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Revitalizing Pottstown, Tax Meeting Concerns, Godiva Layoffs, Major Court Date, and Eagles' Ertz Talks

Issue #169

03 Dec

In this Pottstown Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Huge List Of Events This Week in the Pottstown Area!

 🍫 50 Employees to be Laid Off in Godiva’s Exeter Township Facility

 💲 Montgomery County's 2024 Budget Meetings Highlight Tax Increase Tensions

🏭 Pottstown Revitalizes Vacant Property into Modern Pallet-Production Facility

👮🏼‍♂️ Court Date Set for Blair Watts in Slaying of Business Partner Jennifer Brown

 🏈 Eagles in Talks to Bring Back Tight End Zach Ertz

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50 Employees to be Laid Off in Godiva’s Exeter Township Facility

Godiva Co. has announced plans to lay off about 50 employees at its Exeter Township plant as part of a strategic transformation aimed at enhancing the company's growth and competitiveness.

This restructuring includes reducing the variety of products and packages, leading to a decrease in the overall volume of chocolate products produced at the Exeter facility.

Affected employees will receive a 90-day notice period and a month of paid administrative leave in February 2024, along with support from human resources for accessing benefits like COBRA and unemployment. Despite the layoffs, the Exeter plant, operational since 1979, will continue to employ 200 to 300 people. Godiva, a Belgium-based chocolate maker founded in 1926 and owned by Turkish company Yildiz Holding since 2007, remains committed to the Reading area facility, known for producing many of its famous products.

Montgomery County's 2024 Budget Meetings Highlight
Tax Increase Tensions

Residents of Montgomery County have expressed strong opposition to a proposed property tax increase during public meetings on the county's 2024 budget. The proposed increase would change the millage rate from 4.237 to 4.778 mills, aiming to generate an additional $33.4 million in revenue. However, residents voiced concerns about the financial burden during the current economic climate and inflation.

The 2024 budget shows $568 million in projected revenue against $567.8 million in expenditures. The primary revenue sources include real estate taxes, federal and state grants, and departmental earnings, while major expenses are in Health and Human Services, judicial services, and county administration.

While some attendees at the public hearings praised the budget for supporting open spaces and library renovations, others emphasized the need for cost reductions. Residents also suggested that incoming county commissioners should have more input in the budget process. The current commissioners, including Chairman Ken Lawrence Jr. and Commissioner Joe Gale, will be leaving their positions at the end of the year.

The final decision on the 2024 budget and capital improvement program will be made at the next Montgomery County Board of Commissioners meeting on December 14.

Pottstown Revitalizes Vacant Property into Modern Pallet-Production Facility

A previously vacant building, the old Pottstown Plating Works property, has been revitalized into a new business. The building owner, John Jones, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate this achievement, which he sees as a significant step for the community. The facility has been transformed into a modern pallet-production site operated by DJ Pallets, owned by Dan Ullmann. This new business will create several jobs, including positions for machine operators, forklift drivers, and truck drivers.

The project was made possible through various grants totaling around $2 million to address environmental contamination issues and tax forgiveness by the borough, school district, and county. The renovation not only repurposed a long-vacant building but also brought a new, tax-paying business to the area, contributing to the local economy and job market. The initiative reflects the community's commitment to revitalization and economic progress.

Pottstown Local Scoop - CRIME

Court Date Set for Blair Watts in Slaying of Business Partner Jennifer Brown

Blair Watts is scheduled for trial on December 6 for the first-degree murder of Jennifer Brown, from Limerick Township. The trial, set to take place in Montgomery County Court before Judge William R. Carpenter, will begin with jury selection, and the proceedings are expected to last two weeks. Watts, 33, currently held at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility, is accused of killing Brown, who was reported missing on January 4 and later found buried in a shallow grave on January 18 in Royersford.

Watts and Brown, former business partners planning to open a restaurant named “Birdies Kitchen” in Spring City, had a close relationship before the incident. Evidence against Watts includes bank records showing a transfer of $17,000 from Brown's account to his own and phone records placing him at the scene of the crime. Watts is represented by lawyer Michael Coard, whose request to exclude evidence from Brown's home was denied by the judge.

Brown, who worked at Wesco Distribution in Norristown, was supposed to pick up her son from the bus stop on January 4 but did not show up, leading to the discovery of her disappearance and subsequent investigation. The trial will likely draw significant public and media attention due to the nature of the case.

SPORTS

Eagles in Talks to Bring Back
Tight End Zach Ertz

EAGLES

Zach Ertz may soon return to the Philadelphia Eagles following his release from the Arizona Cardinals. After successfully clearing waivers, Ertz is now a free agent, and the Eagles have shown interest in bringing him back. This move is particularly timely given the Eagles' current tight end situation. Dallas Goedert, while back in practice, remains doubtful for the upcoming game against the 49ers, and Grant Calcaterra is ruled out, leaving limited options for the team.

Ertz's potential return to Philadelphia is not just a strategic move for the Eagles; it also holds sentimental value. Philadelphia is where Ertz's illustrious career began and flourished. His familiarity with the team, including players like Jalen Hurts and his experience with coach Nick Sirianni, could ease his transition back into the squad. Furthermore, his strong work ethic and dedication, which have been consistent throughout his career, are expected to aid in his quick adaptation to the current team dynamics.

The prospect of rejoining the Eagles is not just a professional consideration for Ertz. His family, including his wife Julie, who recently retired, and their son, have deep ties to the Philadelphia area. Returning to the Eagles would mean more than just playing for a contender; it would be a homecoming for Ertz and his family.

In summary, Zach Ertz's return to the Philadelphia Eagles appears to be a harmonious blend of professional strategy and personal sentiment. His familiarity with the team and strong work ethic are poised to make this transition seamless, while the emotional connection with the city and his family adds a deeper layer to this potential reunion.

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