Norristown residents call for ‘stay of execution’ from demolition of Airy Street Prison

NORRISTOWN — Discussions about the future of the nineteenth century Montgomery County/Airy Street Prison made its way to back to Norristown.

Originally built in 1851 by Napoleon LeBrun, the old jail dominated the public comment of Tuesday evening’s Norristown Municipal Council work session as county residents called on local officials to take up the cause.

“A longtime resident of this municipality dying and few are willing to do anything about it,” said Olivia Brady, a Norristown resident and former councilwoman. “This death has been going on for quite sometime, and many have turned their backs pretending it doesn’t matter.”

The jail closed in 1987 and the property was later transferred to Montgomery County, which Brady asserted that the “structure has been left to rot. In other words demolition by neglect.”

Referring to the jail at 35 E. Airy St., Brady launched an online petition to “save the Airy Street Prison.” It had amassed 115 signatures as of Wednesday afternoon with an overall goal of 200.

“There is no good reason for The Old Montgomery County/Airy Street Prison at 35 E. Airy St. in Norristown to be destroyed,” Brady said in her petition. “The Old Jail is part of a ‘Golden Age’ of architecture in the county seat that we will never see again.”

Peggy Dellisanti, a property owner and owner of the former Main Changes clothing store on Main Street, agreed, speaking fondly of the “castle” located “on top of the hill.”

“Please don’t let them destroy a piece of historical beauty,” said Dellasanti. “Demolishing it would be a loss for the entire county and the state as well.”

As an alternative, landscape architect William Collins recommended a report be put together to determine economic feasibility or potential for development.

“The project deserves a stay of execution,” he said. “It needs a study, and I think (one) could be put together.”

Dellisanti suggested the old jail could serve as a revenue generator for the municipality, referencing the success of the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia.

“I’m not adverse to progress,” Brady said. “I herald the construction of many new projects here in town. I understand the importance of projects to the future of Norristown.

“We must pay homage to those structures that have stood the test of time and are a statement to the historic fabric of our municipality, both positive and not so positive. A structure that is a landmark,” she continued. “I urge you, Norristown council, to consider the demolition of this important structure, and work with the county to save at least the facade if nothing else.”

Norristown Municipal Council President Thomas Lepera concluded the public comment period by thanking area residents for their time, and their words, which he suggested they bring to the Montgomery County Commissioners.

“The county meets Thursday at 10 a.m. It’s their building,” Lepera said. “That’s really where most concerns should be directed with respect to the old county prison.

“The other thing I’m saying, from what I’m hearing, and I’ll just say this is just me personally, what people are wanting to do is to use taxpayer money to save at least the facade of an old building in Norristown — while we have 300-plus people sleeping on the street tonight,” he continued. ““If you want to save the prison, my personal suggestion to you is raise some money.”