Norristown's Biggest Stories Of 2020: COVID, BLM, Revitalization

Norristown PA

30 December, 2020

1:35 PM

Description

NORRISTOWN, PA — 2020 was a historic and transformative year by any measure, and Norristown was right in the thick of things. The bizarre year saw Norristown, as both the home to vulnerable populations and the county seat, grapple with the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. A total of 60 Norristown residents lost their lives to COVID-19 in 2020, according to statistics tracked by the municipality. As of Dec. 30, the year had also seen 2,073 Norristown residents become infected, out of 32,739 countywide. The highly populated Norristown area saw a concentration of cases, more than most municipalities in Montgomery County. The virus has had a tremendous impact on the local economy, leading many area restaurants and other businesses to shut their doors. Adjustment to this new reality was difficult, as life in Norristown was radically changed overnight. A community coronavirus testing site opened in Norristown in April. At the time, it was the first town in the county to offer testing on the municipal level. As spring turned to summer, social upheaval over racial injustice gripped cities and communities around the nation. Norristown saw marches and demonstrations in the streets and before the courthouse. Comments made by Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Gale about Black Lives Matter spurred further protests and drew national attention to the area. Despite the world seemingly falling apart, there was important progress made at the local level. After two decades of intensive planning and construction, the transformative Lafayette Street extension project was completed in Norristown and Plymouth Township, clearing the way for an eventual turnpike interchange that officials hope will kickstart the area economy. The $430 million new Montgomery County Justice Center was approved, which will renovate the historic courthouse and add more than 50,000 square feet of new construction. And a major revitalization project in the former Baer Building on Main Street took steps forward, potentially bringing new apartments, restaurants, and an e-Sports facility to the downtown district. Here's a glance back at some of the most important and widely read stories on Norristown Patch in 2020. Some startling, some tragic, and some hopeful, as even amidst the chaos of the past year there were reasons to look to Norristown's future with optimism. Norristown Council Approves Black Lives Matter Painting Downtown NORRISTOWN, PA — The Norristown Municipal Council voted this week to approve a Black Lives Matter painting downtown, saying it reflected the direction in which the municipality was moving and represented... Read more 13 Montco Patients Had Contact With CHOP Doctor With Coronavirus KING OF PRUSSIA, PA — A total of 13 children from Montgomery County had direct contact with a cardiologist with coronavirus at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's King of Prussia outpatient... Read more After 20 Years, Norristown's Lafayette St Extension Project Completed NORRISTOWN, PA — After two decades of intensive planning and construction, the transformative Lafayette Street extension project has been completed in Norristown, authorities announced this week.... Read more Norristown State Hospital 'An Atrocity' Amid Coronavirus: Workers NORRISTOWN, PA — There have been dozens of positive cases of coronavirus at Norristown State Hospital among both patients and staff, and staff members have experienced a severe shortage of cleaning... Read more Elmwood Launches Live Animal Streams During Coronavirus Closure NORRISTOWN, PA — Elmwood Park Zoo is getting creative amidst the coronavirus closures, launching a package of online content including live streams of animals, interactive lessons, and more. The... Read more Schuylkill River Flooding Reaches Historic Levels In Norristown NORRISTOWN, PA — The impacts of Tropical Storm Isaias continued to be felt long after the brunt of the storm had passed, as flood waters rose to dangerous heights around the region. The Schuylkill... Read more King Of Prussia Mall Planning For A Radically Different Reopening KING OF PRUSSIA, PA — As certain coronavirus mitigation measures are lifted around Pennsylvania, some businesses are reopening their doors. But they'll be opening their doors to a murky, post-pandemic... Read more New $430M Montgomery Co. Justice Center Approved In Norristown NORRISTOWN, PA — The new Montgomery County Justice Center received final approval from the Norristown Municipal Council on Tuesday evening, as they voted unanimously in support of the project.... Read more Support For Trump Slips In Montco: Town-By-Town Vote Totals MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — Declared the "key of the keystone state" by Montgomery County Deomcrats, several municipalities proved crucial in helping Joe Biden defeat Donald Trump in Pennsylvania and... Read more Norristown's Gangster Vegan, Nonprofits Providing Free Groceries NORRISTOWN, PA — In times of crisis, the bonds that hold the Norristown community together are more apparent than ever. Gangster Vegan Organics is spearheading a project to provide free meals... Read more