Wyomissing Borough Council has approved changes to its zoning ordinance aimed at encouraging the redevelopment of aging commercial properties, including the Berkshire Mall property.
Council voted Tuesday, November 10, to adopt revisions to the borough’s C2 Overlay District, establishing updated development standards intended to provide greater flexibility for future investment while protecting the character and quality of life of surrounding neighborhoods.
The changes are designed to create a framework for potential redevelopment before a specific project is proposed, allowing the borough to establish expectations for how the property could be transformed in the future.
“The Berkshire Mall property presents a significant long-term opportunity for reinvestment in our community,” said Wyomissing Borough Council President Kristen Gajewski. “Rather than waiting for a specific proposal, Borough officials have taken a proactive approach by evaluating and identifying ways to modernize development standards.”
Gajewski also emphasized that the updated regulations are intended to promote compatibility between the borough’s commercial and residential areas.
According to borough officials, the zoning changes follow a comprehensive planning process that included ordinance development, zoning analysis, Planning Commission review, feedback from county planning officials, public presentations, and opportunities for community input.
The updated standards address several aspects of potential redevelopment, including site design, open space, landscaping, buffering between properties, traffic circulation, pedestrian and bicycle access, and infrastructure improvements.
The regulations are intended to encourage attractive, walkable development while providing appropriate transitions between new construction and existing neighborhoods and businesses.
Borough officials said they are exploring ways to attract developers to the Berkshire Mall property, but the zoning changes do not represent approval of a specific redevelopment project.
Any future development proposal would still need to go through the borough’s established review process, including public meetings, development reviews, and additional opportunities for residents to provide feedback.
Residents interested in learning more about the zoning changes and potential redevelopment of the Berkshire Mall property can review project materials and frequently asked questions at wyomissingboro.org/berkshire.