West Chester Weekly News Roundup

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It’s Friday, Sept. 20, 2004: Happy Friday, everyone! Fall is (nearly) here and West Chester townships are celebrating with flush bank accounts. West Chester Borough wants to know what to do with its extra cash, while West Goshen Sunshine has a suggestion for what West Goshen can do with theirs. Also, it’s Parking Day! (Yes, that’s a real thing). We take a look at what could be done with all those spaces if we didn’t need them for cars and Faunbrook is back, baby, and they’d like to cordially invite you to their first event under the new ownership. I’ll catch you up on what’s going on. 

Plus, as hopefully, everyone has seen, I am officially up and running on the new newsletter template. (Yay!) Thank you for your patience and to all who purchased your paid subscription yesterday. Amazing. I think you may have crashed the site! I checked today and it working this morning for anyone who gave up. If you haven’t purchased a subscription, please do that now. If you haven’t paid by the end of the month you’ll no longer receive these updates and that would be sad.  

For those who purchased a subscription but ended up in the free category, thanks for letting me know, I’ll get you swapped this weekend. 

Ok, enough of that. 

Who’s ready?  Let’s catch up.

What Else Could We Be Doing with that [Parking] Space?

This week, two things are happening in the West Chester world of parking. 

1. Borough Council voted to amend its Zoning code to reinstate parking minimums for new housing developments consisting of more than 12 units.

2. West Chester University is celebrating World Parking Day

The two events perfectly highlight the current urban planning fight over parking. On the one hand, there is never enough. This can be easily demonstrated by driving through downtown West Chester on a Friday night or walking through the Borough’s at-capacity residential parking permit neighborhoods at 5 p.m., or at least those in the densely packed neighborhoods surrounding Town Center, but it’s not just the Borough that struggles. Hit the normally amply-spaced Brickette Lounge on line-dancing night and you’ll face a similar issue. But while driving around looking for a spot is many people’s nightmare, all that paved space comes at a cost. 

Earlier this summer, I received an email from Ray Ott, certified urban planner and a consultant on the 2021 Zoning Code rewrite that moved West Chester parking requirements from a set number to demand-based by project, basically it said the changes were made for a reason and included a bunch of links. According to StrongTowns.org, one of the organizations referenced, (as well as professors, researchers, and noted town planners), parking minimums such as those reinstated this week by Borough Council can lead to less vibrant downtowns. Instead of streetscapes full of buildings, you end up with building islands surrounded by parking lots. As Planning Commission member Thomas Dougherty explained to me earlier this year, downtown West Chester could not be recreated today thanks in part to a combination of lot-size minimums and parking requirements. 

In addition to forcing a change to a town’s aesthetic, all that asphalt has been blamed for increasing pollution levels, worsening flooding, and causing a heat-island effect in the summer. And according to Henry Grabar, author of Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World, it has also led to the prevalence of large apartment complexes at the expense of small housing units like row homes and twins. This is because the former are the only buildings that are profitable enough to eat the added parking costs - especially when, as in the Borough, securing sufficient parking space can require digging below ground.

Parking Day

On the other hand, what were you going to do with that parking space anyway? That’s exactly the kind of question Parking Day, the global, public, participatory art project seeks to answer. The idea is to imagine what else the space we currently dedicate to parking could be used for. At West Chester University, participating in their fifth Parking Day, the answers this year will be, get a SEPTA key card, enjoy a snack on the street, take a nap in a hammock, or walk a labyrinth.

“Some of the installations will be for information sharing, while others are places where people can take a calming moment in their busy day,” said WCU Office of Sustainability Administrative Assistant Calli Lambard. 

During the event happening today, 12 spaces on Church St. from University Ave. to Rosedale will be closed to cars (don’t worry the University still pays the meter) to give students and the community an idea of what can be done with the space if it didn’t have to be reserved for a car. In Philadelphia, which has been participating in the event for 17 years, the city works with citizens, artists, and architects to transform metered parking spaces into temporary public parks. 

It was a Parking Day project that served as the impetus to closing Gay St. 

“I will tell you it is the reason Gay St. is closed today,” said Transportation Management Association of Chester County (TMACC) Executive Director Tim Phelps. Tim originally brought the event to the Borough 20 years ago, when he served as President of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce. He believes Parking Day is an opportunity for people to look at the spaces from a new perspective.

“It’s opening people’s minds up,” he said. “If we didn’t need this space for a single occupancy vehicle, what else could it be used for? What is the value of your street space? What is the curb worth?”

It’s also, as Calli points out, about community.   

“The pedestrian street closure on Gay Street in West Chester is a great example, as we saw how community and fun sprung up in the absence of cars. From the hours of 9am to 2pm on September 20, we can envision a world where we get out of our cars and come together!”

Before all the angry emails come, this is not to say the Borough has enough parking, that each spot at the Burger King and the other developments won’t be used or that meaningful improvements in public transportation aren’t needed. It’s just to note that every decision we make, to quote my middle school civics teacher, has an opportunity cost. Each additional space we mandate to parking may come at the expense of a home or a tree or a new parklet.   

West Chester Friends School Kindergarten’s Forest School Fridays

Each Friday, students in kindergarten at West Chester Friends School (WCFS) travel to a local natural area for Forest School Friday, where they explore the woods and streams, observe the ways in which plants and animals live together, record what they see, hear, and even smell in their journals, catch tadpoles, read in the quiet, and draw the inhabitants of these lovely settings…in all kinds of weather. Each student is provided with sturdy, waterproof and warm rain gear, boots, and gloves for their travels. This year students will head to many local areas, including ChesLen Preserve, Hibernia Park, Shaw’s Bridge, Ridley Creek Park, and others.

Kindergarten teacher Michelle Lozowski finds the Forest Friday program full of opportunities for joyful growth in her students. “The wild, lush, beautiful surroundings open all their senses and imagination to so much," she said. Learning outdoors is an integral part of the WCFS curriculum, and Teacher Michelle was delighted to travel to Mexico recently, for "the incredible opportunity" to work with and mentor a group of educators in developing their own Forest School program.

For more information about West Chester Friends School, call the admissions office at 610-696-2937 and visit www.wcfriends.org

*** This is a sponsored post***

The Warnings.

Bumpy roads ahead. Fortunately, it should be short-lived. Last week, milling began on about a dozen Borough roads and alleyways. Paving is planned for next week between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. If you live in an affected area, know, parking is not allowed during this time. Just in case the torn-up surface was not enough indication, you can find the complete list of affected streets here. 

Speaking of bumpy roads, West Goshen Police would like you to know it is Child Passenger Safety Week. If you have a child or are driving someone else’s, make sure they are properly secured in the correct car seat. Not so fun fact: Car crashes are still a leading cause of death for children. You can find more information, including the legal age your kids can ditch the booster seat (I know I get asked every other day), here.

Assault investigation. West Chester Police are investigating a fight that took place early Saturday morning that landed one individual in the hospital. The incident occurred around 2:45 a.m. on the 50 block of N. High St. and is believed to involve a white male who fled the scene. If you have any information about the incident, contact the WCPD at  610-696-2700.

Banner theft. Keep those yard-deployed political statements under close watch especially if you live in the Borough’s southeast quadrant. There have been a few reported incidents of sign theft lately, including two on the 500 block of S. Walnut St. One reported theft occurred on Sept. 7 and involved two individuals (seen pretty clearly here) removing a Harris/Walz 2024 banner from a backyard. Another banner was reported stolen on Sept. 15. It is believed the incident involved the two girls seen here. If you have information on either incident or notice any suspicious Harris/Walz wallhangings while visiting student friends, let West Chester police know at 610-696-2700.  

Bella Cucina Foods remains closed. More than a week after being closed by the Chester County Health Department for “general filth” and evidence of an individual living on the premises, the West Goshen Italian market remains closed this week. You can find the latest here. Search for Bella Cucina Foods. 

Home prices haven’t settled yet. According to the latest home data analysis, the typical West Chester home price shot up another 7.2 percent last year to $615,431. Over the last five years, home prices here have increased 45.3 percent. Good news for homeowners but unfortunately, as I said to one friend this week, the only way to capitalize is to move out of the area! 

Scam alert.There is no Sgt. David Gilroy on the West Chester Police Force. If you get a call from him, hang up - or at least don’t give him any personal information and certainly not your credit card number.

The Accolades.

Things we are celebrating this week: 

Teaching good sportsmanship. This week, the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association presented Peirce Middle School with the 2023-2024 PIAA Sportsmanship Award. This award recognizes a school whose students show respect, fairness, and integrity on and off the field. This award comes with a banner that will have a permanent home in the PMS gym. To echo Peirce principal Joseph DiAntonio, congratulations to all the student-athletes, coaches, and families on a job well done.    

Naina Bhatia. The East Junior has been named one of four student representatives to the PA Department of Education. In 2008, in an effort to broaden the Pennsylvania State Board of Education’s perspective, the board came up with a novel idea: invite students to participate in a non-voting capacity. Since then the board welcomes two high school and two college students each year to attend board meetings, advise and consult with the board, and conduct outreach with students across the Commonwealth. This year, Naina is one of the two high school students selected. Congratulations, Naina, that's quite the honor! 

Carrying on with tradition. Last month, I shared the DK Diner has new ownership. Ragab Mekawy and Abdul Elkhouly, who also run Rams Diner on High St. and two other Chester County diners, purchased the West Chester institution of 72 years. Since then, some have wondered if things will change.  Well, good news DK fans, it seems nothing is changing. This week, Daily Local reporter Bill Rettew spoke with the new owners and they confirmed that staff, menu, and prices  - it’s all staying the same. Or as DK manager Jen Best put it, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” 

Holding court. On Saturday, West Chester University plans to reveal Hollinger Field House’s new Kane DeLaney Court. The newly refinished court is named after coaches Dierdre Kane and Dick Delaney. Coach Kane led WCU’s women’s basketball team for 27 years retiring in 2014 with 447 wins. Coach Delaney coached the men’s team for 21 years retiring in 2008 with 370 wins. The new court will feature the signatures of both. You can read more about the new court here. 

Talking smack. The battle for West Chester bragging rights continues and this week they go to the Rustin Girls’ Soccer team. After beating Henderson last week, they finished East with a decisive 2-0 win on Wednesday. Jenna Kraft and Ava Pascarella made the goals.

Killing it. Last week Henderson senior Olivia Sladicka became only the second volleyball player in school history to break the 1000-kill barrier. You can watch the record-breaking swing here. Nicely done. 

Representing. Last Sunday, the Melton Center Dance Team traveled to Harlem to participate in the 55th Annual African American Day Parade. Thanks, girls for making us look good! 

Know someone who should be recognized? Let me know - [email protected].

Hello.

Say hello, to those calculators. Budget season is upon us. This week, West Chester Borough Manager Sean Mettrick presented his third budget to Borough Council - and, perhaps, for the first time, he was the bearer of good news. 

“We made some tough decisions. We raised revenues to help create this. We backed off some expenses and we cleaned up the administrative process. I’d like to say we did pretty well,” he told Borough Council members at the start of Thursday’s Borough Council meeting. 

Pretty well, indeed. Over the last three years, the General Fund has had a surplus of $4.1 million. The Capital Operating Reserve balance is up nearly five percent year over year from 2021 to 2023 and pensions are funded at the highest ratio ever - or at least since 2007, the first year on the graph presented. 

So, what’s going on here? In addition to the aforementioned factors, the stock market has shown strong growth over the past few years, and the Borough has invested wisely. Using these investments they were able to make gains on pension liabilities leading to a reduction in pension amortization payments heading into 2025. Wages have also risen leading to an increase in Earned Income Tax revenues. Added to all those factors is a new focus on grant opportunities (the Borough has secured $3.6 million over a two-year period. “About 32 percent of your capital programs are being funded by free money,” SM told councilmembers on Thursday). This all means, barring some unforeseen end-of-year expense, the Borough will end the year with a surplus. 

“We are making a revenue projection a little north of $400,000 for the year. That is money that can be used however you deem appropriate,” said Mr. Mettrick. 

That’s not to say the picture is entirely rosy. The 2025 budget currently shows the General Fund and Sewer Fund out of balance. This is due in part to large personnel increases at the Police Department; jumps in operating expenses for both Police, and Building and Housing; and expected wastewater operating increases associated with the pending PA Department of Environmental Protection permit renewal.

That said, this is just the start of the budgeting process at the Borough. As Mr. Mettick told Council members, “Everything so far in our conversations [with Department heads] has been yes.”

As anyone who’s been through a budgeting process knows, that’s not likely to hold up. Next month, Borough Council will begin digging into the 2025 budget and all those yeses in detail. 

Also, looking rosy going into their 2025 budget presentations? West Goshen. The township is sitting on a $24 million overage in its General Fund. That must be nice. West Goshen Sunshine has a suggestion for what the township could do with all that money.  

Speaking of things that will require funding, the Borough wants to create a new resident-run committee dedicated to transportation. The committee would be tasked with advising Borough Council on transportation planning and capital projects including roads, rail, trail, bus, and any other practical modes of transportation to, from, and within the Borough. 

Councilman Bryan Travis described the committee as providing a “forward-looking, multimodal” approach to transportation. Councilman Brian McGuiness joined in support. “We have to find ways people can have adequate transportation to and from the Borough,” he said 

If that sounds interesting to you, stay alert. I am sure there will be a call for volunteers shortly after the Oct. 16 public hearing. 

Finally, cue the band. The South Philadelphia String Band, winner of the 2024 Mummers Parade, will be joining an all-star lineup of marching bands at the West Chester Christmas Parade. There will be 13 bands in total including all three West Chester high schools and West Chester University’s Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band.  

Goodbye.

Earlier this year, it looked like we might have to say goodbye to the Faunbrook Bed and Breakfast. Now it appears the Rosedale mansion is ready to come out for the season. After sitting vacant after the death of former owner Lori Ann Zytkowicz in 2023, Faunbrook was purchased in February at auction by the owners of the Bookhouse Hotel, a 4-room boutique hotel in Kennett Square. 

“This is a really special story and this Victorian B&B has a place in the whole town’s heart. We are really honored to bring it back to its glory,” owners Stephanie and Matt Olenik shared on Instagram after the purchase.

To date, details of the new project have been limited. So much so I kind of forgot it had happened at all. Well, it's time to remember. On Nov. 16, Stephanie and Matt cordially invite you to attend their first annual Darlington Book Ball (the house was originally built for West Chester notable, Smedley Darlington). The evening at the newly renamed The Bookhouse at Faunbrook will include live music, ballroom dancers, and portrait artists in a Regency-themed affair. “Think Bridgerton!!” the event copy reads. 

It will also include your first look at the couple’s vision for the property. Tickets are $169 for the evening and all proceeds are going to the Friends Association  

Also, it’s goodbye to styrofoam containers in West Goshen township, or at least it will be after an adequate transition period. Earlier this month, West Goshen Supervisors voted to amend Chapter 61 (Plastic Bags and Plastic Straws) of the township code to add the distribution of polystyrene (Styrofoam) containers by establishments in West Goshen Township. The revised ordinance prohibits the use of styrofoam containers and cups but continues to allow the material to be used for egg cartons and certain packaging. It is estimated about 40 businesses could be impacted by the ban when it goes into effect in March. 

Finally, a PSA. Don’t waste these gorgeous weekends. Head downtown. There are only two more weekends left for the Gay Street Open-Air Market.

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Pay it Forward.

As I noted in the last couple of issues (see here and here), living in a college town can have its downsides. It also has its advantages including cheap event tickets, free access to world-class performers, and for 12 lucky West Chester businesses, complimentary marketing advice. 

Twice a year, West Chester University Marketing Professor Thomas Elmer works with the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce to reach out to the West Chester business community with an offer: let senior marketing student teams analyze your current marketing challenges and develop for your company a strategy, a marketing plan, and three months of actionable tactics - at no cost to you. 

The program started in the fall of 2019 but really grew during the COVID-19 pandemic. As West Chester businesses were fighting for their existence, WCU marketing students were in lockdown waiting to start theirs. It proved a valuable match that continues today. 

“Small business is the engine that drives our economy,” Tom told 6ABC News at the time.

Over the course of four weeks, the students get to know their assigned business, interview key stakeholders and hit the WCU research libraries to better understand the industry. They then work to evaluate current marketing efforts, begin a competitor analysis, and conduct market research on your company’s behalf.  After they complete the legwork, they present their client with a PowerPoint overview and some marketing tactics to consider. 

I participated in the program last year and while I did find some insights in my report there were definitely constraints. The time available to create the plans was limited and many students were juggling multiple priorities as they prepared for graduation. As a result, the report felt more student assignment less professional analysis. Recommendations were heavy on social media use and it wasn’t clear the students completely understood the business goals. However, my time commitment was minimal. In the end, my guess is there were lessons in there for both of us and that is part of the beauty of the program.

“This partnership offers a unique chance for GWCC members to give back by providing students with a valuable real-world experience,” said GWCC President Katie Walker. “By working with local businesses and organizations, students can continue to strengthen their relationship-building and professional skills as they prepare to enter the workforce.”

The program is now accepting businesses for the spring semester. If your company is interested in participating, email Thomas Elmer at [email protected]. The deadline to sign up is Oct. 2. 

Plus, here are a few easy ways to give back this week:  

Run for your morning coffee and bagel. On Saturday, the Asha-Jyothi organization is holding its sixth annual 5K run in West Goshen park. Proceeds from the race go to promote AJ’s mission of providing education and healthcare access to underprivileged individuals and all racers get coffee and bagels upon completion. If you are interested in participating you can register here.

Grab a cuppa for a good cause. West Chester nonprofit Act in Faith is partnering with local merchants on a “Cups Card.” For a $25 donation, you will get a card entitling you to one free beverage at a variety of West Chester favorites including Roots Cafe, La Tartine, Two Birds Cafe, Mayday, Tsaocca Bubble Tea, and more. The specific drink offer is specified by location. All proceeds go to help Act in Faith assist neighbors in need. Drinks may be redeemed from now through Nov. 1. 

Make a wish come true. The Community Warehouse Project is seeking donations. “Our shelves are very empty here,” they shared in a social post this week. Use their Amazon Wishlist to pick up urgently needed items like comforters, crockpots, lamp shades, and light bulbs.    

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? Tonight we are hanging out under the Friday night lights then probably looking up an alternative sushi place since our go-to is in trouble with the health inspectors (again). Got any suggestions, let me know. 

If you are around town this weekend, fall starts tomorrow. Matlack Florist is celebrating with free sunflowers and a visit from Happy Baker Vicky Lambert. She’ll have cookies, brownies, and other goodies with her. Also, West Goshen’s outdoor movie series returns Saturday night at West Goshen Park. It’s every Saturday through October. Inside Out 2 is the first movie up. If you didn’t get a chance to see it this summer, truly fun for the whole family - and looking ahead, Turks Head Cafe is bringing back comedy night and the Social Lounge has a Haunted Dinner cued up for October. Want a full list of fall-friendly events? The Fall Event Guide dropped last week. Find it here. 

And a very special thank you to this week's Community Sponsor, TG Customs. TG Customs specializes in custom-built camper van conversions. They also have the cutest little custom tear-drop available for rent. Elevate your next outdoor experience with this fully loaded pull-behind camper. Follow them on Instagram for rental information and to catch all the amazing transformations.

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:

• Sept. 3 – Oct. 30 – Jewelry Showcase, Chester County Art Association, M-F – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sat. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. From delicate rings to bold statement necklaces, explore an exquisite collection of handcrafted pieces by talented local artisans. Admission is free.  

• Sept. 21 – Chess Club, West Chester Public Library, 10 a.m. – noon. Open to kids 5 – 15. No registration required.

• Sept. 21 – West Goshen Township Open House, West Goshen Municipal Complex, 1 to 3 p.m., make a bird house, have a snack, enjoy some live jazz. All events are free.

• Sept. 21 – Fall Movie Series – Inside Out 2, West Goshen Park, 7 p.m. Movie is free but a donation dry goods for the West Chester Food Cupboard is encouraged.

• Sept. 22 – Summer Picnic Train Ride, West Chester Railroad, 230 E. Market St. 12 – 1:30 p.m. Tickets: $25/adult: $20/kids 2-12

• Sept. 22 – Asha-Jyothi Run/Walk, West Goshen Community Park, 8:30 a.m. Registration: $30. All proceeds go the th Asha-Jyothi Foundation.

• Sept. 24 – The Ganges on the Brandywine: the Story of Samuel Ganges, virtual event, 7-8 p.m. This is a Chester County History Center pay-as-you-wish event led by PhD genealogist Michael Kearney. Registration required.

• Sept. 25 – Show Her the Money, WCU Sykes Theater, 4 – 7:30 p.m. This documentary sheds light on the significant challenges women entrepreneurs face in securing capital and underscores the urgent need for financial equity. Following the screening, a powerhouse panel of insiders will lead a discussion focused on actionable solutions. Tickets: $20

• Sept. 25, 26 – Plagues and Pestilence: A Walking Tour, Chester County History Center, 6 – 7:30 p.m. This 90-min. tour will explore how diseases impacted families in the early 19th century. Tickets are required for this event.

• Sept. 26 – Birth, Marriage & Death: Vital Records in the Archives, Virtual, 12 – 1 p.m. This is a free event presented by the friends of the Chester County Archives. Registration required.

• Sept. 26 – An Evening with Nita Prose, Chester County History Center, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Join the West Chester Public Library (and me!) for an evening with New York Times bestselling author Nita Prose for a reading and Q&A session. VIP tickets include entry to a pre-talk happy hour with the author. Event begins at 6:10 p.m.

• Sept. 27 – Midlife Cafe, 225 E. Market St., 11 a.m. Join this fun and interactive event. Be ready to discuss all things related to navigating life in your middle years. This is a free event but tickets are requested.

• Sept. 28 – Unite for HER 5K, Downtown West Chester, 7:30 a.m. registration; 9 a.m. race start. Registration and packet pick-up is at 20 E. Gay St. Race starts at 12 N. Church St. Awards and Family Tailgate to follow the race. Entry fee: $35.

• Sept. 28 – Yoga in the Street, Gay St. in front of the Post Office, 9 – 10 a.m. Take an outdoor yoga class with Triple Threat Fitness. Bring $5 and a mat.

• Sept. 28 – Chess Club, West Chester Public Library, 10 a.m. – noon. Open to kids 5 – 15. No registration required.

• Sept. 28 – 2024 Chester County Art Walk, East Goshen Park, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Peruse the work of over 100 artists lining the trails throughout East Goshen Park. Plus, food trucks and three live musical acts. This is a free community event.

• Sept. 28 – Oktoberfest 2024, Gay St., 1 – 8 p.m. Enjoy $6 beer and cider specials and live music from 1 – 8 p.m. at various locations on Gay St.

• Sept. 28 – Community Fall Yard Sale, various locations, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Sept. 28 – Fall Movie Series – The Garfield Movie, West Goshen Park, 7 p.m. Movie is free but a donation dry goods for the West Chester Food Cupboard is encouraged.

Are you a planner? You can view the full calendar here.

Reader tip: I have been deep in the tech trying to upgrade the subscriber experience and I came across this tip. If you have trouble with these emails going to spam or promotions, reply to this email. Nothing particular, even a random letter will do, but that should keep them coming to the inbox.

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

Hello, West Chester Community Sponsors