West Chester Weekly News Roundup: Mar. 27, 2026

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It’s Friday, Mar. 27, 2026: Can someone tell me how we’re almost in April? This week, West Chester University faces questioning on its Master Plan as the Conditional Use Hearing on its adoption begins. Testimony from a student housing expert shows current plans fall far short of meeting demand. Also, West Chester Area School District gives an update on plans to change the high school schedule; many parents are still not having it, and East Bradford Elementary abandons plans to install rooftop solar.  

Plus, we have Easter events and who needs a cookie the size of hockey puck? Perhaps, need is not the right word, but if you want, I can tell you where to get several free on Saturday. 

Ok, who’s ready? Let’s catch up.

Judgement of West Chester University’s Master Plan Begins

This week, roughly 25 people gathered at Borough Hall for a Conditional Use Hearing. On the docket? West Chester University’s University Campus Plan, a 10-year Master Plan outlining the proposed development of university property. Up for discussion on Monday were all items within West Chester’s Planned University Campus (PUC) district, otherwise known as the Super Block. 

The Warnings.

Party in progress, proceed with caution. Saturday afternoon, as warmer weather made its seasonal debut, the students of West Chester University were ready to celebrate. Parties were reported throughout the southeast quadrant, with notable activity documented at one known fraternity on S. Walnut St. Students from several locations poured out the back of the homes, blocking Sharon Alley to traffic, consuming beverages openly, and, in one instance, playing beer pong on the roof.

The West Chester Police Department reported they responded to several calls for loud parties, mostly in the southeast quadrant of the borough. In the 24-hour period between 6 a.m. on Saturday to 6 a.m. on Sunday, WCPD issued approximately 40 citations. Cited offenses included underage drinking, public drunkenness, harassment, disorderly conduct, public indecency, and open containers of alcohol. 

“Additional charges and/or citations are pending the outcome of investigations,” shared WCPD Chief Communications Officer Joseph Miles.

Beware of squirrels and Mylar balloons. West Chester Area School District's technology department is hoping it has a long-term solution to limit future internet, PowerSchool, and phone outages, all services that are reliant on access to the District’s fiber-optic cable network. “This particular motion I am excited for,” WCASD Director of IT John McGowan told School Board members this week. 

The way the current fiber-optic system is run, if there is a disruption in one part of the system, whether by squirrel or Mylar balloon—both of which we’ve had, notes Mr. McGowan—it can mean an outage for the entire district. 

Under a new agreement with Crown Castle Fiber approved this week, the communications infrastructure company will support an additional fiber run from the Spellman Educational Center, as well as clusters around the middle school and high schools. Now, if there is a break between one school and a cluster head, that one school would be down rather than three-quarters of the district. The new approach provides a more “resilient wide area network,” said Mr. McGowan. It also doesn’t come cheap. The agreement is for 10 years, with costs not to exceed $239,400 a year.

That water’s not where we want it. This week, the Goose Creek Alliance issued a statement on the release of chemicals into Goose Creek. The statement comes after direct talks with Atmos Technologies about the Feb. 28 incident and while GCA applauded the company for taking responsibility for the leak, they believe more can be done to assure the safety of our waterways. They ask that Atmos provide full data on the composition of the materials released, including information that is considered proprietary, better address the release of chlorine into the creek, provide independent long-term monitoring of the creek, and support watershed restoration.  “The Goose Creek Alliance remains committed to working collaboratively with Atmos, regulators, and the community to ensure the continued recovery and protection of this important watershed,” the statement concludes. 

Plan accordingly. Gay St. is under construction again. This time, it’s to improve safety conditions while the street is closed. Work includes installing bollards at Matlack, High, and Darlington Sts. It also means intermittent street closures. The first phase of work involves creating cut-ins along the curbline to make room for the bollards when the street is open. According to Downtown West Chester Executive Director John O’Brien, the current work schedule has the curb work lasting through the end of March. After which I am sure a new phase will begin. 

Fire in East Goshen. Monday afternoon, the West Chester Fire Department was called, along with the Goshen Fire Company and several other regional companies, to a house fire on the 1300 block of Troon Lane in Hershey Mill Village. Fortunately, no one was hurt, and firefighters were able to contain the blaze before it could spread. You can see a picture of the scary scene here.

The Sunshine Report.

If QVC Falters, What’s the Cost to West Goshen?

All eyes in the business world are currently on QVC, with recent reporting suggesting bankruptcy is becoming increasingly likely. The numbers behind that concern are hard to ignore: billions in debt, billions in losses, and a market value that has shrunk dramatically.

But what does that mean here at home?

According to West Goshen Township’s Finance Department, QVC accounted for approximately 4 percent of the Township’s Earned Income Tax (EIT) revenue in 2025.

Let’s translate that into real dollars:

• Total 2025 EIT Revenue: $10,830,746

• QVC’s Share (~4%): $433,230

That’s nearly half a million dollars tied to a single employer. EIT is one of the Township’s most stable and significant revenue sources, directly tied to employment. When a major employer faces uncertainty, that stability can be tested. And QVC isn’t just any employer.

According to the Township’s own financial reporting (2023), QVC is the largest employer in West Goshen, with approximately 1,622 employees, representing 7.3 percent of the Township’s top employer base. That distinction adds another layer to the conversation.

If QVC were to downsize or cease operations, the Township wouldn’t just lose a recognizable corporate presence; it would also see a measurable reduction in annual revenue. And while $430,000 may not disrupt a $20+ million budget on its own, it’s not insignificant.

West Goshen has grown its reserves by approximately $10 million over the past five years, bringing total reserves to over $20 million, roughly equivalent to the Township’s annual budget—in part due to the build-out of the Greystone development. On paper, a potential reduction in EIT revenue tied to QVC is something the Township appears well-positioned to absorb, if it comes to that. 

West Goshen’s strong reserves provide reassurance. But strong reserves don’t just provide protection; they provide opportunity.

An opportunity to take a closer look at how reliant we are on a small number of major employers, and how we plan for change before it arrives. Perhaps this is also a moment to consider additional ways to involve residents in those conversations? It seems something a citizen budget committee could help support. 

While we’re on the topic, Fortune magazine explains why QVC is now dumping all its eggs in the TikTok basket.

Keep shining! —Margie

Hello.

With the first week of spring behind us, it’s time to start thinking events. The next few months will have the return of Porchfest, the annual Spring Gallery Walk, and the 20th West Chester Film Festival—all of which we will get to in good time, but for now—and by now, I mean tomorrow—it’s time to talk bunnies. 

Goodbye.

Despite the hopes of some parents that no news was good news, the West Chester Area School District is moving forward with plans to revise the high school schedule. Under the proposed plan, the district will move from a five-day cycle with a 30-minute optional Lunch and Learn period to a four-day drop-two rotational schedule with a mandatory 60-minute Lunch and Learn period. 

WCU Borough Leaders: What Will It Take?

This is a paid message from the Committee to Protect and Respect Borough Neighborhoods ([email protected])

Another fall from a roof. More underage students hospitalized for alcohol poisoning. Higher taxes for residents to cover EMS, policing, and cleanup. Or a lawsuit when residents are forced to ask who is responsible for harm caused by out-of-control student parties.

On March 21, WCU clubs and teams hosted parties on the 500 block of South Walnut Street that grew out of control and harmed residents. By early afternoon, crowds blocked alleyways and drank openly in public streets without fear of enforcement. Students played rooftop beer pong. Others advertised food sales.

Nearly thirty years ago, Borough Council created the Neighborhood Conservation District (NC-2), which includes this block, to protect residential communities. Many student neighbors follow the rules. But even well-intentioned hosts are overrun as underage crowds flood the neighborhood following social media tips about which parties will let them in.

Saturday showed that Mayor DeBaptiste, who oversees police, must ensure violations result in citations, not warnings. Borough Council must enforce code consistently, including weekends, and review NC-2 zoning for safety and fairness.

Residents must obtain permits for large block parties, triggering safety reviews and payment for public safety services. Student group parties file only with WCU, avoiding both Borough oversight and cost.

Borough Council recently barred NC-2 residents from short-term rentals, and code officers prohibit home-based food sales. Yet some student houses have a double function as party hubs for WCU Greek Life, sports teams, and clubs.

These student groups host large events and profit from unregulated food and alcohol service. Residents cannot operate businesses from their homes. Why are WCU organizations living off campus treated differently?

It should not take a tragedy to fix what we already know is broken. Contact Mayor DeBaptiste and Borough Council today.

The Accolades.

More than forty years after West Chester University last won a national boxing title, a group of former champions returned to campus to help rebuild the once great program.

“It kind of died out towards the end of the ’90s,” said Ray Fernandez, a three-time national collegiate boxing champion and one of the leaders behind the program’s revival. “No one was really carrying it along or taking over the club to make sure it stayed relevant. It just fell apart.”

Now working with the Recreational Sports Department and a group of motivated students, including club president Max Zampirri and Emani Edwards, WCU’s first female boxer, the alumni are well on their way to reestablishing the club for the modern era. 

Last summer, Max represented WCU at an invitational at Lock Haven University. It was the first time in 35 years that a Golden Ram competed in a collegiate match.

“It was historic,” said Ray. “After all this time, to see someone wearing the West Chester uniform again, it gave me chills.”

Over the course of their first season back, the Golden Rams have shown they are not just here to show up. They want to win. After solid performances over the winter months, six WCU boxers qualified for the Eastern Regional Collegiate Boxing Championships at the University of Connecticut earlier this month. 

In the novice division, Emani, competing in the 132-pound weight class, defeated UConn’s Delaney Denno by unanimous decision. It was WCU’s first-ever win by a female boxer. 

“It felt amazing to represent my school, especially as the first female boxer,” said Emani. “It was a proud moment, and it showed that all the hard work and training paid off.”

WCU also sent five boxers to the main tournament event, with two emerging as champions. Max prevailed at 147 pounds, and Julius Greene won the heavyweight bout.

“The whole experience was awesome, especially having so many guys down there supporting each other,” said Max. Both Max and Julius will be back in the ring April 9–11 for the NCBA National Championships in Charlotte.

Congratulations to the WCU Boxing Club, and a big shout-out to HWC intern Sophie Stair for her reporting on this story. If you would like to do a deep dive on the program, you can read Sophie’s pieces here, here, and here. 

Other things we are celebrating this week. 

$1 million donated. Congratulations to the West Chester Rotary Club on donating more than $1 million to the Rotary International Foundation. In addition to the nonprofits the club supports locally, this allows them to have a hand in advancing sustainable projects worldwide. “Took us 100 years, literally, but we got there,” said Rotary Board member Jeff Cantwell. You can read more about the milestone here. 

Hey batta, batta, schwinnnng batta. WCU Senior pitcher Julian Costa became the university’s all-time strikeout leader on Friday, after recording his 243rd career swing-and-a-miss during the Golden Rams’ home opener on Friday. The previous record was set by Frank Gailey during the 2007 season. “I had the pleasure of playing with the previous record holder, Frank Gailey, and the fact that this record has stood as long as it has speaks to what a tremendous milestone it is for Julian,” said WCU head coach Mike LaRosa. A feat that is only going to get tougher for future Rams, as there is still plenty of season left to add to that number. (With reporting by Sophie Stair.) 

Exceptional policing. A shoutout this week to the Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department on receiving the Agency Trilogy Award from the FBI-Law Enforcement Executive Development Association. According to the FBI-LEEDA website, the Agency Trilogy Award recognizes public safety agencies whose entire Command Staff have completed the group’s comprehensive leadership series. The nonprofit’s executive director Jacques Battiste called the undertaking a “real commitment.” You can read more about the award and the WEGO police force in the Daily Local News. 

Most clicked. Well, the Borough should be excited. The most-clicked link in last week’s newsletter was to sign up for the Borough Bulletin, West Chester’s new monthly newsletter. If you missed it last week and would like it again, here you go. 

Pay it Forward.

Here she comes, Miss Amazing. Pennsylvania Miss Amazing is a nonprofit group offering girls and women with disabilities a chance to participate in pageant-style events, and this year, they are coming to West Chester University. Unlike traditional pageants, this is less about fancy gowns and swimsuit competitions and more about sharing passions, making friends, and celebrating each other. 

“While Miss Amazing may be pageant style, it is primarily a confidence-building experience for girls and women with disabilities,” says the organization’s PA state director Taylor Boyle. “Every participant is celebrated for who they are rather than compared to others. There is no ranking system. Each participant receives a crown, and the focus is on building self-esteem, fostering friendships, and creating a sense of belonging.” 

Pennsylvania Miss Amazing’s Amplify Weekend is taking place April 11 and 12, at West Chester University’s Sykes Student Union. Pennsylvania Miss Amazing is open to girls and women ages 5 to 36+ with an IEP, IPP, 504 Plan, SSI, or physician-documented disability.

Know someone who may like to participate? They can apply here. If you would like to get involved, the group is currently seeking help knocking a few items off their Amazon Wishlist. I think I sense a theme. 

Other ways to give back this week: 

Lace up your sneakers and run with the Easter Bunny in support of the Care Center Foundation. Sign up for this year’s inaugural run here.

Get your early bird tickets to play trivia. West Chester Sunrise Rotary Club is hosting its annual trivia night event on May 15, and tickets are on sale now. Get them early, and not only do you get to support a great organization while having a great time, you can save a little money doing it. Tickets for a table of eight are $240 through the end of the month. 

Help preserve a mural. West Chester Public Arts Commission is conducting a survey on the importance of public arts to the community. Have a minute, or three? Take it here. 

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? Our weekends of sports-free bliss are ending. Soon we will be back dotting the sidelines of a whole variety of West Chester fields, but first, I am doing something for me. On Sunday, I will be playing in a Grow the Game Fundraiser at No Limit Sports in King of Prussia. All proceeds from the event go to supporting the new local high school boys’ volleyball programs. 

If you are not planning to spend your weekend in the gym or hunting eggs, here are a few more things to look forward to. Country dance fans - Brickette Lounge is hosting a rodeo disco tonight. Uptown has a buy-one-get-one-half-off special running on Mamma Mania tickets for you ABBA fans, and if yesterday’s opening day win has all you Phillies fans excited for a new season, Jawn Supply is restocked with all the gear you should need. If you’re more of a gadget and card aficionado, you’ll want to hit up Monkey Fish Toys. 

Make note there is a No Kings Rally planned for Saturday, it will take place at the Historic Courthouse from 1 to 2 p.m. There are no street closures planned but police are expected to be on hand.

Finally, special thanks to this week’s Community Sponsor, Hazley Builders. Hazley Builders | Architects and Hazley Commercial Construction provide integrated design and construction services, with decades of 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. 28 - Bunny Run 5K and 2K walk, 10 Church St. 8 a.m. $35/registration fee. Race proceeds benefit the Care Center Foundation. All fitness levels welcome. Easter Bunny expected. This is the first time for this event.

• Mar. 28  - West Chester Easter Egg Hunt, Everhart Park, 10 a.m. Different hunts for ages 2-5 and 5+ This event is free and open to the public.

• Mar. 28 - Westtown Township Egg Hike, Oakbourne Park, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Registration opens Mar. 3. Open to Westtown residents only. This event is FULL - waitlist available for residents.

• Mar. 28, 29 - Easter Bunny Express, West Chester Historic Railroad, 10 a.m., 12 p.m. or 2 p.m. Hop aboard the West Chester Railroad Easter Bunny Express for a festive 90-minute round-trip adventure from West Chester to Glen Mills and back. Features live music and an appearance by the Easter Bunny. Tickets: $35/adults; $30/kids; $15 toddlers

• Mar. 28 - Photos with Mr. & Mrs. Bunny, Brandywine Ace Pet & Farm, 12 - 2 p.m. Bring your camera for a free pic with the Mr & Mrs. Bunny. Kids and pets welcome. 

• Mar. 28 - WCU Live! Presents The Doo Wop Project, WCU Philips Memorial Building, 7 p.m. The Doo Wop Project captures and delivers the classic sounds of the guys who, back in the day, harmonized with each other on stoops, in the subway, and on street corners, and they have also created a unique, exciting, fun way to “Doowop-ify” today's biggest hits. Tickets: $26 - 36.50 depending on location. 

• Mar. 30 - Junior Detectives Club, West Chester Public Library, 5:30 -6:30 p.m. Explore the Nazca Lines of Peru. How were they created? Why were they created? What purpose do they serve? Open to kids 8 -12. Registration required. 

• Mar. 31 - Spring Story Time Registration opens, WCPL website. 10 a.m.

• Apr. 1 - How the Body Works, West Chester Public Library, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. This 10-week program exploring how the body works is open to kids ages 8 to 13. This is session 5 - The 5 Senses. Registration is required for each class and opens a week before.

• Apr. 3-5 - Goshen Fire Company: Spring Flower Sale, Station 56, Boot & Greenhill Rds. Choose from potted plants, hanging plants, and more.  

• Apr. 4 - West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut, 10 a.m. - noon.

• Apr. 4 - First Presbyterian Easter Egg Hunt, Everhart Park, 10 a.m. This is a free community event.  

• Apr. 4 - Easter Bunny Express, West Chester Historic Railroad, 10 a.m., 12 p.m. or 2 p.m. Hop aboard the West Chester Railroad Easter Bunny Express for a festive 90-minute round-trip adventure from West Chester to Glen Mills and back. Features live music and an appearance by the Easter Bunny. Tickets: $35/adults; $30/kids; $15 toddlers

• Apr. 6 - Chair Yoga, West Chester Public Library, 10 -10:45 a.m. Chair yoga is an all-inclusive practice that uses a chair as a supportive tool in modified yoga poses. Registration recommended. Walk-ins welcome as long as space allows. 

• Apr. 6 - Valley Forge Audubon Society Presents: All About Owls, West Chester Public Library, 3:30 -4:30 p.m. Open to grades 6 - 12. And sorry, there will be no live owls in the library. Registration required. 

• Apr. 7 - Teen/Tween Tuesday: Using Pastels, West Chester Public Library, 4:30 - 6 p.m. Open to ages 11 - 18. Registration required. 

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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