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3 weeks ago

Chester council reviews Resolutions 23–31 including ARPA repairs and civil service updates City of Chester council listed Resolutions 23–31 for final passage, covering parking management RFPs, civil service rule updates, firefighter testing, ARPA-funded facility repairs, and a $40,194 liquid fuel application for street resurfacing; no votes are recorded in the transcript.

Chester council's latest meeting unveiled a crucial package of resolutions tackling everything from parking management to vital repairs, but did they make any decisions?

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #ChesterPennsylvania #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal

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4 weeks ago

City of Chester committee reviews updated civil service rules to modernize police and fire hiring The Public Safety Committee reviewed a 25-page update to the city’s civil service rules for police and firefighters, replacing language from 1990/1993 and aligning procedures on applications, testing, disqualifications, veteran preference, and appeals before sending the draft to mayor and council for consideration.

Chester's Public Safety Committee is taking a bold step into the future by updating outdated hiring rules for police and fire departments, ensuring fairness and compliance with modern standards.

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #HiringReform

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1 month ago

Chester fire commissioner reports 2,836 incidents in 2025, details equipment and training gains Fire Commissioner John Paul Shirley reported 2,836 incidents in 2025, listed extra-alarm fires that displaced residents, and described grants and equipment purchases including thermal imaging cameras, bailout harnesses funded by a FEMA grant and a ladder truck on order.

Chester's Fire Department tackled 2,836 incidents in 2025, including devastating fires and critical EMS calls, while investing in advanced equipment and training for a safer future.

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #CommunityTraining #EmergencyResponse #PublicSafety

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1 month ago

Resident raises alarm over officer hours and staffing; chief says 12‑hour shifts and contract talks underway A resident told council a study found Chester police working excessive hours and said the force had dropped to about 50 officers from an authorized 102; the police chief said he could not confirm 36‑hour shifts, explained 12‑hour schedules and noted active negotiations with the FOP.

A concerned resident revealed alarming police staffing shortages in Chester, urging city leaders to take action as officers face grueling shifts and safety risks.

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #ChesterPolice #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #PoliceRecruitment #CommunityAccountability

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1 month ago

PECO tells Chester council it will relocate gas meters outside and pursue multi-year upgrades PECO presented planned gas- and electric-system upgrades and said the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission requires moving indoor gas regulators and meters to exterior locations; the company described temporary trenching and a timeline to repave and offered a claims contact for affected businesses.

PECO is set to transform Chester with a multi-year upgrade plan, moving gas meters outdoors for safety and investing in essential infrastructure improvements.

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #InfrastructureUpgrade #CitizenPortal #ChesterUtility #PublicSafety #CommunityOutreach

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1 month ago

Council approves $1.55M federal reimbursement for Norris Street trail and adopts updated eCollect cost schedule Chester City Council unanimously approved Resolution 18 authorizing execution of documents to secure $1,550,000 in federal Transportation Alternative funds for the Norris Street Trail and Streetscape project, and Resolution 19 adopting an updated eCollect Plus LLC cost‑of‑collection schedule for delinquent taxes.

Chester City Council just approved a staggering $1.55 million in federal funding to transform the Norris Street Trail and Streetscape, sparking excitement for future community connectivity!

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #ChesterTrails #CommunityDevelopment

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1 month ago

County planners propose quick‑build safety changes at Coosa/Chester High intersection Delaware County presented a quick‑build plan to reconfigure a chaotic six‑leg Coosa intersection near Chester High, installing curb bump‑outs, flexible bollards and paint to slow traffic; a one‑day installation and community block party are planned for April 18, 2026.

Chester High's chaotic Coosa intersection is getting a quick-build makeover to enhance safety for students and families—complete with curb bump-outs and a community block party!

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #CommunityEngagement #InfrastructureImprovements #TrafficSafety

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1 month ago

Chester CFO: Half of $30 million ARPA package spent; remaining projects tracked toward 2026 deadline CFO Richard Troutman told the City of Chester Budget & Finance Committee that $15 million of the city’s $30 million ARPA allocation has been closed out across 24 of 35 projects; 11 projects remain open, including the Public Works building and a ladder truck expected later this year. Officials said ARPA reporting and public documentation will be improved.

Chester's CFO reveals that half of the city's $30 million ARPA funding is already spent, with exciting projects like a new Public Works building on the horizon!

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #CommunityInvestment #ChesterPublicWorks #InfrastructureDevelopment

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1 month ago

DelCorps outlines $300 million plan to cut combined sewer overflows in Chester DelCorps presented a long-term control plan to reduce combined sewer overflows (CSOs) in Chester by focusing on the Ridley and Chester creeks, using sewer separation, deep linear storage tunnels and repairs; the authority said the $300 million program would be shared across all DelCorps customers and aims to cut overflow frequency to about six events per year at treated locations.

DelCorps has unveiled a groundbreaking $300 million plan to drastically cut sewer overflows in Chester, promising to transform the city's water management system with innovative underground storage solutions.

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2 months ago

Chester council reappoints planning commissioners, authorizes police hiring test The Chester City Council on Jan. 27 unanimously reappointed Leola Williams and named Dave Collins an alternate to the Planning Commission, and authorized civil-service testing to establish a police officer hiring list.

Chester City Council has taken significant steps by reappointing Leola Williams and appointing Dave Collins to the Planning Commission, while also paving the way for new police officer recruitment!

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #CommunityInvolvement #PublicSafety #ChesterPlanning

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2 months ago

Mother of homicide victim presses Chester officials on investigation, trauma-care access At the Jan. 27 meeting, the mother of Darien Beacham asked why a trauma center is not nearer, whether alleged coconspirators have been questioned and why suspect information was not widely released; police and the commissioner said the case is being actively worked and that information release is controlled by investigators.

A grieving mother confronts Chester officials, demanding answers on her son's homicide investigation and the alarming lack of local trauma care.

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #ChesterTraumaCare #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal #EmergencyHealthcare #CivicAccountability

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2 months ago

Residents tell Chester council new trash hauler missed recycling, city promises follow‑up Multiple residents told council the new hauler missed recycling pickups and commingled recycling with trash; Public Works Director Andrew Haman and Recycle Coordinator Melber Rothwell acknowledged dozens of complaints, described outreach and tagging protocols, and directed residents to file formal complaints via the municipal switchboard for tracking.

Chester residents are frustrated as their new trash hauler has repeatedly missed recycling pickups, leaving many to wonder if their recyclables are being properly managed.

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #ChesterRecycling #WasteManagement #PublicCommunication #CivicEngagement

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2 months ago

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to pilot vacant-lot greening in Chester, aims to stabilize 100,000 sq ft The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society unveiled a LandCare pilot to clear and green roughly 100,000 square feet of CETA‑owned vacant lots in Chester beginning in March, with twice‑monthly maintenance through summer 2027 and a focus on hiring local contractors. Studies cited by PHS claim reductions in depression and gun violence near treated sites.

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is set to transform Chester’s vacant lots into vibrant green spaces, aiming to reduce depression and gun violence while creating local jobs.

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #CommunityGreening #MentalHealthAwareness #UrbanSustainability

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2 months ago

City health official reiterates vaccination guidance, cites new lead‑remediation funding and HUD award The city health official said the department will follow Commonwealth and county vaccination guidance and reported December funding awards including $1.3 million (earlier mention) and a HUD notification for $4.4 million to continue lead‑remediation work in Chester.

Chester's health officials are urging residents to trust local health guidance amidst national confusion, while announcing a significant $5.7 million boost for urgent lead remediation efforts.

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #LeadAbatement #PublicHealth #ChesterHealth #CitizenPortal

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2 months ago

Residents press Chester council over alleged 401(k) mispayment, hospital access and rental fees During public comment at the Jan. 5 reorganization meeting, a resident alleged the city paid the wrong 401(k) beneficiary and threatened legal action; others urged the NAACP and council to pursue restoring local hospital services and asked for a town hall on rental registration fees and inspections.

Chester residents are raising serious concerns over alleged payroll errors, the dire lack of hospital services, and burdensome rental registration fees—could this be a turning point for community action?

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #HealthcareAccess

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3 months ago

Chester presents balanced, "bare-bones" 2026 budget; $43 million pension liability remains City of Chester officials presented a balanced 2026 general-fund budget that avoids tax and solid-waste fee increases, highlights a roughly $43,000,000 pension liability, and assigns ARPA and capital dollars to projects including a Public Works building and vehicle replacements.

The City of Chester unveils a "bare bones" 2026 budget that keeps taxes steady while grappling with a staggering $43 million pension liability—how will they balance the books?

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #FiscalResponsibility #PublicFunding #CommunitySafety #ChesterBudget

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3 months ago

Community questions PQ LLC's PCB and VOC discharges as DEP reviews Title V permit changes During a DEP public hearing in Chester, residents and advocates questioned PQ LLC's reported PCB discharges (up to 548,000 pg/L) and urged DEP to require VOC monitoring and continuous emissions monitors; DEP described the proposed PQ changes as administrative with no new sources or emissions increases.

Residents in Chester are raising alarms as PQ LLC's shocking PCB discharges are found to be 34,250 times above the safe limit, demanding urgent action from environmental authorities.

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #EnvironmentalJustice #ChesterEnvironment #AirQuality #WaterPollution

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3 months ago

Chester residents and environmental groups press DEP to require VOC monitoring, stronger controls at Delcora incinerator At a Pennsylvania DEP hearing in Chester, residents and environmental groups urged the agency to require Delcora to install the best available control technologies and continuous VOC monitoring, citing long-running pollution, elevated local cancer and asthma rates, and limited community notice.

Residents in Chester are demanding tougher pollution controls for the Delcora incinerator, citing alarming cancer rates and environmental injustice in their community.

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #EnvironmentalJustice #ChesterEnvironmental #PublicHealth #PollutionControl

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3 months ago

Chester council moves 2026 budget and tax ordinances on first reading; public hearing set for Dec. 8 Council read the 2026 budget (general fund $62.2 million; total expenses including unpaid pensions $105.2 million) and moved multiple tax and compensation ordinances on first reading. Members asked for clearer administrative-line breakout; the public hearing for the budget is scheduled for Dec. 8 at 1 p.m.

Chester's City Council is gearing up for a crucial public hearing on the proposed $105 million budget, raising important questions about administrative expenses and tax rates!

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #ChesterBudget #PublicFinance #LocalGovernance #CitizenPortal

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3 months ago

Health commissioner reports $1.3M in lead grants, vaccination clinics and plans to bring primary care to Chester Health Commissioner Dr. Kristen Motley told council the Chester Lead Task Force secured $1.3 million in grants, reached more than 2,000 residents with lead education and testing, ran vaccination clinics that served nearly 200 people and submitted a pending $3.5 million HUD grant to expand remediation work.

Chester's health commissioner announces a groundbreaking $1.3 million in lead remediation grants and plans for free primary care services that could transform community health!

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #EnvironmentalHealth #HealthcareAccess #ChesterHealth #LeadRemediation

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4 months ago

Delaware County DA funds vacant-lot stabilization in Chester under Philadelphia LandCare model Council reviewed Resolution 133 to accept Delaware County District Attorney funding for a vacant-lot stabilization program using the Philadelphia LandCare model; staff said the initial award covers about 100,000 sq ft (roughly 50 lots) and will hire local contractors where possible.

Chester's council is set to transform vacant lots into vibrant green spaces, thanks to a new funding initiative from the Delaware County DA!

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #ChesterVacantLots #CommunityStabilization #LocalGovAI #ViolenceReduction

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4 months ago

Chester council probes change orders, contamination and consultant costs on Public Works Building project Council questioned multiple change orders for the Public Works Building, including removal of contaminated soil (manganese) and a $9,886 change order increasing Davis Construction’s contract; staff said Colliers identified contaminants but the city ratified MG Engineering for oversight because of cost and timing concerns.

Chester's council is raising eyebrows over costly change orders and environmental concerns tied to the Public Works Building project—could this lead to deeper investigations into contractor practices?

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5 months ago

Chester announces Jan. 2027 start for lead-inspection enforcement, outlines $1.35M in remediation funding City of Chester health officials outlined plans to enforce the city's Lead Poison Prevention and Lead Hazard Control ordinance and described inspection, certification and remediation funding for rental properties. Officials said inspections will be required every three years, enforcement will tie certificates to rental registration starting January

Chester is taking a bold step towards protecting its children by enforcing lead inspections in rental properties starting January 2027, backed by $1.35 million in remediation funding.

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #HousingSafety #ChesterLeadSafety #PublicHealth

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5 months ago

Commissioner announces $1.35 million in lead-remediation grants to address 47 homes, distribution of air purifiers During public comment, Dr. Kristen Motley said Chester received $350,000 from Green & Healthy Homes Initiative and $1,000,000 from William Penn Foundation for lead remediation covering 47 homes and 158 air purifiers; remediation caps and existing HUD-funded programs were discussed.

Chester has just landed a game-changing $1.35 million in grants to tackle lead hazards in homes and improve indoor air quality for families!

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalSafety #ChesterLeadRemediation #CommunitySupport #PublicHealth

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5 months ago

Residents demand investigation after police action at Chester High homecoming block party Multiple residents and event organizers described a forceful police response at an Oct. 18 homecoming block party on Avenue of the States; callers and organizers asked council to require body‑camera review, deescalation training and a public oversight mechanism.

Residents are demanding accountability after a chaotic police response at Chester High's homecoming block party left families in distress and sparked calls for a transparent investigation.

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal #PoliceAccountability

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6 months ago

Court Hearing Scheduled for October 30 on Life Safety Repairs Agreement Hearing set if landlord fails to make requested life safety repairs by October 30.

Chester City Council is gearing up for a pivotal court hearing on October 30 that could reshape tenant safety and living conditions for many residents.

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunitySupport #ChesterLifeSafety #TenantRights

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6 months ago

Chester Officials Tackle Housing Issues Amid Legal Challenges at Banneker Properties Chester leaders address complex housing issues through collaboration despite challenging legal landscape.

Chester City Hall buzzed with energy as residents and council members united to tackle everything from personal stories to vital mental health initiatives, reminding us all of the power of community connection.

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6 months ago

City Officials Collaborate to Address Safety Issues at Benjamin Banneker Housing Officials report progress on safety upgrades at Benjamin Banneker following resident complaints.

Chester City Council is on a mission to tackle alarming safety issues at the Benjamin Banneker apartments, as urgent negotiations unfold to ensure resident well-being.

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #HousingReform #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityEngagement #ChesterHousing

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6 months ago

Chester Council Discusses Public Safety, Lighting, and Tree Maintenance Concerns Residents urge Chester Council to address speed bumps, LED lighting, and tree trimming issues.

Chester residents passionately demand urgent action on traffic safety, lighting, and tree maintenance as the City Council grapples with budget constraints.

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #PublicEngagement #CommunityCleanliness #ChesterPublicSafety #TrafficCalming

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6 months ago

Super Bowl Experience Unites Fans Across Races on Bourbon Street Fans celebrate unity and excitement during Super Bowl festivities on Bourbon Street.

Chester's Planning Commission Meeting highlighted crucial financial strategies and vibrant community events, showcasing a united front in the face of development challenges.

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #ChesterCommunity #FinancialPlanning #InclusiveEvents