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It’s Friday, Jan. 26, 2024: Is it time to admit the U.S. economy is doing well? While he can’t speak for Colorado and Arkansas, John O’Brien makes a pretty good case for downtown West Chester. Plus, the Valley Forge Classical Academy is denied again. What’s next for the controversial charter school and food insecurity on college campuses is real - yes, even here with our thriving business economy.

Who’s ready? Let’s catch up.

Correction: Last week’s newsletter incorrectly stated that the name of the new West Chester Police Chief was John Lee - that should have read Josh Lee. Seeing Lt. Lee is a 20-year veteran of the force, I should have gotten that right. My apologies for the mistake.

Business in West Chester is (Almost) All Sunshine and Rainbows

A new restaurant is expected soon on the ground floor of the recently renovated Spence Building.

Earlier this week, I was reading the New York Times’ “Morning” newsletter. The day’s topic was the economy and while all indicators seem to be pointing to hand-clapping good news (unemployment is down, inflation is down, wages are up), Americans as a whole remain dour about their economic future. While the writer outlines several reasons for this, a “bad news” bias in the news, he suggests, may be partly to blame. Well, I am here to counter.

After speaking with John O’Brien, Executive Director of the West Chester Business Improvement District, earlier this month I am feeling pretty darn positive. Actually, to say things are looking good for downtown West Chester may be an understatement.

By all the measures that Downtown West Chester has been tasked with - increasing customer traffic and sales, expanding and recruiting viable businesses, and promoting the interest of downtown to government agencies - things seem to be going gangbusters. Last year multiple retail businesses, always a bit of a difficult sector, reported single-day sales records. Much of that was due to the newly relocated Christkindlmrkt, which will be back this year. At the same time, pandemic issues such as staffing shortages and supply chain issues have been easing.  Even though “restaurant inflation” seems to be the latest battle to arise on the monetary front, Pennsylvania, so far anyway, has not had much of a fight.

According to figures analyzed by USA Today, restaurant spending in Pennsylvania increased a relatively modest 3 percent from November 2022 to June 2023. This is compared to 20 percent jumps seen in Colorado, Arizona, Arkansas, and elsewhere. These big jumps have led consumers to cut back their nights out. Perhaps because we have not seen the same level of inflation, we have also not seen a booking decline. Restaurant reservations in PA actually rose one percent during this time.  

Another way the downtown business district measures its health is available rental space. Well, West Chester - at least on the ground floor - is nearly all booked. “There are three properties with first-floor space that are actively being marketed for lease,” said John.  

In addition to 9 Prime opening at 9 N. High St. and an expansion of Turks Head Wines at 120 N. Church this summer, there are new restaurants planned for the ground floor of the Spence building (29 E. Gay St.) and the new Hotel Indigo (corner of Gay and Walnut Streets). There are, of course, still a few options available. The Classic Diner (16 E. Gay St.) is one as is the former home of G&G Cigars (118 N. High St.), and, what I am calling “ground floor west” of 44 West is still looking for a tenant.

“It’s 5000 sq. ft. with a liquor license and beautiful courtyard. It’s an excellent space,” John says, slipping into salesman mode. However, first-floor retail is not what has John concerned if a four percent vacancy rate can even be deemed concerning.

“The only challenge I see is in office leasing,” said John.

The challenge of this good economy

Hey entrepreneurs - retail or restaurant available on Gay St. where the Classic Diner once stood. (P.S. I know this article is supposed to be all rainbows and sunshine but it’s hard to capture that in West Chester in January.)

While perhaps not perfect, a four percent vacancy rate is a far cry from the office inventory crisis currently wreaking havoc on other U.S. cities. According to Moody’s Analytics, the national office vacancy rate rose to a record-breaking 19.6% in the fourth quarter of 2023.

“Our office inventory isn’t bad we just don’t want to go the way of other cities,” said John. In a Borough like West Chester, that change could come with the departure of a few big renters.

So, really, if a four percent vacancy rate is our current economic worry, perhaps it’s time to start turning that financial frown upside down?

“We ended 2023 in a great space,” said John. “I think we have a good economy. From the economic data we review, I do not see a recession in the forecast,” he said. Then he quickly reminded me to remind you of your role in making sure that forecast bears out.

“Our message continues to be “Shop Local’,” he said. Even when all signs point to yes, it’s hard to forget how quickly an economy can change.

Design Series: Make the Most of the Home You Love

For Spring Creek Design, remodeling homes in West Chester and the surrounding area is pure joy. Especially in the Borough, where row homes and singles often share the same block, we get to do what we love best: help clients uncover the home within their house.

We concentrate on making the most of the space available. Sometimes this means removing walls or changing the layout. Other times our work is more subtle, focusing on adding details or materials that make the house feel and function better.

The kitchen above is a great example. Without changing the footprint, we worked with the homeowner to define the space by adding texture and detail. A rich wood floor, marble backsplash, white cabinets, crown molding, and matte white appliances work together to create a warm, friendly space for the family to gather.

Ready to make the most of the home you love? Give us a call at 610-273-9194.

***This is a sponsored post***

The Warnings.

The gummies are going to get you. A Downingtown pair were arrested on Saturday after a large number of marijuana edibles were found in their vehicle following a routine traffic stop. Both were charged with possession with an intent to deliver.

You can’t cook everything in an air fryer. This week West Chester firefighters were dispatched to the Chestnut Street Lofts for the report of an appliance fire. Upon further investigation, a fire was found contained to an air fryer in the apartment.  

That’s a risky play. West Chester police continue to seek information regarding a S. Walnut Street burglary. It was determined two individuals entered the property around 4:30 the morning of Jan. 15. They removed several gaming systems and a safe. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the WCPD at 610-696-2700.

FAFSA aid offers may be delayed. This week the U.S. Department of Education announced it was fixing an error in how it calculates financial aid. The fix, however, may lead to more delays in students receiving their aid offers. Have questions on the process? State Senator Carolyn Comitta is holding a free FAFSA workshop for high school seniors and a family member this Saturday. Sessions are being held at 1:30 and 3 p.m. at the Chester County Intermediate Unit but I know only a few spaces remain. If you would like to attend, call 610-692-2112 and see if they can squeeze you in.

No pudding for you. Except, maybe, yes. This little cutie is looking for his fur-ever home.

The Accolades.

This week Henderson’s Connor Fleet surpassed 1000 career points. Video: Hendy.Ball

With winter seasons soon coming to a close several West Chester area high schools may be on the verge of some hoops dreams. On the girls’ side, East leads the Ches-Mont National Division with a conference record of 6 and 2, 12-4 overall. This week they eked out a 2-point victory over third-place Coatesville and a 48-39 win over last-place Avon Grove to stay atop the division. Know who handed the Vikings one of their only two divisional losses? Henderson. The Warriors are currently sitting second in the division. On the American side, Rustin had a chance at first but lost a close one to top-ranked Unionville at home this week. The Golden Knights remain in second place.  

On the boys’ side, Henderson leads the National division with an 8-1 conference record, and 16-2 record overall. After losing their first game of the season, Henderson won 12 straight before falling 57-59 to Bishop Shanahan earlier this month. Already, the Warriors have had two players surpass 1000 career points this year. Senior shooting guard Nyle Ralph-Beyer reached the mark in December. Fellow guard senior Connor Fleet hit the milestone on Tuesday with 23 points in a solid win over Downingtown East. Henderson’s last home game is next Friday. It’s Senior night and a rematch against Bishop Shanahan.

Rustin boys had been holding tough in the American division until a 30-point loss to conference leaders Unionville this week dropped them to fourth.

The regular season wraps next week for all area high schools, and with just a single win separating the top teams, it should be a battle to the end.

Also, this week cheers to:

• Gryphon Cafe. Main Line Today writer Ben Silver shared his choices for a quick pick-me-up on a cold winter’s day. Five Chester County shops made the list including West Chester’s Gryphon Cafe.  

• Jake’s Bar. Speaking of best of... East Coast Traveler, a travel website from the same people who bring you PhillyBite Magazine, attempted to rank the state’s ten best dive bars. Representing West Chester, as it does so well, is Jake’s. It is described by the writers, a little generically, as a “timeless college and dive bar.”  

• Joey Graziadei. The West Chester University alum (and Collegeville native) began his televised quest for love this week on ABC’s 28th Season of The Bachelor. We wish him the best of luck but can’t help thinking as one person shared on social media - “Why is a 28-year-old trying to meet his wife on TV? Meet her at Jake’s like a normal person.”  

• Chester County Hospital. Waiving off concerns that strain from 2022’s hospital closures was hindering the West Cheser institution, Chester County Hospital picked up two more accolades this week. It was named the 2023 Human Experience Pinnacle of Excellence Award winner by Press Ganey, a global leader in capturing patient experience, and a 2024 Best Hospital by Healthgrades, an online physician and hospital locator.  

• John Serock Catering. “With nearly 7,000 votes and a neck-and-neck duel to the finish - we are thrilled to announce that this year's winner [of the Professional Gingerbread House Competition] is John Serock Catering!” the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce shared on Instagram - two weeks ago. Apologies for the late shoutout, but congrats on a pretty cool house.

• Pica’s West Chester. A round of applause to the home of the backward pizza - cheese then sauce - on seven years in West Chester.  

Hello.

Chestnut Street Garage, West Chester

Hello to easy parking. This year it should be smooth sailing at West Chester parking garages - just don’t bring cash. Both the Chestnut Street and Bicentennial garages are finishing up the installation of a new license plate reader system that will make it easier to come and go in Borough garages. This is especially true for monthly parkers who will now have access to a license plate reader system for seamless access. It will also make it easier for downtown businesses to validate parking. However, this new, modern system does not accept cash.

“The garages will accept both Google and Apple Pay and all major credit cards,” said West Chester Parking Director Ramsey Reiner via email.  

Look for the new system to take effect in the coming days.

“The transition has been a bit of a bear with the snowstorm and some other little hiccups, but we should be up and running shortly!” she said.

Speaking of payment options, West Chester will soon be able to use grant money to pay for a series of improvements around the area. Getting money locally are:

• East Bradford Township for work on the Plum Run Trail ($100,000)

• Natural Lands Stroud Preserve to continue doing what they do ($220,000)

• West Chester Borough to upgrade the tennis courts at Hoopes Park ($100,000)

• West Chester Borough for a Taylor Run Stream Restoration project ($150,000)

Project funds were awarded through Pennsylvania’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program and the Watershed Restoration Protection Program.

And finally, it’s hello, again to West Chester’s bus trips. A pre-pandemic staple of the West Chester Rec Department, the organized day trips are returning after a 5-year hiatus. Up first, a trip to the nation’s capital for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. The cost of the trip is $60 per person and includes transportation, a light snack, and a bus driver tip.  

Goodbye.

This week the West Chester Area School Board once again said goodbye to the Valley Forge Classical Academy Charter School. The proposed charter school, which began its journey for approval last summer, wants to provide a “Hillsdale College Curriculum” education option for students in the West Chester area and beyond. The Hillsdale College Curriculum (there is a detailed overview available online if you want to dig in) has gained significant press in recent months for its approach to history - particularly its focus on the country’s developmental years from colonization through the Civil War. According to the curriculum website, this period is taught four different times from K through 12 - “each time increasing in depth.”

In the Pennridge School District which recently revised some social studies classes to better align with the Hillsdale curriculum, teachers found the increased coverage came at the expense of lessons on Pennsylvania state history and Native Americans. Fans of the approach feel it helps teach children to love America. Critics maintain it is another attempt to whitewash history.

WCASD's concerns over the proposed charter school, however, extended far beyond the curriculum and included the facility, the budget, the use of technology, required teacher accreditation, the lack of a disciplinary policy, and an inability to properly address diverse student populations. In November, VFCA submitted a revised 571-page application to the district that ostensibly addresses some of those concerns. (Full disclosure, I did not read the full application and so far no one is providing the Cliffs Notes version.)  

Despite the potential for heated debate, the milestone passed quietly on Monday. Not a single comment was made about the application - for or against - before it was denied unanimously by present board members. (Board members Joyce Chester and Stacey Whomsley were absent on Monday.)  

VFCA Directors will now take the decision to the Pennsylvania Charter Appeals Board but first, they must file a legal petition and obtain at least 1000 signatures from WCASD residents. Anticipating the denial - VFCA began preparing supporters for the appeals process in December.

“If all goes as expected, the Board will, once again, vote to deny the charter,” they wrote on their Facebook page on December 22.  “At that point, all who are interested in ensuring a successful end to our endeavors, especially our parents, will be asked to gather AT LEAST 10 signatures on the petition forms that we will circulate soon. You can gather signatures from neighbors, friends, coworkers, business acquaintances, and others you may know, or who your friends and acquaintances know! Anyone who resides or owns property in the West Chester Area District is eligible to sign!”

The school has 60 days to collect signatures but they are hoping to do it in 30.    

“While we do have 60 days, it is imperative that we accomplish this task in 30 days, to keep on schedule for opening the school in the Fall,” the post read.

You can read more about the school and its proposed curriculums here and the District’s stated concerns over that application here.  

And speaking of processes moving forward, Westtown Township with the help of Natural Lands Conservancy is getting close to taking Crebilly Farm off the market for good. According to a presentation made by the conservancy group to township leaders earlier this month, the group has raised $22 of the $25 million needed to complete the purchase. However, while progress has been significant, the group warned it may not be enough to make the March 31 deadline for full funding.

“There’s nothing negative, but I wish I had more positive news,” Natural Lands representative Todd Sampsell said at the meeting.

Parties are now looking to extend the deadline by six months. To do this would require agreement from Natural Lands, Westtown, and current owners the Robinson Family. You can read more about the project and what you can do to help here.

Pay It Forward.

It is estimated nearly a quarter of all college students face some form of food insecurity.

When you think college campus, you think changing leaves, slung backpacks, purposeful walks, maybe an iced coffee or two, beer pong tournaments, cafeteria food, and those dispensers that pour out too much cereal - at least I do. What I don’t think is food insecurity but new data shows it is a growing problem on many college campuses.

The report “Food Insecurity Among College Students in Pennsylvania,” released in November by the National College Attainment Network, backs up the national trends and shows nearly a quarter of all college students in the state are food insecure. By their count 95,000 students are going hungry in Pennsylvania each year. During the fall of 2020, WCU’s Center for Civic Engagement & Social Impact (CCESI) collected its own figures as part of the #RealCollege Survey.  

A total of 22,506 current and recently withdrawn students were approached. Just over 2500, or 11 percent, responded. Of those surveyed, researchers found:

• 44 percent experienced at least one form of basic need insecurity

• 36 percent experienced housing insecurity in the previous year

• 12 percent experienced homelessness in the previous year

It is important to note, CCESI director Dr. Rita Patel Eng says, that the data was collected more than three years ago. The data has changed since then and it is the center’s belief the need has only increased. Over the fall 2023 semester, WCU’s Resource Pantry saw 2,903 visits from students. This represents the highest number of visits the Pantry has experienced since it opened in 2016.

WCU hopes to conduct another #RealCollegeSurvey later this spring or early next fall. In the meantime, it is actively working to fight the food insecurity that exists now. Student programs like RamConnect and Swipe Out Hunger (more on that in a future issue) look to spread the wealth of unclaimed campus food resources while programs like the Resource Pantry help to add new ones. WCU recently announced it received a second grant through the PA Hunger-Free Campus grant program to expand its pantry program. This time in the amount of $60,000

“The need is unprecedented as we operate on the generosity of donors from our community of faculty, staff, students, alumni, countless community partners, and grants like the PA Hunger-Free Campus Grant,” Dr. Patel Eng said in a statement.

You can learn more about the pantry and what the university is doing to make sure the focus is on learning, leading, and cafeteria food jokes - not grumbling tummies here.  

Do you bleed blue and gold? State Senator Carolyn Comitta is partnering with the American Red Cross and the Oscar Lasko YMCA on a Blood Drive. Donations are being collected on Feb. 6  between 1 and 6 p.m. Registration is required. Use sponsor code “Senator Comitta” when signing up.

Also, Marshall Square Park is looking for help to fund a series of future projects including a new swing set, a Biddle and Matlack corner upgrade, new period cast iron lamp posts, and a Medal of Honor ground marker. You can learn more and pick a project to donate to at the Friends of Marshall Square Park website.

The Weekend Marquee by Uptown

Feb.1 @ 5:30 pm: Dane Tilghman and Bryan Parr 

Feb. 3 @ 7:30 pm: Absolute Adele Tribute with Jennifer Cella  

Things are heating up at Uptown. Head inside for an intimate look at the work of artist Dane Tilghman and musician Bryan Parr. Then warm up with the stunning vocals of Jennifer Cella. Get your tickets now!

The Freakin’ Weekend.

Throwback to last week’s pretty snow. Summit House. Image: Rin Brown

What are you up to this weekend? We are laying low. Taking a cue from what is sure to be a messy weather weekend I think we’ll stay indoors and catch up on some reading, order some sushi, and snuggle up with an Oscar contender or two. Oh, yeah, and Disney planning. Just got a notice that we are 61 days out from our trip and apparently that has some significance I need to figure out. Ugh.

If you are venturing out this weekend, Chester County History Center is hosting a Discovery in the Dark program. Kids 6 to 12 get to explore the museum with flashlights and learn what life was like before electricity. Sounds fascinating. Maybe I’ll sign the kids up, just so I can go. Also, the Green House has a new video out showing how they make the pots in their best-selling Its and Bits collection (made me want to walk down), and Greystone’s espresso martini was deemed the best in the Borough. Do you agree? I think this is one contest I am going to have to judge for myself.  

Also, don’t forget West Chester University is back in session so expect extra volume at all the usual spots. And for those who plan ahead Highland Orchards is now taking Fastnacht preorders.

Finally, a very special thank you to this week’s Community Sponsor Dunbar Fence. This West Chester-based family business believes success is built through superior craftsmanship, genuine customer care, and long-lasting client relationships. They are also active community supporters! Contact them now at (484) 678-7876 to get your spring projects scheduled!

Dunbar Fence is a family-owned and operated, local small business that focuses on working with clients who value and appreciate the safety, security, appearance, and functionality that fences can bring to their lives. We operate through and live by five main principles: integrity, safety, communication, teamwork, and pride. Connect us now at (484) 678-7876 to prepare for your spring projects!

View a list of all our amazing Community Sponsors here. Want to get your business out in front of this wonderful community? I don’t blame you. Ad space is open for 2024!! Send me an email if you are interested.

Get your annual subscription now! Thank you to everyone who has signed on for a year of West Chester news, events and, who knows what else we will discover. For those who have yet to make your yearly contribution, you can do that below  either through the link or use Venmo. ($12 gets you a year of fun, excitement and restaurant inspection reports. That’s like a quarter an issue.)  

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Mark your calendars:

• Jan. 26 - Constellation Men's Ensemble, WCU Swope Music Building, 7 - 9 p.m. Constellation is a Chicago-based vocal group performing music by Paul John Rudoi, Alex Berko and WCU faculty composers Robert Maggio and Adam Silverman. This is a free event. Tickets are not required.

• Jan. 27 - Discovery in the Dark: A Children's Event, Chester County History Center, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. This family evening event will show children what life was like in the past before electricity. Learn about all the different sources of light  and what bedtime was like, from pajamas, to brushing your teeth. Kids can explore the darkened museum with flashlights, and complete a scavenger hunt for special prizes. Best for kids ages 6 - 12. Admission $8/kids; $10/adults.

• Jan. 27 - Saturday Night Basketball, Melton Center, 6 - 10:30 p.m. Teens 13-17 hold the court from 6 - 8 p.m. followed by adults 8:30 - 10:30. Entry fee $5. No spectators allowed.

• Jan. 27, 28 - Joe Conklin and the City Rhythm Orchestra, Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, 8 p.m. Long-time WIP radio comedian Joe Conklin has teamed up with the legendary Philly party band - the City Rhythm Orchestra - on a 90-minute tribute to the sports fans of Philadelphia. Tickets range from $65 - $80.

• Jan. 28 - Royal Fiesta with Anna and Elsa, Lulu's Casita, 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. $5/adult; $25/kid.

• Jan. 29 - $5 Monday Night Movie: The Sting, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m. Complimentary popcorn provided

• Jan. 29 - WCU Faculty Recital: Kimberly Reighley, flute, WCU Madeleine Wing Theater, 8 - 9:30 p.m. This is a free, public event. Tickets are not required.

• Jan. 31 - Kindergarten 101, Hillsdale Elementary, 6:30 p.m. Informational session for parents of incoming kindergartners. Register here.

• Jan. 31 - Candlelit Yoga, Mayday Coffee Shop (123 N. High St.) BYOM (Bring your own mat). Class: $18. Register here.

• Feb. 1 - The Soul of Art and Music, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 6:30 p.m. Artist talk by Dane Tilghman followed by live music from Bryan Parr. This is a free event.

• Feb. 1 - Madeleine Wing Adler Concert Series String Division, WCU Swope Music Building, 12 - 1 p.m. This is a free, public event. Tickets are not required.

• Feb. 2 - First Friday, Downtown West Chester. The Dave Wilson Group will be performing at 4 W. Prescott Alley starting at 7:30 p.m. Free street-level, metered parking after 5 p.m.  

• Feb. 3 - West Chester Growers' Winter Market, corner of Church & Chestnut Sts, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. The market is open rain, snow or shine.

• Feb. 3 - We Go Together - Valentine's Cookie Decorating Class, Pine + Quill (23 N. Walnut St.) 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  Cover the sugar cookie basics, do some piping practice and strategize the best ways to decorate. Cost: $55

• Feb. 3 - Absolute Adele Tribute, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $40; $5 more at the door; $5 service fee.

• Feb. 4 - Memorial Concert for Dr. Vincent Craig, WCU Madeleine Wing Adler Theater, 3 -4:30 p.m. This concert is a tribute to the life, artistry, and legacy of Dr. Vincent Craig. It features students and colleagues whose lives were forever changed by knowing and working with him. This is free, public event. Tickets are not required.

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

That’s it. Stay safe, stay healthy, and  I'll see you next week!

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.

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