West Chester Weekly News Roundup: Mar. 21, 2025

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It’s Friday, Mar. 21, 2025: You’ve asked, and West Goshen has answered (finally). After years of regular washouts, plans to alleviate flooding on Montgomery Ave. are moving forward. We look at the what and when. Also, a new Borough project aims to slow water flow in the southeast quadrant by pumping up stormwater management capabilities on the Public Works property. Plus, the Borough has seen a doubling in real estate tax bills going to collection, East Goshen is on coyote watch, we get more details on Station 142, West Chester’s new music venue, and another feature-length movie is being set in West Chester. Unlike, West Chester, the movie, this one will have a darker side.   

And, in breaking news, those proposed Borough trash changes will not be going into effect as planned. The proposal was sent back to committee during Wednesday’s public hearing and curious as to what dismantling the Department of Education means in practical terms. WCU education policy expert Dana Morrison breaks down what will - and will not - change for West Chester schools here. 

Ok, who’s ready? Let’s catch up. 

Have a story idea or tip? Well, I’ve made it easier to let me know! And don’t forget the new referral program. Scroll down to see where you stand. 

Stopping Spring Rain Street Closures

As we head into the spring shower season, I thought it appropriate to take a look at a few projects that aim to make all that rain a little more manageable. We’ll start with West Goshen’s Goliath project and then move to David (sorry, Borough, I know you try). 

Speaking of Goose Creek and water flow, which let’s face it goes a lot smoother when things like an organ (true story) are not backing it up, the Chester, Ridley, Crum Watersheds Association is hosting its 27th annual stream cleanup next Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. West Goshen has a location, so does the Borough, and Westtown, too. There are 30 listed so I bet if you dig through the list, you can find something within a few minutes of your house. Registration ends today. Sign up if you can. I’ll be attending with the kids. I mean who doesn’t love wading through water and hauling out tires? (Note, there are also land-based jobs if you aren’t a 10-year-old at heart or IRL.)

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The Warnings.

Property taxes going to collections are on the rise. “Normally the amount that is uncollected is around $100K,” West Chester Finance Director Barb Lionti told the Borough’s Finance committee last week. The number doubled last year. “We turned over $200,000 in uncollected taxes [in 2024],” she added. Barb believes the increase in missed payments may have something to do with the Borough’s new payment process. Starting last year, West Chester began collecting property tax payments directly rather than going through Chester County as it had done previously. The Borough made the change to streamline the process and achieve some cost savings. However, the doubling in outstanding balances is likely to have cut into any savings. “I do hope that trend goes down for this year,” said Barb. Letters were sent out to delinquent properties in October. If you have questions about your real estate bill, you can call the Finance Department at 484-887-2796 or email at [email protected].

West Chester Borough mailed out the 2025 property tax bills the first week of February, and not really related to this story, but FYI for West Goshen residents, the WGT mailed its tax bills the first week of March. 

Coyote crossing ahead. This week, Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police are warning residents to beware of coyotes. “Coyotes are becoming more and more common in our area. While they are usually shy and avoid humans, it's important to stay safe and take precautions and treat them like our other predators,” they shared on Facebook. To make sure all interactions are positive, keep dogs on leashes and cats indoors, especially at dawn and dusk. Secure trash, clean up birdseed, keep pet food inside, and don’t feed them. See something? Say something. Report aggressive coyote behavior to the Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department.   

Blue hoodie we’re looking at you. West Chester Police are seeking community assistance in identifying a white male subject, He is wanted in connection with an aggravated assault that took place on Feb. 23 at around 2:20 a.m. on the 500 block of S. Walnut St. If you have any information about the individual or the incident, contact the WCPD at 610-696-2700.

Let’s keep those protests peaceful. Last weekend, Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police responded to numerous tips regarding a white pick-up truck driving erratically and expelling large amounts of black smoke near the Telsa Dealership on West Chester Pike on Saturday. WEGO police have identified the driver. “We thank the public for their tip submissions,” they shared in a Crime Watch post.

Slow down and watch those lights. Aggressive driving enforcement is underway! Speaking of aggressive driving, the West Chester Police Department is joining the Pennsylvania State Police and roughly 300 other municipality forces in targeting aggressive driving. Stay alert. Increased enforcement will occur from Mar.17 - Apr. 27. (And this is exactly why safe driving is important and why westbound West Chester Pike was closed for three hours Wednesday.) 

The Accolades.

It’s New Music Friday! Ok, so technically, the first song on West Chester musician Russ Daniel’s new album “Residence” dropped last Friday. This one-man band newsletter had a little too much going on last week to squeeze it in, so we are celebrating this week. Russ, who is originally from Reading, PA, has been playing guitar for over 20 years in various indie bands. He has played hundreds of shows throughout the mid-Atlantic and released multiple albums. However, it wasn’t until 2022 when he caught the attention of UK-based Sky Valley Records that his exposure began to grow. ”It's been fun watching my music get consumed by a bigger audience,” he told me.  “Residence” marks his fourth studio album and this one is dedicated entirely to his life here in West Chester. I caught up with Russ on his new album and what inspired him to capture West Chester in song. 

HWC: Can you tell us a little about “Residence”? Is this an upbeat album, reflective, sad, a mix of everything? 

RD: I would describe Residence as upbeat and reflective. Even though it's all strings, I like to write with bright textures, fun rhythmic patterns, and harmonies to keep the songs upbeat and happy. It's also reflective of how my writing, editing, and layering have matured. It feels nostalgic to me because it's based on West Chester and the great experiences I've had here over the last 18 years.   

HWC: Speaking of, how did you come to write an album about West Chester?   

RD: I went to West Chester University for undergrad, and met my wife Loran in the first week. We fell in love with West Chester and I feel like it grew as we grew. Each song on Residence is named after a street or landmark that means something to me. Whether it was the early days living in my apartment on Marshall Street, or going to Everhart Park with my family on a Saturday, these are the memories that stick with me. 

HWC: Will you be performing the album live locally anywhere? 

RD: I would love that! Nothing is set yet, but that would be great as there are so many cool spots to play acoustic guitar around here. I do have some shows going on with my band North End this summer. 

Thanks, Russ!

The first song, “Marshall” is now available to stream on any of your streaming platforms. Just search “Russ Daniels” to find it. An additional song will be released each month until the full album is live on June 6. (I’m not a music reviewer, but I got to check out all four songs and I found them a nice little background pick-me-up!)

Other things we are celebrating this week: 

Inauguration week! Next Friday at 11 a.m. West Chester University will inaugurate Dr. Laurie Bernotsky as its 16th president. During the ceremony, which is open to all, Dr. Bernotsky will deliver her inaugural address and share her vision for the future of WCU. Leading up to Friday WCU is hosting a series of events designed to engage and recognize the university’s many stakeholders. On Monday, they will celebrate the women of West Chester. On Tuesday, there will be a purple and gold Sweet Sixteen Spirit Day for current students and a “Super Hero” celebration including dinner with Rammy for future Rams. Wednesday is a campus-wide clothing drive competition with all proceeds benefiting the Twardowski Career Center’s Career Closet. Thursday will shine a light on WCU research, and Friday will end with a fundraising gala at Longwood Gardens. You can find details and registration info for all events here. While most events are free and open to the public, registration is required and space is limited.  

Dodgeball! Last Thursday, Rustin students hosted their second annual Frontline Dodgeball tournament in the high school gym. The event included a mix of students and nonstudents competing to be the last man or woman standing. “WEGO had a blast,” the Westtown-East Goshen Police Department shared on Facebook. “We're already looking forward to next year's tournament!” they added. The student-run event raises money in support of veterans’ charities. Watch the boys and girls in blue dodge and juke here. 

Hockey! Shout out to the Henderson Girls Ice Hockey Team for winning this year’s Divisional Championship. The team is made up of girls from eighth through 12th grade from Peirce and Henderson.   

Bringing it home! Congrats this week to West Chester Henderson senior Paige Fisher who took home two medals at this year’s PIAA 3A state swimming championships last weekend. She finished sixth in the 200 free and eighth in the 100 breaststroke.  West Chester Rustin sophomore Claire Roussakis brought home a few medals of her own. She took fourth in the 100 fly, sixth in the 100 backstroke, and was part of the fifth-place 200 IM relay team. For that venture, she was joined on the podium by teammates Aoife Speer-Gibson, Emily Thomas, and Lily Greenwood. The quartet’s time of 1:45.64 set a new school record. Congratulations to all the West Chester swimmers who competed.

The best around! For the second year in a row, Gatorade named Westtown sophomore Jordyn Palmer its Pennsylvania Girls Basketball High School Player of the Year. Since 1985, Gatorade has recognized student-athletes for their athletic excellence, academic achievement, and exemplary character. In only her second year at Westtown, Jordyn averaged 21.6 points and 10.5 rebounds a game. She also maintains a B average and is a member of Westtown’s Black Student Union. She is currently ranked as the class of 2027’s number four recruit by ESPN and 247Sports. 

WCU Lacrosse! With six games played so far, the West Chester University Women’s Lacrosse team has been capturing national attention. The undefeated Lady Rams are currently ranked third in the nation by USA Lacrosse Magazine and the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association. In both polls, they are behind Tampa and Florida Southern.  

Pitching duels! West Chester University pitcher Nick Noga was named the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) East Pitcher of the Week this week. Nick is the third Golden Ram pitcher in a row to claim the honor. Also honored this week, WCU’s Delaney Tingle in tennis, and Keri Barnett in lacrosse.

Know someone who should be recognized? Send me an email at [email protected].

Hello.

Goodbye.

Remember when high school meant changing classes for seven periods a day - ha, weren’t we quaint? Last month, West Chester Area School District administrators presented their High School Schedule recommendation to the School Board’s Teaching, Learning, and Equity Committee.  

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Pay it Forward.

Small Borough lots can be tough for gardeners, but the West End Community Garden can help. 

Located at the corner of W. Gay and N. New Sts., this community garden features 23 raised beds full of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. While plots here can be hard to come by, they have recently experienced a little turnover. 

“We welcomed four new gardeners this season,” shared West End member Alisha Mitten.  

While space is once again at capacity, this is the best time to sign up. “Don't hesitate to join our waitlist!” she added. If you are interested in getting in line or learning more, email [email protected] for details.

Other ways to give back: 

Grab a bingo card or 10. This Sunday, the Westtown-Goshen Rotary Club is hosting Jack & Jill Designer Bingo at Tilted Axes. $40 gets you ten games and ten chances to win great prizes like YETI products, Omaha Steaks, Kate Spade accessories, and more. 

Clean out your teen’s closet. West Chester East Environmental Club is collecting for its annual clothing swap. Everyone who donates - and has a kid who goes to East - will get a bag and shopping access when the event opens on Apr. 4. Donations are being collected from Mar. 24 through Apr. 3 and can be left at the East Goshen Township Building. While anyone can donate, swapping is only open to East teachers, faculty, and students. 

Get planting at your kid’s school. This Saturday, the West Chester Green Team, the West Chester Friends School, and the West Chester Food Cupboard are hosting a School Gardening Workshop, at the West Chester Friends School. The workshop, which will run from 10 - 12 p.m., is free and open to anyone interested in starting a school garden.

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? Friday, I am heading to Teca for our school’s annual parent’s night out fundraiser. Chris is in Singapore for work, and after a week of single parenting, I am looking forward to a night out with some adults. Then on Saturday, we are chilling at home with some snacks and these wings while checking our brackets.  

If you are around this weekend, West Chester University is hosting a Bird Walk on Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Gordon Natural Area. You wear shoes that can get muddy. They’ll provide the binoculars. Do that and then head over to brunch at The Pear. I don’t know about you, but they had me at warm strawberry scones. Just maybe, pack an extra pair of shoes. Also, on Saturday, Bierhaul Townhouse is celebrating one year in the Borough with chef specials, epic beer tappings, and live music. Cleared the weekend to watch that bracket? - Ryan’s has all the games and $3 Miller Lite. Then looking ahead, West Chester East is participating in the Chester County Academic Team Championship on Monday. Competition is at the Chester County Intermediate Unit on Boot Rd. at 8 p.m. They are going for the 3-peat!

Finally, special thanks to this week’s Community Sponsor Hazley Builders. Hazley Builders is an architect-led, 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.

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:

• Mar. 21 – Blood Drive, Oscar Lasko YMCA, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Registration required.

• Mar. 21 – Trivia Night, West Chester Public Library, 6 – 8 p.m. Meet and compete at the Public Library’s monthly trivia not. $5/admission includes free snacks and quiz questions. Cash bar also available. Registration recommended.

• Mar. 21, 22 – Spring 2025: Spotlight Performance performed by Brandywine Ballet and Brandywine Contemporary, Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m. or 2 p.m. on Saturday. The Spotlight Performance will include Repertoire Highlights from Brandywine Ballet: Voices, Now We Are Free, and Colour Brillante, along with Rhythm Room,  a Company Premiere of Brandywine Contemporary. Tickets: $40

• Mar. 22 – Bird Walk, Gordon Natural Area, 9 – 10:30 a.m. Binoculars provided. Wear shoes that can get muddy. Mar. 22 – School Gardening Workshop, West Chester Friends School, 415 N. High St., 10 – 12 p.m. This free workshop is open to anyone interested in starting a garden at their school.

• Mar. 23 – The Beat Goes On, Uptown, 226 N. High St, 4 p.m. A vibrant tribute to Cher’s legacy, blending iconic music with empowering stories of resilience and hope. Tickets: $40

• Mar. 23 – Jack & Jill Designer Bingo, Tilted Axes at T19 Hagerty Blvd, 3 p.m. Come out for a fun afternoon of Bingo. $40 gets you ten games and ten chances to win great prizes like YETI products, Omaha Steaks, Kate Spade accessories and more. Plus, raffles, door prizes, and a cash bar. This is an 18+ event. All proceeds fund Westtown-Goshen Rotary Club. Get your tickets here. ($45 at the door).

• Mar. 24 – Film for $5: If, Uptown, 226 N. High St, 7 p.m. Complimentary popcorn included.

• Mar. 25 – Dementia & Alzheimer’s Support Group, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 10 W. Pleasant Grove Rd., 6 – 7:30 p.m.  Living with or close to someone living with dementia, please join others for a monthly support group. Contact Ann Hatfield at [email protected] to join virtually. 

• Mar. 27 – Dinner with Elsa, Barnaby’s West Chester, 5:30 – 7 p.m. Dine (in peace) with everyone’s favorite Disney princess. Plus kids eat free with an adult purchase. Win. Win.

• Mar. 27 – The Breakers, Uptown, 226 N. High St, 7:30 p.m. The Breakers redefine the tribute band experience with pure, electrifying rock authenticity. Tickets: $40

Looking for more event ideas? View the full calendar here.

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That’s it. Stay safe, stay happy, and thanks to everyone who helped make this week’s issue possible. I’ll see you next week!

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