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West Chester Weekly News Roundup

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It’s Friday, Dec. 22, 2023: And this is the last issue of the year! We take a moment to remember the bars, restaurants, and cafes that have called it quits this year. As well as some great leaders. After years of uncertainty we are celebrating what we have. Plus, fun news from Zillow (if you already own a home), updates on the 322 closure, and a parting gift from Borough Council. (You’re probably gonna wanna regift this one).   

Note to readers: I will be moving to a subscription (aka pay) model in the new year. This will help defer costs and simplify the process for me. I am still working out the details of how this will work, but know if you’ve already made a donation – of any amount – next year is on me!

Seriously, a big thank you to everyone who has signed up, liked, tagged, shared, told your neighbors, and made a voluntary donation. This community is truly amazing. The best in the country some may say. I wouldn’t still be doing this without you. If you haven’t donated and would like to, you can do that now.

Ok – Who’s ready? Let’s catch up. 

Goodbye 2023

It won't be Split Rail, but it looks like something will be coming in the New Year.

After the chaos and upheaval of the past few years, 2023 was perhaps as close to steady as we’ve been in a long time. Crime is down. So is unemployment. Even the stubborn inflation rate seems to be losing steam but so may be the business community. While touted, there have not yet been any groundbreaking new openings, and except for the unexpected closing of Split Rail Tavern this fall, no epic closings. Mostly it seems it’s been business as usual. 

Still, there are goodbyes – and perhaps, in a matter of foreshadowing, there has been a significant turnover in local leadership positions. Some of those were prompted by term-limits, however, not all. 

So, here it is, your recap and reflection on the year that’s been. And, while you still probably have a thousand things to do, take a moment to enjoy the relative calm that has been 2023. 

Restaurant & Retail Closures

Rize Pizza closed earlier this month after 6 years on Market St.

Rize Pizza 

124 E Market St.

Years in operation: 6

Rize Pizza came to West Chester in 2017 with a bit of fanfare. Owners Julia and Jim already had a “chic” thing going in Broomall and were set to open another location in West Chester. “We wanted to open up a second, bigger location where people could sit down and enjoy the Rize crust,” Julia told the West Chester Press at the time.  Rize offered a varied menu, a solid vegan option, communal seating, and a crust made from dough with that touted 3-hour rise. It was all good for a while – then COVID hit, Pizza moved in down the street, and the shop never fully recovered. But for dedicated fans, the Broomall location remains open.  

Rite Aid 

West Goshen Shopping Center 

While the Rite Aid store at 927 Paoli Pike is technically still open, it is slated for closure as part of the larger Rite Aid Bankruptcy deal. And, since there are still nine days left in this year, it’s going on the list.  The West Goshen Shopping Center location appeared on an amended list of closures submitted to the court in late November. 

Eden Sweet House

145 W. Gay Street

Years in operation: Less than a year

While West Chester has its fair share of bakeries – this one was different. There were no cookies and brownies –  actually, not much chocolate at all. Instead, its display case was lined with delicate crepe cakes in flavors like matcha and taro ube, airy cream cakes, and creamy egg custard tarts. Unfortunately, it was also short-lived. After just 10 months, the owner decided to close to spend more time with her kids. 

Split Rail Tavern

15 N. Walnut St. 

Years in operation: 8 years

This October Split Rail Tavern closed its Walnut Street doors after eight years of serving the Borough. The closure came after a turbulent summer for the bar, one that culminated with its closure in August due to a series of health code violations. The team buckled down, cleaned up the space, and worked with neighbors to find a solution for bugs coming from outside the building, but in the end, the closure and subsequent reopening were just too much. Investors walked away as the restaurant continued to lose money after resuming business. 

G&G Cigar Company

118 N. High St. 

Years in operation: 26 years

Unless it’s that Rite Aid which I couldn’t find the opening date for, G&G Cigar Company holds this year’s distinction of being the longest-running establishment to close. Opened by cigar aficionados Doug Gianforte and Pete Garzia in 1997, the company was reportedly sold to PA-cigar chain Cigars, Cigars about ten years ago. As often happens, with the inventory went the passion that made it special. Still, it hung on for another decade.  

Peter Clark Kitchen

698 E. Market St.

Years in operation: 2.5 years

Peter Clark Kitchen was started by Erin Morrison, bravely, smack in the middle of the pandemic. After putting in his dues at kitchens across the region, the caterer decided to open a permanent shop on E. Market St, one that focused on a wide range of healthy locally sourced options. While the concept was sound – life is short and being a chef is demanding. This summer Erin announced he was giving it all up to spend more time with his family. 

City Buns

34 S. High 

Years in operation: Less than a 1 year

Opened in September of 2022 and closed by July, City Buns was not long for this Borough but even in that short time owner Vicky Lambert managed to make an impression. The light, airy, made-from-scratch buns were an instant West Chester hit. Perhaps, we showed a little too much love because Vicky burned out in a matter of months. Fortunately, she is recentered and back with Happy Bakery, a shop featuring all her favorite things and buns, of course. 

West Goshen Deli

501 Westtown Rd.

This year also marked the closure of the West Goshen Deli and its reemergence as the hybrid So Sabroso, part Latin American, part North American cuisine. The revamped menu includes south-of-the-border favorites like molletes chorizo, Honduras fried chicken, and tostadas con carne molida – and deli classics like BLT, tuna melt, and a hot Rueben sandwich. An unusual mash-up; we’ll just have to see how well it works.

Continue reading with Personnel departures.

You Like Us, You Really Like Us.

Median home prices in West Chester were up 8 percent last year.

Break out the welcome wagon. Prepare the cookie trays. You have neighbors to greet. According to Zillow’s year-end report, West Chester had the most popular real estate market in the U.S. in 2023.  

“Strong interest among home shoppers on Zillow has helped push West Chester home values about eight percent higher over the past year,” the site shared. 

“West Chester ranked within the top 100 cities in Zillow page views per listing among the nearly 2,300 cities included in Zillow’s rankings, far outperforming its size. Almost two-thirds of those views came from outside the city, a possible signal of interest in moving in,” the site said. 

The current median house price in West Chester is $584,000 making it one of the most expensive places to live in the state. Still, the site points out, it’s relatively affordable compared to New York City and Washington, D.C.

Hmmm…

The Warnings.

Rate increases are imminent. This week West Chester Borough Council held a couple of public meetings and voted into place a real estate tax and sewer rate increase for the new year. Effective Jan. 1, the millage rate will increase from 7.7 to 8.09 mils or five percent. The new sewer rates are $33/mo for the first 2,000 gallons (up from $30.11) and $8.76 per 1,000 gallons additional (up from $7.99). Plan accordingly.  

Proceed with caution. West Chester area police and firefighters responded to several vehicle incidents over the past week from flooded roadways in Thornbury Township to a vehicle fire in East Bradford Township. Then on Thursday, someone struck the bridge on Pottstown Pike causing structural damage and closing the road in both directions. 

The eastbound and westbound U.S. 322 and the bridge that carries Route 100 (Pottstown Pike) over U.S. 322 are closed and detoured due to structural damage sustained by a large vehicle strike at the bridge on Thursday morning.” – PennDOT

The roads remain closed as engineers assess the damages. 

The Eagle is down. [Insert your Eagles joke here.] This week Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police responded to a report of an injured eagle on a private residence off Morstein Rd. When deputies arrived they found the bird had visible signs of trauma likely from an altercation with another eagle. They notified the Pennsylvania Gaming Commission and the bird was taken to Tri-State Bird Rescue in Delaware for treatment.     

Beware of Bambi. Did you know Pennsylvanians have a 1-in-59 chance of being involved in an animal-related crash? This fun fact comes to you courtesy of State Senator Carolyn Comitta’s constituent newsletter. It’s a fact I can attest to. Of the last 59 people I have spoken with at least one has been in an animal-related crash. Deer, specifically. Keep an eye out during dawn and dusk, watch for multiples, and stop feeding them.  Last year there were 5,849 deer-related crashes in Pennsylvania, resulting in 1,265 injuries and nine fatalities, according to PennDOT. 

This can be a stressful time of year. For all the songs about the wonder of the season, not a single single I can think of recognizes the excess expectations, the mounting gift lists, the family drama, the last-minute requests, and the crisscrossing deadlines. Let’s face it, it’s a lot. So if you are feeling less than festive this time of year, know it’s not just you but if you are feeling downright depressed. There are people who can help. Just call 610-280-3270.

The Accolades.

West Chester's "Incomparable" Golden Rams are headed to sunny Pasadena.

The West Chester University “INCOMPARABLE” Golden Rams marching band wants to make 2024 a year no member will forget. 

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Senior Drum Major Grace Ker. On January 1, over 300 members of the West Chester band will line up on the corner of Green St. and Orange Grove Blvd in Pasadena, CA, ready to march in the 135th Rose Bowl parade. 

“We’re excited, we’re thrilled, and yeah, a little nervous,” Adam Gumble, WCU Director of Athletic Bands told NBC10 earlier this month – but most importantly, they are ready. If you would like to catch the band on the global stage, the parade is being aired on ABC, NBC, and Univision.

Speaking of unforgettable new years, congratulations to Dr. Laurie Bernotsky. On Wednesday, the Board of Governors of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education unanimously selected Dr. Bernotsky to serve as the 16th president of West Chester University. If the name sounds familiar, Dr. Bernotsky is already WCU’s number two, serving as Executive Vice President and Provost. Currently, however, she is filling in as interim president of Pennsylvania Western University. She will begin her new role in July taking over from retiring President Christopher Fiorentino.

“Throughout her extensive career in PASSHE, Dr. Bernotsky has earned respect for her strategic planning, academic programming, and for helping students from all backgrounds have access to a high-quality education,” Board of Governors Chair Cindy Shapira said in a statement. 

You can read more about WCU’s new president here. 

Sticking with the theme of big-time promotions for a moment longer, a round of applause to West Chester Chief of Police Josh Lee. The 24-year veteran of the West Chester Police force was named the department’s next Chief of Police earlier this week. 

“He is an exemplary candidate for the new Chief of Police,” West Chester Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste said of her selection. Lt. Lee will take over for James Morehead who is retiring at the end of the year.    

Finally, a special acknowledgment of some life-saving actions by a trio from the WCPD. On Oct. 22 at 7:30 pm., Officers Stu Smith, Ken Massey, and Zach Turner were dispatched to a location where they found a man in cardiac arrest. Working with Good Fellowship Ambulance, they prepared the AED and performed CPR. After several minutes of treatment, the victim began breathing on his own and his blood pressure recovered. 

“Without the actions of Officer Smith, Officer Massey, and Officer Turner the victim would almost certainly have expired,” Chief James Morehead shared just before issuing the men a Life Saving award.  

While I do not have a beautiful painting to give, (our trash collectors will have to settle for a holiday tip). I think we should all take a moment to give a round of applause to those who serve – police, fire, EMTs, council members, Public Works, teachers – and unnamed others. This town would not run nearly so well without you.

Hello.

Just behind the Burger King property is a development of narrow-row homes, affectionately called Burger View. While probably much more in line with what neighbors would like to see,  a development like this is not allowed according to the current Zoning Code.

Despite a persistent presence of opposition from a group of neighbors, this week West Chester Borough Council unanimously approved preliminary land development plans for a 128-unit residential apartment building at 410 S. High Street, aka the former Burger King. The three to four-story (depending on where you’re standing) building will have a below-ground parking garage with 149 spaces. 

For the third time in a month, residents reiterated their concerns over parking, traffic, and building height. In the end, however, the project designed “by right”, or in compliance with West Chester’s Zoning Ordinance, was approved with little discussion. The situation was perhaps best summed up by Councilman Nick Allen. 

“This is my biggest regret on council,” he said. “I think we could have done more with the last zoning update to make projects like this better for the community. At this meeting, it seems like it’s a little bit too late and the best we can do is make sure we’re complying.”

And love it or hate it, this is what the current zoning code asks for.  

Speaking of new beginnings, West Chester University is officially looking for the next leader of its football program. Think you have what it takes to lead the Golden Rams on the field? Here’s what they are looking for. 

“Reporting to the Director of Athletics, the Head Football Coach will be responsible for developing, planning, administering, and evaluating the success of the football program. This position is also responsible for the administration of all phases of the varsity program in accordance with guidelines from WCU, the NCAA, and the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). The Head Football Coach will serve as a presence on campus while also in the community as an external figure and representative of the athletics department and WCU.”

Read the full description here.

Goodbye.

If West Chester Borough Council has its way, local bus stops will be moved from corners to mid-block. Bus stops at corners, they argue, limit the visibility of students waiting for the bus, and obstruct the visibility of traffic impediments – stop arm, flashing arm – for vehicles on the cross street. The Borough conferred with West Chester Police Department before drafting the resolution that recommends bus stops be “relocated to mid-block” in the interest of “public safety.” The School District, according to an early response provided to the Borough, prefers corner stops. 

Safer Routes to School Online Guide, a comprehensive guide for developing safe routes to school, offers a number of recommendations on the subject and on this particular topic they say – it depends. According to the guide, a corner stop has an advantage by conforming to driver expectations but it is harder to control drivers approaching from side streets. Mid-block options, on the other hand, allow for better traffic control but are more likely to be ignored by distracted drivers and can back up traffic.

In the end, however, it may not make that much of a difference. “Whether a stop is located mid-block or on a corner does not have the same impact on safety as other factors,” the guide said. Although, they note it is still important to set a policy.

Of more import – limiting the need to cross the street, adequate lighting, and having a safe place to wait. 

This resolution, Council admits, has little effect on its own but it does clear the Borough to start a conversation with the district. 

“We’ll see if it does anything,” said Borough President Michael Stefano, who lobbied for the change. However, with a child hit by a car exiting a bus earlier this year, it definitely warrants a discussion.  

Also, it’s goodbye to the West Chester Wedding Guide. The semi-annual wedding showcase has changed its name to the Chester County Wedding Connection. According to a statement made by the event committee, the decision was made to “better serve the Chester County wedding market and highlight even more of our local venues and professionals.” 

I guess, West Chester weddings just didn’t have enough going on. Their new showcase will be on March 17 in Yellow Springs.   

Pay It Forward.

Holiday lights in West Chester Borough

With less than 48 hours until the big day, why not put on some carols and take in the lights? 

• The Domestic Violence Center of Chester County is once again offering an exclusive map of home displays in the Chester County area. A $25 donation will get you access to the 12-home tour which will take you through some of the best displays in the county. All proceeds go to support the DVCCC.

• Want to stay a little closer to home? Westtown is back with its Holiday Lights Driving Tour competition. This year brought 13 entrants across the township. Competition was fierce but the Healy Family at 1541 Pennsbury Drive were crowned the winners. You can find the list of winners here and map of homes here. 

• The West Chester Christmas Light Display on 895 S. Concord Rd. is open from 5 to 10:30 p.m. through the rest of the week. They are collecting for the SPCA and if all else fails, you can take a walk through the Borough. We did a lights walk last night and bumped into another family doing the same. 

Finally, know a high school student who is interested in civics, public policy, and community service? State Senator Carolyn Comitta is looking for a few members to join her Student Advisory Council. Applications are due by Friday, January 5.

And don’t forget, West Chester Parks and Rec is looking for residents to serve on its Park PROS committee. Love our parks and events and looking for an opportunity to get involved? Well, this has you written all over it. You can apply here. 

The Weekend Marquee by Uptown

 Ballets with a Twist | Dec. 29 @ 7:30 p.m.

Celebrate with a Twist! Cocktail Hour melds original choreography, music, and costume design in a series of sparkling vignettes. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind holiday event. Get your tickets now!

The Freakin’ Weekend.

Golden hour

What are you up to this weekend? We are getting ready for an extended family holiday vacation. And I can’t wait. Cousins. Chaos. Likely some family drama, but I am not in charge of any of it. So, I plan to sit back, sip something spiked and enjoy. However you celebrate, I wish you a wonderful holiday!

If you are around this weekend, Gemelli has some presentation-worthy gelato cakes ready for the taking, Turks Head Cafe has a peppermint mocha cold brew to power your last-minute shopping runs, and Paper Moon has the most adorable Christmas Tree cards, and if after all that you’re still not in the holiday spirit, Saloon 151 has Christmas Karaoke tonight starting at 10 p.m. 

Note to parents: Santa will be at Oscar Lasko on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Probably your last chance of the season to catch the big man. 

Finally, special thanks to this week’s Community Sponsor Hazley Builders. Hazley Builders is a Design + Build firm with over sixty years of combined experience in the West Chester area! Check out their website to learn more about what they do.

Hazley Builders

Hazley Builders is a multi-generational West Chester family business servicing Chester County and beyond. A 20+ year leader in innovation and quality of custom homes, renovations, and additions, they have earned a trusted reputation based on a steadfast pursuit and unwavering commitment to exceed their client’s expectations, create rewarding career opportunities for their employees, and support the community. Follow Hazley Builders on Instagram for all the latest updates and big reveals!

View a list of all our amazing Community Sponsors here.

Advertisers: Ad space is closed for 2023. Woohoo! It’s been an amazing year and I thank everyone for their continued support. If you are interested in promoting your business in the new year, email me at [email protected] and I will get you details. Ad spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Readers: Remember – the Weekly Roundup will be moving to a subscription model. Going forward the newsletter will only be available to registered email subscribers. A big thank you to everyone who has contributed. You are the best. If you haven’t and want to keep getting these updates. It only takes $10 a person – a year (!). Do it now!

Yes, I support Hello, West Chester

Mark your calendars:

• Nov. 23 – Dec. 31 – DVCCC Holiday Light’s Driving Tour, A $25 donation will get you access to the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County’s exclusive map of home displays. Bonus all money raised goes to support the work of the DVCCC.

• Dec. 22 – Twelve Twenty-Four: The Holiday Rock Orchestra – Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. Twelve Twenty-Four presents a high energy, full-scale, holiday rock orchestra concert. Tickets: $50 or $55; $5 more at the door.

• Dec. 22 – Christmas Karaoke, Saloon 151 – Tequila Bar, 10 p.m.

• Dec. 23 – Santa at the Y, 1 E. Chestnut St, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Head to the Y for probably your last chance to see the big man this season. This is a free event. Registration requested.

• Dec. 23 – West Chester Growers Market, Chestnut and Church St. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Dec. 23 – Elmo & Bluey’s Ugly Sweater Party, Lulu’s Casita, 9:30 a.m. Elmo and Bluey are hosting a special holiday celebration. Email [email protected] for details. 

• Dec. 23 – Where’s Santa, Hop Fidelity, 10:30 a.m. Tickets $15. Sleuthound.com for details.

• Dec. 23 – A Dream is a Wish, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Theater, 1 p.m. The enchanting A Dream Is A Wish Princess Holiday Concert features your favorite holiday and Disney classics. Sing along to Let It Go, Rudolph, Part of That World, Jingle Bells, and many more. Tickets: $30/adult; $25/kids 12 and under. $5 more at the door.

• Dec. 23, Holiday History Stroll, Chester County History Center. 11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m start. During this 90-minute stroll, guides in costume review the rituals of Christmas past. Visit the churches, stores, and cultural sites that mattered most to the early residents of West Chester. Tour includes a stop at Eclat Chocolate. (Yum.)  Tickets – $20/each

• Dec. 23 – Michael Rudolph Cummings’ Holiday Extravaganza, Brickette Lounge, 8 p.m. Get in the holiday spirit with folks from Heavy Temple, Taking Back Sunday, All Else Failed, Backwoods, Payback, Rhythm Addicts, and more.

• Dec. 23 – Christmas Eve’s Eve Party, Saloon 151, 10 p.m. Get ready for the holidays with a dance party hosted by DJ Verde.

• Dec. 23, 24 – Christmas in West Chester, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 5 p.m. Celebrate the Holy Moment of Christmas with 938 Church at Uptown.

• Dec. 24 – Santa Band Stroll Fundraiser, Iron Hill, 8:30 – 11 a.m. Stroll through downtown West Chester with the Santa Band. When you see Santa’s Elf, make a donation. All proceeds go to support Safe Harbor.

• Dec. 26 – Boxing Day Soccer Matches and Food Drive, Kildare’s Irish Pub, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. For every two non-perishable food items or one new toy, you will get a free pint on the bar. All proceeds will be donated to those in need during the holidays.

• Dec. 26- Dec. 30 – 2024 Aura Game, Hop Fidelity, 6:30 p.m. Tickets $15. Visit Sleuthound.com for details.

• Dec. 27 – Iron Hill Gives 20%, Iron Hill, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Dine at Iron Hill any Wednesday in December and they will donate 20 percent of the check to the West Chester Food Co-op. You just need to show this flyer.

• Dec. 29 – Ballets with a Twist – Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. Ballets with a Twist melds original choreography, music, and costume design in a series of sparkling vignettes. Watch as White Russian, Hot Toddy, and other seasonal spirits hop off the menu and onto the stage. Tickets: $35-45 in advance; $5 more at the door.

• Dec. 30 – West Chester Growers Market, Chestnut and Church St. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Dec. 30 – Have a Ball! Family Event, Chester County History Center, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.  Kids create their own New Year’s Eve party kit complete with hat, noisemakers, resolutions, and other fun crafts and games. Tickets: $12 and include admission to the museum.

• Dec. 31 – Countdown to Noon, Lulu’s Casita, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Don’t miss Lulu’s 5th annual White Fiesta. There will be dancing, a balloon drop, face painting, and an apple juice/champagne toast. Email [email protected] for more information.

• Dec. 31 – Countdown to Noon, West Chester Area YMCA, 10:30 – 12 p.m. Family membership required.

• Dec. 31 – Anti NYE Bash, Levante, 5 – 10 p.m. No need to get all dolled up for this one. Wear your pjs while enjoying live music, a specially curated dinner and a 9 p.m. ballon drop.

• Dec. 31 – A Sparkling Start – NYE Celebration, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. Includes drink ticket, Champagne toast and a a special showing of the iconic film “Footloose” on the mainstage. Tickets: $30; VIP: $60

• Jan. 1 – 16th Annual Stanley’s Dream 5K, corner of Church and Market St., 12 p.m. Registration: $25. Funds raised support the Stanley’s Dream scholarship program.

• Jan. 6 – Gifts and Thrifts, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Donors, 1:30 – 4 p.m. public, Unitarian Congregation, 501 S. High St. Donate gently used clothing to the West Chester Green Team clothing swap event. Donors will get early access to this no-dollars-exchanged event. The event will include adult items only. Sorry, no kids clothing.

Psst. Like to plan? Check out the Calendar page for more events.

That’s it. Stay safe, stay healthy, and have a great holiday break. I’ll see you next year!

Oh, one more thing, if you think one or more of your friends would like Hello, West Chester, too, please forward this newsletter and tell them to come and join us.

Hello, West Chester Community Sponsors

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