West Chester Weekly News Roundup: Feb. 6, 2026

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It’s Friday, Feb. 6, 2026: West Chester Borough considers ICE legislation, Restaurant Inspection Reports, a new splash park, a major restaurant shake-up, and is Lorenzo’s out? This week’s issue is a doozy.

But first, we have a look at the West Chester Real Estate market. Even in a comparatively cool year, it was among the hottest markets in the state. While 2025 brought back a semblance of balance, 2026 is at a near standstill. We look at what it all means, and what’s your next move? Kidding. Where are you going?

Who says it’s slow this time of year? Not me. Who’s ready? Let’s catch up.

Correction: An earlier version of this newsletter stated Barnaby’s was closing for a month following Super Bowl Sunday. That should have said Kildare’s. My apologies. Barnaby’s will be open!

Real Estate Market Worries

Two days shy of the new year, Redfin Real Estate crunched the numbers for the state of Pennsylvania and determined its 20 most competitive real estate markets. Two Chester County towns were listed: Phoenixville at #18 and West Chester at #16. This fact is not likely to surprise anyone, especially anyone who’s bought or sold a property recently. Nearly 75 percent of all West Chester listings last year were sold within two weeks, more than half of those over their asking price. If anything, West Chester Realtors found the market to be more tempered than in years past.

“Compared to the frenzy we saw a few years ago, buyers finally gained back some leverage,” said West Chester-based Keller Williams agent Renee Ryan. That’s not to say it was a buyer's market per se. “Homes that were priced thoughtfully, well prepared, and marketed properly still performed very well,” she said.

Local Real Estate Agent Cassie Shankweiler has been analyzing the monthly numbers, and her data backs these findings. “The 2025 real estate market in the West Chester Area School District continued to reflect what buyers and sellers here know well: strong demand, limited inventory, and a community people truly want to be part of,” she said.

Hearts You Hold Changing Lives One Request at a Time: See What’s Needed This Month

Hearts You Hold supports migrants, immigrants, refugees, and asylees in a concrete material way, by taking the time to ask them what they need. HYH, a Vermont-based nonprofit, has many requests from people all over the USA. Please consider funding one (or more!) of these life-changing requests.

You can help by funding critical things like a mattress for Ara in Chicago, winter boots for Silvio in NY, or baby toys for Renald in NY. These are examples of requests waiting to be funded on our request page.

Due to the generosity of donors like you, we have funded 3,442 requests since we founded this nonprofit!

Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a difference!

**This is a sponsored post.**

The Warnings.

There were 13 organizations out of compliance with the Chester County Department of Health last month, including several West Chester favorites. And new this month, our first ever 100% club—that is, no violations during the regular annual inspection. These inspections are unannounced, making the feat even more impressive. This month, there were three members: a Marshalton OG, an Amish Market vendor, and a gas station. I would have never guessed. 

The Sunshine Report.

Your inside look at local government at work. 

At Tuesday night’s Board of Supervisors meeting, West Goshen Supervisors approved $308,716 in contracts for continued planned improvements at the Township’s Community Park.

The approved contracts include: 

• $240,616 for the construction of a family bathroom addition, and

• Up to $68,100 towards engineering services for the installation of a splash pad.

The splash pad project was first introduced in the summer of 2021, coinciding with what was reported as one of the hottest summers on record. Since that time, the Township has been working to upgrade Community Park facilities.

Improvements either completed or underway include:

• Improvements to the basketball court

• Drainage improvements around the tennis courts

• Installation of a splash pad, and

• Upgrades to restroom facilities, including the addition of family bathrooms

When all phases of the project are complete, the total estimated cost is projected to be around $1.2 million. To offset a portion of the costs, the Township was awarded a $450,000 grant, which will be applied toward the overall project expenses.

Keep shining —Margie

Hello.

News of two immigration arrests in Phoenixville this week, one of which resulted in an injury to the detainee, prompted questions about local police’s role when ICE—U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement—comes to town. 

“Immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility,” Phoenixville Mayor Peter Urscheler told the Daily Local News in a provided statement. “Local police departments, including Phoenixville, are not required to enforce federal immigration laws unless they have a formal agreement to do so.” 

Phoenixville Police do not have such an agreement. Neither do West Chester Borough Police, and a new ordinance would like it to stay that way, at least not without seeking public comment first. This Tuesday, the West Chester Borough Public Safety Committee will discuss an ordinance Council Member Brian McGinnis hopes will bring more visibility to local ICE operations.

“Transparency and public input are at the forefront of this ordinance,” he shared. “Residents deserve to know the full extent of the authority granted to the police, the required training, the costs to taxpayers, and the duration of the agreement.”

The ordinance seeks to leverage the Borough’s status as a home-rule municipality to add conditions that must be met before the Borough would agree to enter into a 287(g) agreement with ICE. For those not up on immigration enforcement lingo, 287(g) refers to Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act and indicates a partnership between ICE and local law enforcement agencies. Participation is voluntary and is typically initiated when the local agency signs a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with ICE. Once enacted, designated local officers would be allowed to perform specific immigration enforcement functions—such as identifying, processing, and detaining noncitizens—under ICE supervision. 

Under the proposed ordinance, any proposed 287(g) agreement must be publicly disclosed, reviewed in advance, and considered at an open Council meeting. It does not, however, bar the Borough Police from participating in a future agreement.

“Importantly, the ordinance does not ban or block participation in the 287(g) program,” Brian said. “This ensures transparency and allows for public input.”

The ordinance will be discussed on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Borough Hall. If approved, the full Council will review the following week and put forward for final approval. 

West Chester is not the only municipality looking to get ahead of possible ICE interactions. State College Borough is also debating a resolution that would make “timely and meaningful” reforms to ICE operations. The Chester County District Attorney and Police Chiefs Association also issued a joint statement on the topic this week. 

Last week, we talked about the West Chester Park, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) plan, which includes 150 pages of ideas and two big caveats: West Chester currently lacks space and budget. One way to bridge both those gaps is with grant funds. Also last week, State Senator Carolyn Comitta shared that 10 projects in her district were awarded state funding. Two of the awarded projects are in West Chester proper—unfortunately for PROS advocates, neither is in the borough. 

• East Bradford is receiving $335,500 to expand the Plum Run Trail approximately 0.3 miles from Tigue Road of Plum Run Preserve to the Rockwell Field Athletic Complex. In addition, stormwater management measures, ADA access, landscaping, signage, and other improvements will be completed.

• Westtown was awarded $75,000 to prepare a Master Site Development Plan for the 204-acre Crebilly Preserve.

While the Borough has no imminent funds coming, there was some good news. Much of the work being awarded falls directly in line with what it hopes to do. 

Goodbye.

The Accolades.

As we head into February, the red glare of semiquincentennial celebration is already underway in Chester County. Two weeks ago, while we were busy digging out from under a layer of snow and ice, 20 Chester County community members recited lines from the Declaration of Independence on the Uptown stage.

The performance was a kick-off to a year's worth of America250 celebrations and a reminder of how we all got here. If you missed it, don’t worry, you will have plenty more opportunities to salute the red, white, and blue. Most notably, a community celebration is planned for Memorial Day weekend at East Goshen Park. 

Called America250 at Goshen, it will feature a 1700s-style Town Square with Revolutionary War military encampment and weapons display. There will be live music, an opportunity to sign the Declaration of Independence, and 1700s-style moonbounce for the kids. (Kidding. Pretty sure they are just regular moonbounces.) Festivities are planned for May 30 and will run from 3 to 9 p.m., with a parade at 5 p.m. and a drone show with fireworks once the sun goes down. 

“We anticipate a crowd of 6000+ for this event,” East Goshen Rec. Director Jason Lang shared on the website. 

Interestingly, the West Chester Borough celebration, which was planned for Aug. 2 and included among a list of 2026 West Chester Parks and Recreation events, is now missing. It had originally promised a parade, drone show, and mayoral gala. We’ll have to wait and see if any of that comes to fruition.

Other things we are celebrating this week: 

Sportsmanship. A shoutout this week to the Henderson Boys Soccer team for their on-pitch actions, and this time it has nothing to do with their winning ways. The team earned the Sportsmanship Award from Ches-Mont League game officials for demonstrating respect, integrity, and positive conduct throughout the season. “This honor reflects the values the program consistently displays on the field, while also highlighting a successful season of hard work and teamwork!” the WCASD shared on its Instagram page. 

While we’re here, high fives to Henderson goalkeeper Dylan Arrison, who was named to the 2025 PA All-State Team last week. 

Insider knowledge. This week, Philadelphia Inquirer food writers shared their under-the-radar restaurant recommendations for a romantic Valentine’s dinner and among the selections was Jolene’s on Gay St. The “French-leaning” restaurant was praised for its strong cocktail and wine list and “moody, unstuffy dining room.” 

Most clicked. No surprise here. The snow-day antics of West Chester University students topped the list of most-clicked stories. But Friends Association should be feeling a warm glow: their Amazon Wish List came in solidly at #3.

Pay it Forward.

This year, in honor of Black History Month, West Chester Dance Works is once again performing the critically celebrated Rachel Harris: One Woman Over the Line. Originally performed in 2008, the multimedia dance production tells the true story of Rachel Harris, a Black woman who lived in West Chester in the years before the Civil War.

“Through dance, projected historical imagery, live and recorded music, percussion, and narration, the production brings to life a regionally significant story that highlights how people of diverse backgrounds took risks and contributed to the pursuit of freedom during one of America’s darkest eras,” the press release reads. 

Uptown is hosting two performances of the show this weekend. Tonight at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are available here.

Then on Feb. 25, East Goshen Township is hosting a Presentation with Noah Lewis at the Township Building. Historical reenactor Noah Lewis will tell the story of Edward “Ned” Hector, a free Black man who served as a bombardier and teamster in the Continental Army. Show starts at 7 p.m. This is a free presentation but registration is required. 

Other ways to give back:

Help a family get set up. Friends Association is seeking community help to get their new apartments set up and ready for the first batch of residents. If you can help, they are looking for household items like dishware, cleaning supplies, toiletries, and bedding. You can drop items off at their new 825 Paoli Pike location or save yourself a trip into the cold and just hit up their Amazon Wish List.

Round up at the grocery store. From now through March 31, you can support WCASD students by rounding up your purchase at the Giant checkout. Giant is matching donations up to $100,000, all of which will come back to the district to benefit our local kids.

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? We will be reorganizing our space again. Trying to maximize what we have and otherwise enjoying a rather chill weekend. Maybe some Olympics coverage? Not sure about the Super Bowl game itself, but maybe some snacks? 

If you’re around this weekend, Square Bar will be celebrating the Olympics from start to finish with $3.50 drafts. Clara Mae is bringing back her $10 bins. This time, they will be stuffed with vintage sweaters and for Super Bowl Sunday, Dia Doce has minis. Design-wise, they can’t live up to last year’s Eagles-themed package but I am sure they still taste delicious. Also, on Sunday, Levante is hosting its annual Kegs and Eggs.

Also, note, after Super Bowl celebrations cease on Sunday, Kildare’s will be closing shop for about a month while the building undergoes some needed repairs. They are hoping to be back in time for St. Patty’s Day. In the meantime, if you had events scheduled with them, Valentine’s Bingo, 6 Nations Rugby, they are looking to get these moved to new venues, so stay tuned.

And finally, special thanks to this week’s Community Sponsor Mitten Systems! Mitten Systems is an operations consulting firm focused on helping small businesses and nonprofits find more efficient ways to work. What small business couldn’t use that? Check out their website to learn how they can help your business do more with less!

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. 5  - Tea with Jane Austen, Mimi’s Tea Cottage, 2-3:30 p.m. or 4 - 5:30 p.m. Explore the life and works of Jane Austen while enjoying a full tea service. $45.99/person

• Feb. 6 - CANCELLED Sweetheart Stroll Luminary Walk, Oakbourne Park, 6 -8 p.m. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the beautiful lit luminary trail. Travelin’ Toms Coffee Truck and Dia Doce will be on hand for refreshments.

• Feb. 7 - West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut, 10 a.m. - noon.

• Feb. 7 - Galentine’s Party, Tiger Snake Vintage, 14 W. Chestnut St., tarot card readings, custom bag stamping, bubbles, and treats. 

• Feb. 8 - Kegs ‘n’ Eggs, Levante Brewing West Chester Tap Room, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.  Your favorite pre-game tradition returns.

• Feb. 9 - Sweets & Sips, Levante Brewing West Chester Tap Room, 6 - 8 p.m. Desserts from the Jawnery will be paired with Levante beers. Limited seating. Tickets required. 

• Feb. 14 - Galentines, La Chic Boutique, 12 - 4 p.m. New limited edition hoodie, free gift with purchase, Themed cocktails!

• Feb. 16 - School Off Day Camp: Olympics, First Presbyterian Church, 9 - 3:30 p.m. Open to students kindergarten through 5th. Cost: $20/camper

• Feb. 17 - Science on Tap - Physics, 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!

• Feb. 18 - 3rd Wednesday Book Discussion, West Chester Public Library, 1 - 2 p.m. February book selection: Ghost Map: The Story of London's Most Terrifying Epidemic--And How It Changed Science, Cities, and the Modern World by Steven Johnson. This is a free event. Registration is required.

• Feb. 18 - Ruban Studdard, Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m. Come out to see the Grammy Award-nominated winner of American Idol season 2. Standard tickets: $56/members; $66/non-members

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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