Site Visits

Yes, I know it's been a minute since you heard about the Grand Old Lady on Airy St, aka the Airy St Prison. Frankly there has not been a lot going on. However, it has been noted that there have been several site visits from interested parties. The first one was February 13th, and another scheduled for March 21st. That is indeed exciting news. I did inquire as to whether members of our little group of activists could schedule a visit, but it was denied. I suppose it's due to insurance reasons.

However, due to economic uncertainty that is going on right now, some of the advocate group members are concerned that it could impact the level of interest in the prison. Tariffs will raise lumber and steel prices, and interest rates are high. There still is a month to go on the RFEI so maybe something will shake loose, but if there is a loss of interest due to the environment now, and interest in the building renovation is low, what would be done? The worst situation would be the commissioners would take this as a sign the building should be demolished. The best situation would be that they would hold off and resubmit the RFEI when the climate is right or accept one of the proposals that has come in and wait until the climate is right be begin renovation.

These concerns should be brought to the commissioners either by emailing or attending a meeting. The next meeting are March 20, 2025, April 3, 2025, and April 17, 2025. They are always held at 10am on the 8th floor of One Montgomery Plaza. You can attend in person, or by Zoom.

If you wish to email them, the addresses are as follows: neil@montgomerycountypa.gov, jamila@montgomerycountypa.org, and thomas@montgomerycounty.gov.

The fight is not over!