West Chester Weekly News Roundup: Oct. 17, 2025

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It’s Friday, Oct 17, 2025: Chestnut Square Apartments opened nine years ago, full of promise. Today, it remains among West Chester’s premier rental destinations, but life there may not be all it seems. Ongoing water leaks and secrecy have residents fearing what’s going on behind closed walls. Plus, two retail closures, a new townhome development approved, and emergency service costs are on the rise. Cutting has gone as far as it can. Now the question becomes, who’s picking up the tab?  

Grab some sustenance and get ready to settle in. It’s a big one this week. 

Ok, who’s ready? Let’s catch up.  

Chestnut Square’s Promises Fall Behind With Construction Lapses

When Chestnut Square opened in 2016, it was ripe with promises. It would provide tenants with a boutique hotel living environment. There would be exclusive amenities and maintenance-free units.

“We had a vision of creating a lifestyle not seen in our region,” development partner David Della Porta said in a statement at the complex’s grand opening. 

Nearly a decade since that announcement was made, many of those promises still hold up. When you enter, you walk into the impressive grand lobby. The auxiliary rooms are lovely too. There are plenty of amenities, including a swimming pool with sundeck, a courtyard lounge with a fire pit and grilling station, and a fitness center with yoga room. Plus, there are hotel-like concierge services, indoor and outdoor bars, and various tenant-only special events. Then there is the location. Almost anything you want downtown is only a few short blocks away. 

“The friends we made, the amenities, the location, it’s wonderful, but that doesn’t change the question of how it was built,” said resident Rich Heiland, who moved to the complex with his wife in 2021. Rich, along with at least three of his fellow tenants, has concerns about what’s going on behind the walls at one of West Chester’s most elite complexes.  

The Warnings.

Back in the shadows. This week, West Chester Borough Manager Sean Mettrick presented the latest edition of the Borough 2026 budget - a work in progress.  “A month ago, I came here and told you there was a 10 percent gap in our General Fund, and I didn’t know how we were going to close it,” he said. 

Now he knows how he’s going to close it - or at least most of it. What remains is $137,000 of the $298,214.73 funding request from Good Fellowship Ambulance. The request marks a 72 percent increase over last year, which is part of the trouble.

There are several reasons for the jump, including increases to salaries and benefits, vehicles and medical equipment, and insurance premiums. At the same time, Good Fellowship lost one of its biggest donors. In total, it is facing a funding deficit of just under $1 million. Using a formula based on size and call volume, Good Fellowship has split the burden between the nine municipalities it serves. 

Due to a 31 percent jump in call volume from 2022, West Chester Borough is now carrying the largest piece of the EMS burden. Last week, West Chester Mayor Lillian DeBaptise asked for a breakdown of the top users of emergency medical services in the Borough by volume.

Outside of houses and apartments, which make up nearly 44 percent of the calls. The top users by volume were Haven Behavioral Hospital, a for-profit medical institution, West Chester University Campus, The Hickman, and Barclay Friends. Outside of residents, none of the top users are paying for their services. 

With a gap this large and one that is expected to continue, the question becomes how to pay for these necessary services.  Borough Council members are proposing an EMS tax that would cover the full $300,000. That would result in a $68 a year, or roughly 5 percent, tax increase for the average Borough household. 

It would also push back into the shadows all the companies and organizations utilizing these services freely, while leaving the burden of payment to the residents.  

Kevin Krebs was in court. Four months after bringing a loaded gun to a West Chester rally, Kevin Krebs appeared in court this week. After brief testimony from a single witness, it was decided Mr. Krebs would stand trial on the charges of carrying a concealed firearm without a license. Charges stemming from explosives found at his Malvern apartment will be adjudicated separately. In addition to a Sig Sauer P320 semi-automatic handgun, West Chester Officer Adriena Zeiders, the sole witness, testified she found three loaded Sig Sauer ammunition clips; six loaded assault rifle clips; an M-9 bayonet; pepper spray; a pocket knife; a ski mask and gloves, all under his raincoat. A hearing on the explosive charges is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 23. You can read more about the preliminary hearing here. 

This is not the time to keep it to yourself. West Chester Police are seeking community help in identifying the man in this video. It is believed he knows important information about an indecent exposure incident that occurred on E. Barnard St. in Sept. If you recognize this man or have any information, contact West Chester Police at 610-696-2700. 

Careful who you bring home. West Chester Police are investigating a burglary that took place over the weekend on S. Walnut St. It is believed that overnight guests of the residents absconded with more than $100 before sunrise. If you know anything about this incident, contact West Chester Police at 610-696-2700. 

This is your last chance. In 2023, Jamie Jaramillo was arrested on charges of fraud and deceptive practices related to a home improvement business he was running. Recently, the investigation turned up two additional victims of Mr. Jaramillo’s schemes. The victims were able to secure a $50,506.50 settlement before the statute of limitations ran out.  

You can’t say that here. At Wednesday’s Borough Council meeting, West Chester Borough Council member Brian McGinnis used his platform to urge voters to vote yes to retain three Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justices in the upcoming general election, going so far as to endorse one of the justices, calling him a “friend”. While members are certainly allowed to encourage voters to vote, telling them how to vote is a violation of the PA Ethic’s Act. Reporting by Margie Swart. 

Go around. Construction continues on High St. next week. PennDot crews will be in the area between Barnard and Union Sts. installing new lighting conduit. Work is scheduled through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Expect flagging, lane closures, and delays. Curious, what the heck is going on on High St.? You can find that here.  

Lost dogs found. West Chester Police found three bulldogs, at least I think they are bulldogs, this week. Two in the area of Allegience Dr. in East Bradford (scroll left to see the second), and one near Pottstown Pike and Greenhill Rd. The dogs are now at the SPCA, but I am sure they would much rather be back at home. If you recognize, please let their owners know.  

Transformer fire on High St. An underground transformer fire on High St last night left smoke billowing out onto the sidewalks (and videos circulating on social media) as crews from three area fire companies worked to get the situation under control. Power to the transformer has since been turned off and the situation turned over to PECO. 

The Sunshine Report.

Your inside look at local government at work. Each week, key decisions are made about how to spend tax dollars, what new developments go forward, and the best way to deliver key services, like trash - and parking. The Report is here to make sure you don’t miss a single one.  

West Goshen is holding a Free Shred & Electronics Recycling on Saturday. Start the weekend with a little fall clean-up and clutter clearing.  

9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Municipal Complex (1025 Paoli Pike)   

• Paper shredding (watch it happen)

• Recycle hard drives, CPUs, TVs, monitors, printers, computer accessories, and small household plug-in appliances.

• No air conditioners or freon items. 

This event is open to the general public. No businesses.

Then, on Sunday, it’s the Harvest Festival. Round out the weekend with some family fun at one of West Goshen's favorite fall traditions!

2-4 p.m. | West Goshen Community Park

• Hayrides to the pumpkin patch (kids get a free pumpkin to decorate!)

• Scarecrow contest & giant pumpkin weight guessing game

• Seasonal snacks and live music from Makin' Music

• Moonbounce, giant slide, and obstacle course fun

• Halloween costumes are welcome (but optional)

Donations welcome for Coatesville Veterans Hospital & West Chester Food Cupboard.

Whether you're clearing out your garage or picking the perfect pumpkin, it's a great weekend to get out and enjoy our community!

Until next time, keep shining! - Margie

Hello.

Goodbye.

The Accolades.

Fall vibes, no rain, and a little spice. Who’s ready for some soul-warming chili? The West Chester Chili Cook Off returns to Gay Street on Sunday. Now, in its second year under host Fiorenza’s Food For Friends, the Cook Off is looking to expand with more participants, more room, and an association with the International Chili Society. They are also looking to bring back event pre-sales. 

“I don’t want to have people waiting. That happened too much last year,” said F4 founder and president Derek Fiorenza.  

Advance tickets are available now for $10 and will allow you to skip entrance lines. Organizers are also bringing back the beer garden, nonprofit row, and adding some bands. 

“It’s exciting,” said Derek. “I think we are moving in the right direction. I hope this will be bring our community together.“

The details: 

• Date/time: Sunday, Oct. 12, 12 - 4 p.m. 

• Location: Gay St.

• Cost: $10 in advance; $15 at the door

• Extras: Bands, beer garden, 50/50 raffle

• Parking: Garages and lots will be open. Just note: there will be a special event of $20 in place at the Borough garages. 

Other things we are celebrating this week:

Go Birds! This week, West Chester Borough has decided to join the ranks of the nation’s “Bird Towns.”  On Wednesday, by a vote of 7-0, West Chester Borough Council approved a resolution stating it would adopt preservation initiatives championed by the Pennsylvania Audubon Society. This includes resident and student education, using native plants, reducing stormwater runoff, and generally providing a healthy environment for the people and birds of the town. 

Speaking of healthy environments for the area’s Birds, according to People Magazine, Philadelphia Eagles guard Landon Dickerson and his wife, Brooke, have been busy renovating their West Chester home and sharing the humorous process on Instagram. According to Brooke, the revamped environment is helping her cope with a new location and football’s gruelling in-season schedule. You can read the full article here. 

Doing enough to win. Back in my high school basketball days, I attended a presentation by Purdue Basketball great Rick Mount titled: “Free throws win games and so much more.” I wonder if there is a similar sentiment in football? Maybe after Friday night, there will be. East faced off against Henderson in the first of three Borough match-ups to decide whose football team would emerge with the Best of West Chester title. The game was a battle worth the hype, but according to reporting by the Daily Local News’ Nate Heckenberger, the special teams for both teams weren’t so special. East missed all four extra point attempts, while Henderson was one for four. Fortunately, East made its sole field goal attempt while Henderson missed its. All those points add up, just ask Rick. In the end, the Vikings came away with the 27-26 win. Now they face Rustin for the win. For all you football fans, that game is tonight at 7 p.m. at East  

Conference comeback. After the Henderson boys' soccer team lost the battle of West Chester to Rustin earlier this year, they used it as a learning experience and kept pushing forward. It would turn out to be their only loss of the season, and this week, they secured their fifth straight Chesmont Conference championship after beating Coatesville 2-0 on Wednesday. And that loss to Rustin, it wasn’t a fluke. It was a battle against a very good squad. Rustin, for their part, finished second in the Conference. Feels like it could be another good year for West Chester soccer. District playoffs begin next week. 

Engaging the fans. West Chester University football’s team may be riding the struggle bus of late, but that hasn’t discouraged early-season fans. Farrell Stadium recorded a record crowd on homecoming weekend, when more than 8,200 fans crammed into the bleachers or on the hill behind the end zone. In fact, this season, West Chester has drawn 14,680 spectators to Farrell Stadium in just two games. That’s an average of 7,340 fans per game! 

Garnering a national spotlight. A shoutout this week to West Chester University’s Women’s Soccer Team on breaking into the national rankings for the first time this season. The Lady Rams are currently riding a seven-game unbeaten streak. They are tied for 24th, with Adelphi, in the United Soccer Division II Top 25.  

Being essential. Finally, congratulations this week to Andiario on being named one of the 76 most vital restaurants in the Philadelphia area. Not an easy feat in a foodie town like Philly. This is Andiario’s second year on the list. If you’ve never been, you can read why they were selected here. 

Pay it Forward.

Public art is alive and well in the Borough. A new mural is currently underway on the south side of the Safe Harbor building on N. Matlack Street. The mural by artist Kendra Beitzel features a lighthouse towering above a cascade of waves. Now, West Chester Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste has put out a call for art on her own mural project. This time, West Chester is looking for someone to help it commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

Designs should reflect on the significance to West Chester as well as celebrate diversity, unity, resilience, and hope. Full details and project criteria can be found here. Now, all you creative folks, go forth and create. Submissions are being accepted through Dec. 6.

The mural itself is being planned for the side of the American Legion building at 305 E. Gay St.

Other ways to give back this week: 

Bring over a donation. The Community Warehouse Project is holding its next drop-off day on Saturday at its West Chester location (800 E. Virginia Ave.). The most needed items include blenders, crock pots, toasters, and coffee pots. All near essentials in my book. If you can help, donations are being accepted between 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., or you can place an order through their Amazon Wish List. 

Make a statement in pink. The Unite for Her 5K takes place downtown tomorrow morning. Join a potentially record-breaking number of racers on Market St. at 9 a.m. to show support for a friend, neighbor or family member that has battled breast or ovarian cancer. Besides the 5K run and accompanying 2K walk, there will be a post-race tailgate on E. Gay St. Registration info and race day map here.

Go ahead. Make a pup’s weekend. Schoogans has been named the longest resident at the Brandywine SPCA. He’s been there since January. Apparently, he’s super sweet and a fan of West Chester. Maybe someone could take him home? 

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? After a busy weekend last weekend. We are keeping it chill this week. Things on the to-do list include putting up the holiday decorations, enjoying a night out with friends, and eating our body weight in chili.

If you are around this weekend, a lot is going on besides the Chili Cook-off and the West Goshen Harvestfest. East Bradford is also hosting its Fall Festival on Sunday. Then tonight, the West Chester Public Library’s Halloween Door Tour kicks off. Walk the borough in search of some of the area’s best, let’s say, scaled decorations. You really have to head out of the Borough to see the big displays. Also, tonight is West Chester University Dance and Theater’s rendition of Sideways Stories from Wayside School. Tickets run between $10-20, and it’s being billed as “fun for the whole family.” Then tomorrow, the West Chester Film Festival is partnering with Uptown to bring you Flick’r Treat: A Spooktacular Film Festival. Family-friendly films start at 6 p.m. with the really scary ones following at 8:30 p.m.  Bier & Loathing is also embracing the fright night vibe, showing a classic horror film every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday night through Halloween.  The Steven King thriller IT is locked and loaded for tonight. 

Also, note. The No Kings Rally will return to the West Chester Courthouse on Saturday. Rally starts at 1 p.m. This will be the first such rally since June, when millions marched in protest.

Finally, a very special thank you to this week's Community Sponsor, the West Chester Public Library. The library has been serving the West Chester community in the same location since 1872. If you have not had a chance to visit, the building is amazing, the staff is great, and the inter-library loan system is very convenient. Visit wcpubliclibrary.org for the latest events and updates.

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:

Oct. 17 – Oct. 31 – Halloween Door Tour, various, self-guided. Help support the West Chester Library with this fun event. Participant sign-ups accepted until Oct 1.

Oct. 17, 18 – Haunted History Tours, 21 W. Market St., 7 p.m. They say every West Chester house is haunted

Oct. 18 – West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut Streets, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Oct. 18 – 13th Annual Unite For HER 5K, Gay & High St., 9 a.m. Help paint the town pink and teal at this popular 5K event! Family tailgate to follow. 

Oct. 18 – Chilling West Chester: A Dark History Walking Tour, Chester County History Center, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Your beloved West Chester ghost tour.  

Oct. 18 – Free a Tree volunteer day, Starr Farm Park (Meet at parking lot at 1079 Skelp Level 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.

Oct. 18 – Flick’r Treat: A Spooktacular Film Festival, Uptown Theater, 6 – 8 p.m. and 8:30 – 10:30 p.m. Family-friendly films will run from 6-8 p.m. with scary films to follow from 8:30-10:30 p.m. Tickets by showing: $17/adult; $12/kids

Oct. 18 – West Goshen Fall Movie Series – Wicked, West Goshen Community Park, 7 p.m. This is a free event. Movie selections will be announced Sept. 1. Check the West Goshen website for updates.

Oct. 19 –  Days for Girls Menstruation Kit Making Event, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 9 a.m. or 10:45 a.m. Help shatter stigma and limitations associated with menstruation. Join for one of two shifts 9-10:45 am or 10:45 am – 12:30 pm. The kits are hand-sewn washable pads and will be distributed both locally and internationally. Sewers and non-sewers are welcome. Click here to register.

Oct. 19 – Fall Festival, East Bradford Park, 12 – 4 p.m. Live music, food, beer, and kids’ activities. 

Oct. 20 – School’s Off Day Camp, First Presbyterian Church, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Open to students kindergarten through 5th grade. Camp theme: Dinosaurs. Registration required. Suggested fee: $30

Oct. 20 – Seeing Stars: Panel Discussion on Dark Skies, WCU Business and Public Management Center, room 110, 6:30 p.m. Join the West Chester Green Team for a fascinating dark sky discussion. This event is free and open to the public.

Oct. 21 – Science on Tap – Biology, Barnaby’s Restaurant, 6 p.m. Each session will feature a different WCU expert sharing interesting ideas and new research. The program invites audience participation and, of course, food and drink will be available for purchase. Cheers to science! 

Oct. 21, 22, 23 – Haunted Tales Dinner, The Social Lounge, 6 p.m. 3-course, price-fixed menu followed by haunted tales of West Chester. Tickets: $48 Reservations required. First-come, first-served. Call to book: 610-738-3948.

Oct. 22, 23 – Chilling West Chester: A Dark History Walking Tour, Chester County History Center, 5:30 and 6 p.m. Your beloved West Chester ghost tour. 

Oct. 23 – Mimi’s Tea Cottage Presents: Sleepy Hollow, 30 S. High St., 3 p.m. or 5 p.m. show. Step into the shadows of history and enjoy tea, sandwiches, and desserts. $41.99/person

Oct. 24 – Community Trick or Treat, First Presbyterian Church, 130 W. Miner St, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Come in costume for a free indoor trick or treat, plus games and snacks. Bring a toiletry to donate to youth in foster care.  This event is free and open to the public. 

Oct. 24 – West Goshen Trunk or Treat, 915 Old Fern Hill Rd, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Bring the kids out for a West Chester favorite!

Oct. 24, 25 – Haunted History Tours, 21 W. Market St., 7 p.m. They say every West Chester house is haunted

Oct. 25 – West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut Streets, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Oct. 25 – Chilling West Chester: A Dark History Walking Tour, ChesterCounty History Center, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Your beloved West Chester ghost tour.

Oct. 25 – Knight of the Living Dead Zombie 5K, Rustin High School, 1 p.m. Kids Halloween Fun Run 12:30. Think you can out-run the zombies? $30 for the 5k; $15 for the Fun Run. Proceeds go to support Rustin Cross Country. 

Oct. 25 – Silent Book Club meeting, Barclay Park/West Chester Public Library, 12 – 2 p.m. Bring your book and a blanket or chair. Meet at the West Chester Public Library, and walk to Barclay Park for an hour of dedicated reading. This club is free and open to the public.

Oct. 25 – West Chester Dance Works Community Dance Day, Melton Center, 501 E. Miner St, 2 – 4:30 p.m. Watch dance performances by members of all five WCDW performance groups. This is a free performance.  

Oct. 25 – Rails and Ales: Halloween Train, West Chester Historic Railroad, 5 p.m., West Chester Historic Railroad in collaboration with Kildares. There will be a Smore’s station, outdoor games, pumpkin painting, live music, and a full bar.  Tickets: $55.19

Oct. 25 – Sandra McCracken Concert, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Join Sandra McCracken and featured guest Jon Guerra for an unforgettable evening of music and community. Tickets: $20; $10 for students.

Oct. 26 – West Chester Halloween Parade, time 1 p.m.. New this year, the parade will be on a Sunday afternoon.

Oct. 26 – Haunted History Tours, 21 W. Market St., 6 p.m. They say every West Chester house is haunted

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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