Phoenixville Signs Touted Fines For No Mask, Mayor Clarifies

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — Phoenixville residents reacted when signs went up around the borough reminding folks that masks are required — and mentioning that fines of $50-$100 may be handed out for non-compliance.

By Saturday, Phoenixville Mayor Peter Urscheler was compelled to post a statement on social media underscoring that the mask ordinance was about community safety and confessing its "tone was harsh." The signs went away over the weekend.

A "face covering" amendment to Phoenixville Borough's code was passed on Jan. 12, and included specifications on when and where masks needed to be worn in the borough, where they were not needed, and it stated that violations could result in fines. The amendment passed with a 7-0 vote.

Little was said until the banners went up last week. Some commenters had not been aware of the ordinance's provision for fining non-mask wearers. Many responded to the mayor's comments saying they would like to have known there were fines. Many supported mask-wearing but some said fines were inappropriate.

Some commenters were clearly unhappy. One person called it a "cash grab." Some questioned its legality and another posted a photo of what appears to be a crowd giving a Nazi salute.

Another person made a plea to take the signs down, saying they reflect badly on Phoenixville.

The mayor said a reconsideration of the signage convinced him that it was "off-brand" for Phoenixville by focusing on the punitive element of the ordinance, rather than community. He said he wanted to be respectful to the community.

"We had the perfect storm. We were in a rush to get ready for the street closure, and we wanted to remind people to wear their masks," Urscheler told Patch.

"Our business community really has been doing the right thing, we've remained positive, and I want to recognize that," he added.

In his social media statement, the mayor said, "As many of you have noticed, in anticipation of our street closures, the Borough recently installed signage throughout the downtown area reminding everyone to wear a mask when in public spaces. I want to recognize the tone of the signs was more harsh than intended."

Urscheler continued, "It was never our intent to cause concern, confusion, or in any way diminish your commitment to our common cause of keeping Phoenixville safe. The Borough Council passed a mask ordinance in January 2021."

He reminded residents that Ordinance 2021-2321 is about safety and keeping businesses open, and he said, "Ordinances are tools that Municipal Governments, like Phoenixville, use to protect the safety and welfare of all those who reside, work, and visit our community."

The mayor said, "I want to personally thank each of you for helping us to keep Phoenixville Safe, Healthy, and Open. The precautions you have taken have ensured the safety and welfare of all of us. All of your efforts have gotten us to the point where we finally see light at the end of the tunnel."

He added, "Like you, I am excited to see you all again enjoying our street closure beginning on April 16."

What remains around the borough are banners reminding everyone that outdoor dining opens April 16 and there will be street closures to allow for that.

Urscheler stressed the importance of continuing to observe COVID-19 safety precautions. He said that he will be posting "common sense" guidelines for the community.

"Regardless of your vaccination status, in alignment with current CDC guidance, when you approach someone on the street who is not in your household, please for everyone's safety and comfort, put on your mask. If you are enjoying a beverage or eating on the street, stay stationary, away from others so you can enjoy," he said.