West Chester Weekly News Roundup: Dec. 12, 2025

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It’s Friday, Dec. 12, 2025: Several West Goshen residents want the Township to save a historic property before it's too late, but the Township seems more interested in just making sure the blighted property does no harm. Now a judge has agreed to put it in the hands of a conservator. We look at what that means - and what happens next? Plus, how does West Chester achieve its holiday charm? We talk to the designer behind one of the Borough’s most high-profile displays. Bonus, she has some pretty handy tips for getting that designer look at home, thefts are up 65 percent in the Borough, and we have the results of West Chester’s first-ever event parking fee. Spoiler, they are mixed.

WWFFD - What Would the Founding Fathers Do? A conservatorship has put a historic home’s future in limbo. A group of residents want West Goshen to save it.

With reporting by Margie Swart

Are the fields east of West Chester Borough unrecognized sites of historical significance or simply private property at this point? The answer to that question depends on who you ask. In March, Westtown Township Supervisors, after years of petitioning by residents, finally agreed to place a roadside marker at the corner of Shiloh and Little Shiloh Roads commemorating the site of the long-demolished 1817 Shiloh Methodist Episcopal church and cemetery. The former hub of the region’s early Black community was bulldozed years ago and the remaining tombstones removed. The current owner strictly prohibits access to the site, including the former cemetery. 

The Friends of Shiloh AME hope the plaque will help remind people what was once here. 

According to a press release distributed at the time of the announcement, it is Westtown’s first African American historic marker in its 330-year history. In total, the township recognizes 165 historic structures. West Goshen lists another 92 historic assets in its Township Historic Inventory. However, in one of the country’s oldest counties, Stephen Lyons, chairperson of both the Friends of Shiloh AME Church and Save Forsythe Farm, would say one is not enough. 

The Warnings.

Hello.

With more than 90 eateries in the downtown area alone, West Chester is known, sometimes to a fault, as a dining destination; however, there has been a real push in recent years to change that. Three years ago, the Chester County Art Association moved its popular Christkindlmarket to Gay Street and granted downtown retailers free event access. It has proven to be a huge sales day for retailers, often rivaling or even beating Small Business Weekend. 

Goodbye.

Goodbye, car ride. As micromobility, i.e., short rides via e-bikes and electric scooters, gains in popularity, could it be time for a serious conversation about car alternatives? I don’t know, but I think we’re about to find out. 

Last fall, Borough Council voted unanimously to establish a Transportation Advisory Committee. The resident-run committee is tasked with advising Council on transportation planning and capital projects, including roads, rail, trails, bus, and any other practical modes of transportation to, from, and within the Borough. Now they are seeking your input on how best to do that. 

The TAC is working with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) and their consultant, Connect The Dots, to gather information from anyone who lives in, works in, or visits the Borough. The survey is available to take online. It will also be available at Borough events, community spaces like coffee shops and community centers, and Borough Hall. 

“Once we have this information, it'll help us prioritize transportation-related projects within the Borough, which will then be recommended to Borough Council,” TAC member Laura McLaine shared. “This is quite broad at this stage for a reason. We are looking at a variety of potential focus areas,” she added.

The brief survey asks about transportation preferences and what residents find to be the biggest deterrents to walking and biking in the Borough. The survey is open to both residents and non-residents. 

You can take it here. 

Finally, a goodbye and happy retirement to Becky Brain. If you don’t know Becky, she is the County’s communication director, a position she has held for the last 19 years. I haven’t known her that long, but in the time that I have, she’s been super supportive, and always willing to track down the answers to all my restaurant inspection report questions. Thanks, Becky. Enjoy your retirement!

The Accolades.

Deck the bars with boughs of holly. Falalalala lalala. Few can deny that Christmas time in West Chester is the stuff of holiday songs, with the streets all aglow and shops and restaurants decked out in their holiday best, but while the scenes may inspire themes of slow-paced nostalgia, they didn’t get that way without many long days.

“This year, I did 11 jobs, some of them multi-day. All squeezed into three weeks!” West Chester-based designer Marie Weaverling told me. 

A lot of hard work goes into helping retailers and restaurants achieve that homespun holiday charm. Marie, owner of Marie Weaverling Design, has been professionally decorating spaces for the holidays for over 10 years now. This year, Marie, with the help of a team of designers, stylists, and installers, added seasonal touches to the Hotel Indigo and the West Chester Seafood Kitchen, creating wow moments throughout with festive decor and seven—yes, seven—standout trees.

Country Classic in the West Chester Seafood Kitchen (above)

“In keeping with the restaurant's elevated, classic traditional decor, we decorated the main 12 ft. tree behind the hostess stand in all reds and blues with traditional balls, poinsettias, and berry garlands,” said Marie. 

Gay Street Statement

“There is a 9 ft. tree in the raw bar that faces the window on Gay Street, so that had to be a statement—that one is done in a snowflake theme in all blue and white,” she shared. 

Lobby Showstopper (shown at top)

“For the 12 ft. hotel lobby tree, IHG (owner of the Indigo brand) gave direction on the holiday look, which was to be metallic and shiny. We stuck with that—brought in copper ball garland to go with the copper draperies, and added golds, silvers, and metallics. The tabletop decor is all beautiful, metallic deer, trees, and lanterns.”

Want to recreate the look at home? Marie offers these (brilliant, might I add) tips. 

“For a designer-looking tree, include ornaments, florals, and ribbons—maybe 2-3 types of each—and purchase your items by the dozens, not singles. So, two dozen red balls, two dozen gold balls, etc. . . . You want to fill the tree! And always add extra lights, even if it is a pre-lit tree,” she adds. 

Thanks, Marie! Now, go forth and decorate. 

Other things we are celebrating this week: 

West Chester University Women’s Soccer ended an exciting season just two games shy of a national championship. The Golden Rams' season ended with a 3–2 overtime loss to Franklin Pierce in the NCAA Division II quarterfinals, but even a disappointing loss can’t take away the season’s accomplishments. WCU was the PSAC regular season and NCAA Atlantic Region champs.

WCU Women’s Field Hockey, too, came up a bit short of a national title, but not before getting at least one upset. The Golden Rams ousted 4th-seeded East Stroudsburg in the NCAA Division II Field Hockey quarterfinals before losing 3–0 to top-seeded Newberry in the semis. The season may be over, but WCU is already preparing for next year. 

Of course, not all standout performances are sports-related. Sometimes, ok, rarely, but sometimes they come while dressed as the 16th president. Shout-outs this week to Pierce Middle School’s Ananya Kathuria and Fugett’s Ashvaith Adav Vasudev and Autumn Troop for going one, two, and three, respectively, in last Friday’s Little Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address Contest. As part of the competition, middle school students dressed like Abraham Lincoln and recited his most famous address. Autumn also nabbed best dressed honors. As I am sure it is not easy for any middle schooler to appear in public dressed like a nineteenth-century leader, I think all efforts warrant mention, so congrats also to Madelaine Bako from Saint Agnes School, Evan Topping from Saints Peter and Paul School, and Meghan Gopinath and Ross Hemphill from Fugett.

Parade winners. Who were the winners at last weekend’s Christmas Parade? Personally, I think it was all of us who stuck it out in the cold to be rewarded with the magical arrival of Santa Claus amid a sprinkling of snowflakes, but those walking away with actual titles were: West Chester Area School District Combined Marching Band, “Best Band”; Lasko Products, “Best Commercial Parade Float”; and Westminster Presbyterian Church, “Best Nonprofit Parade Float.” As for the fan favorites, the West Chester University Incomparable Golden Rams, the Santa Claus float, and the Brian Boru Pipes and Drums were mentioned most.

Most clicked. Last week’s most-clicked story was the West Chester Police’s call for community help in identifying three suspects wanted in connection with a September assault. I believe assistance is still needed. If you need a second look at the perpetrators, you can find it here.

Pay it Forward.

Last week, over 150 of Santa’s elves descended upon Pine Street Carpenters’ Bolmar St. shop for a festive bike-building party. By the evening’s end, 119 bikes had been assembled for deserving children in the community. It is all part of remodeler’s annual “100 Wheels Project.” 

Pine Street Carpenters launched the community bike-build in 2008 with a goal of delivering 100 bikes to families and children in need each year. Over the last 17 years, Pine Street has provided 1755 bicycles to families in need.

Leading up to the bike-build, Pine Street partners with local community organizations to identify families and children in need. The bikes are then purchased, assembled, and delivered to the local organizations that work directly with Santa to ensure a shiny new bike makes its way into the hands of children for the holidays.

“These agencies provide an incredible service to our community year-round,” said Brendon Dolan, owner of Pine Street Carpenters. “We are grateful for their service—and for the many volunteers and businesses who partner with us to help make this project a success.”

Ways to give back this week: 

Eat breakfast with Santa. The Care Center Foundation is hosting Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 20. There will be delicious pancakes and a chance to have your picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Breakfast is just $8, and all proceeds go to support a good cause!

Give a kitten or puppy, cat or dog a forever home. The Brandywine Valley SPCA is holding a mega adoption event this Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. All animal adoptions are just $35, and that includes spaying/neutering, vaccines, and microchipping. Thinking of heading over? Read this first.

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? We are starting our first round of holiday parties, squeezing in a viewing of The Grinch and heading downtown to retake the above photo. I have high hopes we get all three kids in this year.

If you are around this weekend, West Chester Public Library is hosting a holiday version of its Trivia Night tonight at 6 p.m. Tomorrow, catch West Chester Dance Works' production of Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch; there are three showings, and on Sunday, Chesterbrook Academy is hosting Breakfast with Santa. Still finalizing the shopping? Christkindlmarkt is, of course, tomorrow, also, Tish has 30 percent off all apparel plus free gift wrapping, and Yori’s has all the Christmas cookies you could want. Just for fun, here’s a video of how they make their Springerle cookies. 

And for help wrapping, Rustin’s Everyday Hope has a gift wrapping fundraiser going on next Friday. $25 will get you a bag full of gifts wrapped and ready to distribute. RSVP here.  

Finally, a very special thank you to this week’s Community Sponsor, PetCare Group. Insured, bonded, and in business for 22 years, PetCare Group has an experienced team of care providers for in-home pet sitting, dog walking, and dog training every day of the year – including weekends, holidays, and overnights. Forgot to cancel the mail? Need someone to water the plants? They’ll take care of those too (no extra cost). Check out 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. Placements are filled first come- first served. Send me an email if you are interested.

Mark Your Calendars:

• Dec. 12-14 –And on Earth, Peace: Westminster’s Annual Christmas Concerts, Westminster Presbyterian Church. Enjoy your holiday favorites as performed by Westminster Presbyterian’s 95-member choir. This is their 35th annual Christmas performance. Tickets are free, but are required to avoid overcrowding. Childcare is available at the afternoon concerts by reservation. Get your tickets and find a complete list of performance times here.

• Dec. 12 – Holiday Trivia Night, West Chester Public Library, 6 p.m. Questions begin at 6:45 p.m. JLight apps and a cash bar available. Admission is $5 per person. Space is limited, so pre-registration is recommended.

• Dec. 13 – West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Dec. 13 – Christkindlmarkt, Downtown West Chester, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Shop over 100 hand-selected vendors carrying a variety of handcrafted, locally designed goods. There will be live musical performances and photo ops with Santa and the Grinch.  You can find a complete list of planned activities here.

• Dec. 13 – Santa at a bank, M&T Bank 10 N. High St. 2 – 4 p.m. Stop by for complimentary hot chocolate and a holiday photo with Santa (and West Chester’s new 28’ Christmas tree in the background!) 

• Dec. 13 – The Grinch, Fugett Middle School, 3 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. Now in its second year, West Chester Dance Works’ production of Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Who Stole Christmas includes both original favorites and updated selections.

• Dec. 13 – A Not So Silent Night! A Christmas Cabaret, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. Looking for something a little more grown-up and glitzy? A Not So Silent Night! is a festive Christmas cabaret, mixing humor, sparkle, and plenty of music.

• Dec. 14 – Christmas Tree Train, West Chester Railroad, 8 a.m. Take a train ride to Wiggins Tree Farm, where you can cut your own Christmas tree and have it hauled back on the train.

• Dec. 14 – Breakfast with Santa, Chesterbook Academy, 1190 McDermott Dr. Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet, holiday crafts, and the opportunity to take pictures with Santa. There are two seatings available, the first at 9 and the other at 10:30 a.m. Tickets required. 

• Dec. 14 – Make Your Own Ornament Craft, Monkey Fish Toys, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stop by MFT to make a very special ornament for your tree.

• Dec. 15 – Holiday Inn (Film), Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m. A song-filled love triangle unfolds at a charming inn that opens only on holidays in this Irving Berlin musical. Tickets $5, includes complimentary popcorn.

• Dec. 16 – Science on Tap – Biology, 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!

• Dec. 16 – Cartoon Christmas Trio, Uptown Knaur Performing Arts Center Theater, 6:30 p.m. The nationally renowned Cartoon Christmas Trio has been the premier interpreter of holiday cartoon soundtracks since 1995. They will be joined this year by students from the Unionville Chadds Ford School District.

• Dec. 19 – Lighted Labyrinth Walk, Everhart Park. Celebrate the Winter Solstice with a reflective walk through the luminary-lit Everhart Park labyrinth. Event begins at 5:30 p.m. Labyrinth is located at the southwest corner of the park.

• Dec. 19–21 – The Nutcracker, Brandywine Ballet at WCU’s Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall. Every holiday season since 1985, the Brandywine Ballet has staged Tchaikovsky’s classic “The Nutcracker.” Visit the Brandywine Ballet website for a complete list of performance dates and times.

• Dec. 20 – West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Dec. 20 – Santa on the Fire Truck, Downtown West Chester. 3 p.m. Stop and wave as Santa makes his way through downtown aboard a West Chester fire truck.

• Dec. 20 – Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Knights of Columbus, 110 Market St, two seatings 9 and 10:30 a.m. Pancake breakfast provided.  Cost $8 – all proceeds go to support the Care Center Foundation.

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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