West Chester Weekly News Roundup: Mar. 28, 2025

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It’s Friday, Mar. 28, 2025: And since I forgot to say it last week, happy spring! Besides, this week is feeling more like it, and so is this issue. This week, we are talking salty water with Dr. John Jackson at Stroud. Yep, it turns out PFAs aren’t the only things contaminating our water supply. Heavy use of road salt during the winter months is causing real damage downstream. What’s going on and a top 10 of West Chester’s saltiest streams. Also, WCASD makes big changes to its elementary teaching model, West Chester’s Building and Housing department plays catch up, an F150 giveaway, and a West Chester teen goes viral for all the right reasons.

Ok, who’s ready? Let’s catch up. 

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Safe Streets, Light on the Salt

I first noticed the salt, really noticed the salt, this winter. It was our first winter with a dog and the road salt irritated his paws, leaving him limping halfway through a walk. We tried to avoid it, but it was everywhere. Of course, the winter ritual of salting the roads is nothing new. The practice began in the 1940s. Praised for its effectiveness at lowering the freezing temperature of water, salt use has doubled and doubled again and again (and again.) According to Penn State Extension, in those early years, 5,000 tons of salt were spread on roads annually. Now we use 20 million tons of salt annually, or roughly 123 pounds for every American.  

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The Warnings.

The Sewer and Refuse Bill is going up for West Goshen residents in April. The “refuse” portion of the bill will increase by $15/quarter, from $95 to $110. The increase, which was approved by the Township Board as part of the 2025 budget, reflects rising hauling and collection costs. You can read a more detailed breakdown here. 

Get ready to go around. Traffic updates for next week include: Creek Rd. and U.S. 322. Creek Rd. between Hillsdale and Strasburg Rds., closed this week for construction. Expect a minimum three-month closure. Hillsdale, Highland, and Strasburg Rds will be your alternates. PennDOT will be milling and paving the 322 east on-ramp (West Chester Bypass) in West Goshen next week. The ramp from Pottstown Pike to eastbound U.S. 322 will be periodically closed and traffic detoured. Expect work crews Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

Beware of sinkholes. Last week it was coyotes, this week, we are on the lookout for sinkholes. Magnolia Street was closed on Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for sinkhole repair. Another sinkhole shut down part of Clove Mill Rd. in Exton, and that’s probably not the end of it. “I’m sure there are more!” West Chester Public Information Officer Dave March commented on Facebook.   

That’s dry enough. The West Chester Borough Fire Department was called to the Gay Street Plaza on Sunday afternoon in response to a dryer fire at the Gay Street Laundromat. The small fire was extinguished and the building ventilated. There were no injuries reported - but I am guessing there were a few loads that had to be rewashed. 

It’s getting crowded in here. From 2020 to 2024, Pennsylvania saw its population grow by over 75,000 people. Of all the locations welcoming new faces, Chester County greeted the most, adding 26,327 new residents over the four-year period. Chester County Commissioners are split over whether this trend is good or bad, but they do seem to agree that planning is needed to minimize traffic congestion, urban sprawl, and loss of green space.

The Accolades.

Earlier this month, Coordown, a global non-profit that promotes and protects the rights of people with Down syndrome, released a powerful new video challenging assumptions that a few know what’s best for all. The musical number “No Decision Without Us” features “Grey’s Anatomy” star Caterina Scorsone and West Chester’s Mia Noelle Rodriguez.

Around one billion people worldwide—15 percent of the population—live with a disability. Yet frequently decisions regarding access, usability, and inclusion are made without their input.

“The ad, which is Coordown's much anticipated annual campaign for World Down Syndrome Day, has been pre-released and it goes without saying that it has been so very well received,” shared Mia’s mom, Natalie Rodriguez via email.

In just four days, the campaign garnered over 7.5 million views on Instagram, 1.5 million on TikTok, and thousands more across other platforms. 

“The response has been overwhelming so far,” said Mia. “People are watching, listening, and sharing because they know this is important. We’re showing the world that inclusion isn’t optional—it’s necessary.”

It’s also not always happening. 

“In my own life, I’ve had moments where people spoke for me instead of to me. But I know what I want, I know what I love, and I have a voice that deserves to be heard—just like everyone else,” she added. 

Mia is currently a freshman at Archbishop Carroll High School in Radnor - and one heck of a singer. Way to go, Mia!

Other things we are celebrating this week: 

Finally getting your day. And of course, we missed it. Last week, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives adopted a resolution to designate March 17, “Bayard Rustin Day” in Pennsylvania. If you are not up on your West Chester history, the Borough native was a close advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the chief organizer of the 1963 March on Washington. 

Taking the show on the road. Tomorrow the Rustin Symphonic Band is headed to the Windy City to play a 30-minute concert in Chicago’s iconic Symphony Hall. “The best concert hall in the world,” according to senior trumpet player Wyatt Reigner. The 48-member ensemble was one of just five school bands selected to perform at the annual Percy Grainger Wind Band Festival. You can read more about the band’s big weekend in Chicago here. 

WCU Idol. Speaking of leaving town, West Chester University alumna Penny Samar is on her way to Hollywood thanks to a big performance at this past weekend’s American Idol auditions. You can catch Penny’s next performance Sunday at 8 p.m. on 6 ABC.

Destination dining. Last week, Philadelphia Inquirer restaurant critic Craig LeBan narrowed his list of the area’s 76 best restaurants down to his favorite 10, and while most (8) of those locations are in Philly proper, one suburban (and one Jersey) location remains. “There’s always a moment during my dinners at Andiario when I take a bite of a dish like an extraordinary pasta with foraged mushrooms, or lamb cooked over the embers three ways, and get wistful knowing I’ll never taste it again,” he wrote of the W. Gay St. farm-to-table establishment. “Every meal I’ve had since chef [Anthony Andiario] and his partner, Maria van Schaijik, lit the wood-fired hearth at their elegant West Chester restaurant nearly seven years ago seems better than the last,” he added. You can view the full list here. (Warning: It may be paywalled.)

Homegrown health care. West Chester University’s online RN to BSN is the best in the state, at least according to RegisteredNursing.org. The two-semester asynchronous learning program offers working registered nurses an opportunity to expand their clinical capabilities, enhance critical thinking skills, and pursue advanced nursing roles. 

Employee benefits. Just read an article this morning that there’s some big boss energy going around lately. Don’t they know you increase productivity with kindness? Well, West Chester-based Green Lawn Fertilizing/Green Pest Solutions sure does. Earlier this month, they raffled off a brand new Ford F150 to an employee with an exemplary safety record. 90 drivers qualified and were brought the Hall of Fame Club at Citizen’s Bank Park for the big announcement. Winner Kym Hunter was floored - “I’m total in shock,” he said. (You can watch the reveal here.) A brand new truck days after his one year hire anniversary? Not a bad perk.  

Know someone who should be recognized? Send me an email at [email protected].

Hello.

Last week, during his quarterly report to Borough Council, Borough Manager Sean Metrick shared an update on his stated performance goals - one of which happens to be: get the Building and Housing Department in order. The Department, which has been without a permanent director since February, is well behind in its duties to inspect the Borough’s 4,290 apartments and rentals. 

Goodbye.

Pay it Forward.

The Chester, Ridley, Crum Watersheds Association is hosting its 27th annual stream cleanup tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. West Goshen has a location, so does the Borough, and Westtown, too. 

There are 30 listed, so I bet if you dig through them all, you can find something within a few minutes of your house. Advanced registration has closed but I can’t imagine they are going to turn anyone away. I’ll be attending with the kids. Come out and join us if you can. I mean who doesn’t love wading through water and hauling out tires? 

(Note, there are also family-friendly, land-based jobs if you aren’t a 10-year-old at heart or IRL.) 

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? It looks like it’s going to be all sports, all weekend for us. But with weather this nice, can’t say that I’m complaining. 

If you are around this weekend, Windish is hosting a Comedy Jam tonight at 7:30 p.m. The Corner Art Collective is hosting a one-night-only Music-themed art show on Saturday. Artists were encouraged to bring music to life on canvas. Over 35 artists participated. Show runs 2 - 8 p.m. Mae’s West Chester has a slate of new spring lattes. Oooo, the Dirty Boots Chai sounds good. (No, really it does.) And this for later in the day. Swear, I’m getting a four-pack just for the can.  

Ever wondered how I got myself into this? Well, now you can hear the story for yourself, thanks to the very easy-to-talk-to hosts of West Chester’s new podcast series, Talk of the Town. My episode is streaming now.  

Finally, a special thank you to this week's Community Sponsor, Andrea Napoli Real Estate. A board member of the West Chester Senior Center and active in numerous local organizations, Andrea understands the role communities play in making a home feel special. Learn more about Andrea Napoli Real Estate here.  

View a list of all our amazing Community Sponsors here.

Business leaders: Want exclusive access to this amazing community? Of course, you do. There are only three spots an issue so each one gets a lot of attention, and from what I hear, responses. Placements are filled first come- first served. Send me an email if you are interested.

Mark Your Calendars:

• Mar. 28 – Chi Walking Demonstration, West Chester Senior Center, 530 E. Union St., 12:30 p.m. This introductory session is free an open to the public. To sign up contact: Carol Bilek at [email protected].

• Mar. 28 – Comedy Jam, Windish Studios, 4 W Prescott Alley, 7:30 – 9 p.m. Get ready for an unforgettable night of comedy! Join Albert Davis, Chica Loca, Aaron Bell, and Logan Malin as they bring the laughs in a jam-packed show. Iron Hill Brewery will be onsite throughout the event, offering a selection of beer, wine, and light bites for purchase. Ticket Price: $20 Gen Admission

• Mar. 29 – Chester Ridley Goose Creek Clean Up, West Chester Borough, 9 – 11:30 a.m. Registration required. 

• Mar. 29 – West Chester Grower’s Market, corner of Church & Chestnut Sts, 10 a.m. to Noon

• Mar. 29 – “Music” Art Exhibition, The Corner Art Collective, 341 S. Matlack St., 2 – 8 p.m. Artists are encouraged to bring music to life on canvas, capturing the colors, beats, icons, legends and stories that define generations of music. 

• Mar. 29 – AM Radio, Uptown, 226 N. High St, 7:30 p.m. Relive the iconic hits of the 60s and early 70s in a vibrant, nostalgic concert experience.

• Mar. 31 –  Elementary School’s Off Day Camp, First Presbyterian Church, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. During this camp, students will spend time playing games and doing crafts together along with exploring the Lenape Life Traveling Trunk from the Chester County History Center. ost: $30/kid. Register here. Contact Sara Pantazes with any questions at [email protected].

• Mar. 31 – Chi Walking Demo, West Chester Senior Center, 12:30 p.m. Learn to about Chi Walking and how it can help you move without pain during this free demonstration. Contact instructor Carol Bilek ([email protected])  with questions. 

• Apr. 1 – West Chester Public Library Spring Storytime registration. Registration opens at 10 a.m. and fills up fast. You’ll want to set a reminder.

• Apr. 2 – Tom Rush, Uptown, 226 N. High St, 7:30 p.m. Now celebrating five decades of touring, Tom has been thrilling audiences with hits like No Regrets, Circle Game, Remember Song, and Merrimack County. Tickets: $55-$35

• Apr. 4 – Yoga Storytime, West Chester Public Library, 10:30 – 11 a.m. Yoga Story Time is a unique class infused with yoga poses and life lessons for kiddos (and their adults) on and off the mat. Ages 2 – 6. Registration required.

• Apr. 4 – West Chester’s Adult Easter Egg Hunt, Downtown West Chester, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Search for prize -filled Easter eggs along the streets and in the businesses. Expect adult appreciated prizes like shop discounts and gift cards.

• Apr. 5 – Cherry Blossom Festival D.C. Bus Trip, Depart from 401 E. Gay St., 8 a.m. West Chester Borough is making a bus trip to Washington D.C.’s Cherry Blossom festival. Bus leaves from Borough Hall at 8 a.m. and departs D.C. at 4:30 p.m. Enjoy a guided tour, explore the Tidal Basin, and take in the stunning views of the monuments framed by colorful petals. Trip cost: $60.

• Apr. 5 – Spring Yard Sale, West Goshen Township, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.  For more information or to register as a participating vendor, visit here.

• Apr. 5 – Chestnut Street Garage Community Cleanup, Chestnut Street Garage, 9 a.m. If you can help, sign up here.

• Apr. 5 – West Chester Grower’s Market, corner of Church & Chestnut Sts, 10 a.m. to Noon

• Apr. 5 – MonoPrint Mania, The Corner Art Collective, 10 a.m. – noon. Hands-on, in-person silicone gel plate monoprinting. For more information and to register email [email protected].

• Apr. 5 – Short Movies, West Goshen Community Park, 8 p.m. West Goshen Park and Recreation Department will partner with the West Chester Film Festival to show an evening of independent short family films. This is a free event but attendees are encouraged to bring a dry good item for the West Chester Food Cupboard.

Looking for more event ideas? View the full calendar here.

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That’s it. Stay safe, stay happy, and thanks to everyone who helped make this week’s issue possible. I’ll see you next week!

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