program or contracts services to or through other municipalities for firefighting services. - C. Municipality participates in a regional service program or contracts services to or through other municipalities for police. - D. Municipality participates in a regional service program or contracts services to or through other municipalities for EMS.
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has evaluated the efficacy of the community's emergency preparedness systems and has a plan for maintenance or improvement. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipality has assessed the efficacy of the community's emergency preparedness systems. - B. The municipality has a public safety plan to ensure staffing and financial resources keep pace with needs for Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services. (documentation required) - C. There is a policy in place to regularly review existing emergency response resources, systems, and plans.
Notes: