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West Chester Weekly News Roundup

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It’s Friday, Aug. 30, 2024: The Gay Street Closure is now in its fourth year but is it all that is could be?  Residents share their thoughts - and concerns - ahead of a Borough-hosted open house on the topic next week. Plus, West Chester, the movie, fund-races, and have developers finally figured out how to win over residents? A look at the latest attempts.

Who’s ready? Let’s catch up.

Reader note: One thing for you this week.

1) I am still planning to upgrade to a new email platform. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen this week but I am hoping the setup will be complete in time for a release next week. Look for a welcome email ahead of the full launch. If don’t receive an issue for any reason please reach out - [email protected]

Thanks!

Cara

What Could Be: The Unrealized Potential of the Gay Street Closure

In 2020, in a desperate measure to help save the Borough’s downtown business district amid pandemic closures West Chester Borough Council led by then-mayor Dianne Herrin took the unprecedented step (at least locally) and petitioned PennDOT to close Gay St. for the whole summer. The bold move succeeded in its original goal.

Downtown West Chester saw no business closures during 2020 and only six in the year following.

“Despite all of these challenges, we saw a lot more businesses open than close,” Downtown West Chester Executive Director John O’Brien told the Daily Local in 2021.

The closure also sparked in the imaginations of many residents something no one had thought possible before, a pedestrian plaza in the heart of West Chester. Since that fateful summer, the Borough has continued to close Gay St to traffic. However, the execution has not met expectations.  

“Note that European cities and towns started converting city streets to pedestrian zones in the mid-1900s, and finished probably sometime in the 70s,” one resident shared. “But they did it properly and completely, (not a half-assed effort like Gay Street) with planning and investment, and I don't believe any community ever looked back.”

In West Chester, by contrast, they are looking back.

“When the Gay Street closure started during the pandemic, we thought it was a good idea but we have soured on it,” wrote Patty on Price St. After four years, residents still have concerns over the lack of parking, an increase in trash and noise, and those closure barriers which one resident described as a “hot mess.”

“Attempts to make the town "pedestrian friendly" have made it frustrating to drivers,” shared Jeff who lives with his wife just outside the Borough. “The Borough is sacrificing its day businesses for its nightlife.”

It’s a sentiment Pine & Quill owner Dianna DeStefano would agree with.

“So as a retailer just off Gay St., the closure is extremely painful. I can't tell you how many people tell me they avoid the Borough when the street is closed on weekends because they can't park anywhere and the traffic is so terrible.”

This summer everyone also struggled under a pendulum swing of extreme heat and rain. On rainy weekends, Dianna said, “I would look out my store windows during the weekend and look at a sea of emptiness.”

Then there were the tables. “Some restaurants (Opa for example) have totally overstepped their footprint,” wrote Jen.

“We would love to see restaurants only have one row of tables in the street so that the middle of the road can be for families with dogs and strollers to walk through,” shared Jessica.

All that said, the votes in favor of the closure continue to outweigh those against more than two to one. As one resident aptly summed up the sentiment, “Bottom line, I'm all for the borough promoting this, it's such a great idea but they need to pay attention to how it's being managed and maintain standards.”

Amen, to that.

For or against, West Chester would like to hear your thoughts directly. They are holding a Gay Street Open House on September 5 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Borough Hall. Borough consultants Remington & Vernick Engineers will give a brief presentation on the proposed street closure infrastructure discussing design concepts and the timeline for improvements.

Design Series: Make the Most of the Home You Love

We’re seeing a trend here at Spring Creek Design: more and more clients are asking us to remodel their basements.

“Basement remodeling is one of the most cost-effective ways to expand a home’s liveable space,” says Pete Cooper, Spring Creek Design’s CEO. “You essentially reclaim a part of your house that has gone unused and forgotten. It’s a game changer!”

We’ve helped our clients convert their unused basements into comfy entertainment centers, elaborate home gyms, efficient offices, in-law suites, and even separate rental units. Today’s flooring, ceiling, and lighting options turn dark cellars into bright, welcoming rooms.

Best of all, a well-done basement remodel enhances the value of your home on resale by adding functional square footage and extra amenities.

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

***This is a sponsored post.***

The Warnings.

Lock your doors and check those security cameras. West Chester Police are investigating a series of burglaries and thefts that have occurred in the southeast section of the Borough. They are asking for assistance identifying the individual in these grainy videos (1 & 2).

“This is an active investigation; more information will be released as the investigation continues.

If you see anything suspicious in your neighborhoods, please contact the department at 610-696-2700,” West Chester Public Information Officer Dave March shared in a post this week.

Westtown-East Goshen Police are also seeking information on two individuals wanted in connection with a theft that occurred on Aug. 22 at 100 Westtown Way. The first is 41-year-old Peter Burdo of West Chester. The second is 51-year-old Sean Patrick Truhan of Norristown. If you have information about either contact the WEGO police at 610-692-9600.

Fans have responsibilities too. In the Accolades section, I start getting excited about fall nights under the lights but before we get there local athletic directors have a few reminders for attendees. These include all students K-8 must be accompanied (and supervised) by a paying adult, no outside food or beverages, no backpacks or other large bags, and absolutely no alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs. Ok, now get out there and have fun!

Mind the signs of the time. Buses are back and the West Chester Police Department would like to remind you, to slow on yellow, stop on red. If the stop arm is out, kids are crossing ahead.  

Your license plate must be visible at all times. Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department wants residents to know that preventing a clear view of a vehicle’s registration plate violates section 1332B of the PA Vehicle Code. The plate can’t be blocked by a cargo carrier, bikes, wheelchairs, or dealership license plate frames. A first violation could cost you $171.50.

Did you know September 15 is national 'Back to Church Sunday?' We're inviting everyone to join us, whether you are new to church or just checking it out. We hope to see you there!

The Accolades.

While there may not yet be that fall feeling in the air, it doesn’t mean we aren’t pushing head-first into fall sports season. So to get you ready here’s a little football preview for you but first, there is the little matter of conference shuffling to discuss. Over the summer, the Ches-Mont Conference went from two divisions to three for football. Instead of the National and American Divisions, there are now the North, Central, and South Divisions.  

The North Division consists of 6A schools Coatesville, Downingtown West, Downingtown East, and 4A school, Bishop Shanahan.

The Central Division, or what I’m calling the West Chester Division plus Great Valley, is made up of all 5A schools Rustin, West Chester East, Henderson, and Great Valley.

And the South Division is 6A Avon Grove, plus, 5A Sun Valley, Oxford, Kennett, and Unionville.

According to the Daily Local, Rustin head coach Mike St. Clair is not a fan of the new divisions as they keep the Golden Knights away from historic rival Unionville.

As I am not an expert on any of this I will share the words of Daily Local sports reporter Peter DiGiovanni, “No matter what shape the league takes or how many divisions there are, the Ches-Mont League will feature some of the best football in the state.” He also says the changes are here to stay. So settle in.

Football preview -

East is hoping years of starting underclassmen will finally pay off.  The Vikings are under the leadership of senior QB Nate DeRosa, a starter since his sophomore year. So far it’s working, the Vikings shut out Academy Park, 20-0 in their season opener.

Next game: Tonight against Upper Moreland, at Upper Moreland.

Last year, Rustin was the undefeated champion of the Ches-Mont American Division. This year, it may be the Central Division but they still expect to come out on top.  “We have a great rivalry with Henderson, East, and Great Valley and always look forward to those games,” Coach St. Clair told the Daily Local. The Golden Knights are off to another great start with a lop-sided 44-6 win over cross-county rival Unionville. (Unionville might not miss the rivalry match-ups quite so much. At least not this year. )  

Next game: Tonight at home against Interboro

Henderson’s game plan is to move last year’s close losses to the win column. Do that and they could see their first winning season in seven years. That plan, however, will have to start tonight. The Warriors dropped their season opener 20-13 to Upper Darby.

Next game: Tonight at home against Hatboro-Horsham

This year, the WCU football team is predicted to be, as the kids say, mid. It will be the task of new head coach Duke Greco to return the program to  Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) title contenders.

Next game: The season opener at home on Sept. 7 against Bentley University.

Strong starts. Football isn’t the only sport out there (but it is by far the best covered). There are lots of local fall athletes vying for attention this season. Perhaps as a testament to the feeder system, all-area soccer teams are off to blazing starts. The boys’ teams are a combined 10-0-1. Rustin opened with a 2-0 shutout of Plymouth Whitemarsh and is now 2-0-1. Not to be beaten, the Henderson boys and the East boys both remain undefeated after two weeks. Of course, one of the streaks must end next week when East meets Henderson at home. Game time - Wed. 7 p.m. if you care to cheer them on. Speaking of undefeated teams, Rustin girls' soccer is 1-0, Henderson volleyball is 2-0, and East volleyball is 1-0.

Major milestones. First West Chester Fire Company, the oldest fire company in Chester County and one of the oldest continually operating volunteer fire companies in the nation, turns 225 this year. To celebrate the milestone, First West Chester is hosting a community block party next Wednesday from 5 pm to 9 pm on Church St. between Gay Street and Market Street. This location is significant. It’s in front of their old firehouse, now Slow Hand. There will be live music, a bounce house, balloon art, fire trucks, a “celebrity” dunk tank, and signature celebration drinks from Slow Hand.

Summer seafood. Shout out to all of you who headed over to Gadaleto’s Seafood Market in the Village Shopping Center earlier this month to stock up on summer’s end of lobsters, steamed crabs, and oysters. Your dedication to fresh fish helped the Gadaleto family raise $2600 for

charity. $1300 each for the St. Agnes Day Room and the West Chester Food Cupboard. “It was a success!” Andy Gadaleto shared in an email.  

One-week down. Congratulations to all the teachers, students, parents, and local commuters who have survived their first week of back to school. If you would like to relive the joy of a new year or check to see if you spot a kid or two you know, WCASD posted a lot of pictures from the first days. You can find them all here.

Know someone(s) who should be recognized? Do tell - [email protected].

Hello.

Get ready to say, hello, to your home on the big screen. West Chester, the Movie is coming to a theater near you. Well, hopefully, a theater. West Chester University student and budding movie producer Casey Costigan is still in negotiations with Uptown, but if not a theater definitely a history center.

The project, officially titled, “Webelo - the West Chester Movie,” tells the story of two fictional historians trying to save the Farmers & Mechanics Building from being turned into a convenience mart (cough) Wawa (cough). The project is a partnership between WCU University and the West Chester Borough’s Park & Rec Department and will serve as the last hurrah in West Chester’s 225th Anniversary Celebration.

While city-as-star films are nothing new, the approach here represents a recent departure. Instead of relying on been-there, done-that interviews with dignitaries and residents, filmmakers are turning to the power of storytelling to help bring the locale to life.

“I’ve been doing movies since 2017. I wanted this movie to be something different,” said Casey.

In 2021, Upper Darby released its version titled, “Last Call,” a story about growing up in the Philadelphia suburb starring Jeremy Piven. Delaware County also has a production in the works. “Delco: The Movie” is targeting a January release. These movies provide towns with a chance to show off their assets, their people, and stand out in a crowded tourism film market.

“The benefit is just being able to showcase the town through landmarks and there is just a lot of history in West Chester that is interesting,” said Casey.  

Generally, budgets for these movies are small, as is the case here. There will be no big-name actors in the West Chester movie. Casey and his friends, who are working with a $2300 budget, will star, direct, write, produce, edit, and promote. However, they did manage to score WCU alumni Vernon Odem of Action News 6 fame for the movie’s intro on a payment of a free lunch. It’s good they got him when they did too because the lunch money has run out.

“It’s not cheap to make a movie,” says Casey.

I imagine it’s not, and I can’t believe you could make one for much less. So as shooting winds down, Casey is donning one more hat - fundraiser. He has started a fundraising site and will be making the rounds at local events. If you can contribute a few bucks, well, he’d appreciate it.

“$1000 more would be amazing,” he tells me.

Webelo, the West Chester Movie is scheduled to premiere in December at the Chester County History Center. We can expect more details as the premiere gets closer but for now, we’ll just bask in the glow of being stars.

“This is probably my favorite movie so far,” says Casey. “I’m getting really hyped up for this to come out.”  

Want to get hyped too? You can watch the trailer here.

Plus, here are a few other new things to get excited for:

Pizza 316 is coming soon but just not yet. If pizza can do steaks, steaks can do pizza. According to their socials, Pizza 316, the planned pizza joint from the owners of Lorenzo’s Steak, held a friends and family event this past weekend. The official opening is planned for early September.  

N. Church St. is building its retail cred with two new stores opened this month. This week, Downingtown’s Clara Mae Company opened its second location at 107 N. Church St. in the storefront recently vacated by the Green House. According to their website, their passion is “vintage frocks and frills for the modern-day diva.” Judging by their promo reel that includes trendy accessories and kitschy gift items as well. Also, open is Deborah Ann Mack boutique which specializes in custom-made designer clothes for women.

Westtown School is bulking up. According to an article in the Philadelphia Business Journal this week, Westtown School is nearing completion of several planned capital projects. These projects include a new lower school playscape with a giant slide, Viking swing, tree house, and rain garden; a Center for the Living Arts with a theater, two-story art gallery, and several studios; and a new athletic complex with new turf fields, new natural grass fields, a new softball field, and baseball diamond.

Balance Hair Studio got a makeover. See the after pictures here.

Goodbye.

It seems the Adams St. lot developers, have pulled a few pages from the playbook of local developer Eli Kahn. Earlier this month, they headed to Borough Council to give members a preview of what they have planned for the 2.8-acre property across from Borough Hall.

As we know from an early look at the plans, it is a planned 329-unit apartment complex with 5000 sq. ft of ground floor retail. There will be 383 parking spaces and include significant planned stormwater infrastructure upgrades (the lot is in the floodplain). There is also, and here is the brilliant part, a planned urban park on Gay St. and a smaller linear park planned for Market St.  

More details and discussion, specifically around the flood-plain impacts, are expected when the project goes before the Zoning Hearing Board next month - but if these designs live up to even part of their potential, its hard to argue it won’t be an improvement over what is there today.

Also, say goodbye to boring old pumpkins and tired mums, and get ready to say hello, to some great Halloween decorating. In response to the success of their Holiday Door Tour, the West Chester Public Library is launching the Halloween Door Tour.

Personally, I think it's about time. As an admirer of all the wicked Halloween decor, I know there are more than a few of you out there who get equally jazzed by the season of goblins, ghosts, and ghouls. Now is your chance to get recognized for that creative genius and support a great institution in the process.

According to the event announcement, “If you live in the Borough, love to decorate your home's exterior for Halloween, and would like to support the library at the same time, this is the event for you.”

Now the details: If you want to participate, your door, porch, or stoop must be tour-ready by Oct. 18, visible from the sidewalk, and decorated through Halloween. Sign-ups are being accepted through Oct. 1. To get your door added email West Chester Public Library Development Manager Clare Quin at [email protected].  

As far as attending, it will be self-guided-tour style with a map available for purchase from the library but I am sure we will revisit this topic in more detail as the date gets closer and skeletons begin rising.

Pay It Forward.

The heat is breaking (kind of). Shore weekends are ending. It’s time to start fund-racing again. Every spring, the 5K races and fun runs come barreling through West Chester only to dry up over the hot days of summer. Well, now that temps are cooling again lace up, the races are back.

Starting this weekend and running (sorry, just seeing this on the read-through) through September there are no fewer than five races planned. While some, like the 12th Annual Uniter For HER 5K on Sept. 28 and the 9/11 Heroes Run on Sept. 8, are timed to specific fall events, others are just taking advantage of autumn’s sweet spot.

“We selected the date because it was after the summer travel season, but before it gets cold and before fall school and sports schedules really get going,” said Community Volunteers in Medicine’s Laura Patarcity on the group’s decision to hold their fun run in early Sept.  

Ready to get back into the running groove? You have several options to choose from.

Short but hilly. Roslyn Swim Club is hosting its first-ever 2-mile fun run on Aug. 31. The race starts just outside the swim club at 838 Spruce Ave. and winds through the neighborhoods behind. Proceeds support the Roslyn Swim Club improvement projects fund.  

Easy loop. If you’re looking for a low-stress course to ease you back in, Community Volunteers in Medicine has you covered. They are hosting the Dr. Mary’s Legacy Run 5K and Family Walk on Sep. 7 at West Goshen Park. Check-in begins at 8 a.m., race at 9 a.m. It’s a fairly easy loop plus the playground is there to entertain any children who may tire mid-way through the family walk. Proceeds support the CVIM’s Dr. Mary Brennan Wirshup Endowment Fund. Bonus, an anonymous donor is matching all revenue.

Rucking challenge. For those who want a fitness challenge without the run, the 9/11 Heroes 5K offers a rucking option in addition to the traditional 5K run. For those, not up on their military training slang, rucking is the action of walking with a weight on your back, typically in a rucksack or as we civilians call it, a backpack. The Heroes 5K is being held at 9 a.m. on Sept. 8 at Rustin High School. Note that date. I had it wrong in last week’s issue. Also, there are discounts for active duty military and first responders. Registration rate increases after Sept. 7.

Late start. Not a morning person? This race is for you. Join West Chester University students for an 11 a.m. run in support of student athletes’ mental health. Now in its sixth year the Rams Let’s Walk: 5K run and Walk raises funds and awareness for West Chester University suicide prevention and other mental health initiatives. The race is being held on Sept. 22. The starting line is just past University Ave. on S. Church St.

Local favorite. Back for its 12th year is the annual Unite for HER 5K. The race runs along the standard Borough 5K route which starts on N. Church St loops twice through the Borough before ending on W. Market St.  This signature West Chester race is known for its bold t-shirts and good vibes. Unfortunately, you needed to register by Aug. 28 to guarantee yourself a t-shirt. If you haven’t yet, I’d do that now and hope for the best.  

Plus, a few easier ways to give back this week:  

Head out for Bingo Night. The Melton Center is hosting a Designer Bag Night on Sept. 7. There will be a professional bingo caller and plenty of opportunities to win big. So, gather your friends and neighbors and come out for a fun night. It is $35 to play if you plan ahead, $40 at the door. That will get you a book of 10 games and a chance to win some fabulous designer bags from Vera Wang, Kate Spade, Coach and more.  

For the last time, click yes to the grocery store roundup. Roundup funds collected by Acme from Aug. 1 through Aug. 31  will support the West Chester Area School District’s meal distribution programs in the form of grocery store gift cards.

Take Wednesdays off from making dinner. Each Wednesday in September, Iron Hill will donate 20 percent of food sales to the Greater West Chester Rotary Club. The offer includes take out but, remember, you have to show the flyer.

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? We are lying low this weekend. Here’s what’s on the to-do list: celebrate surviving back-to-school with an ice cream run, finish this actual run, sauce some tomatoes, and relax with extra pool time.

If you’re around this weekend, Central Bistro on Gay St. has a new happy hour thing they are trying with $5 Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA bottles and select app specials from 4 - 6 p.m. on the patio. Then on Saturday, the Melton Center is hosting a pep-rally style Back-2-Skool Jam from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Jack’s Corner in front of 44 W. Gay St. Former Eagle tight end Brent Celek is hosting and there will be dance challenges, a hula hoop contest, hip hop trivia, line dances, and more. Plus, it’s free.

Don’t forget with the Labor Day Holiday, Gay Street will be closed from Friday through Monday this week.

And this week a very special thank you to PetCare Group this week’s Community Sponsor. For the last 20 years, PetCare Group has given local pet owners peace of mind knowing their pets are lovingly cared for even when they are away from home. PetCare Group now has over twenty pet sitters and dog walkers ready to help whenever you need a hand – 24/7365. Check out their website to learn more about what they do.

PetCare Group

PetCare Group has an experienced team of care providers for in-home pet sitting, dog walking, and dog training every day of the year – including weekends, holidays, and overnights. Insured, bonded, and in business for 21 years, PetCare Group cares for cats, dogs, reptiles, small animals, donkeys, goats, and chickens. Need a hand? Give them a call today!

View a list of all our amazing Community Sponsors here.

Business leaders: Want exclusive access to this amazing community? Of course, you do and readers want to know you’re here for them! Limited spots remain for September and October. Email me at [email protected] to secure yours today!

Readers: Limited time remains to get your annual subscription at the $12/year rate. (How much time I can not tell you because this upgrade is taking longer than expected, but I promise it’s coming!) Subscribe either through the link below or use Venmo (@hellowestchester).

Just $12/Year. Pay Now!

Mark your calendars:

Aug. 31 - West Chester Block Party, corner of Gay and Church Sts. 5:30 p.m. Live music from the JJIM band.

Aug. 31 - West Chester Growers Market, Corner of Church and Chestnut, 9 a.m. - 1 pm.

Aug. 31 - Roslyn 2 mi. Fun Run/Walk, Roslyn Swim Club, 383 Spruce Ave., 11 a.m. Challenge yourself with a run through the hilly Roslyn neighborhood. Race fee: $30 includes t-shirt. Runners are invited for a post-race swim and hang. $10 entrance fee for non-members.

Aug. 31 - Back to School Jam, Jack's Corner at 44 West, 12 to 5 p.m. Stop by for dance challenges, hula hoop contests, hip hop trivia, line dances and more. This is a free event.

Aug. 31 - Small Act Art Show, Corner Art Collective, 2 - 8 p.m. This exhibition features artwork of all small sizes, limited up to 12x12”, showcasing the intricate detail and charm of smaller creations.

Sept. 1 - Summer Picnic Train Ride, West Chester Railroad, 230 E. Market St. 12 - 1:30 p.m. Tickets: $25/adult: $20/kids 2-12

Sept. 6 - First Friday Jazz featuring the Peter Paulsen Trio, Windish Studios, 4 W. Prescott Alley, 7:30 - 9 p.m. Experience an unforgettable night of jazz stylings with the powerhouse trio of Peter Paulsen, Chris Hanning, and Mike Frank. Tickets: $15-$20

Sept. 7 - Dr. Mary's Legacy 5K Run and Family Fun Day, West Goshen Community Park, 9 a.m. Race fee: $25/before Aug. 7; $30/after. Proceeds go to support Community Volunteers in Medicine. Costumes are encouraged and prizes awarded.

Sept. 7 - Designer Handbag Bingo Night, Melton Center, 501 E. Miner St., games start at 5 p.m. Doors open at 4 p.m. A professional caller will guide you through multiple rounds of the classic game. Entry $35 in advance; $40 at the door.

Sept. 8 - 9/11 Heroes Run, Rustin High School, 9 a.m. The 9/11 Heroes Run honors the heroes of 9/11 and the service members who stepped up in the wars that followed. A portion of the proceeds from the race will go to support the Sambuco Children Education Fund.

Sept. 8 - Summer Picnic Train Ride, West Chester Railroad, 230 E. Market St. 12 - 1:30 p.m. Tickets: $25/adult: $20/kids 2-12

Sept. 9 - Movie: Common Ground, WCU Business and Public Management Center Rm 101, 7 p.m. With a star-studded cast, this documentary shares stories from those on the front lines of the food movement. This free showing is open to all. Short reception to precede at 6:30 in the BPMC Lobby.

Looking for more event ideas? Fall Event Guide coming soon! In the meantime, view the full calendar here.

Reader tip: I have been deep in the tech trying to upgrade the subscriber experience and I came across this 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. Thanks to everyone who helped make this week’s issue possible. Have a great Labor Day weekend and I’ll see you next week!

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