West Chester Weekly News Roundup: Feb. 28, 2025

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It’s Friday, Feb. 28, 2025: And so it goes. February has blown through like trash through a Borough St. My transitions lately, I’m telling you, I am killing it. Which is to say, I have a story on West Chester’s new trash policy. Not the most exciting of topics, but it could have a direct impact for many residents (I know we’re going to be out of compliance once the changes take effect) and hopefully an indirect one for many more. We also take a look at the high school musical lineup, St. Agnes is serving home-cooked meals again, and a bunch of new restaurants are getting ready to open or reopen downtown. 

It feels like February is ending on an uptick. Here’s hoping that March continues the trend.

Ok, who’s ready? Let’s catch up.

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Trash Talk: Borough Code Updates Aim to Keep the Garbage Where it Belongs 

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it a piece of trash blowing down Market St.? This winter’s windy conditions have tipped the [garbage] can on a dirty little Borough secret - trash has gotten a bit out of hand. Fortunately, last week West Chester Borough Council made a few last-minute changes and set a date for a public hearing on a long-overdue overhaul of Borough Code Chapter 62 - “Garbage, Rubbish, Refuse.” 

The Warnings.

From now on, West Chester’s building inspector is going to need to see your work. Last week, West Chester Borough held a public hearing and voted unanimously to update the Borough Code’s “Subdivision and Land Development” section to repeal the current definition and add explanations for “height of building or structure” as well as “grade plane” and “finished ground.” The goal was to remove ambiguities that could lead to alternate interpretations and, ultimately, varying height calculations. 

“This was not an easy task,” Borough solicitor Kristen Camp told Borough Council members last Wednesday. “It is really to clarify how you measure the building height and to make sure appropriate documentation is provided.” 

In addition to new definitions, Appendix E was created to step developers through the calculation process. There are also now specific instructions that height calculations be provided to Borough Building and Housing inspectors during the Preliminary Plan process. 

“In addition, the plan for a land development shall show… proposed building height with accompanying data and calculations used to determine building height,” the revised code reads. 

The changes were made after the Borough’s approval of plans for 410 S. High St. (Burger King) was challenged in court and rejected based on an incorrect height calculation. 

Safety threat at Stetson Middle School. Sunday evening, Westtown East Goshen Police began investigating a threat of violence against Stetson Middle School. The student behind the menacing remarks was identified and kept at home on Monday. According to police, there is “no active threat to the school, students, or staff.” Still, “out of an abundance of caution,” additional police were at the school this week. The threat was reported through Safe2Say, the youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office.  

There’s no joy in that ride. Newtown Township police charged Anthony Boffa, 42, of West Chester, with stealing a Porsche from a Newtown Square dealer. When an employee attempted to take the car keys from Mr. Boffa, he fled, dragging the employee with him. After losing the employee, he continued his escape through Ridley Creek State Park and along various back roads. The car became disabled after Mr. Boffa drove it through at least one yard and an adjoining field. He then ditched the vehicle and ducked into a nearby wooded area, evading police for two hours. Mr. Boffa was eventually found attempting to break into a home and taken into custody. He is being held on $200,000 bail as he awaits a March 6 hearing.  

You can dress him up, but you can’t take him out. West Chester police are seeking assistance in identifying a suspect wanted for attempted fraud. According to information from WCPD, the suspect fabricated a fake identification document using the victim's personal information and his photo. He then tried unsuccessfully to access the victim's bank account at WSFS Bank in Kennett Square. If you have any information or recognize this man, give West Chester police a call at 610-696-2700

Time to find an alternate route. An estimated three-month closure of W. Ashbridge St. began this week as East Bradford works to replace a culvert in the area. The closure runs from Downingtown Pike (Rt. 322) to N. New St. Residents will have access west of New St. Everyone else should please just avoid the area. 

The Accolades.

Kick up your feet, clap your hands, and get ready to sing along (quietly, really just in your head) to your favorite show tunes. This weekend, the spring high school musical season gets underway with two very different classics. The West Chester East Theatre Company is keeping it light with Singin’ in the Rain, the musical. Based on the 1950s film by the same name, Singin’ in the Rain tells the story of a couple of silent film stars struggling in the era of “talkies.” 

“Singin’ In The Rain is one of the classic musicals,” says East choral director Kendra Werner.  “It incorporates comedy, singing, tap dancing and all around good fun. The audience will be treated to some sensational high school talent,” she adds.  

The ambitious show, which involves roughly 70 students, stars senior Andrew Brizick as handsome movie star Don Lockwood; senior Adam Marin as his friend and confidant, Cosmo Brown; junior Julia Graci, as the talented young up-and-coming actress Kathy Selden; and junior Charlie Galt as diva Lina Lamont - but that’s just the start. 

“There are many other delightfully entertaining roles carried out by our amazingly talented students,” says Kendra

Singin’ in the Rain is showing tonight and through the weekend in the East Auditorium. Show times are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. You can get your tickets here. It is $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. 

Also, this weekend, the Rustin Theater Group performs the gothic musical thriller Jekyll & Hyde. Based on the 1886 Robert Louis Stevenson novella “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” the story revolves around London doctor Henry Jekyll, who conducts experiments on himself, thus bringing forth a murderous alter ego, “Mr. Hyde.” Performances start tonight and will feature Junior Trey Brady as Dr. Jekyll and Edward Hyde; sophomore Ella Levasseur as burlesque performer Lucy Harris; and Eleni Marcantonis as Dr. Jekyll’s fiancee, Emma Carew. 

You can catch Jekyll & Hyde tonight at 7 p.m. in the Rustin auditorium or tomorrow at 1 or 7 p.m. Get your tickets here. They are $16 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. 

Then next month, the Henderson High School Music Department will stage Cole Porter’s Anything Goes. Set onboard the S.S. American luxury ocean liner, the musical comedy features songs like Anything Goes, You’re the Top, and I Get A Kick Out of You. 

Don’t have those tickets yet? Well, get on it. 

“Don’t miss this opportunity to support the arts in our local schools!” says Kendra. 

Other things we are celebrating this week: 

Our future Hemingways. Earlier this year, in an impressive feat, 38 East Bradford Elementary students, with the guidance of Design Lab teacher Trisha Adami, became published authors and illustrators. “Their book, 'EBE Cougars Are Superheroes,' is a true testament to their creativity, with each student independently or collaboratively writing and illustrating a page!” the West Chester Area School District shared via Facebook. 

Flip turns. Congratulations to all the West Chester area high school swimmers who competed in PIAA District 1 Championships this week. West Chester walked away with only one outright win but likely several more state qualifiers. Henderson senior Eddie Stoltz was the sole victor with a first-place finish in the 100 fly. He also nabbed fourth in the 100 back. Henderson’s Paige Fisher took second in the 100 breast and fourth in the 200 free, while several other swimmers placed in positions five through nine. Only event winners secure an automatic state bid. District 1 is one of the toughest in the state, so additional swimmers should qualify - who and in what we won’t know until the final lineups are released on Sunday. 

Hoop dreams. Speaking of conference championships, West Chester University’s men’s basketball team is the PSAC East Conference champ. The Golden Rams earned the honor this week after storming back from a 14-point deficit to beat Millersville 75-70. This is WCU’s first regular-season conference title since 2006. The win also guarantees the Golden Rams the top seed in the upcoming PSAC Tournament. The last regular season game will be on Saturday at Kutztown, with the PSAC Tournament starting on Wednesday. While the bracket is not set yet, West Chester knows they will play at home. 

Finally getting that licence. This week, a shout-out to Dr. Krupa Daniel, who after two years of back and forth with the Borough and serving as the impetus for an entirely new ordinance, finally has her short-term rental license. “Got my three permits, minimal hassle!” she shared this week. Now that’s local government at its finest.

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

Hello.

This week, we are saying hello, or at least “see you soon,” to several new restaurants.

Goodbye.

I don’t want to get anyone’s hopes up too high, but could goodbye to east-end flooding - or at least some of it?  Maybe.

Pay it Forward.

St. Agnes’ Doris Day Room is back, baby. Ok, as Director of Outreach Services Barbara Kirby reminded me this week, it never really went anywhere. They just had to pivot how they were serving community needs.

“The Day Room never stopped feeding those who came to our door,” she said. “We just had to arrange food offerings from restaurants and commercial kitchens, which was quite a challenge!” 

Well, thanks to a lot of outreach from a variety of different sectors, the church and the Chester County Health Department have come to an agreement that will allow the church to serve home-cooked meals again. 

“We have formed the Dorothy Day Society with the option for our guests and cooks to join the society and share their home-cooked meals. The meals will be regularly scheduled as they have always been, and we will continue to have commercial kitchen food available for those who are not yet members of the society,” said Barbara. 

There is a great article by reporter Bill Rettew detailing the whole situation in the Daily Local News this week. You can read it here. 

Fight for their right to learn. On March 4, West Chester University faculty, State Senator Carolyn Comitta, State Representative Chris Pielli, and West Chester Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste will be at a rally and teach-in for students. 

Both events are organized by the WCU chapter of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF) and are part of an APSCUF statewide day of action to push back against proposed changes and cuts to education spending. 

“Let’s be clear. The proposed gutting of federal funding for K-12 and Higher Education will hurt people in both the university and surrounding communities, no matter who you voted for,” WCU APSCUF President Margaret Ervin said. 

The rally begins on the WCU Quad at 11 a.m. The teach-in starts at 9 a.m. in Sykes Student Union and runs through 3:15 p.m. Teach-in topics include proposed changes to the Department of Education (DOE), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and Pell Grants. 

The rally and teach-in are open to all, and members of the public are encouraged to join. 

“Together, we will say NO to trading their futures for billionaire tax breaks,” said Margaret.

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? We will be selling Girl Scout cookies outside Rolling Stars bakery. I think there’s a 50/50 chance I spend more than we take home. Also, excited for the return of the West Chester Grower’s Market. Their farmers have been my hack for high egg prices.

If you are around this weekend and haven’t already, plan to head out for dinner. Restaurant Week continues through Sunday. Lots of great places to check out, both new and old. 9 Prime has live music in the main bar area. Kevin Valentine will be playing from 5 to 11 p.m. tonight. Also, tonight, Uptown is hosting Artists Unite for L.A. Local artists are banding together to raise money for those affected by the L.A. wildfires. Then, on Sunday, Mayday Coffee is celebrating two years with a big party. $1 drinks from noon to 2 p.m. and $1 pastries all day. I hope they stocked up! While you’re out,  Tish, La Chic Boutique, and Pine and Quill have flipped to spring with a delightful stock of color. And don’t forget about those high school musicals!    

Also, just so you know, the Celtic Crawl is this weekend. So, brace yourself for dozens of drunk college kids donning the green and meandering through town on Saturday.

Finally, a very special thank you to this week’s Community Sponsor SLA Financial. SLA Financial is a family-run, financial planning firm dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where clients feel empowered to make informed financial decisions. Their mission is to provide comprehensive financial planning that not only bolsters their client’s financial future but also enhances their financial confidence. Visit their website to learn more.

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. Come, reach an audience you can’t find elsewhere! Placements are filled on a first come, first served basis. Send me an email if you are interested. Limited spots remain for March.

Mark Your Calendars:

Feb. 28 – Artist Unite for L.A., Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m. This one-night-only performance features an incredible array of talent, including Harrison Dance Studios, Better than Bacon, Uptown Singers, Revival Productions and more. Tickets: $20/adult; $15/Students. All proceeds go to support victims of the L.A. fires.

Mar. 1 – West Chester Grower’s Market, corner of Church & Chestnut Sts, 10 a.m. to Noon

Mar. 1 - 16th Annual West Chester Celtic Crawl, downtown, various locations, noon - 5 p.m. Tickets required. 

Mar. 2 - Mayday Anniversary Celebration, Mayday Coffee Shop, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Enjoy drink specials, pastry specials, and cold brew jello shots.

Mar. 5 – Ash Wednesday Pancake Dinner, Spellman Hall, Westminster Church, 10 W. Pleasant Grove Rd, 5:30 – 7 p.m. Start the Lenten season with Westminster’s annual pancake supper. Suggested dinner donation is $5/person or $10/family. 

Mar. 5 – Ash Wednesday Worship, Westminster Church, 10 W. Pleasant Grove Rd, 7 p.m. All are invited to join.

Mar. 6 – Dueling Pianos – The Philly Keys, Uptown, 226 N. High St, 7:30 p.m. Get ready for an outstanding dueling piano performance. There’s an art to this dynamic, and The Philly Keys have mastered it. Tickets: $35

Mar. 7 – 9 – Weekend with the Arts, First Presbyterian Church (130 W. Miner St.) Events start Friday at 6:30 p.m. with an opening gala and continue on Saturday with a Best of Schubert Concert at 6:30 p.m. An art gallery featuring the work of local painters, photographers, and artisans is open 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. All events are free and open to the public.

Mar. 7 – On the Lash, Uptown, 226 N. High St, 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a fresh take on Irish traditional music with original voices and creative interpretations of classic songs. Tickets: $30

Mar. 8 – Countdown to Ecstasy, Uptown, 226 N. High St, 7:30 p.m. A passionate tribute to Steely Dan. Tickets: $40

Mar. 10 – Film for $5: Once, Uptown, 226 N. High St, 7 p.m. Complimentary popcorn included.

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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