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Community Corner

Firebird got the Borough Vote!

The Burning of The Phoenix, an event that has gone on for 10 years now, will seemingly take on its 11th year, even after they all gave up hope.

According to the Borough council tonight, and the many more than normal who showed up to tonight's meeting, the festival got the approval, as long as it abides by certain rules that it will indeed happen this year on December 14, 2013 from 3pm until 11pm at Friendship Field.

Tonight's Borough Hall was busier than normal, and went through certain topics longer than expected, especially The Burning of The Phoenix, aka Firebird Festival. Starting out with the Parks and Recreation Meeting from 6pm until 7pm, they had discussed many issues, but all in reference to The Firebird Festival. Certain acts came about such as the 300 foot clear land radius rule around the burning bonfire, which previously had been shorter. Also the 60 foot standing room rule, and so many more even up to how tall this wooden bird can be. Last year 30 feet was allowed in a smaller space, and this year they had it down to 20 feet, to keep the local neighbors tamed. If you haven't already heard, this burning of the Phoenix brings in over 16,000 people each year to its event, and has been relocated over the past 2 years, 3 times this year. Back in 2011 it was right on the new Borough Hall's land, but that was owned by Mr. Manny DeMutis who sold this land to Borough Hall. The year after that it was moved to the parking lot behind Molly Maguire's, also owned by Manny DeMutis, but he has now sold that as well. Only this time, the company he sold to will not start building until December 2013 or January 2014, however the Condo company who now owns it has an insurance company who says there can be no fire, they do not want to deal with that (even though the land will not have started building yet - not even parking for this event!) So basically, during this Firebird Festival this year, that space behind molly maguires will be wide open, not even touched yet for construction, but it is for the sake of the 'insurance' company. In the same aspect, the owners of the Foundry Building right across from the parking lot there, where many events happen especially wedding receptions, they have also said "I do not want to be involved, count us out". Must be nice, thanks for the help.

But that is all ok, because people of Phoenixville do not give up, and it is people who vote for this Borough who has granted this event to go on. I do have to apologize to the borough for how many people were against them when it was first canceled. The borough did not say no, Henrick, the organizer of this event gave up due to no land; However he felt the heart and compassion of all those residents who reached out. He heard from business owners how climatic the numbers were on this date, and he knew in his heart he could not give up a decade of success from his creativity, want, and spirit of the phoenix, and this town. Most importantly, the amount of people who supported him, telling him they would do anything caught his soul to make sure this happens again.

As of now, the event is on, only if certain measures are taken. The most important, is the closure of Gay street bridge, for the parade to light this bird. The people in charge of closing this street are not just the borough, but his organization will need permission from PennDot, and they may take over 45 days to get this permission, if it is granted. The Dogwood festival got this granted so it is possible, let's just hope it is done right. (Thank you to the Borough for helping his organization understand this).

A few local residents had concerns, at both meetings tonight, including the height of this bonfire, the wind, the insurance, and damage from embers. From what the fire department, the organizers and the borough has explained, everything will be passing safety guidelines. The height will not exceed 20 feet on the main structure, and probably no more than 25 feet with the wings (height). The wind in December is very still, and even if a Nor'easter were to occur, there is a "rain date" so that the structure can remain, and they can reschedule for safety reasons, which is very helpful). And finally, Insurance has been there every single year. They have over $3 Million to cover any damage that may occur, even though it never has, and the Police and Fire departments are there ready to go.

The other issue was traffic. Now it is not easy to guess how many pennies are in a jar, and everyone keeps estimating 16,000 people will attend, but we may never know the exact amount. Our team here absolutely can say 10,000 will come out, but not sure how much higher. The hayride idea, for rides to and from, was shut down by the Police, and very understood, seeing as tractors are forbidden on main roads. However there are shuttles, and a donated Bus company who will be providing transportation to and form this event in order to help the business on Bridge street. The event goes from 3pm until 11pm, but the MAIN event, the burning is only Parade 7:30-8pm, Burbning 8:00-9 (if that), so the majority will be right back on Bridge street filling every single bar from 9/10pm until close!

The organizers, meeting guests and residents (including some business owners) all seem to think it will still be a great night. The team in charge of the burning, the protesters, the business owners, the council members, the parks and rec team, and even the "anti" residents and community attending this meeting all wanted the same thing - This event to happen within boundaries and following all safety protocols to continue to provide the "Economic Engine" it as always provided. 

Maybe this will help section off a portion of Reeves Park for future possibilities of this event!

Best moments tonight were: "Passes to recommend to council" (at the Parks and Rec meeting) and all "Yays" by Borough Council Meeting was such an uplift to the many who attended. This is definitely not over, but it is definitely past the rough 'patch.' This town came together, and their Borough did far more than their duty, fairly and justly, and I am more than proud to be a citizen. I think you may see many more donations for Friendship Field as well as the unknown Pat Nattle Field too! 

-Ryan Norris


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