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It’s Friday, Jan. 19 - This week we chat all things Downtown West Chester with Business Improvement District Executive Director John O’Brien including what he’s looking forward to this year - and will 9 Prime be participating in West Restaurant Week? I ask, anyway. Plus, multiple projects get funding to stop West Chester from flooding and seeing it in print makes it all seem so much more real. Updates from the West Goshen Shopping Center redevelopment project.  

Who’s ready? Let’s catch up.

4 (New) Things I Learned About Downtown West Chester

Retail businesses saw some of their best days ever last year.

Last Friday, I sat down with John O’Brien, Director of the West Chester Business Improvement District, or Downtown West Chester as it now prefers to be called, for our annual state of the Downtown catch-up. John started the conversation by ticking off the 2023 victories - high-profile openings, continued holiday destination, record-breaking sales - before leading into the reason for the name change. While officially still the Business Improvement District, the new name, which will appear on the organization’s logo and be used in press releases, better aligns with what it has already been using to great effect on the web and social media (Don’t believe me? Type “West Chester” in your search bar. The third entry you will see is the Downtown West Chester website.). It’s a “success,” as John put it, “that we are trying to build on.”

As we move steadily away from supply chain and workforce disruptions that have affected the post-pandemic business community - “build” seems an apropos description of where we stand today.  

It’s always a fascinating conversation - here are four things I took away this year.

(Editor’s note: I couldn’t fit everything in one article, so stay tuned for a closer look at vacancy rates, key openings, and economic predictions next week.)

Lesson #1: Downtown West Chester is looking to expand.

Lorenzo’s Steaks at 216 E. Market St. does not fall within the current downtown boundaries.

According to its current charter, the Business Improvement District was established in 2000 to help drive customer traffic, fill vacancies, and advocate on behalf of the businesses within the boundaries of Miner to Washington, and Wayne to Matlack. While that covers much of the core downtown area, it leaves out all the shops down S. High Street past Dia Doce and the stores and restaurants on E. Market past Matlack. Both areas, however, are counted as part of what the Borough refers to as “Town Center.” In 2025, the BID - errrr, Downtown West Chester would like to see both of these align - if so wished.

“We want the businesses to want us,” said John.  

From a business perspective, this could mean more advocacy and marketing support for the businesses in the areas outside Downtown’s current boundaries. From a resident perspective, it would mean an extended holiday footprint and greater restaurant and retail participation in events and promotions led by Downtown West Chester.

Lesson #2: We need people to support all this commerce.

While the developments of the last two years are exciting for sure, they are also a bit tenuous. Large-scale operations like the much-hyped 9 Prime and the planned Turks Head Wine bar are going to take a lot of consumer dollars to sustain. This is in addition to the 65 other bars, restaurants, and cafes already operating downtown. It all makes for a rather large financial lift for a small borough like West Chester.

“Projects like they are doing at Burger King and Mitches are important,” said John (a direct counterpoint to the article I shared last week.) “More housing is good.” He worries that without it we have reached the apex of what we can support with the customer base we have.

To counter this, Downtown West Chester regularly advertises itself as a day-trip destination for those in the Philadelphia region, New Jersey, and Delaware. Now with a second hotel coming soon, it may be able to think even bigger. The Hotel Indigo, at the corner of Gay and Walnut Streets, is on schedule for completion at the end of the year. In addition to having 106 rooms for guests, there will be a 6,000 sq. ft ground-floor restaurant that will, of course, need your financial support.*

Lesson #3: Events are an effective tool in driving more people downtown. Plus, they’re fun.

*Turns out the burden is not entirely on you, events also help. Over the last several years Downtown West Chester has worked to expand its event calendar, infilling West Chester’s signature events like the Christmas Parade, Chili Cookoff, and Chester County Restaurant Festival with a series of smaller events that are helping to keep eyes on the Borough all year long.

“We have a pretty cool events calendar,” said John. The event year kicks off next month with the return of West Chester’s Restaurant Week from February 25 to March 3. Already there are 19 establishments signed up with, I am sure, more to come.  (Will 9 Prime be participating? I asked. “We’ll have to see if they are open by then,” was the non-committal response I received.)

Also returning this year, are the Adult Easter Egg Hunt, the Gay Street Open Air Market, the Spring and Fall Gallery Walks, World Music Day,  the First Friday Summer Music Series, the TAPS Wednesday Summer Happy Hour, Oktoberfest, Small Business Weekend, and Christkindlmarkt - which was a huge success for local retailers.

“Some of our retailers had their best single sales day ever,” John said of the December Christmas market held for the first time on Gay Street.

Despite being extremely crowded, one criticism I heard was that there were no food vendors for grab-and-go sustenance. That was a conscious decision, said John who wanted the focus (and the discretionary cash) to be on retailers. The policy of no food trucks will continue in 2024 but Downtown West Chester is exploring possibly getting some Bavarian pretzel vendors. It keeps with the theme and should frugally sustain the shopping masses.

Lesson #4: 2026 is going to be a bunting year.

But before we get to that, let’s talk about 2024. 2024 marks the Borough’s 225th year. There is a parade being planned for April, which John and team will be helping to support. There are also ongoing efforts to clean up downtown. John is looking into pressure washing the sidewalks, building out a pollinator garden by the Grower’s Market, and adding hanging baskets of flowers to Gay Street. He’s also open to ideas. See something that needs to be cleaned, straightened, or hauled away?  Let him know. All efforts made this year will serve as a precursor to the big event - the Nation’s 250th birthday which will have all eyes on Philadelphia - and surrounding areas - in 2026.

“We are working to make sure West Chester pops for that,” said John.

In addition to the Nation’s “semiquincentennial,” Philadelphia will also host several 2026 World Cup soccer games and the 2026 Major League Baseball All-Star game.

John pictures the Borough decked out in American flags, storefronts covered in bunting, and banners featuring pictures of buildings past.

“I think that would be a cool look,” he said.

Have ideas to improve the business district? Downtown West Chester is looking for residents to join its Event and Programs Committee and Advocacy and Policy Committee. “It’s a great way for residents and business owners to come together on issues that affect downtown,” said John. (Send John an email if you’re interested in applying.)

Riverstone United Winter Open House Scheduled for Feb. 4

Riverstone United Christian Academy (RUCA) is a private school option for families in and around Chester County. We are an independent, Christian middle school and high school that serves students in grades 6-11.

Our educators are driven to support your child’s academic success through Christian education. We challenge students with a rigorous and active curriculum, and we support them with small class sizes and individualized attention. 

Want to learn more? Visit us online at: riverstoneunited.com. Or join us for our winter Open House on Sunday, February 4th at 1:30pm. Register here!

The Warnings.

The courthouse in blue. Image: Drunks of West Chester 

Attention Kmart shoppers. This is no “blue light” special. January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month and to raise awareness about the problem West Chester is shining a blue light on the historic Courthouse and Borough Hall. According to government statistics, human trafficking affects between 14,500 and 17,500 women and children in the U.S. each year. To better recognize these situations when they occur locally, West Chester police officers have taken training and listened to a survivor, according to a statement provided by West Chester Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste.

That’s a risky play. This week, West Chester police responded to a report of a burglary on the 500 block of S. Walnut Street. It was determined two individuals entered the property around 4:30 the morning of Jan. 15. They removed several gaming systems and a safe. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the WCPD at 610-696-2700.  

Find an alternate route. Grove Road is closed from Grubbs Mill to MacKenzie Drive due to freezing surface water coming through the roadway. The road will remain closed while temps remain below 32 degrees.

Watch for icy roads. I know it’s been a minute since we’ve had to drive in cold weather conditions but snow is back in the forecast for today and the incidents are starting to pile up (no pun intended.) See exhibits A, B, and C.  If you can stay home, do so. Except, maybe not before moving your car.

This is a snow emergency. Last night Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste called a snow emergency for the Borough of West Chester until 6 a.m. Saturday. During this time, all vehicles must be removed from snow emergency routes. (These are marked with red and white signs at the beginning and end of each street.) Vehicles that are not moved risk being towed or fined. If you do not have off-street parking, residents can park in any Borough-owned garage or lot free of charge. Read the full message here.

The Accolades.

Goose Creek, at Montgomery Ave., already at elevated levels.

Cheers to stormwater funding (and cheerleading, but more on that later). With a week of snow and ice to distract us, last week’s power outages and street floodings may already seem like a thing of the past but it’s a past we are doomed to repeat if we don’t start doing something about the stormwater. It’s a gospel the Goose Creek Alliance has been preaching since its inception in 2021. Now the nonprofit organization has a full six-stage Watershed Action Plan and a $77,300 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to get it started. (Note: West Chester Borough also received a $200,000 grant from the agency to support its work in Goose Creek watershed.)  

I spoke with Alliance founder and board member Michael Dunn on the group’s plans for Goose Creek and the newfound funding.

HWC. What are your goals for Goose Creek?

MD. Our goals are to restore ecological function, cleaner water and wetland habitat, promote ecologically responsible floodplain restoration to aid in the reduction of flooding, utilize the stream as a living laboratory for university research, and create a greenbelt that connects the Borough to the surrounding region at large.

HWC: What will you do with the new funding?

MD: The grant awarded will allow us to finance a professional Watershed Action Plan. That is an engineered study that also encompasses ecological concerns. This is the first step to thoroughly assess the watershed and to develop steps for action.

HWC: Are you working in collaboration with local townships or are you on your own?

MD: We have endorsements from West Chester Borough, West Goshen, West Chester University, and the Chester, Ridley, Crum Watershed Association. (They represent the watersheds downstream from Goose Creek.)

HWC: This seems like an ambitious project. How are you hoping to complete it all?

MD: We have allied with LandStudies, a leading expert in floodplain restoration engineering to complete this project and anticipate completed deliverables in early 2025.

Well, congratulations, and good luck. Any progress we can make on reducing flooding and repairing Goose Creek is a win for us all!

Lt. John Lee was sworn in this week as the new West Chester Chief of Police.

Son Miles and daughter Scarlet held the bible.

Also, this week, a round of applause to:

• Lt. John Lee, who was sworn in Tuesday as West Chester’s new Chief of Police. Lt. Lee, or I guess now, Chief Lee is a 24-year veteran of the force. He replaces James Morehead who retired on Jan. 12. The West Chester Police Department is comprised of 44 officers and 15 staffers.

• A. Duie Pyle, the West Goshen-based transportation and logistics provider announced this week it is opening a new facility in Maine. The expansion will help the 100-year-old company strengthen its position as the region’s “leading supply chain solutions provider.”  

• Henderson boys swim team. The Warriors, 4-0, remain undefeated after plucking a win from cross-county rival Downingtown West. During the meet, Henderson had five swimmers take home individual medals, four with times good enough to put them in consideration for the district meet.

• West Chester University gymnast Jordan Coleman. At the home opener last week against the University of Maryland, the junior gymnast broke the school record and took home gold on the uneven bars with a score of 9.925. Her efforts also garnered her Specialist of the Week honors from the Gymnastics East Conference. The Golden Rams are back in action tonight in Boise where they will compete in a quad meet against Boise State, San Jose State, and the Air Force.

• WCU Cheerleaders. Give me an O. Give me an N. Give me an E. That’s right West Chester Cheerleaders are number one. The Golden Rams came together to post a National Championship winning score of 98.8 score in the finals of the Universal Cheerleaders Association Championship in Orlando. Big start for first-year head coach Jacqueline Kline. "To accomplish what they did with a new coach that started so late is remarkable,” she said.

Hello.

Snow pics from around West Chester. From top (l to r): West Bradford (Carrie Zito), sledding (Kim Showers), snow angel (Paul Novak), Everhart Park (me), and for you rare car lovers, a 1991 Mitsubishi Delica L300 imported from Japan (Delilah).

Hellllloooo, snow! It’s been a while. It is reported 3.1 inches of snow fell in the West Chester area between Monday night and Tuesday morning with another potential 4 - 6” inches expected today. Which is to say, the region’s snow drought is officially over. Before Monday, to get snow totals of more than an inch you had to go back to January 29, 2022, or nearly two years ago. While this snowfall did not break any records, it was enough to cover the ground, coat the roads, and draw out a whole manner of snow days.

Love it or hate it, you likely won’t have it for long. Temperatures are expected back in the mid-40s by next week.

Thank you to everyone who shared snow pictures. It looked like a fun day was had by most!

Speaking of warming weather, do you have any idea of what you’re doing with your kiddos this summer? Me neither. To help, Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) is holding its annual Summer Adventures Camp and Activities Fair on Tuesday (Jan. 23) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at East High School. I have never been to the fair but they promise 60 different summer camps, workshops, and enrichment opportunities. There are day options, sleep-away options (tell me more), and specialty camps focusing on art, music, theater, and sports. There’s even an ambulance camp.  

Also, it’s hello to a new exhibit at the Chester County History Center. Titled “Letters and Post Cards,” the CCHC’s latest temporary collection explores the impact of the U.S. Postal Service on the Borough and surrounding areas. “Before social media and telephones, handwritten letters were one of the very few ways to communicate across town, across the country, and around the world,” the exhibit copy teases.

Expect hundreds of envelopes and postcards that headed to and from West Chester between 1820 and 1920. The exhibit opened in December; it will run until June 1.

Goodbye.

Goodbye, Kmart. Nothing makes it feel official quite like seeing it in writing. This week West Goshen Board of Supervisors reviewed signage plans for the West Goshen Shopping Center redevelopment project.

Beautiful, isn’t it?

Special thanks to West Goshen Sunshine for a heads-up on this development!

Also, will it be goodbye to accidents at S. Church St. and W. Rosedale Avenue? West Chester University, West Goshen, and West Chester Borough are all hoping so. Late last year they came together in support of a new stop light at the intersection.

“Those who live and work in both West Goshen and West Chester are well aware of the traffic issues on Rosedale Avenue,” Ashley Gagne, West Goshen Board of Supervisors chairwoman told the Daily Local.  “It is my hope that this new traffic light will improve not only the safety of pedestrians on campus, but also the flow of traffic for nearby residents that oftentimes have no other route to take just to get to the grocery store.”

The light is currently flashing red but should be fully operational in about a week. West Chester University Police are urging drivers to use caution in the area as everyone gets used to the new light.

Pay It Forward.

Snow falling outside the West Chester Public Library earlier this winter.

West Chester Area School Board Member and former Executive Director of the Chester County Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) Joyce Chester is ready to expand her work in the West Chester community. This time it will be as a key leader on the frontlines of fighting homelessness.

“I am honored and excited to join the Friends Association,” Joyce said of her recent appointment as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer.

“The organization has a 200-year history of making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need, and I am eager to contribute to its continued success,” she said in a release.

Her background in adult and youth literacy, job training, and education will help the organization continue to build up the support services essential to ending chronic homelessness.

“We look forward to working closely with Joyce to build on the achievements of the Friends Association and further expand our impact,” said Friends Association Board President Yolanda Van De Krol.

Over the last five years, the group has greatly expanded its role in the community, increasing the number of families it serves from 92 in 2019 to 637 this year. Joyce replaces Jennifer Lopez who stepped down from the lead role in September to spend more time with her granddaughter.

Love books, looking to give back, and live just outside the Borough limits? West Chester Public Library is looking to fill an opening on its Board of Trustees. “We would ideally like someone from West Goshen, Westtown, or Birmingham Township so that we can assure broad representation on the Board,” shared current Trustee Kelly Dungee.

The library board is responsible for fundraising, policy setting, and supporting the Director in guiding the institution forward. The library, which turned 150 last year, is currently in the middle of a five-year fundraising campaign designed to ensure its existence for the next 150. Planned is a state-of-the-art redesign meant to make the most of the historic building’s limited space.

The trustees meet once a month as a board and also as members of various committees.

You can apply and learn more - here.  

Prefer a give-back opportunity that is once and done? The Community Warehouse Project is hosting a Drop-Off Day on Saturday. They are in urgent need of all things kitchen - think cooking utensils, mixing bowls, bakeware, Tupperware, etc. Bring your items to 800 E Virginia Ave between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The Weekend Marquee by Uptown

 The Laugh Lounge @ Uptown! Stand Up Comedy Night | Jan. 25 @ 7:30 p.m.

Ready to laugh? Start the year with comedian Missy Hall featuring Bill Chiang and emcee Jeremy Hall. Watch the video to see Missy live. Tickets available now but hurry they are going fast! 

The Freakin’ Weekend.

Good weekend to cozy up with something warm and dream of the future.

What are you up to this weekend? Are you too currently reviewing your weekend plans? I guess, you will just have to wait for my insights on the Pinewood Derby (it was canceled.) Instead, we will be cozying with remains of our Eagles puzzle (feeling anti-climatic right now) and the stack of newly collected library books. Fortunately, we got in between the snow. While the library is on its second snow day in a week, there are plenty of digital options available.

“All our digital stuff is open and available - including Kanopy which includes a good selection of movies (nothing first run), documentaries, and good children's selection,” Director Victoria Dow told me.   

If you are around this weekend, it’s going to be a cold one but that’s ok. County Line Magazine has released its “Best of” issue featuring 23 West Chester establishments. What better time than a cold Saturday evening to give one of them a try? Plus, there are new badass mugs are in at Pine and Quill, perfect for all your hot beverages, and Malena’s has pretty fur coats. There’s no ethical questions when they’re vintage, right?

Also, a reminder, West Chester University students return on Monday. Ryan’s has a whole “Back 2 School” Sylly Week planned - so you’ll probably want to avoid that.

Finally, this week a very special thank you to our very first Community Sponsor, The Lorgus Company, which has owned and managed rental properties since 1976.  Its flagship property is 103 S. High Street, once the home of impressionist artist Mary Cassatt.  The company continues that legacy today by working to honor and support local artists and professionals.

Among the building’s newer tenants is Lifelong Massage which specializes in medical massage, myofascial release, sports and deep tissue, and pregnancy.  Whether you're looking for a moment of relaxation or to address an injury or chronic pain, Lifelong can find the type of bodywork that will plant the seed for your lifelong journey of healing and self-care.

View a list of all our amazing Community Sponsors here. Want to get your business out in front of this wonderful community? I don’t blame you. Ad space is open for 2024!! Send me an email if you are interested.

Get your subscription here. Thank you to everyone who has signed on for a year of West Chester news, events and, who knows what else we will discover. For those who have yet to make your yearly contribution, you can do that below. ($12 gets you a year. That’s like a quarter an issue. Maybe think of the coffee you didn’t get this morning and do it now?)  

I want in. Give me a year subscription!

Mark your calendars:

• Jan. 19 - Back in Black - AC/DC Tribute, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $35; $5 more at the door; $5 service fee.

• Jan. 19 - Mojo Snoozin, Artillery Brewing, 6 p.m.

• Jan. 20 - West Chester Growers' Winter Market, corner of Church & Chestnut Sts, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. The market is open rain, snow or shine.

• Jan. 20 - Elise Acoustic, Artillery Brewing, 6 p.m.

• Jan. 20 - The Greatful Dub, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $35; $5 more at the door; $5 service fee.

• Jan. 20 - Saturday Night Basketball, Melton Center, 6  - 10:30 p.m. Teens 13-17 hold the court from 6 - 8 p.m. followed by adults 8:30 - 10:30. Entry fee $5. No spectators allowed.

• Jan. 22 - First Day of Spring Semester, WCU

• Jan. 22 - $5 Monday Night Movie: Enchanted, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m. Complimentary popcorn provided

• Jan. 22 - Peirce Band Concert, Peirce MS, 7 p.m.

• Jan. 23 - Rustin Jazz Concert, Rustin, 7 p.m.

• Jan. 23 - Abandoned Eastern Pennsylvania, 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. Take a look inside some negelected PA sites with award-winning photographer Cindy Vasko. This is a pay-as-you-wish virtual event from the Chester County History Center. Register here.

• Jan. 25 - CCHC Book Discussion: Destiny of the Republic, Chester County History Center, 10 -11 a.m. Review and discuss the life and times of James Garfield as told by historian Candice Millard. This is a hybrid event and can be attended virtually or in person.

• Jan. 25 - The Laugh Lounge, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. Headliner: Missy Hall, feature: Bill Chiang. Tickets: $25; $5 more at the door; $5 service fee.

• Jan. 26 - Yoga Fundraiser, Harmony Wellspring Yoga, 525 E. Gay St., 5:45 p.m. Yoga followed by tea and light refreshments. $30. All proceeds and a yoga mat. go to support Safe Harbor.

• Jan. 26 - Constellation Men's Ensemble, WCU Swope Music Building, 7 - 9 p.m. Constellation is a Chicago-based vocal group performing music by Paul John Rudoi, Alex Berko and WCU faculty composers Robert Maggio and Adam Silverman. This is a free event. Tickets are not required.

• Jan. 27 - Yoga Fundraiser, Harmony Wellspring Yoga, 525 E. Gay St., 1 p.m. Yoga followed by tea and light refreshments. $30. All proceeds and a yoga mat. go to support Safe Harbor.

• Jan. 27 - Discovery in the Dark: A Children's Event, Chester County History Center, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. This family evening event will show children what life was like in the past before electricity. Learn about all the different sources of light  and what bedtime was like, from pajamas, to brushing your teeth. Kids can explore the darkened museum with flashlights, and complete a scavenger hunt for special prizes. Best for kids ages 6 - 12. Admission $8/kids; $10/adults.

• Jan. 27 - Saturday Night Basketball, Melton Center, 6 - 10:30 p.m. Teens 13-17 hold the court from 6 - 8 p.m. followed by adults 8:30 - 10:30. Entry fee $5. No spectators allowed.

• Jan. 27, 28 - Joe Conklin and the City Rhythm Orchestra, Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, 8 p.m. Long-time WIP radio comedian Joe Conklin has teamed up with the legendary Philly party band - the City Rhythm Orchestra - on a 90-minute tribute to the sports fans of Philadelphia. Tickets range from $65 - $80.

• Jan. 28 - Royal Fiesta with Anna and Elsa, Lulu's Casita, 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. $5/adult; $25/kid.

Psst. Like to plan? Check out the Calendar page for even more events.

That’s it. Stay safe, stay healthy, and  I'll see you next week!

Oh, one more thing, if you think one or more of your friends would like Hello, West Chester, too, please forward this newsletter and tell them to come and join us.

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