West Chester Weekly News Roundup: May 30, 2025

The easiest way to be in the know.

Upgrade | Hello podcast

It’s Friday, May 30, 2025: Happy Friday! This week, we look at how West Chester’s zoning code is failing us. While we all want happy little trees and charming streetscapes, the Zoning Code has made our favorite row homes illegal to build. West Chester’s Planning Commission would like to change that. In a new presentation, they explain how we get back to human-scale building and away from block-wide apartment complexes. Plus, ER wait times, teacher goodbyes, new outdoor dining options, and the West Chester Area School Board approves its budget - and another tax increase.

Who’s ready? Let’s catch up.    

Correction: Last week, I shared the West Chester Area School Board voted unanimously to add the new position of Elementary Assistant Principal - which they did, however, they did not approve adding them to all 11 elementary schools. I got this email over the weekend: 

“I apologize for the Sunday email, but we’ve had a few people reach out to the district regarding the mention of the elementary assistant principal positions in your newsletter. It’s actually only two elementary assistant principal positions that were approved, not one for each school,” Manager of District Communication Molly Schwemler wrote. 

Sorry, about that, everyone. Who’s getting the extra help has not been announced yet, expect that by the end of summer. 

“We’re carefully reviewing which elementary schools would benefit most from this added support,” said Molly. In making that decision, the District is reviewing building size, student population, Title I designations, and those schools offering additional programming, such as emotional support or services for English Learners. 

Also, know that there is no plan to add assistant principals to all schools. 

“At this time, we don’t plan to place an assistant principal in every elementary school. Instead, we’re focusing on adding support in buildings where these roles can best meet current needs, align with district initiatives, and where existing principals can serve as mentors,” said Molly.

From around the state: New PA bills would ban schools from purchasing or serving food containing certain synthetic food dyes, but allow them to serve whole milk. 

The West Chester Streetscape is Being Destroyed on a Foundation of Good Intentions

Last week, West Chester Planning Commission member Thomas Dougherty gave a presentation to Borough Council and carefully explained, if our goal is to ensure “new development contributes to the small town character of the Borough,” as is stated in our Comprehensive Plan, we are failing. It is a presentation Mr. Dougherty has given before - pretty much to anyone who will listen.  It is, however, a presentation that bears repeating. And perhaps, there is no better audience for it than Borough Council.  

He started his talk by going back to the West Chester Comprehensive Plan. For those without a municipal planning background, the Comp Plan is a long-term, strategic document designed to guide growth and development by outlining the community’s vision for the future, including the types of development it would like to see. Often these guides are created, fueled by grant funds and good intentions, only to be cast aside and left to collect dust while the document with teeth and legal ramifications, the Zoning Code, drives the conversation. West Chester’s Planning Commission, to its credit, doesn’t want to see that happen. 

“This Planning Commission is trying to be a little more proactive,” Thomas told Council Members last Thursday night.

So, what does the Comp Plan say we want? 

Good question. According to West Chester’s Strategic Plan, when it comes to housing and land use, the primary goals are to “ensure that new development contributes to the small-town character of the Borough, and provide for a range of housing types to support different types of households and a range of income levels.” 

I think I know the answer to this one, but how are we doing at that? 

It’s not good. Here are a couple of recent projects graded against the stated objectives of the Comp Plan

The Warnings.

Bring a book. According to a recent analysis of CMS data by the Philadelphia Inquirer, a typical visit to Chester County Hospital ER could cost up to four hours of your life. The multi-hour wait is the 9th-longest in the Philadelphia area, and significantly higher than the national average of 2 hours and 40 minutes. It’s not all bad news, though. Wait times are actually down 26 minutes from 2023. 

Average ER Wait times: 

• National average: 2 hours 40 minutes

• Pennsylvania average: 3 hours 3 minutes

• Philadelphia-area average: 3 hours 30 minutes

• Chester County Hospital average: 4 hours

Police force justified. After reviewing the facts in the April 13 shooting incident, the Chester County Attorney’s Office has determined West Chester Police Corporal Andrew Hill was justified in taking the actions he did. The review stemmed from a Sunday afternoon S. Church St. shootout. After answering the door to find Officer Hill and Sgt. David Hammond at his third-floor apartment, suspect William McGillian grabbed a gun and fired shots at the retreating officers. It was determined that Mr. McGillian shot twice before Officer Hill returned fire. The officers were called to the property as part of a requested well-check.   

Porch pirate on the loose. Last weekend, West Chester police were notified of numerous packages stolen from Borough properties. Fortunately, at least one door camera got a pretty good picture of the prime suspect as he took a break from his duties. (I guess package theft is tiring work.) If you can identify the suspect, let Officer Ensor know at 610-696-2700.

Dined and dashed. West Chester Borough Police Department is seeking assistance identifying the two individuals seen in these photos (scroll right to see all images). The young men are wanted for leaving Santino’s Tap and Table on May 25 without paying their bills. If you have any information about the individuals or the incident, contact WCPD at 610-696-2700.  

It was a busy Memorial Day for West Chester's first responders. West Chester police, fire, and Goodfellowship Ambulance were called out to a two-car accident on Hannum Ave. on Monday morning and a building fire on S. Church St. that evening. I am hoping everyone else had an emergency-free holiday. Fortunately, the action, especially as it related to crashes and deaths, was down overall.  

PECO is coming to the Borough’s southwest quadrant. PECO will be installing new underground pipes starting next week. Crews will be working on Dean St. from S. Wayne to Church St., and on Wayne from Union to Price St. Work is expected to be finished by the end of October (Yay.) If you live on the aforementioned streets, you may want to read this in its entirety. 

West Goshen services under review. West Goshen is seeking community feedback regarding a couple of local services, starting with trash collection. The township has reportedly received an increased number of complaints that service provider Republic Services has skipped service to some areas. If you have had a scheduled trash or recycling collection missed recently, West Goshen wants to know, even if the situation was resolved. Contact Recycling Coordinator Lisa Covatta ([email protected]) with details. Also, under review, the Township’s cable operator. West Goshen Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on June 3, reviewing the past performance of its Verizon services. The hearing is part of the franchise renewal process. 

Put your phone down in the car and leave it there. In case you weren’t paying attention the first time, Westtown East Goshen Police would like to remind you that Paul Miller’s Law goes into effect on Monday. 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. It also bans hunting for that dropped phone while driving. Use of hands-free devices and emergency exceptions are allowed. Otherwise, safely pull off to the side of the road first before using your mobile devise. You can find more information on the new law here.  

Follow news sources you can trust. In researching a story this week, I came across the website Citizen Portal.  It uses AI to summarize public meetings. And while its mission of transparency and empowerment is admirable, the articles are riddled with errors. (See AI, this job is not as easy as it looks.) 

The Accolades.

It can’t be easy being first. Especially when being first relies on you opening a part of your private life up to nationwide scrutiny (and online trolls), but on June 21, 2021, that’s exactly what Carl Nassib did. The West Chester-native and Raiders’ defensive end told his 300,000 Instagram followers he was gay. While hardly a jaw-dropping proclamation in most scenarios in 2021, it was a first for the NFL.  

"I just wanted to take a quick moment to say that I'm gay,”  he wrote.  “I've been meaning to do this for a while now, but finally feel comfortable getting it off my chest... I’m a pretty private person. So, I hope you guys know I am not doing this for attention. I just think representation and visibility are so important.” 

Well, Carl will soon be representing in one of America’s most hallowed halls. The Smithsonian has announced that his #94 Raiders jersey will be added to its archives.  

“To have my jersey in the Smithsonian is something I never expected, something I never really worked for, wasn't really a goal of mine,” he told Newsweek last week. "It's just something that came up and I'm super thankful for. I think it's an homage to all the people in my community that came before me that put me in a position to be able to come out and be able to play the sport that I love and be who I was all day, every day."

Congratulations, Carl. We’re proud to be a little part of that community. 

Keep calm and carry on. Yesterday, the PIAA District 1 baseball tournament ended in dramatic fashion, and one West Chester team was on the mound for it. When I left you last week, Henderson was getting ready to face off against the 2-seed Methacton for a chance to advance to the semifinals. The Warriors never trailed but gave up three runs in the bottom of the sixth to make it interesting. Tied 4-4 going into the eighth, Henderson’s Alex Cortez connected with a fastball down the middle to score the go-ahead run. The lead held, and the Warriors advanced to the semifinals, where they took down 6th-seeded Neshaminy to advance to yesterday’s final against 8th-seeded North Penn. Tied 1-1 after six innings, things took a sour turn in the seventh as Henderson’s relievers struggled, giving up 6 runs in the inning. The Warriors would never recover. Final 7-1, North Penn. Henderson starts PIAA 6A state tournament play on Monday.

Proving they are not to be underestimated, West Chester East’s girls’ softball team first toppled 10th-seeded Unionville, then 2nd-seeded Rustin, and finally 3rd-seeded Springfield before taking up their bats to face top-seeded Marple Newtown in Thursday’s championship round. Unfortunately, again, the game would not end the way West Chester fans wanted. After taking the region’s top team to extra innings, the game ended in the ninth on a two-run walk-off home run by Marple Newtown freshman Kirsten Adams. “This is disappointing, but I know we’ll be ready to go Monday to make a run at a state title,” East coach Bobby Swier told the paper. The Vikings will face the District 12 champion. 

Also, qualifying for state play - Rustin’s Boys Lacrosse team and Henderson’s Girls Lacrosse team. Lacrosse state play begins on Tuesday.

Speaking of maintaining composure during challenging times, it’s high fives to West Chester University’s Derrick Lukomski Pizzo on his 17th-place finish at Friday’s Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Colorado State-Pueblo. Perhaps it was National meet jitters. Perhaps it was jet lag. The senior discus thrower fouled on his first two attempts. Fortunately, he regrouped on that last one, landing a toss of 161’-3”. It wasn’t enough to move him to the finals, but it was enough to score him in the top 20 of Division II athletes. 

How ya like dem apples? Shout out this week to Henderson's Academic Team. The Warriors reached the semifinals of the High School National Quiz Tournament in Atlanta over the weekend, placing fourth out of 336 teams. The Henderson team is made up of Aidan Anderson (captain), Peter Kennedy, Siddarth Sumesh, Kyle Meade, and Vijay Nair and is coached by Henderson teachers Brian Johnson and Mary Sweeney. Fourth place is the highest finish in the competition by any school in Chester County - ever. Nicely done, boys.

Sticking with smart cookies for a minute longer, I also wanted to extend a round of applause to East’s Academic Team. While they did not defend last year’s state academic competition title, they buzzed their way through a pretty good run, finishing third in the county and fourth in the state. Special shout-out to East’s Eliot Rufe, Henderson’s Aidan Anderson, and Rustin’s Arden Messinger; all were named 2024-2025 Chester County Academic Competition MVPs. 

Too cool for school. Let’s bow down this week to Alicia Schiele. The Henderson math teacher was voted the “coolest” teacher on staff by students. The selection was made as part of WMMR’s Preston and Steve Show’s annual Coolest Teacher competition.  

Eating your cake and baking it too. Finally, congratulations this week to The Master’s Baker on W. Gay St. The longtime confectionery is celebrating 55 years of, well, celebrating you. “What started with Jerie Weldon baking cakes for friends and family in 1970 has grown into a thriving business where traditions are baked daily, creativity is always rising, and every cake tells a story…Thank you to our amazing team, loyal customers, and community—you’ve made this milestone possible,” they shared on Instagram.  

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.

It’s that time of year again, when we say goodbye to another class of retiring teachers. This year, we bid a fond farewell to 19 educators. There are five English teachers, three health teachers, two special ed teachers, and one each in Math, Art, Music, Family Consumer Sciences, 3rd grade, and Kindergarten. Combined, they have dedicated 433 years of their lives to instilling a love of learning and educating the kiddos of this district on everything from shoe tying to advanced equations. Thank you, teachers. I, for one, could not do what you do. 

Exton Elementary:

• Susan Kelly, Special Education Teacher, 8 years in the district

Glen Acres:

• Lisa Howe, Reading Specialist, (effective Nov. 28),19 years in the district

Hillsdale:

• Lisa Williams, Special Education Teacher, 35 years in the district

• Joanne Lepage, Health/Physical Education Teacher, 22 years in the district

Mary C. Howse:

• Francis Mark Fabian, 3rd Grade Teacher, 35 years in the district 

Westtown Thornbury: 

• Marian Barcusky, Kindergarten Teacher, 16 years in the district
  

Fugett: 

• Reginald (Reggie) Washington, Health Teacher, 36 years in the district 

• Cynthia Westley, English Teacher, 18 years in the district

Peirce: 

• Sharon Dean, ELA Teacher, (effective Dec. 23), 18 years in the district 

• Ann Ellis, Music Teacher (Rustin HS/Peirce), 25 years in the district

Stetson: 

• Robin McWilliams, ELD/Gifted Teacher, 35 years in the district 

• Cynthia Claffey, English Teacher, 19 years in the district 

Henderson: 

• Marion Jackson, Spanish Teacher, 31 years in the district

• Catherine Logothetis, FCS Teacher, 25 years in the district

East: 

• Collette Keenan, English Teacher, 23 years in the district 

• Christina Maurer, Art Teacher, 22 years in the district 

• Mary Maguire, English Teacher, 8 years in the district

• Susan Johnson, Math Teacher, 17 years in the district

Rustin: 

• John Alvanitakis, Health/PE Teacher, 21 years in the district 

• Ann Ellis, Music Teacher(Rustin/Peirce), 25 years in the district

Admin

In addition to the teachers above, there are a few other familiar faces around the District who are also ready to bolt with this year’s final bell. 

• Dr. Jeffrey Ulmer, Director of Human Resources, 31 years in the district.

• Mark Grothmann, Athletic Trainer at East, 23 years in the district. 

• Constance Rosenberger, School Librarian at Peirce, 21 years in the district. 

Speaking of school district goodbyes, West Chester Area School Board agreed on Wednesday to part with some funds, voting 6 to 1 to approve the 2025 - 2026 school budget. The $333,879,499 budget reflects a roughly $11.5 million or 3.57 percent increase over the 2024-25 budget. 

Staff salaries and benefits represent the largest portion of the budget at $217 million or 65 percent.  According to a statement from the District, the budget includes more than $1 million in new staffing to help personalize instruction, expand access to student services, and enhance wellness efforts.

It also includes $4.86 million in mandated increases (for those counting, that accounts for just about $6 million of the added $11 million.) 

While the preliminary budget proposal called for a 3.4 percent tax increase for Chester County and a 3.5 percent increase for Delaware County, the Finance Committee was able to find some additional savings, resulting in a $212,000 decrease in the budget gap and a final 2.9 percent tax increase for both counties. 

The budget and the millage rate increase were both approved 6-1. Director Stacey Whomsely voted against both measures. She did not give a reason for her vote. 

In the statement outlining the changes, the district did say that the administration is actively working to identify alternative revenue sources to reduce the need for future tax increases. TBD as to exactly what that would look like. 

Local Church Opens Gym for Area Youth

Advent Lutheran Church, www.Adventwc.net, is opening its gym for fun gatherings for area youth.  In addition to a Gym, the church has a game room for youth.  Laser Tag is also sometimes offered.  Pizza and Ice Cream is served along with beverages, and the event is FREE!  The next event is this Saturday, May 31.  Two sessions are offered!

• 5-7 PM features KICKBALL, for 5th grade through 7th grade

• 7-9 PM features BASKETALL, for 8th through Senior High students

We will share a prayer surrounding the meal.

RSVP by Emailing [email protected]

Also, email questions!

**This is a sponsored post**

Pay it Forward

Ways to give back this week: 

Grab an extra sunscreen. While you’re busy stocking up on summer essentials, why not throw a few extras in your cart? Safe Harbor is holding a Summer Essentials Drive and could use a few more hats, sandals, lightweight clothing, sunscreen, bug spray, and reusable water bottles. Add to your cart and then contact them at 610-692-6550 to arrange a drop-off time. 

Recycle those yard signs. Have any campaign signs from last Tuesday’s (or last fall’s) election cluttering your garage (not still in your yard, right)? It’s time to free yourself of the ghosts of elections past and responsibly get rid of those babies. Keep Chester County Beautiful is hosting a campaign sign recycling event. They are collecting old signs at the Government Service Center on Westtown Rd. through today. 

Preserve your property for future families. Going above and beyond to stay true to your home’s historic character? You can get a plaque for that. Reminder, it’s your last chance to nominate your property for a Preservation Award. Nomination period closes June 10.

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? We have a rare double-date night planned. We are meeting at Bierhaul for a pre-show marg, then heading to Uptown to see the comedy of Heather Shaw. Hope she’s as funny as promised - and the rain leaves us alone. 

If you are around this weekend and feeling fancy, Jolene’s has a new Apertif hour from 4 to 6 p.m. (Wonder if French Happy Hours come with drink specials too? Looks yum in the picture.) Also, the West Chester Public Library is hosting Trivia on the Terrace tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. The $5 entry fee will get you access to the fun and free snacks. There will also be a cash bar available. But what’s not happening tonight, is Uptown’s Beer Garden. It was cancelled because of the weather. Then on Saturday, Turks Head Cafe is celebrating three years in the Borough with live music and plenty of caffeine, and if you’ve got some sick of being cooped up kids, Advent Lutheran is hosting Teen’s Night Out. It’s open to kids from fifth through high school.

Looking ahead, high school graduation is next week. Henderson kicks things off on Tuesday, followed by Rustin on Wednesday, and East on Thursday. West Chester Taps, the West Chester summer happy hour, starts back on Wednesday. Technically, it started this past Wednesday, but I can’t imagine anyone left their house on Wednesday. I certainly didn’t. And if you know of any high school runners looking to kill some time while, maybe also dropping some time, the West Chester University Cross Country Team is hosting a series of summer camps starting with middle distances on June 16. 

Finally, a very special thank you to this week’s Community Sponsor SLA Financial. SLA Financial is a family-run, financial planning firm dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where clients feel empowered to make informed financial decisions. Their mission is to provide comprehensive financial planning that not only bolsters their clients’ financial future but also enhances their financial confidence. Visit their website to learn more.

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:

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