West Chester Weekly News Roundup: Apr. 17, 2026

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It’s Friday, April 17, 2026: This week, tragedy hits West Chester University. If there is an upside to this heartbreaking loss, it’s how it’s brought out the best in the community. We look at the benefits of living in a University town and how we can all help keep Garrett’s legacy going. 

Plus, West Goshen’s Wawa proposal is back before the Planning Commission after someone forgot to cue McDonald’s in on the plans, West Chester girls tackle mountain biking, Square Bar turns 80, and so much more. 

The break was nice, but it is good to be back. Who’s ready? Let’s catch up.

Background on the W. Washington Vape Shop. In the April 3 Roundup, I shared the story of the Smoke Daddy vape shop opening in a Borough neighborhood. Regular reader and listing broker Beau McGettigan wanted to share some additional background on how the shop came to W. Washington St.

“I was the listing broker on this property and understand the frustration here,” he writes. “The reality is this outcome is driven by zoning and process, not preference . . . When we brought the property to market, the landlord hoped for a different type of use. The challenge is that most tenants are not willing to take on that level of zoning risk, and there is no mechanism to control who expresses interest. The space was openly marketed . . . A vape retailer was the party that stepped forward, met all requirements, and moved forward within the existing framework. At that point, the decision is not between ideal uses. It is between a qualified tenant operating within current constraints or a prolonged vacancy on a prominent corner.”

“I think we all want better outcomes here,” he added. “The focus should be on the process. A more transparent, timely, and cost-effective zoning path, or the ability to pursue targeted relief, would make uses like a cafe, deli, or professional office far more realistic for a tenant to pursue.”

If you would like to share a different perspective on a story, I’d love to hear it—send me an email at [email protected] for potential inclusion in a future issue.

Free WCU

Much like family, you don’t always get to pick your neighbors. If you’re lucky, they’re great all around, but sometimes they throw loud parties and forget to take out the trash. However, those fun-loving neighbors can also be at the ready to lend a hand and get you invited to the best events. This is the relationship between West Chester Borough and West Chester University. 

We’ve spent a lot of time over the last few months looking at some of the strains that come from having the state’s sixth-largest university as a neighbor. (Fun fact: Penn State Main Campus and WCU are the only two in the top six not located in a major metropolitan area.) So, this week, I wanted to take a look at some of the perks—namely, free and cheap access to top-notch entertainment. 

“As WCU is a public university, we see ourselves as a community resource and a cultural hub in Chester County, providing both educational and entertainment programs for the public to enjoy,” said WCU Associate Director of Communications Christine Kozuch.

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**This is a sponsored post.**

The Warnings.

This is going to break your heart. Early on Sunday morning, while crossing High Street just steps from the WCU Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE) fraternity house where he lived, West Chester University junior Garrett Nicholas, 21, was struck by a vehicle and killed. The incident is being investigated by the West Chester Police crash reconstruction unit. The driver and occupants of the vehicle have been identified. They reportedly pulled over about a block away and have been cooperating with the police investigation. As of Thursday morning, no charges have been filed in the incident; however, West Chester Police Chief Josh Lee shared that an update will be provided when the investigation is complete. 

In the week since the tragic incident took place, there has been an outpouring of support and love for a young man who, according to PIKE president Dane Hagen, “lit up every room he walked into.” 

A tribute has been set up on the PIKE house yard, with flowers left on the fraternity steps, and at the accident location just outside of Amore Pizza on High St. Neighbors have sent meals. At a press event on Tuesday, West Chester University President Laurie Bernotsky called for a moment of silence.

“I want people to remember him and the kind of person he was,” Garrett’s mom, Traci Conrad Hafner, shared in a heart-wrenching interview with CBS News. “That boy had no hate in his body, not one ounce. He would go out of his way to make someone feel comforted, happy.” 

Now his friends and family are going out of their way to ensure Garrett’s legacy of love and happiness lives on. “I want everyone to be like Garrett. The world would be a better place,” said Traci in the video. 

This Sunday, there will be a fundraiser for Garrett held at GBU (Good, Bad, & Ugly). There will be live music, silent actions, and raffle baskets. All proceeds, the $5 cover, and all bar tips are being donated back to the family.

“Let’s show up the only way West Chester knows how to and support the Nicholas family during this troubling time,” GBU shared in a social post that now has over 3,400 likes. If GBU is not your scene, although I would encourage the community to come out in support if they can, there will also be raffles upstairs at Stove & Tap, and a GoFundMe has been set up here.

Also, sign up to be an organ donor. It works. According to his mom, Garrett’s organs were used to save three people’s lives, with the potential for several more. You can sign up in less than a minute here. 

West Chester man charged with possession of child pornography. David Rosa, 54, participated in a preliminary hearing this week on charges of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and related charges. The charges stem from an April 2 tip report sent to Chester County Detectives from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The tips, which contain hundreds of still images and videos of minors, were originally reported by Google and are linked to six separate Gmail accounts. 

“Our Detectives have partnered with the West Whiteland Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies to try and identify the victims depicted,” District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe shared in a press release. You can find more details about the case here.

That recycling event that got out of hand. This week, West Goshen is dealing with the repercussions of an electronics recycling and shredding event that got out of hand over the weekend. Traffic was snarled at Five Points Rd., and frustrated residents waited in line only to be turned away after the Township saw a larger-than-expected turnout for its Recycling event on Saturday.

“This one was different,” West Goshen Township Manager Christopher Bashore shared in a statement posted to the West Goshen Township Facebook page, noting attendance was “significantly larger than we normally experience.” To curb future problems, the Township has decided to limit the number of people who can attend. Going forward, events will be limited to West Goshen residents and will require prior registration. Alternate suggestions, such as moving it to a larger location like a park or the Government Services Building, and holding events more frequently, were made by residents.

Senior assassins are back. Westtown-East Goshen Police are warning residents that it’s time for area seniors to resume their annual assassination tradition. The game involves stalking and shooting each other with water guns in an attempt to be the last senior standing. According to the WEGO post, the safest option is not to play, but if you are planning to, use brightly colored water guns, avoid hiding in dark places and wearing camouflage or masks, and do not trespass, especially at night. If you are asked to leave a property, do so. If you are stopped by police, explain what you are doing. Do not run and hide. For residents, if you are concerned, call the police. Do not confront anyone yourself.

Go around. Traffic signal construction is scheduled to begin next week at the intersection of U.S. 202 (Wilmington Pike) and Route 926 (Street Road). Crews will be onsite Monday morning, and work will continue daily 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Friday. Expect a lane closure and flagging during this time. This is all part of a $2.9 million PennDOT project to reduce crashes at this intersection.

The Sunshine Report.

Parkway Center Wawa Plan Returns: This time with McDonald’s in the picture

A redevelopment plan for the Parkway Shopping Center proposing a 5,330 square foot Wawa convenience store with 16 gas pumps at 929 S. High St. is again in front of West Goshen Township.

The application was initially denied in March 2024, appealed to the Chester County Court of Common Pleas, and ultimately resolved through a court-approved settlement agreement in September 2024. That settlement paved the way for the project to move forward with final land development approval. However, at Tuesday night’s Planning Commission meeting, an amended final land development plan was reviewed. This time, the focus was on changes to traffic circulation, particularly in and around the existing McDonald’s restaurant.

Why the need for this late amendment?

Property records show that McDonald’s USA, LLC, holds a legal interest in a portion of the property, not simply as a tenant, but through a recorded deed tied to the site. Based on the need for this amendment, it appears that McDonald’s was not included in the earlier approval process.

The result: a plan that had already cleared multiple hurdles is now being revisited to account for a stakeholder who should have been part of the conversation from the start.

The amended plan, presented with revisions highlighted in red, shows multiple changes to traffic circulation, including new turn restrictions, added curbing, relocated signage, and reconfigured internal drive aisles around the McDonald’s parcel. These are not minor adjustments: they materially change how vehicles enter, exit, and move through that portion of the site.

During the discussion, Planning Commission Chair Corey Wegerbaur said, “I object to all of it, but there’s nothing I can say to prevent it. I don’t think this is a logical traffic flow pattern.”

The Planning Commission ultimately voted unanimously to remain neutral on the amended traffic circulation changes, captured best by the chair’s remark: “We can make a recommendation that we’re not making a recommendation.”

If all goes as planned, project construction will likely get underway in several months, according to a Parkway owner.

Keep shining! —Margie

Hello.

Goodbye.

The Accolades.

This Saturday, Square Bar celebrates 80 years in the Borough, and they want you to join them. Located at the corner of Chestnut St. and Patton Ave., manager Frank Wineman likes to think of the neighborhood bar as “West Chester’s living room.”

“It’s a regular place with regular people,” he says of the bar that is popular with the area’s police, firefighters, EMTs, and nurses. Think of it as Cheers for the emergency set. “Everyone’s super comfortable, super nice,” he says.

The atmosphere is everything you want a bar to be. The walls are panelled with wood and decorated with a large print of dogs sipping cocktails. The stools are an easily wipeable red vinyl, and I swear the hanging lights are covered by the same mid-century modern Tiffany-style faux stained-glass lamp shade my grandmother had hanging over her kitchen table. There is a dartboard, TVs for watching the game, and trophies highlighting bar-sponsored athletic accolades, including something called the Square Bar Olympics—the trophy features a gold plastic athlete atop a Miller Lite aluminum bottle. 

Square Bar opened in 1946 after the corner grocery store closed in the base of the two-story home. Perhaps in those early days it wasn’t an easy transition, but over time, Square Bar has found longevity with those same neighbors. Those who pop in for a toast to start the night, and perhaps again to close it. The regulars who come in day after day, week after week. The families who ease in midday for a friendly face and the quiet din of a near-empty bar. 

Frank remembers one such customer who used to come in as a kid with her dad for chicken fingers and fries. Two weeks ago, members of the bar staff attended her wedding. Eugene, Doris, and son Mike Schmidt are another example. The Schmidts have been coming in in some variation or another for roughly 30 years. They even have their own bar tab.

“We just call them ‘the family,’” says Frank, no further descriptor needed. 

Square Bar’s 80th Anniversary celebration will take place on Saturday in the parking lot across the street from the bar from 1 to 6 p.m. The Beer Traveler will be outside pouring drafts. There will be tents, tables set up, and a DJ playing tunes, but best of all, the whole fam will be there.

Other things we are celebrating this week. 

With temps now well into spring territory and beyond, here are three teams to watch this spring.

• Henderson girls lacrosse: With a record of 11–0, the Warriors girls lacrosse team has not only dominated in the battle of West Chester (beating East and Rustin), but they are sitting atop the District 1 3A rankings. Last week, they battled back from a first-period deficit to defeat a tough Downingtown West team. Read more about their rivalry win here.

• East girls’ softball. Also sitting atop the PIAA Division 1 standings is the East softball team. So far this year, the Lady Vikings have only registered one loss. East has taken care of business on the mound while cleaning up behind the plate, outscoring opponents 26 to 4 in its last three games. You can read about their shellacking of Unionville here.

• Rustin baseball. Before falling to Henderson 1–0 last night, the Rustin baseball team had not dropped a game for three weeks straight—a run that has them in first place in the Chest-Mont League American Division. You can read more about the games that got them there here. 

2026 All-Ches-Mont Winter selections. Shoutout to all the local athletes named to the 2026 Winter All-Ches-Mont League teams. A list of local first-team selections is below, as voted on by the league’s coaches. It’s not an easy feat. Give them a high five if you see them on the street!

• Boy’s Basketball: Timmy Bachelor, Sr., West Chester Rustin (American Division) 

• Girl’s Basketball: The West Chester East Kaylas—Kayla Holman, Fr., West Chester East; Kayla Cochran, Jr., West Chester East (National Division) 

• Wrestling: Justin Williams, Sr., West Chester East; Carter Rowe, Jr., West Chester Henderson; AJ Corp, Jr., West Chester Rustin.

Celebrity sightings. This week, hip-hop musician Quinn XCII generated buzz on High St. after dropping into Jawn Supply for an intimate pop-up performance. “Massive shoutout to everyone who pulled up & made some big memories last night,” the vintage retailer posted Tuesday on Instagram.

Toasting the 250. Turks Head Wines is issuing two limited-edition wines in honor of America 250. One is a white blend, the other a red blend; both will feature a patriotic red and blue interpretation of the brand’s signature gold logo. Only 250 cases of each will be produced. The wines will be available starting April 23 at Turk’s Head’s N. Church St. Bottle Shoppe. “This country was shaped not only by ideas, but around tables—in conversation, in community, and over wine,” said Turks Head Wine Founder and President Allison Owen.

Finally, let’s all go bananas. This year, Banana Day, West Chester University’s annual pre-finals blow-off-steam tradition, turned 30. “Few things are as WCU as Banana Day,” says WCU associate professor and APSCUF PR Chair Eryn Travis. “Our student leaders did a fabulous job running this campus-wide event and celebrating its 30-year anniversary.” The APSCUF faculty and coaches union served as this year’s Top Banana sponsor.

Pay it Forward.

Next week, in honor of Earth Day, West Chester University wants you to think about your waste and how you can eliminate as much as possible. On Monday, the WCU Office of Sustainability is hosting its annual Zero Waste Summit from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sykes Student Union. You can also think of it as a zero-cost summit. 

There will be a Thrift & Swap, which is an opportunity to get and give gently used clothes at no cost, free lamp repair from The Downingtown Repair Cafe, and an opportunity to learn money-saving skills, like sewing. There will also be free craft projects, presentations from WCU students, and giveaways for attendees.  

“The Zero Waste Summit is about making sustainability approachable—giving people the tools, ideas, and confidence to take action in their daily lives,” said Bradley Flamm, Director of the Office of Sustainability at West Chester University. 

Other ways to give back this week: 

Lend a hand at Ellen’s Field Day. This year, friends and family of Ellen Salome are coming together to honor her memory with something extraordinary—a community-wide field day event at West Goshen Community Park. This inaugural event is free to attend and sure to include plenty of friendly competition, but they need help to pull it all together. Ellen was a 15-year-old pediatric heart transplant survivor for over 5 years. She died last year. This foundation was formed to honor her legacy and inspire dreams. Ellen’s Field Day is June 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you would like to help support this event, sign up here or reach out to [email protected].

Sign up to clean a block. West Chester Borough is hosting its annual Community Clean Up on Sunday. If you live in the Borough, you can sign up for a street here. Then stop by Borough Hall between noon and 1 p.m. to grab your clean-up kit and a thank you gift from the mayor. If you live outside the Borough, maybe just make a mental note to do a sweep of the block? I don’t know if it’s because of all that snow, but there seems to be a lot of litter lying around.

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? Our eldest is getting confirmed this weekend, and we are celebrating by treating ourselves to a brunch out with family afterwards. The kids want to go to Nudy’s, but I am pushing for Market Street Grill. Their cinnamon swirl French toast is still among one of my favorite breakfast treats.  

If you are around this weekend, there is a lot going on. Saturday is Record Store Day. There will be specials at all area record stores. New this year, Hop Fidelity is partnering with Bier and Loathing to make standing in RSD lines a bit more palatable. Hop Fidelity won’t open until 8 a.m., but if you want to get in line early, you can do so, get your place saved, then head two doors down to Bier and Loathing for a breakfast sandwich and to kill that time playing arcades. Bier and Loathing is opening at 6:30 a.m. for the occasion. Also, on Saturday, Marshall Square Park is hosting its annual park clean-up. Grab some gloves and lend a hand if you are in the neighborhood. Then walk down to Square Bar and celebrate your good deed with a beer at their anniversary party.

Finally this week, a special thank you to our newest Community Sponsor, Brandywine Valley Heating & Air Conditioning! Brandywine Valley Heating & Air Conditioning has been keeping the West Chester community cool and comfortable for more than 30 years. Give them a call today for cost-saving solutions heading into the hot summer months. 610-692-3900.

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:

• Apr. 18- The Uprising 5K and 1.31 mile walk for Autism, Downtown West Chester, 9:15 a.m. Registration $65 for the run, $55 for the walk. Kids run $25

• Apr. 18 - West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut, 10 a.m. - noon.

• Apr. 18 - Marshall Square Park Spring Clean-up, Marshall Square Park.  Help pick up debris from this winter and clean up few areas. It is light work, suitable for the whole family.

• Apr. 18 - Square Bar 80th Anniversary Celebration, Square Bar Parking lot, 1 p.m. Help Square Bar celebrate 80 years as a West Chester institution. There will be food, drinks, and DJ provided tunes.

• Apr. 19 - Arts & Craft Night, Hop Fidelity, 4 p.m. Join for a night of making collages using album covers and magazines and other fun stuff! Making the art is Free! And all supplies are provided.  

• Apr. 20 - WCU Zero Waste Summit, Sykes Student Union, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Various activities planned, including a clothing swap, repair cafe, student presentations, craft stations, and more.

• Apr. 20 - Craft Night: Upcycled Glass Vases, Oakbourne Mansion, 6:30 p.m. Celebrate Earth Day by turning a glass jar into a beautiful vase. Materials provided - except for scissors. Cost $5. Registration required. 

• Apr. 20 - Chair Yoga, West Chester Public Library, 10 -10:45 a.m. Chair yoga is an all-inclusive practice that uses a chair as a supportive tool in modified yoga poses. Registration recommended. Walk-ins welcome as long as space allows.

• Apr. 21 - Science on Tap -Psychology, Barnaby’s Restaurant, 6 p.m. Each session will feature a different WCU expert sharing interesting ideas and new research. The program invites audience participation, and, of course, food and drink will be available for purchase. Cheers to science!

• Apr. 22 - How the Body Works, West Chester Public Library, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. This 10-week program exploring how the body works is open to kids ages 8 to 13. This is session 8 - All About DNA. Registration is required for each class and opens a week before.

• Apr. 23 - Neighbors United Against Hunger, Chester County History Center, 6 -9 p.m. Support WC Food Cupboard's mission to provide healthy food to people in need in our community. Tickets are $125 each and include a fun night with small plate stations, passed hors d'oeuvres, beer, wine, soft drinks and desserts from local vendors. There will also be live music, a silent auction, and a paddle raise.

• Apr. 23 - Author Lecture and Q&A, WCU BPMC Room 116, 6:30-8 p.m. Join author Will Caverly for a discussion of his book, Tinicum and Eastwick: Environmental Justice and Racial Injustice in Southwest Philadelphia. All attendees will be entered into a raffle to win a copy of the book 

• Apr. 24 - 26 - WCU Alumni Weekend, various. Lots of events for you, WCU alumni, including a Banana night celebration at Levante, a Maker’s Market and a pub crawl through town.

• Apr. 24 - Yoga Storytime, West Chester Public Library, 10:30 - 11 a.m. Ages 2 - 6. Registration required.

• Apr. 24 - Ladies Night Out! Dance Cardio Party, Windish Studios, 4 W. Prescott Aly, doors open at 6 p.m., event starts at 6:30 p.m. Get ready to sweat and laugh with your besties at the ultimate dance cardio bash! Stick around after for lite bites. All levels welcome! A portion of proceeds will be donated to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Tickets: $20

• Apr. 25 - Everhart Park Spring Clean Up, Everhart Park, 9 a.m. - noon. Meet at the Children’s Cottage near the children’s entrance and playground off W. Union St. Bring gloves and wear comfortable shoes.

• Apr. 25 - Running Home 5K/1 M walk, Downtown West Chester, 9 a.m. Race supports North Star of Chester County. Registration: $30 for the run; $25 for the walk.

• Apr. 25 - Festival of Colors 2026, East Goshen Park, 10 a.m. Dress in all white and get ready to dance through the rainbow. All colors are natural and safe. Food will be available for purchase. Tickets are required for this event.  

• Apr. 25 - Walk for Paws and 5K run, West Goshen Community Park, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This popular event includes a 5k color run, live music, kid fun zone, pet costume contest, yoga with puppies, food trucks, and more. Full access: $35; Run registration: $30; Kids: $20. All proceeds go to support the Greater Brandywine SPCA.

• Apr. 25 - 2026 Skate-A-Rama, Ice Line, 11 a.m. to 12:30 or 1 to 2:30 p.m. This is a free community event sponsored by the West Goshen Police Department. It is open to all elementary and middle school students, their parents and teachers. Rentals and snacks also provided. Registration required.

• Apr. 25 - Our Power, Our Planet Earth Day March, Meet at West Chester Friends, 2 p.m. Prize given for the most creative sign. This event is sponsored by the West Chester Green Team.

• Apr. 25 - Earth Day Wellness Fair, United Methodist Church, 2- 4 p.m. This event is sponsored by the West Chester Green Team.Apr. 25 - Earth Day Power Dinner, United Methodist Church, 5 p.m. Join an evening of presentations, awards, international foods, and sweets. Suggested dinner donation $20 for adults and $5 for youth. Register for the dinner here. This event is sponsored by the West Chester Green Team.

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!

This newsletter has been edited by Victoria Rose, Flickering Words: Copy editing. Substantive editing. Proofreading. Content writing. Technical editing. Contact her at [email protected] or @VictoriaRoseEdits to learn more.

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