The Borough of Wyomissing and the owners of the Berkshire Mall have reached an agreement to address critical safety concerns, following a hearing on Friday, November 22, 2024. The measures aim to mitigate immediate hazards, including the recurring appearance of sinkholes throughout the mall’s parking and travel areas, and to avoid the potential condemnation or closure of the facility during the busy holiday season.
The resolution came after the borough filed a Petition for a Preliminary Injunction, citing life and safety risks to residents and visitors of the mall. To address these concerns, the mall’s ownership has agreed to implement a series of precautionary measures, including the installation of fencing and barricades in affected areas, which were installed on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
Under the agreement, the mall will designate specific areas where parking and travel are prohibited. These zones will be clearly marked and blocked off to prevent public access.
Key changes include: The middle two entrances off Woodland Road will be closed, with no traffic permitted through these driveways. The mall will remain accessible through: The driveway off State Hill Road leading to parking in front of Boscov’s. The driveway closest to State Hill Road on Woodland Road, providing access to parking along Woodland Road from Ruby Tuesday’s south to State Hill Road. The driveway entrance off Woodland Road near Paper Mill Road, with limited parking access adjacent to State Route 222 and near the food court entrance.
To access stores with exterior entrances along Woodland Road, including Five Below, Clean Eatz, and K-Pot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot, patrons are advised to park in permitted areas, enter the mall interior, and then exit near these stores. Walking paths between the mall and barricades will provide access to these businesses.
Interior access to the mall will be available through: Boscov’s, a primary anchor tenant. Two entrances along the State Route 222 side of the mall. The entrance near Ruby Tuesday’s on Woodland Road.
The Borough of Wyomissing emphasized its commitment to working with mall ownership to implement long-term repairs. “The Borough desires to continue to work with the Mall to make requisite repairs in a timely manner to keep the residents, employees, and visitors safe,” the press release stated.
A map detailing the affected areas and permissible travel routes is available for public reference. These measures, while restrictive, are seen as essential to ensuring public safety during the high-traffic holiday season.
