BerksIDA is proud to partner with the Greater Berks Development Fund and Greater Reading Chamber Alliance as well as the Reading Redevelopment Authority in working to reclaim the site of the former Pennsylvania Optical Company building in Reading.
The Penn Optical site near 8th and Chestnut Streets has been vacant since 2002. For the past year, BerksIDA and GBDF have partnered to secure state grant support on behalf of the Redevelopment Authority, and are providing the local match to fund the environmental investigation and any needed remediation to make the property usable again.
This site is especially significant to the region as it sits in the middle of the area being considered for a transit oriented development (TOD) district. A TOD district is a zoning overlay emphasizing pedestrian-friendly, high-density, mixed-use development withing walking distance to transit. Getting the Penn Optical property primed for redevelopment is one more way for us to be prepared for passenger rail when it comes to Reading.
The Penn Optical site includes former industrial buildings, a parking lot, and an area of grass. Contracts for the environmental investigation and remediation have been awarded to Scientific Based Solutions, LLC. The investigation is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.