What's The Future For Route 422?

Pottstown editor Teresa McMinn tweeted live from Tuesday night’s public forum on the future of Route 422. Here are her tweets as she kept followers up-to-date on what was happening.

PottstownPatch Teresa McMinn

Over 100 folks so far at the public forum to discuss possible tolling on Route 422. Event starts in about 15 minutes.

PottstownPatch Teresa McMinn

State Rep Mike Vereb, Rep-Montco, to Patch minutes ago: "It's a four-lane Main Street," he said of Route 422.

PottstownPatch Teresa McMinn

Crowd at Rte 422 meeting reaches roughly 400 people. More folks arriving.

PottstownPatch Teresa McMinn

Tolls on Rte 422 could raise up to $60 million per year, increasing over time.

PottstownPatch Teresa McMinn

"Doing nothing is not an option that I choose." Montco's Joe Hoeffel. Crowd shouted in anger over this comment.

PottstownPatch Teresa McMinn

State gas tax, alternate route to 422 and extending Norristown train line to the Reading and Philly areas also discussed.

PottstownPatch Teresa McMinn

There's a general lack of confidence on the part of the public toward federal, state and local government. - State Rep Tom Quigley

PottstownPatch Teresa McMinn

Money raised by tolling would stay local. Montco's Joe Hoeffel

PottstownPatch Teresa McMinn

Crowd cheers this question: "Why not tax new home developers who are causing more traffic?"

PottstownPatch Teresa McMinn

Tolling could work via EZ pass, spread tolls to allow free local travel, lower tolls for weekend or off hours ...

PottstownPatch Teresa McMinn

Some folks would avoid tolled Rte 422 and cause more traffic problems in local areas. - Rep Tom Quigley. Crowd cheering this.

PottstownPatch Teresa McMinn

"We need more mass transit, not less." Montco's Joe Hoeffel

PottstownPatch Teresa McMinn

General feeling from crowd: The tolling plan is a bad idea.

PottstownPatch Teresa McMinn

About half of the crowd at the Rte 422 meeting have left at this point.

PottstownPatch Teresa McMinn

Rep Tom Quigley, tolling Rte 422 is, "Another opportunity to cost (small business owners) money." Crowd cheering.

PottstownPatch Teresa McMinn

"It's gotten progressively more crowded, especially at rush hour ... I oppose tolling the roadway." Rep. Warren Kampf

PottstownPatch Teresa McMinn

Guy in crowd to speakers: "Thank you," for holding the public talk. Most other folks here appear grateful for the chance to ask questions.

Check back for complete story, comments from panel members and residents that attended the forum.