City to install gates on Skyline Drive to enhance safety and security at Pagoda

The City of Reading has announced plans to install gates on Skyline Drive as part of an initiative to improve safety, reduce disturbances, and protect the iconic Reading Pagoda and surrounding areas. The measures, approved by City Council in June 2024, aim to address issues such as illegal dumping, loud music, and unruly gatherings while ensuring continued public access to the popular landmark.

The project, led by Pro Max Fence Systems of Reading, PA, involves the installation of two gates at traffic triangles located at List Road and Skyline Drive and Duryea Drive and Shearer Road. The gates, part of a larger effort to create a controlled, park-like atmosphere, will operate in line with the City’s park ordinance schedule, opening daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM year-round.

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Visitors will be required to exit the area by the 9:00 PM closing time, and police may issue citations or fines to individuals remaining inside after hours. Emergency services will have remote access to open the gates in case of emergencies.

To further support the initiative, the City plans to install cameras throughout the area for enhanced security. Signage will be placed at all overlooks, the Pagoda parking lot, and on both sides of the gates to notify visitors of park hours and gate closure times. These changes are designed to ensure the area remains accessible to the public while minimizing disruptions to nearby residents.

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The gates are expected to be installed within the next month and will remain open temporarily to allow residents and visitors to adjust to the new system. Full operation is slated to begin on January 1, 2025. The City has assured the public that special events such as the Easter Sunday Mass and the Pagoda Hill Climb will continue to be accommodated through Special Event Permits.

The detour route around the gated area is 1.8 miles long, matching the length of the gated portion of Skyline Drive, so drivers are not expected to experience significant inconvenience.

Mayor Eddie Morán emphasized the importance of the initiative in preserving Reading’s landmarks while enhancing public safety. “Skyline Drive and the Reading Pagoda are cherished landmarks that define our city’s identity. Through these new measures, we are protecting their beauty, enhancing security, and providing peace of mind to both residents and visitors alike. Creating a friendly and secure atmosphere for everyone to enjoy is the goal,” said Morán.

With this initiative, the City of Reading aims to strike a balance between maintaining public access to the Pagoda and surrounding areas and ensuring a safe and peaceful environment for all.

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Berks Weekly
Berks Weekly
Berks Weekly is an independent and locally owned digital newspaper covering the City of Reading and Berks County. Download the mobile app: berksweekly.com/app
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