West Chester Weekly News Roundup: July 11, 2025

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It’s Friday, July 11, 2025: Who says things slow down here in summer? I was all set for a nice lazy summer issue and then, before the week is out, wham, jam, it’s packed again. We are talking public notices. You have the right to know when the government is taking action on your behalf, but what’s the best way to tell you? Local townships are pushing back against a costly state mandate that requires advertising in a print paper virtually no one reads anymore. We look at the numbers and explore the alternatives. Plus, celebrity houses, a new pretty new “racquet center,” and a couple of devastating fires hit the area this week. 

Ok, who’s ready? Let’s catch up.   

From around the state: Analysis of the impact of the recently passed “Big, Beautiful Bill” on Pennsylvanians began trickling in this week. According to figures released by Gov. Josh Shapiro’s office, nearly 310,000 Pennsylvanians could lose their Medicaid coverage, and 144,000 more their SNAP benefits. For residents of PA’s 6th Congressional District, which includes West Chester, those numbers are 13,421 losing Medicaid, and 3,639 cut from SNAP. Opponents of the bill included District 6 Rep. Chrissy Houlihan and Sen. John Fetterman. 

Sen. Dave McCormick, who supported the bill (despite receiving a mailing of almost 200 paper plates from West Chester Food Cupboard clients), praised its continuation of the tax cuts implemented during the first Trump administration as well as the elimination of taxes on some tip income but contended, “no bill’s perfect.” 

If a Notice Is Printed and No One Is Around to See It, Is It Still Public?  

If you’ve ever attended a municipal public hearing or watched one on YouTube, you’ll have noticed that the municipality’s lawyer always starts the hearing by stating that a public notice of the meeting has been advertised in the local paper. These notifications are required under Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Law, which governs meeting procedure and transparency.  

It’s not just public hearings that have to be advertised; it’s any meeting where a quorum of members is present. This includes regular, special, and rescheduled meetings. And it’s not just Boroughs and townships that have to advertise their meetings, it’s also county and state agencies, public schools, redevelopment agencies, and zoning hearing boards.  Essentially, any agency that has the authority to take official government action. They also have to advertise government projects open to bid. 

And with good reason, citizens should have the right to weigh in on decisions made on their behalf, and companies should have equal access to bid on an open project. They can’t do that if they never know a meeting is taking place or a bid is open. 

Yet, I don’t know about you, but until I started researching this article, I had never seen one of these public notices for myself.

“I have been working in Pennsylvania local government since 2008, and this is a matter that has come up numerous times,” says West Goshen Township Manager Chris Bashore. “With the decline in newspapers, the options for meeting the advertising requirements are limited.”

And that indeed is a big problem. 

The Warnings.

You have the right to remain silent. This week, West Chester’s Administration, Communication and Technology (ACT) Committee discussed revising the Borough’s Home Charter Rule to expressly prohibit non-residents from speaking during the open comment period offered at the start of every meeting. The comment period is required under the state’s Sunshine Law. However, municipalities are allowed to limit the comment period both by time and to taxpaying residents. However, the Borough’s home rule charter does not make this distinction. It leaves the comment period open more broadly to “citizens” and taxpayers. Undefined, this can mean pretty much anyone. 

These semantics were brought to light last month when two councilmen stopped West Goshen resident Margie Swart from speaking at a Borough Council Work Session, citing her house location across the Borough border as their reason. Now, for the sake of uniformity, they are looking to extend those limits to the open comment period of all Borough Meetings. 

The reasons given by the council for needing the change, other than uniformity, were to keep meetings from running too long (as previously noted, time limits can be set without exclusions), to better serve the people who elected them, and to keep outside influences from overtaking meetings. 

Several members of the audience spoke passionately against these changes. “I think more public comment should be encouraged, not less,” said Ward 7 candidate Lisa Kerns, efficiently summarizing the critics’ concerns. They also raised questions on whether West Chester University students, volunteer committee members who live outside the Borough, and representatives from other townships, like Downingtown Mayor Phil Dague, who stood during the comment period at last month’s Borough Council Voting Session to thank the West Chester Police for their service on June 14, would be allowed to speak. 

While none of the Council Members could cite an incident at a Borough Council meeting in which their concerns were warranted, COVID-era school board meetings were used as an example of a time when outside comments led to drawn-out meetings.

They also argued the change would not necessarily prohibit outside comment, just give Council an option to shut it down should they choose. Councilwoman Shelia Vaccaro openly recognized the danger in this argument, while still seeming to support it.

“We are not saying that non-residents aren’t allowed to ever speak,” said Ms. Vaccaro “but having a way of shutting things down, although, yes, slightly dangerous, is necessary.” 

For now, the ACT Committee has pushed voting on this change to next month. 

Fire at Jake’s. This week, a fire broke out in the apartments above Jake’s Bar. The early morning flames forced three residents to the roof, one of whom fell off. She was found unconscious on the ground by police officers just before 6 a.m. on Tuesday morning.  All victims were transported to Chester County Hospital. One remains hospitalized and is undergoing treatment for injuries sustained during the event. Both businesses below, Jake’s Bar and Riggtown Oven were cleared to resume business. In fact, Jake’s was back serving later that day. The upstairs apartments where the fire originated remain condemned. According to Assistant Fire Chief Justin McClure, residents of the neighboring unit can reoccupy after an inspection is complete. The cause of the fire is under investigation with the Chester County Fire Marshall’s office. “We hope to have some information we can release in the coming days,” said Assistant Chief McClure.

In more devastating fire news, crews are at the scene of a house fire in East Bradford Township. As of the last update posted two hours ago, firefighters continue to work to contain the flames. According to police reports, the fire broke out at around 8:30  a.m. on the 900 Block of Centennial Drive.

Do not put lit fireworks in the trash. Not a warning one would think they would have to write, but a Big Belly Trash can near the corner of S. Walnut and E. Union Sts. is up for replacement after someone deposited a lit mortar firework in it early Saturday morning. “I have video, if anyone wants to see it,” Councilmember Bryan said of the explosion. No word if that video includes images of the culprit. Whoever it was better hope no, those Big Belly Trash Cans are not cheap.

Close out of your app, before attempting to pay for parking. This week we got a tip from West Chester Parking Director Ramsey Reiner: make sure you have closed out of all previous sessions of the Flowbird app before starting a new one. Her team has been receiving a number of complaints about the parking app. 

Beware of increased enforcement. More than 80 southeastern municipal police departments, including West Chester, West Goshen, and WEGO locally, will join the Pennsylvania State Police in a coordinated aggressive driving enforcement wave running through August 17. According to 2024 PennDOT crash data, there were 1,608 aggressive driving crashes, resulting in 43 fatalities and 99 suspected serious injuries in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties.  PennDOT is hoping increased enforcement will reduce overall incidents.  

Note: this enforcement does not include siblings trying to best a West Goshen speed sign. Just make sure you’re racing in sneakers, not motorized vehicles. 

Do not be that guy. More rain is in the forecast, and flooding abatement doesn’t seem in the cards anytime soon.

The Accolades.

Live here, want to? Well, you’re not alone. Lately, West Chester homes, and their designers, have been gaining regional - even national - attention. Jessica Scout, Parker Stanhagen, and Kelly Stefanelli had their homes featured in the Philadelphia Inquirer. Additionally, former Philadelphia residents Jeffery Osgood and Patrick Richard found their newly redecorated, Mad-Men-meets-mid-century-Palm-Springs inspired West Chester home gracing the glossy pages of this month’s Good Housekeeping. 

"There’s something about the joyful geometry, the confidence in color, and the effortless blend of vintage and new that captures our spirit," said Jeffery. To translate that spirit into artwork, color palettes, and a well-placed furniture design, they turned to West Chester-based designer Krystal Reinhard of Church St.’s Old Soul Design Studio. 

The result? According to Good Housekeeping writer Kelsey Mulvey, “A thoughtful mix of textiles, patterns, and art that brings out the best of both coasts.”

Chat with any neighbor living in a home built more than a century ago, and you’ll hear countless stories of renovations gone awry, but plenty of successes too. It was in one such article that Jessica Scout, Parker Stanhagen, and their Federal-style West Chester home appeared. Jessica and Parker turned to West Chester-based Design-Build firm COCOON to convert a nineteenth-century twin into a family-friendly abode and learned to embrace the unexpected along the way.

“When you start opening up walls, you don’t know what you’re going to find,” said Parker. So true. This time, history was kind. Tearing away years of renovations, they exposed ceiling beams, brick walls, and the original gas light fixtures.

“We didn’t know what they were until we pulled the wall out,” Jessica told the paper. 

Kelly Stefanelli and her husband left their Berks County new construction home for a simpler empty-nester life in West Chester. 

“We wanted a house we could retire in,” Kelly told Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Paul Jablow. They found it in a West Chester WWI-era home. Much like the Scout-Stanhagen home, it had potential but lacked the modern convenience and functioning layout the Stefanellis had grown accustomed to. 

To help them find that balance, they worked with West Chester-based designer Carol Quigley of Frens & Frens Historic Restoration Studio, part of architecture firm Patterhn Ives, who embraces a motto of “remain true to the house’s history while providing 21st-century conveniences.” 

Renovations continue on the Stefanelli home, but so far, they are pleased with the historic-modern balance. “You just have to accept the perfectly imperfect,” said Kelly.  

Other things we are celebrating this week: 

Best of the Main Line. Who says we can’t hang with our ritzy neighbors? This year 32 West Chester restaurants, retailers, and events have been voted the best around. List below. Not that you didn’t already know. 

• 9 Prime – Best Wait Staff

• Barnaby's Restaurant & Pub – Best Sports Bar

• Bier and Loathing – Best Arcade Bar

• Bierhaul Townhouse – Best Beer Selection

• Bryn Mawr Running Company – Best Sports Apparel

• Carlino’s Market – Best Deli

• Carlino’s Market's Jessica Pachorkowsky-Perez – Best Pastry Chef

• Charlie & Co. Barbershop – Best Haircuts for Men

• Crisp Chik’n – Best Chicken Sandwich

• Gemelli Artisanal Gelato & Dessert Café – Best Gelato

• Greystone Oyster Bar – Best Seafood Restaurant

• Hotel Indigo's Room 109 – Best New Speakeasy

• Jawn Supply – Best Vintage Clothing

• Jolene's – Best French Cuisine

• Limoncello – Best Italian Cuisine

• Mae's West Chester's Josh Taggart – Best Chef

• Nightingale Materials – Best Art Supplies Store

• Nudy’s Café – Best Breakfast

• Old Soul Interior Design & Renovation Studio – Best Wallpaper Collection

• Opa Taverna – Best Mediterranean Cuisine

• Outlash – Best Lash Extensions

• Pietro’s Prime – Best Steakhouse

• Scoops 'N' Smiles – Best Ice Cream

• Taco Mar – Best Tacos

• Taylor’s Music Store & Studios – Best Music Store

• True By Kristy – Best Charm Necklaces

• Twin Valley Coffee – Best Coffeehouse

• West Chester Christmas Parade – Best Family-Friendly Event

• West Chester Film Festival – Best Local Event

• West Chester Growers Market – Best Farmers Market

• YMCA of Greater Brandywine – Best Health Club & Best Adult Swim Program

• Yori's Church Street Bakery – Best Bakery

Also, a shout-out to Balance Hair & Spa Studio. They celebrated 18 years in the Borough earlier this month. 

The Paw Patrol. Congratulations to K9 Nitro, West Chester Police Department’s newest canine officer, on passing his accreditation courses. The one-year-old Belgian Malinois is trained in patrol and explosives and is now an active member of the force. 

Finally, this week we are celebrating civic engagement. As it turns out, getting involved can lead to real change. Earlier this summer, we spoke with Friends of Everhart Park (FoEP) member Dale Frens about a simple solution that could help protect the park’s trees during popular events, like the Turk’s Head Music Festival. Well, Parks and Rec Director Keith Kurowski appears to be into the idea.  

“I did have a productive meeting with one of the higher-ranking members of the FoEP after the event to discuss some potential improvements for next year,” he shared this week.“I think there are some things we can do to make the event better for the group, the park, the neighborhood,” he added.

Know someone who should recognized? Well, do tell - [email protected]

THE DANCE CENTER: Celebrating 50 Years in Chester County!

CHILDREN’S CLASSES ARE OUR SPECIALTY! 

Starting in our PRE-DANCE Program, your child will experience an  appreciation to classical music with age-appropriate beginner lessons that will set the foundation for success. Our 3 to 6 year old program is  carefully designed so the students learn in a fun, but lightly structured  atmosphere where dance studio etiquette is taught from the start. 

Our Levels 1 through 6 follow the same techniques that build from year to year and culminate to our Pre-Professional Division. We are not a  competition school that teaches routine after routine, ignoring the  technique behind the steps. Our studio offers all our students many dance performance opportunities with Brandywine Ballet Company and  Brandywine Contemporary Company as well as a Student Recital at the end of the year. 

Register Now at www.thedancecenter.org 

Donna L. Muzio, Director & Founder ~ [email protected]

Hello.

Goodbye.

Pay it Forward.

What better way to support the great West Chester Fire Department and keep track of your daily engagements, than with their new 2026 Firefighters & Their Pets Calendar? This year, members of the First West Chester Fire Department, the Fame Fire Department, and the Goodwill Fire Department partnered with volunteers from the SPCA and All4Paws on an adorable new fundraising initiative. 

I chatted with First West Chester Volunteer Hanna McCarthy about the new project. 

HWC: Why did you decide to do a calendar?

HM: After brainstorming fundraising ideas, we decided on a calendar as a fun creative way to engage the community and highlight the hard work and bravery of our firefighters. Additionally, the process has been so positive with our local business sponsors, the SPCA, and All4Paws being a part of it!

HWC: Can you share what's in the calendar?

HM: Each picture features a West Chester firefighter with their pet or pups from the SPCA and All4Paws!

HWC: What do the proceeds go to support?

HM: All proceeds go to support the fire department in training initiatives, gear, and continuing education.

HWC: Give your best pitch - why should people purchase a calendar?

HM: The West Chester Fire Department 2026 Calendar is a heartwarming celebration of our brave firefighters and adorable pets. Each purchase supports essential equipment, training, and resources that keep our community safe, while also promoting pet adoption and awareness. Featuring stunning photos of local heroes and furry friends, this calendar is the perfect way to give back and enjoy 12 months of inspiration. Whether you're a proud local, a pet lover, or someone who admires courage, your support makes a difference. Buy your calendar today and help protect lives while celebrating the bond between firefighters and pets!

Nicely done, Hanna.

Calendar pre-orders are available now through July 25 for just $20. (It’s $25 after). Calendars can be ordered online and picked up at First West Chester Fire Department. You can also get your copy at the next FWCFD Open House on July 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you’re still on the fence, don’t forget the West Chester Department is 100 percent volunteer-run. Last year, firefighters responded to a record 1774 incidents across the Borough, West Goshen, East Bradford, Westtown, Birmingham, and Thornbury Townships. 

Other ways to give back this week: 

Add a little something extra to your cart. Act in Faith is looking for a little help keeping their Community Cupboard shelves stocked. Personal care and household items are in great demand. If you are making an Amazon purchase this weekend, maybe consider adding something extra?  The Navona toothbrushes they need are on Prime Day Special. 150 toothbrushes for under $20? Can’t beat that.

West Chester grant program open through July 31. Know of a local nonprofit organization in need of a little extra cash to tackle a special project? The West Chester Downtown Foundation might be able to help. Each year, the WCDF gives out roughly a dozen grants valued up to $2500 to local organizations working to make a positive impact in and around the Borough. “Through these grants, we aim to empower local organizations to bring ideas to life that enhance the quality of life for all who live, work, and visit downtown West Chester,” shared grants committee chair Tracy Sammarone.

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend?  We’ve been looking for a family friendly blockbuster to check out this summer, and right now I’m leaning toward Superman. This ongoing combination of rain and sticky heat has me yearning for an air-conditioned escape more than usual. If anyone beats me to the box office, let me know if it’s worth the $20 ticket price. 

If you’re around this weekend, Penn’s Table is hosting Family Night tonight. There will be bubbles, balloons, and sidewalk chalk for the kids, and a hat drop and drink specials for the grown-ups. Specials start at 4 p.m. and run to 7 p.m. Looking for other ways to avoid a hot kitchen? The Pear at Dilworthtown has a mushroom pasta stuffed with seasonal veggies, and Mae’s current batch of salads is hitting all the summer highs. The Grilled Corn and Stone Fruit sounds particularly delish. Also, Bookmarks West Chester has been running a “Where’s Waldo” competition. Everyone’s favorite bespeckled blend-in is hiding somewhere in West Chester. Find him, and win prizes. Just get on it. The contest ends Sunday.

On Saturday, the West Goshen Police Department is hosting Coffee with a Cop from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at  Golden Valley Farms Coffee Roasters on Carter Dr. Head over for a complimentary coffee and a chance to get to know your local officers.  Also, on Saturday, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine and the Keystone Goodwill are hosting a free, drive-up electronics recycling and donation event at the Jennersville Y in West Grove. I know it’s a little out of town, but electronic recycling events are rather rare.  

Finally, have you been sucked into this summer’s season of Love Island? Then you’ll definitely, want to hit up Dia Doce before Sunday’s final.  

Finally, this week a very special thank you to our very first Community Sponsor, The Lorgus Company, which has owned and managed rental properties since 1976. Its flagship property is 103 S. High Street, once the home of impressionist artist Mary Cassatt. The company continues that legacy today by working to honor and support local artists and professionals.

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:

• July 12 – West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut Streets, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• July 12 – Free a Tree volunteer day, Shaw’s Bridge Park (Meet at parking lot at 274 S. Creek Rd., West Chester, PA) 10 a.m. Learn basic natural land stewardship skills and become more familiar with East Bradford parks. Can be used to count towards public service hours for students.

• July 12 – Yoga in the Park, Marshall Square Park, 10:15 a.m. Bring a mat, water, and sunscreen. Registration encouraged, but walk-ins welcome. Class: $15. FYI if you’re registering it’s listed under “Be Rooted.”

• July 13 – West Chester Railroad – Picnic Special, 230 E. Market St. 12 p.m. 90 minute train ride with a mid-trip stop at the Glen Mills station. Picnic optional. Pack a lunch. Tickets: $25/adults; $20/kids

• July 13 – Summer Concert Series – The Malarkey Brothers, West Goshen Community Park, 6:30 p.m. Concert is free but a dry good donation for the West Chester Food Cupboard is encouraged.

• July 14 – $5 Monday Night Movie: Home Alone, Uptown Theater, 7 p.m. Include complimentary popcorn

• July 16- 3rd Wednesday Book Club, West Chester Public Library, 1 p.m. This month’s book is “James” by Percival Everett. 

• July 16  – West Chester Taps, downtown, 5 – 7 p.m. Participating locations offer a select list of $5 beers, $6 wines, and $7 cocktails, in addition to appetizer specials. 

• July 16 – Underground Railroad Walking Tour, Chester County History Center, 6 p.m. Explore the historic sites that served as a backdrop for the stories of the people who helped enslaved people as they passed through West Chester toward freedom. Approx. 90 min. Walking tour; approx. 1.25 miles. Tickets: $16

• July 17 – Concert in the Park, Hoopes Park, 6:30 p.m.

• July 17 – 2025 Summer Concert Series: Yesterday’s News, East Bradford Park, 7 p.m.  All summer concerts are free to the general public.

Visit the Calendar page for a complete list of future events.

Reader tip: If you have trouble with these emails going to spam or promotions, reply to this email. Nothing particular, even a random letter will do, but that should keep them coming to the inbox.

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!

Hello, West Chester Community Sponsors