West Chester Weekly News Roundup: Aug. 8, 2025

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It’s Friday, Aug. 8, 2025: West Chester Borough is rapidly moving to a meterless parking system. It’s a change that has left many parkers frustrated. West Chester Parking Director Ramsey Reiner shares why these changes are necessary, as well as her best tips for beating the system. They are helpful. I paid for parking for the first time in three years. Plus, West Chester University has lots of housing plans, but do they really give us what we need, aka, more beds? I break down the changes and the timeline.

It’s National Farmers Market Week, a Borough darling bids farewell, and someone has bought the Horizon House on Paoli Pike. I’ll give you three guesses as to who. It’s been a gorgeous week in West Chester. I won’t mind at all if you want to take this outside.

Ok, who’s ready? Let’s catch up.   

West Chester University’s 17,000-student question is, are more 900 beds enough?*

Last week, officials representing West Chester University, its legal team, and the authors of its 800-page 15+ year master plan, stood before West Chester’s Planning Commission and presented what they believed West Chester needs to know before the entire document is weighed at a conditional use hearing on the plan later this year.

Here are some of the takeaways:

Run and Walk for Healthcare, Hope, and Healing

West Chester nonprofit Community Volunteers in Medicine presents the second annual Dr. Mary's Legacy Run: a 5K run, walk, and family fun day.  

The event will be September 6 at West Goshen Community Park, and will feature a Kids Zone with face painting by BirlGirl Designs.  The 5K run will be on a separate route bordering the park.  

Special discounted registration to readers of Hello West Chester!  Enter HelloWC at checkout for $10 off!  Kids 12 and under run FREE if registered.

For more information and registration, please visit CVIM.org/run

Proceeds will benefit Community Volunteers in Medicine, honoring Dr. Mary Wirshup’s legacy as a friend, advocate, and a skilled and compassionate physician. CVIM provides free, high quality healthcare to uninsured working people with low incomes to help them live healthy, productive lives and to assure health equity in the Chester County Region.

The Warnings.

Milbourne Borough Police Officer charged with videotaping kids at the Y. On Friday, the Chester County District Attorney’s office issued a press release announcing the arrest of Mark Mackrell of Coatesville. The 52-year-old Milbourne Police Officer was charged with photographing a sexual act, stalking, and unlawful conduct with minors after two teens reported he had been filming them at the Airport Rd. YMCA on July 22. 

As part of the investigation, law enforcement found photos and videos of juveniles on Mr. Mackrell’s phone—some of which date back to July of 2024. In several videos, Mr. Mackrell can be heard making sexual comments about the juveniles.

The YMCA sent a letter to members on Saturday acknowledging the incident. The letter, which was issued more than a week after the incident was reported, skims over many of the details of what happened, stating only that, “YMCA staff were alerted that a member was allegedly filming minors at our outdoor pool.” 

It then goes on to say that staff acted quickly once notified and that the member has since been banned from all YMCA of Greater Brandywine locations. They also stressed that “safety of all our members, especially minors, is our highest priority.” At this time, no changes to current security measures have been announced. 

There are cold months ahead. This week, Chester County Commissioners announced they were releasing a $75,000 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant early to help address supply needs at the Chester County Food Bank. “In response to critical funding shortfalls caused by significant federal budget cuts, Chester County Commissioners… have accelerated the release of County-directed support for the Chester County Food Bank,” a release reads. The Federal Government cancelled a $250,000 food order destined for the food bank earlier this year. 

We’re going to have to wait to see how this ends. The preliminary hearing against Kevin Krebbs, the Chester County man who brought a weapon to June’s No Kings Rally and was later found to have a stockpile of explosives at his home, was postponed. According to the Daily Local News, the preliminary hearing on charges related to the found IEDs will now be Sept. 11. Both parties were granted extra time as Mr. Krebbs retained new counsel, and authorities are still conferring on whether or not Mr. Krebbs will face federal charges related to the explosives. Mr. Krebb is expected in court next week to address the initial charge of carrying a concealed weapon without a license.  

SEPTA funding cuts are about to get real. This week, several Chester County legislators held a press conference to raise awareness around a series of SEPTA service cuts that will go into effect later this month if the state budget, which includes $292 million to support transportation infrastructure, is not passed. If the budget is not passed, the following SEPTA bus routes will stop service to the West Chester Transportation Center beginning on Aug. 24 - 106, 120, 204, 206, 124, 125.

Drive with care. West Chester Police and emergency services responded to three accidents this week, including a t-bone incident with a parked car on the 400 block of Price St., an accident on Route 202 near S. Matlack St., and 202 N in the area of the Fern Hill Road overpass. 

The Sunshine Report.

Your inside look at local government at work. Each week, key decisions are made about how to spend tax dollars, what new developments go forward, and the best way to deliver key services, like trash - and parking. The Report is here to make sure you don’t miss a single one.  

This week, I'm tracking two very different real estate stories: a tidy little land deal on Paoli Pike that quietly closed, and a sprawling, historic estate that just can't seem to seal the deal no matter how many zoning amendments are tossed its way. 

Let's start with Horizon House. The behavioral health center located next to Popeye's Chicken on Paoli Pike was acquired by 825 Paoli Pike Partners, an entity of E. Kahn Development Corporation, in May. Horizon House, Inc. bought the 1-acre property, which includes an existing building and cell tower, in 2008 for $2 million and recently sold it for the significantly lower $1.25 million.

Meanwhile, the saga continues at West Goshen’s Greystone Hall. Once part of a lavish English-style estate surrounded by 441 acres of bucolic forest and farmland, today, the mansion sits on a 35-acre parcel (plus an adjoining 9-acre carriage home property). 

Despite the home’s grandeur, the property has struggled to sell. It was first listed for $9 million in 2022. To accommodate a potential buyer, West Goshen Township amended its Zoning Ordinance to allow for a historic inn with up to 60 rooms. Then that deal fell through. In March 2024, a new buyer requested further changes - proposing up to 80 rooms and a building height of 40 feet -- but that plan also collapsed. Then, in May, another interested party floated the idea of a special event venue with no hotel rooms, but that too went nowhere. Now it's back on the market at a reduced price of $8 million. 

It's not clear why buyers keep walking, but the latest sales brochure may offer a few hints: Greystone is still on well water and septic and doesn't meet current commercial codes. Any future use will require at a minimum a connection to public water and sewer systems.

Curious or in the market for an 118-year-old historic property? You can explore the listing here. 

If real estate isn't your jam, then maybe cars, trucks, or forklifts are more your thing? You can check out the used surplus equipment West Goshen has up for bid here. 

Speaking of housing, some good news out of the Borough recently. Aaron Flook has been hired as West Chester’s new Director of Building and Housing. According to his LinkedIn profile, Aaron has 34 years of code enforcement, building inspection, and zoning experience. Originally from the Pittsburgh area, he most recently served as Coatesville’s Director of Building Code and Zoning.  After a couple of years of turmoil (and thousands of uncollected inspection fees), this West Chester Department could use a dedicated, experienced leader. Parking Director Ramsey Reiner has been doing double duty since Director Sally Slook tendered her resignation in February. 

That's it for now. I'll be back next week with some hot topic Borough and Township news. - Margie

Hello.

The future is here. Say, hello to meterless parking. Earlier this spring, the West Chester Public Works Department began removing the insides of all the parking meters lining the streets in the Borough. Since then, we’ve been passing visitors staring at them with furrowed brows and looks of frustration. The cause of concern seems to be the new meterless parking system. Just don’t tell Flowbird, the app behind West Chester’s parking modernization. Parking made simpler, their website boasts.  

Goodbye.

This week, after five long years, Mae’s West Chester announced they will close their doors on Aug. 17.

The Accolades.

Late last month, Chester County declared Aug. 3  through Aug. 9, Farmers Market Week. Turns out this wasn’t exactly an original thought; the Farmers Market Coalition has been celebrating National Farmers Market Week on these exact dates for the last 26 years. Still, I thought it was a perfect excuse to catch up with West Chester Growers Market’s Juliana Pash and Kathy Ervine. 

HWC: Juliana, it's been two years since you took over as manager of the Growers Market. At the time, you said you thought things needed a little jolt. How are things today? 

JP - I think the market is doing great! We have a number of new guest vendors, and our regular member vendors are happy to have a full market almost every week. It can be busy the first hour, but people should remember two things: we are open until 1:00 p.m. each week, and our vendors love pre-orders!

HWC: Have you introduced any new vendors we should know about? 

JP- We have about a dozen new guest vendors, so it’s hard to choose. A couple that I like are Kombucha Bliss with locally made seasonal kombucha; New Bee Ranch has wonderful seasonal pickled and fermented products, and Sundry Morning Spice Company has awesome Bloody Mary mixes and seasonal shrubs for cocktails or mocktails. 

HWC: I walk to the market each week, but I know that’s not an option for everyone. If you must drive, where's the best place to park? 

JP- I know this is tough for some folks, but metered parking on the streets and some of the nearby garages is free until 5 on Saturdays. Make a morning of it. If your bags are too heavy, I’m sure one of our vendors would let you “park” your haul at their table while you get your car and pick it up on your way out.

HWC: Ok, in honor of Farmers Market Week - give us your best pitch - why should people make the trek to the market each week? 

JP - We all know the price of food is up. It’s not inexpensive to shop at the market, but the quality of food and knowing that it was produced in our region, without a big carbon transport footprint, is a huge bonus. The produce flavors throughout the seasons, and especially at this time of year, can’t be beat. My favorite this time of year is cantaloupe! I can’t get enough!

KE: As Juliana mentioned, summer produce is at its peak.  The corn, peaches, blueberries, tomatoes (have you seen the beautiful heirlooms?), peppers, zucchini, cantaloupe, and watermelons (which I can't get enough of) are so flavorful. Also, Conebella Farm (a dairy farm) produces delicious seasonal yogurts, yogurt smoothies, and ice cream -- made with seasonal, local fruits. I think their peach ice cream is being featured this week. 

I would also add, you can shake the hands of the farmers and producers who are passionate about bringing you the best products each week.  Farming isn't an easy job -- and these farmers have a true passion for their craft. I'd say all our vendors have a true passion for their products.

You had me at peach ice cream, Kathy, you had me at peach ice cream.

In honor of Farmers Market Week, Chester County AgConnect will be at the market on Saturday. They will have “ag swag” at their table as well as a hands-on kids activity. Stop by to learn about the many impacts agriculture has on the county. The Growers Market sets up at the corner of Church and Chestnut Streets each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (at least until January).  

Other things we are celebrating this week: 

Congratulations on your new courtyard, Mr. White. On Saturday, West Goshen Township is commemorating the contributions of longtime Supervisor Dr. Robert White by renaming the municipal courtyard after him. The naming ceremony will take place at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will follow. All are welcome to attend. Dr. White served the township from 1996 until he died in 2014. 

The start of the start of football season. Perhaps it’s the tease of cool after weeks of hot, humid temps, but lately I have been getting the urge to throw on a pair of jeans. Still too warm for the temptation to last long, it's a nice reminder of things to come. The same goes for fall sports. While the new, improved Phillies hit their stride, West Chester resident Landon Dickerson and his fellow Eagles are getting ready to defend their ring. To do that, they know they’ll need to take care of the little things and remember why they are out there in the first place. “I love football. I love these guys. I love competing,” Landon told the Philly Voice last month. “I’ve said it before, the personal accolades I really couldn’t care less about.” Read the full article here. 

Putting yourself out there. Congratulations to Nile Gay, this year’s winner of the Taylor-Made at Uptown Singer-Songwriter Competition. Nile, a piano and voice teacher at West Chester Music Academy, beat out five other finalists to take home top prize. 

“Getting to this point has taken years of trial and error, pushing my boundaries, and keeping my roommates up at night with my practicing (lol) and yet, despite all my efforts, I still would’ve completely tanked if Jesus wasn’t holding me up the entire time,” he shared in a social post.

You can listen to a sampling of his contest-winning performance here. 

National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day. This week, the Philadelphia Inquirer featured West Chester resident and chocolate chip cookie influencer Lynn April. Owner of Fresh April Flours, Lynn has built an Instagram following of 147,000 strong, mainly on the appeal of a single decadent recipe. 

“My chocolate chip cookies took off,” she said. “They’ve gone viral on Instagram more times than I can count.” So, in honor of National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, I’ve dug up the recipe for you. 

Pay it Forward.

On Wednesday, Safe Harbor is hosting its second annual Community Health Fair. As the county’s largest homeless shelter, every day they see the impact barriers to health and wellness resources can have - and let’s face it, our complicated healthcare system doesn’t always make it easy for people to get the care they need.  

 “We’ve seen firsthand how lack of access to health resources can impact people’s stability and long-term success,” said Safe Harbor Executive Director Jessica Chappell, who helped launch the community event last year.  

“Attendees will have the opportunity to meet healthcare professionals for free screenings and vaccinations, learn about preventive care, and build connections to local programs,” she added.

Best part? It’s all free.  

“Safe Harbor hopes the event will empower individuals with the knowledge and resources they need to take meaningful steps toward better health,” said Jessica.

The Safe Harbor Community Health Fair and Open House will take place Aug. 13 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Safe Harbor.  Refreshments provided. No advanced registration required.  

Speaking of staying healthy, families that qualify for the National School Lunch program are eligible for additional assistance. Families with children who receive free or reduced-price meals during the school year are eligible for “Sun Bucks,” a federally funded program that helps cover grocery costs during summer break. Qualifying families will get a one-time, seasonal benefit payment of $120 per child (or $40 per month for June, July, and August). Payments will be issued starting in mid-August (or just in time for back-to-school). If you think you may be eligible, you can learn more about the program here.  

Other ways to give back this week: 

Don’t eat alone. Pass it on. This summer, West Chester Area Senior Center is continuing its free lunch program. All seniors age 60 and over are eligible for a free nutritious lunch served daily around noon. Meals are thoughtfully designed to support senior health—including those managing heart disease or diabetes. Sound good to you? Reserve your place at least three days in advance at 610-431-4242 or email Olivia Force at [email protected]. Not yet 60? You’re still welcome there is just a $5.70 charge.

Last chance to go back-to-school shopping. Feeling nostalgic for those days of packing the cart with backpacks and spiral notebooks? Well, if so, maybe add a few items to this week’s shopping list and help a local family get back-to-school ready? 

The Friends Association, whose important work we highlighted last week, is hosting their annual Back-to-School drive. They are collecting new backpacks, water bottles, wired headphones, and gift cards to ensure every child feels ready and excited for the year ahead. You can drop off items at their 113 W. Chestnut location or save the trip and order off their Amazon Wish List and have them shipped directly. 

The Care Center Foundation, which we featured this week, is also running a backpack drive. They are accepting new and lightly used backpacks as part of a community event they are hosting later this month. If you can help, let them know at [email protected].

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? We are getting ready for one last summer hurrah, so this weekend we are taking it easy, making some last-minute travel plans, and hopefully soaking up a little sun at the pool.

If you’re around this weekend, the second annual “Tour-de-Trike” is taking place this afternoon on Gay St. A (slight) nod to West Chester’s criterion days, the event features teams of five adults riding oversized tricycles down the street. Fun starts at 3:30 p.m., expect the finals sometime closer to 6 p.m. Also, this weekend, it’s the WormCon on Saturday and on Sunday, Kildare’s is hosting their first-ever Rails & Ales. It’s the historic railroad just with beer. Don’t feel like traveling? Uptown has another beer garden planned for Sunday. Just don’t plan on stopping at Yori’s after the market for a donut, they are closed until Monday.

And if this cooler weather has you motivated to be more active, why not sign up for Dr. Mary’s 5K - how cool of them to give Hello, West Chester readers a discount?

And finally, thank you to this week’s Community Sponsor the Kit Anstey Real Estate Team. The “#1 team to know,” Kit Anstey’s team makes it their mission to provide the ultimate in personal service and sales results. Recent awards RPAC Hall of Fame, 10 Best in Real Estate for exceptional and outstanding client services, West Chester Lifestyle Readers' Choice Best Realtor, America's Best Real Estate Professionals and Legend Award of 25 years of Top 1 percent Team in the network.

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:

• Aug. 8 – Tour de Trike, Gay St., 3:30 p.m. This adult tricycle relay race will take place on Gay St.

• Aug. 9 – West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut Streets, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Aug. 9 – Free a Tree volunteer day, Shaw’s Bridge Park (Meet at parking lot at 274 S. Creek Rd., West Chester, PA) 10 a.m. Learn basic natural land stewardship skills and become more familiar with East Bradford parks. Can be used to count towards public service hours for students.

• Aug. 9 – Yoga in the Park, Marshall Square Park, 10:15 a.m. Bring a mat, water, and sunscreen. Registration encouraged, but walk-ins welcome. Class: $15. FYI if you’re registering it’s listed under “Be Rooted.”

• Aug. 9 – WormCon @ WCU, WCU Science and Engineering Center & Commons, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  WormCon @ WCU is a celebration of the contributions of worms to science! Will feature meet & greet with scientists, science demos & activities, and the chance to win fun worm-themed prizes! All ages are welcome, registration is free! 

• Aug. 9 – Rails & Ales, West Chester Historic Train Station (230 E. Market St.), 4 – 7 p.m. Ride the Historic West Chester Train to Glenn Mills and back, only this time with a beer in your hand. Live music, food, outdoor games, and a full bar. Tickets: $50

• Aug. 9 – Summer Pop-up Beer Garden: The Dave Matthews Tribute Band, Uptown Theater, 5 p.m. Jam out with the ultimate DMB experience. Beer Garden events precede the main show and are free to attend. 

• Aug. 10 – Breakfast with the Beatles, Kildare’s Pub, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Beatles tribute band The Newspaper Taxis will be onsite while you enjoy brunch and bottomless mimosas ($20). Reservations recommended.

• Aug. 10 – West Chester Railroad – Picnic Special, 230 E. Market St. 12 p.m. 90 minute train ride with a mid-trip stop at the Glen Mills station. Picnic optional. Pack a lunch. Tickets: $25/adults; $20/kids

• Aug 10 – Summer Concert Series – Wilson Lambert’s Blue Philly Magic, West Goshen Community Park, 6:30 p.m. Concert is free but a dry good donation for the West Chester Food Cupboard is encouraged.

• Aug. 13 – West Chester Taps, downtown, 5 – 7 p.m. Participating locations offer a select list of $5 beers, $6 wines, and $7 cocktails, in addition to appetizer specials.

• Aug. 14 – Friends of Marshall Square Park Concert Series: Butterfoot, Marshall Square Park, Food trucks onsite at 5 p.m. Bands begin at 6:30 p.m. Plus, face painting and balloon artists!

• Aug. 14 – 2025 Summer Concert Series: MissBehavin’, East Bradford Park, 7 p.m.  All summer concerts are free to the general public

• Aug. 15 – Movie in the Park, Hoopes Park, dusk

• Aug. 16 – West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut Streets, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Aug. 16 – Yoga in the Park, Marshall Square Park, 10:15 a.m. Bring a mat, water, and sunscreen. Registration encouraged, but walk-ins welcome. Class: $15. FYI if you’re registering it’s listed under “Be Rooted.” 

Want more? Find the full event list here. 

Reader 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 thanks to everyone who helped make this week’s issue possible. I’ll see you next week!

Hello, West Chester Community Sponsors