West Chester Weekly News Roundup: May 23, 2025

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It’s Friday, May 23, 2025: Happy Memorial Day weekend! I am not going to lie, this near mid-May date is throwing me off, but if they say we’re off on Monday, I’m here for it. Last Friday, West Chester was nailed with a cloudburst storm - nearly 2” of rain in one hour. The streets weren’t ready. Will they ever be? I spoke with the President of the Goose Creek Alliance on what it’s going to take to make some real progress against flooding. Plus, election results, elementary school changes, and Wawa wins. 

The weather may say otherwise, but pools open this weekend. Grab yourself something tropical, and let’s catch up. 

From around the state: Penn State approved the closure of seven campuses. Kind of makes you wonder where those students are going to go? 

Open the Flood Plains

Last Friday, West Chester Borough had an extreme version of what has become a rather regular occurrence: the east side flooded. After an hour of intense rainfall, Gay St. was left impassable, while Montgomery Ave. and Franklin St. resembled rivers with flood waters rushing through and stranded vehicles sitting like rocks mid make-shift stream. 

Why does this keep happening? According to Goose Creek Alliance President Mike Dunn, the problem actually dates back to the earliest farming cultures and their ill-conceived use of mill dams to grind that grain. These dams buried the natural floodplains and led to a buildup of sediment.  Of course, allowing developers to build on top of Goose Creek didn’t help either. So, while on most calm days the water flow manages along as a small stream, it remains still a body of water looking for a streambed. Which is exactly what it did on Friday. 

Design Series: Make the Most of the Home You Love

This may surprise you: it’s a good time to consider a remodeling project. Despite some economic uncertainty due to the fluctuating tariff situation, our phones are busy here at Spring Creek Design. Here’s why:

• Mortgage rates have stabilized, and most homeowners locked in low rates years ago. That makes it more appealing to invest in your home rather than moving to a new one with potentially higher financing costs.

• The supply chain issues that plagued the construction industry during the pandemic have largely eased. This means better availability of materials and a more predictable renovation process.

• Home equity in our area remains strong, offering an easy financing option. And at Spring Creek we offer financing based on the value of your home after renovation. This provides the most money and the lowest monthly payment compared to other types of loans.

• Most importantly, remodeling enhances your quality of life, adapting your space to evolving family needs and creating a home that’s more fun to live in.

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

The Warnings.

Cement blocks 2, bollards 0. This week, West Chester Borough voted again to reject bids to install bollards on Gay St. The 12” round moveable steel poles would replace the cement blocks and wayward vehicles currently marking the start of the street closure. The bollards would also increase security, convenience, and aesthetic appeal. The Borough received three bids, all similar for labor and parts, and all significantly over budget. It seems the cost of the proprietary closure system manufactured in the UK has skyrocketed since estimates were gathered earlier this year. In rejecting the bids, the Borough will need to explore ways to reduce project costs. This could include using alternatives to the original system or breaking up the project into smaller parts. Borough Manager Sean Mettrick is confident his team can secure a new set of bids within the next two months. The Borough, working on a recommendation from West Chester’s business district, is targeting a January 12 start date for installation. If the parts must come from overseas, that timeline could be tight.    

Put your phone down in the car and leave it there. West Goshen Police are reminding residents Paul Miller’s Law goes into effect June 5. This law extends the current texting while driving ban to include the use of any handheld device for any function (calls, texts, emails, navigation) while driving. Use is defined as pressing more than one button while using a hand, or other supporting body part to hold the device. Also, illegal under the law? Hunting for that dropped phone while driving, and using the device while stopped at a traffic signal. Hands-free devices are still allowed. If this is not an option for you, pull over safely to the side of the road before making or answering that call. Emergency exceptions are allowed. You can find more info on the new law here.  

That’s bad karma, guys. Westown-East Goshen Police arrested three gentlemen wanted for stealing clothing from the donation bins at the Goshen Village Shopping Center. The Maryland men weren’t just attempting to make off with a shirt or two; they filled an entire Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van with dozens of bags of used clothing. Working with West Goshen police, WEGO recovered and returned the stolen clothing to the intended charity.

Trash changes, they are a-coming. West Chester Borough Council voted 5-0  to amend Chapter 62 – Garbage, Rubbish, and Refuse after a Public Hearing on the topic this week. The new ordinance does require changes to private and public collections, especially if your trash is picked up along an alley. You can find the final revised ordinance here, the Cliff Notes version of the changes here.   

It’s time to wrap things up. Attention monthly garage parkers, West Chester Borough Council voted this week to modify monthly parking hours for daily parkers from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Anyone needing extra time in the Borough can use the 24/7 rate. Consider this the Borough looking out for your work/life balance.

The Accolades.

Results are in for this week’s primary races. With no headline-grabbing national races and few contested local races, let’s just say there’s little drama in this report. Still, congratulations are in order, and it’s likely you know at least one of these individuals, so give them your best next time you see them. 

Curious why some events are covered and others not? Most likely because someone let me know they were happening. Have a shout-out? Let me know at [email protected] or fill out this handy form.  

Hello.

Goodbye.

Next week, we will say goodbye to more than 20 educators - all members of this year’s retiring class. Teacher turnover can be a mixed-emotion time for parents and students. Beloved favorites versus eager young educators, but what if the next generation is not ready and waiting?  According to Teach Plus Pennsylvania, the state has seen a 75 percent drop in new teachers over the past decade while turnover among existing educators is at an all-time high. 

"Pennsylvania is facing a dire teacher shortage crisis," Teach Plus Pennsylvania Executive Director Laura Boyce said at a roundtable discussion held last Friday morning at West Chester University. The point of the panel was not only to raise awareness about the teacher shortage but to highlight solutions, particularly a successful student teacher stipend program started two years ago by the state. 

“Without action, we risk failing an entire generation of students. While we can't lose sight of the scale of the crisis, there are also reasons to be optimistic,” she added.

In 2023, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed into law Act 33. The amendment to the Public School Code of 1949 created an educator pipeline support grant program, which provides $10,000 stipends to student teachers, a previously often unpaid position. Eager applicants quickly drained the program, originally funded at $10 million. In 2024, the legislature agreed to double that, and now the governor would like to see it doubled again. 

"Right now, we have thousands of teacher vacancies across Pennsylvania, but we can solve that by increasing our support for student teacher stipends,” he said when visiting an elementary school earlier this year. Two days later, the grant applications opened.  The program received 3,000 requests in the first 24 hours, gutting the program in less than a day. 

In his 2025-2026 budget, Gov. Shapiro is asking for $40 million for the popular program. (The PA State Education Association would like to see it funded at $50 million.)  

Farewell, Walgreens. Beleaguered national pharmacy Walgreens announced it would close 500 “underperforming” stores across the country including in West Chester. The stores are being closed to stabilize the company’s main retail pharmacy business. The E. Street Rd. store closed for good yesterday, leaving only the store at 300 E. Bradford Ave. locally. 

Finally, a sad goodbye this week. Matt Clair, the Ace Hardware manager and father of four, passed away unexpectedly this week. Just 46, his death has shocked many in the community. “If you ever shopped at the Ace Hardware on Strasburg Road - you probably saw or talked to Matt,” one resident shared on the West Chester Community Facebook page. Now, friends and neighbors are rallying around his heartbroken family.

Matt had battled kidney disease for many years, leaving him uninsurable and his family without a safety net. A GoFundMe has been set up to support his family, including wife Mary Kate and their four young children.     

“We are starting this fund to help ease the financial stress of this devastating transition,” organizer Katie Koons wrote. “Our goal is to support their immediate needs as they adjust to life without Matt.” 

So, far they have raised $132,000 toward their goal of $200,000.  

“Please keep their family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this incredibly challenging time,” she added. 

A visitation for Matt is being held on Tuesday at St. Agnes. If you would like to contribute to the GoFundMe, you can do that here. 

Pay it Forward.

The West Chester Borough Walking Club would like to take its meeting and greeting on the road this summer. The informal club, started earlier this year to help neighbors get to know each other better, meets twice weekly at a rotating collection of starting points for a moderate mile one to two-mile walk.

This summer, group founder Cassie Shankweiler wants to get the West Chester business community in on the action, setting up a series of Walk and Shop events. Each event will offer a private shopping experience and a discount for walkers.  

“As a longtime resident of the Borough, I frequent these local stores regularly and have cultivated strong relationships with many of the business owners,” said Cassie. She used these relationships to bring members (aka anyone who shows up for the walks) exclusive, curated shopping experiences.

“My hope is that our events foster a genuine sense of community among members—creating opportunities to connect with more people while also introducing them to the unique offerings of our downtown businesses,” she added.

The first Walk and Shop event is on Wednesday at the Green House. Members interested in attending should meet at the Green House at 5:30 p.m. There will be a walk followed by a private shopping event (with a 15 percent discount.) There is no official membership to the West Chester Borough Walking Club, just follow on social media and show up for a walk when you’re free.

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? After a week+ of single parenting, I am planning on celebrating the long weekend with a little gardening, a little pool (adjacent) time, and a whole lot of not doing much.

It’s shaping up to be a be quiet one in the Borough. Always a good time to explore downtown. Need some ideas? I’m hearing good things about Ice Cream West Chester (just so long as they can keep the machinery working.) Rose’s Little Donuts is back open and debuting some new flavors this weekend - not sure cotton candy crunch is my jam, but the vanilla cinnamon sounds good. Gemelli Gelato also has a new flavor - they’re calling it dirt, Mae’s has a new summer seafood menu, and Penn’s Table is ready to get this weekend started. They are hosting a Yappy Hour tonight from 4 - 6 p.m. expect drink specials and dog treats. Yes, furry friends are welcome. Then on Saturday, Highland Orchard is hosting its annual Harvest Season Kickoff party. Come out for strawberry picking and the opening of the Levante Beer Garden.   

And a perfectly timed Community Sponsor for you. A very special thank you to TG Customs. TG Customs specializes in custom-built camper van conversions. They also have the cutest little custom tear-drop available for rent. Elevate your next outdoor experience with this fully loaded pull-behind camper. Follow them on Instagram for rental information and to catch all the amazing transformations.

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:

• May 24 - West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut Streets, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• May 24 - 25 - Harvest Season Kickoff, Highland Orchards, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. (5 p.m. Sunday) Levante Beer Garden opens, food trucks, face painting, pony rides and more.

• May 28 - 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.

• May 29 - Speakeasy Beer Garden, Chester County History Center, 5 - 8 p.m. Rescheduled from 5/15 Live music by Brent Christopher. Food and drink available through Saloon 151. The beer garden is free and open to the public.

• May 29 - Concert in the Park, Hoopes Park, 6:30 p.m.

• May 30 - Yoga Storytime, West Chester Public Library, 10:30 - 11 a.m. Kids 2 to 6. Registration opens May 23. 

• May 30 - Summer Pop-up Beer Garden: Heather Shaw, Uptown Theater, 5 p.m. Get ready to laugh out loud before the main event with comedian Heather Shaw! Beer Garden events precede the main show and are free to attend.

• May 31 - West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut Streets, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• May 31 - Penn Fusion Cares 5K, Church and Market St., 9:30 a.m. The Fusion 5K Charity Run provides an opportunity for club members, friends & family, and the greater West Chester community to support local charities. Cost: $35

• June 3 - Henderson Graduation

• June 4 - Rustin Graduation

• June 4 - 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. 

• June 5 - East Graduation

• June 5 - Trail Blazer Run, CCWA Paradice Farms, 1300 Valley Creek Rd., 6 p.m.  Choose one of three options: the 5 mile run, the 5K run, or the 1.5 mile fun run. Registration: $15/for the fun run; $25 for the 5K/5 mi. All proceeds go to support East Bradford Parks. 

Looking for more summer fun ideas? The Spring/Summer event guide has all the must dos. Plus, the handy event list.

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 have an Memorial Day! Thanks to everyone who helped make this week’s issue possible. I couldn’t do it without your support. I’ll see you next week!

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