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1 month ago

Planning commission reviews West Chester University master plan, eyes conditional‑use recommendation The planning commission reviewed a revised West Chester University master plan that removes a proposed parking garage, adds temporary housing and proposes Church Street pedestrianization; consultants will deliver a response to the urban engineer’s February 17 letter before next week’s vote, which would be the commission’s conditional‑use recommendation to borough council.

West Chester University's revised master plan is stirring debate with the removal of a parking garage and plans for a pedestrian-friendly Church Street—how will this impact the community?

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1 month ago

Council tables traffic‑signal maintenance bid after low‑bid irregularities Public Works recommended multiple contract awards and moved the traffic‑signal maintenance contract to discussion after finding the apparent low bidder omitted required line items; staff recommended rebidding or awarding to the next responsive bidder for clarification.

A controversial traffic-signal maintenance contract is causing a stir in West Chester after the lowest bidder failed to include crucial details, prompting council to reconsider their options.

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1 month ago

West Chester council directs solicitor to draft ordinance requiring council approval for 287(g) immigration partnerships After extensive debate and public testimony, West Chester council voted to send to public hearing a proposed ordinance that would require borough council approval before the police department participates in any 287(g) cooperation agreements; the hearing was set for March 18 at 6:30 p.m.

West Chester Borough Council is taking a bold step towards transparency by drafting an ordinance that mandates council approval for police immigration enforcement agreements.

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1 month ago

Westchester council advances debate on ordinance to require approval before 287(g) immigration agreements Council directed the solicitor to draft an ordinance requiring borough council approval before the police department can enter into any 287(g) immigration‑enforcement cooperation agreement; the proposal prompted extended public comment and a split among council on whether an ordinance or policy is the appropriate tool.

Westchester Borough Council is poised to change the game on immigration enforcement by requiring their approval before police can partner with federal agencies—sparking a heated debate in the community.

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1 month ago

Finance committee reports preliminary $2.25 million cash surplus, raises purchasing thresholds Finance Director Barb Leonte told the Finance & Revenue Committee the borough ended 2025 with a preliminary cash‑basis surplus of $2,245,626.26, noted the figures exclude accruals, and outlined changes to purchasing rules, reinstatement of P‑cards and a new revolving loan fund for building renovations.

West Chester's Finance & Revenue Committee just announced a staggering cash surplus of over $2.2 million for 2025 while implementing new procurement rules to enhance financial security!

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1 month ago

Wastewater director reports freeze damage, SSO cleanup and $500,000 Maple Alley grant Wastewater staff described freeze‑related equipment damage and a sanitary‑sewer overflow that was reported to DEP and cleared; the borough also received a $500,000 grant for phase 2 of the Maple Alley project and outlined capital project timelines.

West Chester's wastewater department battles freeze damage and secures a $500,000 grant for vital infrastructure improvements!

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1 month ago

West Chester committee reviews storm cleanup, broken plows and problems with new salt mix Residents praised crews for 24‑hour snow operations after an unprecedented storm while staff reported three broken snowplows, outside heavy‑equipment hires and problems with a new enhanced rock‑salt product that clumps and freezes in trucks.

West Chester's Public Works Committee faced a winter storm nightmare with broken plows and clumping salt, sparking calls for a new snow removal strategy!

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#WestChesterChesterCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #EmergencyResponse #PublicSafety #WestChesterPublicWorks #CommunityInput

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1 month ago

West Chester's Public Safety Committee just took a bold step towards transparency by recommending a new ordinance that requires council approval for federal immigration agreements, sparking a heated debate on local policing practices.

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3 months ago

Council hears engineers on Goose Creek substation replacement after low bid far below engineer estimate; bid moved to consent for award Engineers urged replacement of aging substation equipment at Goose Creek; the borough received a low bid of $545,000 from BSI while engineers’ cost opinion was $700,000–$900,000 and the borough budgeted $1.2 million to cover contingencies; council advanced the item to the consent agenda after detailed questioning about scope, underground cable unknowns and change-order controls.

Council is considering a crucial substation replacement at Goose Creek after a shocking low bid of $545,000—far below the estimated $700,000–$900,000.

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4 months ago

West Chester Library reports rising use, new revenue initiatives and facility planning Library Director Maggie Stanton told council the regional library serves more than 53,000 people, saw nearly 18% cardholder growth and expanded programming; the library seeks municipal support for operations and has a structural assessment budgeted for 2026.

The West Chester Library is booming with nearly 18% more cardholders and over 140,000 checkouts in 2024—find out how they're expanding services and planning for the future!

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4 months ago

Council reviews Gay Street Phase 2 timeline as borough seeks $1 million DCED grant Council discussed RVE’s timeline for Gay Street Phase 2, including imported bollards and a phased April–July construction window to limit downtown impacts, and was advised to apply for a $1 million DCED local share grant for bollards and ADA mid‑block improvements.

West Chester's council is gearing up for a transformative $1 million grant application to enhance Gay Street with new bollards and ADA improvements, but what does this mean for downtown?

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4 months ago

West Chester Metro progress: pedestrian bridge prioritized after state rail plan listing Rail restoration committee reported the proposed West Chester Metro was added to the 2025 State Rail Plan; committee leaders urged grant-seeking for a priority pedestrian bridge at Wawa, outlined a $40 million capital estimate and proposed eight daily round trips in an initial operating plan.

The proposed West Chester Metro has officially made it onto the 2025 State Rail Plan, signaling a new era of transportation possibilities for the region!

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4 months ago

West Chester discusses 'America 250' working group and $20,000 Parks & Rec allocation for 2026 festivities Councilors recommended forming a community working group for the 2026 America 250 semiquincentennial; Downtown Westchester and Parks & Rec described event ideas and noted $20,000 is already in the parks budget for 2026, with organizers expecting sponsorship to cover much programming.

West Chester is gearing up for a monumental celebration in 2026, with plans for an "America 250" working group aiming to create unforgettable events that could draw tourists from across the region!

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4 months ago

West Chester centralizes special-event permitting with standardized categories, SmartGov workflow Assistant borough manager presented a five-category framework for special events (parade, 5K, marketplace/festival, single-block closure, park events, plus 'other'), standard maps and a SmartGov review workflow; staff recommend 50% deposit for major events and centralized fee estimates to reduce surprises for applicants.

West Chester is revolutionizing its special-events process with new categories and streamlined approvals to save you time and money!

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4 months ago

Council asks solicitor to research whether virtual attendance complies with West Chester's Home Rule Charter Sitting council member Bernie Flynn urged clarification on whether the borough's Home Rule Charter permits telephonic or hybrid attendance and how "three consecutive missed meetings" is calculated; the solicitor noted the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act allows telephonic participation when a quorum is physically present, and council voted to send the iss

Council member Bernie Flynn raises a critical question: Does our Home Rule Charter allow remote participation, or could it disqualify members for missing meetings?

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4 months ago

West Chester council adopts one-year Goose Creek sewer connection policy limiting new allocations to 20 EDUs Wastewater staff recommended and the committee approved a one-year connection management policy for the Goose Creek restricted area that caps new allocations at 20 equivalent dwelling units (EDUs) and limits per-parcel reservations (maximum 3, typically 1); reservations last one year unless owners begin paying sewer rental rates.

West Chester's Public Works Committee just approved a temporary policy limiting new sewer connections in the Goose Creek area, allowing only 20 equivalent dwelling units for the next year!

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4 months ago

West Chester adopts step-up enforcement and sticker program for trash ordinance violations Borough staff and code enforcement outlined a new education-first enforcement plan under Chapter 62: orange warning stickers on containers, a first warning ticket, then a 15–45 day abatement timeline before court referral; staff estimate 40–50 apparent violations and plan coordinated SmartGov tracking.

West Chester is taking a bold step towards cleaner streets with a new education-first approach to tackling trash-and-recycling violations, featuring bright orange warning stickers and a clear path to enforcement!

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4 months ago

West Chester staff weigh special census to correct undercount that could net ~$70,000 in state funds Borough data staff told the ACT Committee they estimate the 2020 census undercounted West Chester (18,671) and a targeted special census could raise the official population toward 23,000, potentially bringing about $70,000 more a year in liquid-fuels funding; councilors discussed targeting student-dense blocks to limit cost and asked for cost-estim

West Chester is pushing for a special census that could reveal a population surge to 23,000 and unlock an extra $70,000 in state funding — all thanks to a pandemic-related undercount!

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5 months ago

University housing rezoning and off‑campus student beds draw commission concern; SmartGrowth to review Commissioners and staff spent an extended portion of the Oct. 28 meeting discussing a university proposal to rezone a block from NC‑2 to a PUC district for a large student housing project. Commissioners expressed concern about scale, parking, noise, and neighborhood impacts and asked university representatives to provide bed‑demand figures (wait‑/d

A proposed student housing project near residential neighborhoods has sparked intense debate among commissioners, raising concerns about noise, parking, and the need for detailed data from the university.

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5 months ago

County delivers digital Historic Resources Atlas to West Chester; borough gets searchable map of 4,000+ properties Chester County Planning Commission representatives presented a digital historic‑resources atlas for West Chester that maps more than 4,000 properties and can be edited dynamically; county staff said the tool is for planning and preservation work and is not a legal registry.

West Chester Borough just unveiled a groundbreaking digital Historic Resources Atlas, showcasing over 4,000 historic properties and revolutionizing preservation efforts!

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5 months ago

Goodfellowship Ambulance asks West Chester for bigger municipal contribution as operating gap grows Goodfellowship Ambulance told council its operating loss has grown and asked for an increase to municipal funding and a new, updated funding contract; the service reported 2,281 dispatches in the borough over a 12‑month period and said its countywide per‑dispatch funding level remains below the county average.

Goodfellowship Ambulance is sounding the alarm for increased municipal support as its operating gap widens, putting vital emergency services at risk in West Chester!

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5 months ago

West Chester University’s College Arms redevelopment draws zoning debate, neighborhood concern West Chester University presented a concept to demolish and redevelop the College Arms block with townhouse‑style student housing for up to 420 upperclass students, a welcome center and retail space; plans include 91 on‑site parking spaces plus additional off‑site parking. Residents and several councilors raised concerns about density, parking and—

West Chester University is proposing an ambitious redevelopment plan for the College Arms block that could house 420 students, but concerns about parking and neighborhood impact have sparked intense debate.

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5 months ago

Council adopts preliminary 2026 budget for public hearing while members and staff continue work on library roof, truck replacement and EMS funding options Council voted to adopt a preliminary budget and schedule a public hearing for Nov. 19. During discussion council and staff flagged several items still under review — a library roof replacement, a proposed dump-truck purchase versus repairs, crosswalk repairs, and proposals to fund emergency medical services (EMS) via a dedicated tax — and agreed to

The Borough Council has adopted a preliminary budget and is gearing up for a crucial public hearing on November 19, as they tackle significant funding decisions for the library roof, emergency services, and more!

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5 months ago

Students press borough council on housing shortage; council and university officials say solutions will take time Several Westchester University students and residents addressed council about student and workforce housing shortages in public comment. Students urged more on-campus housing and changes to local permitting; council members and the mayor acknowledged the issue but said solutions require planning, funding and time.

Westchester University students are sounding the alarm on a critical housing shortage that could jeopardize their place in the community.

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6 months ago

Westchester Borough Planning Commission Discusses Zoning Changes and New Development Guidelines Commission reviews multiple zoning issues, including setbacks and materials for new developments.

West Chester is on the brink of significant change as the Planning Commission gears up to tackle pivotal zoning issues that could reshape the community's future.

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6 months ago

Town Council Discusses Alleyway Curbing Requirements and Safety Measures Council members review zoning regulations for alley design to enhance safety and accessibility.

West Chester's Planning Commission is tackling the critical challenge of balancing safety and historical charm in alleyway designs—could a solution be on the horizon?

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6 months ago

Westchester Borough Planning Commission Reviews Comprehensive Plan Achievements and Future Directions Commission discusses accomplishments and next steps for the comprehensive plan and zoning regulations.

The West Chester Planning Commission is rethinking development proposals to ensure they meet community standards, sparking vital conversations about zoning and local involvement.

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8 months ago

University Plans Major Student Housing Overhaul and Dining Expansion Initiatives The university proposes increased student housing capacity and dining options over the next decade.

West Chester's Planning Commission is gearing up for a major transformation in student housing and dining, promising a vibrant future for the community!

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8 months ago

Traffic Impact Study Highlights Need for Pedestrian Pathway Between North and South Campus Consultants recommend a pedestrian path to improve connectivity, pending university prioritization.

West Chester's Planning Commission is raising significant concerns over the lack of a pedestrian pathway between North and South Campus, highlighting the urgent need for improved connectivity!

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8 months ago

New Director of Code Enforcement Assures Community Engagement and Support New director emphasizes guidance and communication in building and code enforcement processes.

West Chester's new Code Enforcement Director promises to be the community's guiding conductor, streamlining project processes and enhancing communication with residents.

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