West Chester Weekly News Roundup: Feb. 27, 2026

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It’s Friday, Feb. 27, 2026: This week, we are digging into the economic impact of Tires. Sure, the stars of the Netflix production have been spotted all around town, but do all these late-night hangs really add up to $24 million in economic impact? We break down the math. Plus, two restaurant grand openings this weekend, Gay St. gets a new office building, the Pepper Mill closes after more than four decades in East Goshen, and does this water taste salty? We look at what’s behind the Aqua warnings. 

Oh, and did I mention, temps are supposed to top 50 tomorrow? Can’t wait.   

Ok, who’s ready? Let’s catch up.

Tracking the Economic Impact of Tires, Season 3*

*Btw—If anyone asks, this is also the answer to the question, “What is filming on [insert WC street name here]?”

Last week, State Rep. Chris Pielli shared the following statement on Facebook:

“Thanks to Gov. Shapiro and our efforts in the PA House, the hit Netflix show ‘Tires’ has returned to West Chester to film its third season. The production was awarded over $6 million through the Film Production Tax Credit (FPTC) Program—and expected to generate $24 million in direct spending. Let's bring more of these productions to PA and boost our economy!” 

While I, too, find this news very exciting, I can’t help but wonder, how exactly did they get to that number? Sure, I have seen the production vans, street closure signs, and social media posts of the show’s stars out and about around town. But really, how many beers can comedian Shane Gillis and crew be drinking? 

This week, I got in touch with Greater Philadelphia Film Office Co-Executive Director Nicole Shiner, who helped me make sense of that $24 million number. She also believes the impact to be actually much higher. Her office puts it closer to $50 million. 

A White Lotus-esque spin on Shakespeare's comedic love pentangle

A shipwreck, mistaken identities, and tangled desires set the stage for a brand-new spin on Shakespeare’s sharp and subversive comedy. Andrew Watring’s mainstage directorial debut at People’s Light sets our scene in a luxurious resort, a modern playground for the upper crust.

After Viola washes ashore and disguises herself to navigate this strange new world, she quickly finds herself caught in a dizzying love triangle. As the resort’s eccentric inhabitants start to disrupt the order of things, the servants and the served collide in a riotous, romantic story of revelry and rebellion.

For tickets and info go HERE.

**This is a sponsored post.**

The Warnings.

Salt in the water. Earlier this month, Aqua put out a statement warning customers they should not be surprised by “slightly” salty water. 

“Aqua Pennsylvania customers might notice that their drinking water has a slightly salty taste,” the utility company wrote on Feb. 12, about a week and a half before this latest snowstorm. The taste is caused by elevated salt levels in the drinking water due to the “runoff of road salts used on roadways, parking lots, and other treated surfaces in response to winter storms and icy conditions,” the statement continues. Neither the Environmental Protection Agency nor Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection maintains standards for either sodium or calcium, and only a secondary standard for chlorine, the three main components of road salt. This means the elevated mineral levels are not believed to carry any health risks—but they do carry risks.

On Jan. 30, researchers from Stroud Water Research Center set up at Borough Hall with the expectation of testing dozens of local water samples for salt levels. The snow coverage and frigid temperatures led to them cancelling the public portion of the collection, but trained researchers were still able to grab cups full of water from local streams. It’s all part of a growing initiative to get a better understanding of just what impact that “slightly” salty water has on the larger ecosystem.

“This is all very recent,” said Stroud Water Research Center Senior Scientist Dr. John Jackson, who first noted the problem seven years ago with the help of a West Chester University student. “No one was paying attention to road salt,” he said. 

That is no longer the case. Today, they have a network of more than 700 volunteers who have helped test the water at 1300 sites across Pennsylvania. They have used this data to create a Snapshot Map showing salt-level concentrations at various groundwater sites. West Chester shows up on the map more than four dozen times; most of those markings are in red, indicating salt levels over 230 milligrams per liter, the EPA threshold for chronic toxicity. The findings are not surprising with all the impervious surfaces that must be cleared each time snow falls.

“High salt levels are a good indication of population,” said John. 

You can read more about the impact of road salt and tips for mitigating its use while maintaining safety here. Want to test a stream near you? Learn how to get involved here. 

Underage drinking on the steady. Last week, after reports showed Chester County fell just behind Centre County for the most underage drinking citations in the state, I wondered, were our collegiate neighbors to blame for this? So I reached out to the West Chester Police Department, and Criminal Investigations Lt. Jeffrey Ditz was able to pull the numbers for me. According to WCPD records, 76 underage drinking citations were issued in 2025. This is down from a high of 104 citations issued in 2024. The data over the past six years, however, does not show a trend upward, but rather what looks like a couple of rowdy classes in 2024 and 2022. I am sure they know who they are. 

Turn on those exhaust fans. The West Chester Fire Department was called to E. Gay St. during Sunday’s snowstorm to investigate a reported appliance fire. Fortunately, all they found was a burnt pizza. Earlier in the day, they joined mutual aid companies at the 2000 block of Skiles Blvd. in Westtown Township for a reported building fire. This time, there were boxes left on the stovetop. The fire was put out with an extinguisher, and no injuries were reported. 

Buyer beware. Last week, the grandson of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Founder H. B. Reese accused Hershey of skimping on the chocolate used in its Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. A few days later, that claim was verified by New York Times reporters, who found label changes indicating a drop in the amount of cocoa butter used in some Reese’s products. While the company maintains that the original Reese’s recipe has not changed, the same can not necessarily be said of its seasonal offshoots. In some cases, like the Valentine’s Day Reese’s Mini Hearts and the Easter-themed Reese’s Carrots, the packaging no longer says “milk chocolate” but rather “chocolate candy.” That, according to the NYT’s report, is because the chocolate-flavored coating being used does not meet the Food and Drug Administration definition and “can’t legally be referred to as milk chocolate.” I conducted my own little investigation at the Bradford Plaza Giant and found that the Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs there were still carrying the “milk chocolate” label. However, the Carrots were not.

Keep that alternate route at the ready. Earlier this week, PennDOT announced roadway construction would continue at the U.S. 202 (Wilmington Pike) and Route 926 (Street Road) intersection at least through Mar. 20. Work will take place Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. During this time, expect lane closures, flagging, and additional delays at the already tight corner. The improvements are part of a $2.9 million project to improve traffic flow and reduce crashes in the area and includes a new southbound right-turn deceleration lane on 202 and an eastbound left-turn lane on 926.

The Sunshine Report.

Chester County Hospital to Reimburse West Goshen Township for Traffic Signal Review

At the Feb. 17 Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board discussed a proposal from McCormick Taylor to evaluate and adjust the traffic signal at Montgomery Ave. and East Marshall St., the primary entrance and exit to Chester County Hospital.

Hospital representatives raised concerns about congestion and backups during major shift changes, citing impacts to patients and staff. The proposal outlines a cost of $20,765 to review signal timing and recommend operational adjustments.

Chester County Hospital has agreed to reimburse the Township for the full cost. 

The review is focused on signal timing and traffic flow; it is not a full intersection redesign. Supervisors noted there is no indication of an emergency condition, and any future recommended improvements would need to return to the Board for consideration.

Meeting regulars, please note: The Mar. 3 Board of Supervisors meeting has been cancelled. The Township notice did not include a reason for the cancellation. The next meeting will be on Mar. 17 at 6 p.m.

That's all for this week. Keep shining —Margie

Hello.

Goodbye.

The Accolades.

Murals in schools. Earlier this month, Penn Wood Elementary students completed a 22-foot-long, 8-foot-tall painting of bears, the school mascot, on the wall that connects the cafeteria with the auditorium. The project, the West Chester Area School District’s second such mural project in two years, was made possible thanks to a West Chester Area Education Foundation mini-grant and the help of West Chester-based artist Stefanie Birl of Birl Girl Designs. (If you have kids, you likely already know Ms. Stefanie and her amazing face-painting abilities.) This week, I chatted with Stefanie about the joy of leaving a (semi)permanent mark on your school. 

HWC: How did you get started painting in school?

SB: The art teacher at Exton Elementary reached out in late 2024 and asked if I would be an “artist in residence” at her school, and paint a mural with the students. Of course, I said yes! It was all dependent on her securing a grant.*

*Spoiler: She did! Both murals have been funded through WCAEF mini-grants.

HWC: Do you paint the murals alone? 

SB: At the schools, I paint with EVERY student. They rotate in groups of 5–7 with me during their Art class. I am there for a week, and every student gets a chance to paint for a few minutes. Sometimes the staff even helps!

HWC: Where do the designs come from? 

SB: It’s a joint effort between the students, staff, me, and in some cases, the PTO/HSA (Home and School Association). In the WCASD murals, the design originated with the school mascot, and we took it from there. Because we are working with little hands aged 5–12, we need to keep the designs fairly simple and graphic. 

HWC: What has the experience been like working with students?

SB: I LOVE it! Children are naturally inquisitive and ask the best questions! Many of the children recognize me from face painting at parties and events, which makes it more fun. Even if some of the students don't “love” art, they DO love that they are a part of creating something that's going to (hopefully!) be a part of their school for many years to come. 

HWC: What is your favorite part of these projects?

SB: Painting with the students and watching it come to life over the course of the week. I also love when the classes that have already had their turn painting walk by the mural and can see the progress that's been made since their class. The “OOHHS” and “AAAHHHSS” are awesome! 

Other things we are celebrating this week: 

Lawyering up. On Wednesday, PA Leadership Charter School's Mock Trial Team won the Chester County District Finals. In a close match with Downingtown Stem, both teams demonstrated their ability to present clear case theories, showcased excellent knowledge of objections, and delivered top tier performances. 8 students from University Scholars Program (Sarah Davis, Vi Estes, Aaron Greenslade, Aelita Lutsik, Trisha Mukherjee, Madelyn Okolowicz, Mia Phillips, and Joey Samaritano) have an undefeated record in the District Trials. Fun fact: This year’s mock trial case is a fictional medical malpractice lawsuit -- what could go wrong when an athlete eats a raw fox to get faster race times? (Eek.) (Special thanks to reader Kristen Waltz for this story.)

HS swimming. This weekend, select members of each of the three West Chester high school swim teams will be competing at the District Meet with a chance to earn a bid to states. Rustin Girls leads all area teams with nine swimmers qualifying, followed by Henderson Boys and Girls Team with eight swimmers each. East Girls had five swimmers qualify, East Boys had three, and Philip Grece was the lone qualifier from the Rustin Boys Team. Rustin’s Claire Roussakis is the top overall qualifier. She enters the 100 Fly with the fastest time in the District. Good luck to all swimmers this weekend! 

Diving deep. Shoutout to Henderson diver Geordie Graham. Earlier this season, Geordie’s score of 308.4 broke the school record in the six-dive event. I have no idea what that means, but I am going to assume it’s good. Then last week, he placed sixth at the District 1 Diving Championship and earned himself a trip to the state meet. “Hard work, consistency, and composure on the board. A huge accomplishment and well deserved,” the Warriors Swim/Dive Team posted about Geordie’s performance on Instagram. 

The hometown team. And by that, I mean QVC. According to a recent article in Axios, there is still a chance for the West Chester-based retailer to reclaim its fame. To do it, though, they’re going to need to embrace social media, niche buys, and the current nostalgia embrace. Read more about the game plan here. 

Do you want to build a snowman? Shoutout to the Krier Family on winning this week’s impromptu Westtown Township Snowman Contest. The Kriers won for their chubby sculpted bear, but personally, I think it was the caption, “Bear-y ready for winter to end,” that pushed it to the top.

Being neighborly. After hours on duty during the season’s second blizzard, nothing sounds better than some hot slices of pizza. Except when that pizza is on the house. The volunteers at the Goodwill Fire Company placed an order for 10 pizzas with America’s Pie only to learn the pizza was on them. “For all of your hard work in this bitter cold weather! Stay safe out there!” they shared on Instagram.  

Most clicked. No surprise here. Last week’s most-clicked link offered the latest snow total predictions. 

Pay it Forward.

West Chester’s ACT in Faith, now simply ACT Now, is back with its annual Chef’s Best Competition. For a few years post-pandemic, the competition, which features and rates the culinary creations of local chefs, moved outdoors and embraced a more casual vibe, offering the best from local food trucks. However, with the pandemic firmly behind us and a new location in hand, ACT Now is ready to turn up the heat.

“We just decided to bring it back indoors to elevate it again,” said Act Now Executive Director Hallie Romanowski. 

This year, the event will feature the best from four local chefs representing The Social, Market Street Grill, Parish Hill Kitchen, and Taco Mar. Tickets are $100, and all proceeds go to support Act Now’s efforts to help those in need. Eating gets underway at 6 p.m. 

“I’m super psyched—things are coming together really well,” said Hallie. 

Other ways to give back this week: 

Help stock a little free pantry. Thanks to all who helped complete this list. Now, let’s make sure they are full!

• Master’s Baker, 319 W. Gay St.

• East Bradford Elementary School, 820 Frank Rd. 

• Baptist Church of West Chester, 221 S. High St. 

• West Chester Community Center, 501 E. Miner St.

• Calvary Lutheran Church, 730 S. New St. 

Earn a scholarship in Ellen’s honor. This year, the Ellen Salome Memorial Fund is offering a $1000 award to the two Henderson High School seniors with the best essays on experiencing joy. Submissions are due Mar. 17. Ellen, who received a heart transplant at 9, died unexpectedly last year from cardiac arrest. She was 15.

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? It’s a busy one for us. Tonight we are meeting some friends out for Restaurant Week. I am excited for adult conversation and a meal that includes dessert. Then on Saturday, the St. Agnes JV boys basketball tournament run continues. If they win, the championship is on Sunday. If not, I am heading to the Porchfest fundraiser at Station 142. Either way it’s a win for me. 

If you are around this weekend, Westminster Presbyterian Church is hosting game night tonight. It’s free and fun for the whole family. Also, West Chester Film Festival is celebrating Black culture through film at Uptown. Then on Saturday, the Artisan Exchange is hosting a Breakfast Sandwich Pop-up. There are three styles to choose from—The Spicy Boy, is calling my name—and each comes with a complimentary cup of coffee. That afternoon, the Corner Art Collective is hosting a reception for its Group Show. It starts at 4 p.m. and is free to attend. Then on Sunday, the West Chester Social Club is hosting its second Sip and Stroll event with discounts at more than 20 downtown shops. From what I hear, more than 80 people have already signed up, but don’t worry, there’s room for a few more.

Finally, this week a very special thank you to our very first Community Sponsor, the West Chester Public Library! The West Chester Public Library has served the community for over 150 years.  Located at the corner of N. Church and Lafayette Streets, the library circulates over 140,000 items annually.  Library programs include Storytimes, Summer Reading, book clubs, trivia, special America 250 programming and more.  You’ll find a complete list of programs on their website wcpubliclibrary.org.

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:

Feb. 27 – Game Night! Westminster Presbyterian Church, 10 W. Pleasant Grove Rd, 6-8 p.m. Games for all ages or feel free to bring your favorite. Snacks and drinks will be provided. A family-friendly movie will be shown in Spellman Jr. RSVP encouraged, not required.

Feb. 27 – Black History Month Films, Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m. Check out 11 short films centered around black history and culture. Tickets required. 

Feb. 28 – Sibs and Kids Day, West Chester University (various locations). New event for college-aged or younger siblings and children in WCU students’ lives as well as those in the broader community. Events appeal to a range of ages, including princess and superhero story time, kids zone pep rally, basketball tickets, and a magical music bingo. Registration is required

Feb. 28 –  History talk: “Angelic Troublemaker: Bayard Rustin,” Westtown Township building at 1039 Wilmington Pike, 10 a.m. The talk is free and open to the public. Questions can be directed to: [email protected]

Feb. 28, Group Show, The Corner Art Collective, 341 S. Matlack St., 4-9 p.m.

March

Mar. 1 – Rise Against Hunger Packing Event, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 10 W. Pleasant Grove Rd, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Help us pack 20,000 meals for Rise Against Hunger. Volunteers needed. This fun intergenerational service project. Click here to register for an 1-1.5 hour shift. Donations also welcome. Click here to donate. A $90 donation will feed a school-age child for a year!

Mar. 1 – Spring Shop & Stroll, Downtown West Chester, 12 – 5 p.m. Join the West Chester Social Club for a fun day of shopping and sipping with discounts throughout. More than 20 shops participating. Signup is free.

Mar 1 – Porchfest Party, Station 142, 142 E. Market St., 2 – 6 p.m. Live bands including Not Quitting Our Day Jobs, Houston Trio, Uptown Singers, and more. Donations taken at the door. All proceeds go to support West Chester Porchfest.

Mar. 1 – March for Paws 5K, Downtown West Chester, 9 a.m. Registration $31 before Feb. 28. $40 after

Mar. 5 – Chef’s Best, Chester County History Center, 6 p.m. Come taste the culinary creations of some of the area’s top chefs as they compete for Chef’s Best. Tickets: $100. All proceeds go to support ACTNow

Mar. 6 – Puzzle Palooza Junior, Oakbourne Mansion, 6 – 8 p.m. Teams of 3 or 4 race to complete a 300-piece puzzle. Teams must include at least 2 players under 12. $15/team to play. I believe the puzzle is provided but you’ll want to confirm.

Mar. 6 – Comedy Jam, Windish Studios, 4 W Prescott Alley, 7:30 p.m. Get ready for a night packed with punchlines with Steve Bickle, Kirsten Michelle Cills, Paul Carson, Dave Terruso and host Dana Charitonchick. Tickets: $20

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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