Hello, West Chester

09/12/2026

🚲 Could West Chester make it easier to get around by bike?

The Borough is looking at ways to improve bikeability and make better use of the bike infrastructure it already has. The Transportation Advisory Committee says West Chester has bike racks throughout the Borough, but there are not enough of them and some are not located where cyclists need them most.

Current racks can be found near places including the West Chester Library, YMCA, Justice Center Garage, downtown intersections and several Borough parks. The Borough is now looking for input from residents about where additional bike racks should be installed.

That conversation comes as West Chester continues looking at larger ways to make the area more accessible for people traveling without a car, including projects like the proposed Turks Head Trail.

If you regularly bike around town, you probably already know the challenge: finding somewhere convenient to leave your bike once you get downtown. 🚲

📍 Where do you think West Chester needs a bike rack? And what would make biking around town easier for you?

09/11/2026

Social media was a-buzz this week with big changes coming to downtown. 🗯 First, there was the cryptic teaser video from one of West Chester OG restaurateurs, misdirected suspicion, and a late-night surprise closure. Not as dramatic at Iron Hill, but still unexpected. Pieces are now starting to slowly fall into place as to what fall in the Borough will look like - and that’s not even this week’s lead story. 🍸🍸

The lead story has to do with West Goshen Parks. The Township is set to vote on a 200+ page master plan for its 14 parks. There are a lot of proposed changes, but some fear not a lot of awareness of what’s going on. We dig into some of the plan's bigger changes. Also, we remember 9/11 on its 25th anniversary. West Chester discusses a new food truck ordinance, and we look at one Borough Department trying to move to revenue neutral after once operating at a $325,000 annual loss. A little good news ahead of budget season.

A special thanks this week to our friends at . Something’s Awry is an animation and VFX studio that built its reputation finding beauty and humor in the unexpected. Don’t believe me? Follow them to see the amazing work they do!

Ok, now, who’s ready? Let’s catch up.

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09/10/2026

Looking for a place to belong and grow? On your journey through life, connect or reconnect with God at Advent Church & Preschool. Find a welcoming Christ-centered community where all are welcome, and every story matters. All events are open to the entire community, regardless of your faith tradition: (Email [email protected] for more information!)

Sept. 11: Concert: Four Hands One Piano, 7 p.m. Starting with a Remembrance of 9/11, including A Ca****la Singing "God Bless America," C.C. Marine Corps League Color Guard, a moment of silence, and the playing of Taps. NEVER FORGET!

Sept. 12: Bingo for a Cause TM, 6-8 p.m. (Doors Open at 5 PM) Come out and support the Rustin High School Boys Soccer program while getting a chance to win great gift baskets/gift cards worth between $100 and $300! Final Cash Round and small games of chance.

Sept. 13: God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday. Gather for a vibrant, hope-filled, Christ-centered worship and message at 9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Bring the kids! Sunday School Kickoff, during the early service, following the children's message, at 9:15 a.m. Refreshments served between services.

Sept. 13: Rise Against Hunger, 6:30 p.m. Join community members working to assemble 10,000 meals for a third world country. Come early and enjoy a free meal, including Chinese Food, at 5:30 p.m.

Confirmation and First Communion Class - Open to all!

All events take place at Advent Lutheran Church, 1601 Green Lane (Rt 352, between Rt. 926 and Rt.3) West Chester, PA. You are welcome here!

This is a sponsored post.

09/09/2026

🏘️ West Goshen could be changing its zoning rules in a big way.

After more than two years of work, West Goshen Township is getting closer to adopting a nearly 200-page rewrite of its zoning ordinance and map. The current ordinance has 22 different zoning districts and has become difficult to interpret, according to the Township.

One of the biggest proposed changes involves the R-3 district, which currently covers about 57% of the Township and is primarily limited to single-family detached homes. Under the proposed zoning map, much of that land would become R-2, where property owners could also potentially build twins, townhomes, row homes, duplexes, and multifamily housing.

That does not mean all of that land would automatically be developed. Future projects would still have to meet requirements for things like lot size, setbacks, utilities, and land development.

Still, the proposed changes are already raising questions from residents who are concerned about traffic, infrastructure, roads, and the impact of additional development on the Township’s open space and wildlife.

A public hearing on the proposed ordinance is expected sometime in October.

📲 Want to understand what’s changing and what the proposed zoning map could mean for West Goshen? Read the full story at the link here: https://hellowestchester-newsletter.beehiiv.com/p/west-chester-weekly-news-roundup-nov-4-2026

09/09/2026

West Chester Restaurant Inspection Reports for August

Each year, Chester County Health Inspectors visit every restaurant or food-serving entity in the county, checking for compliance with public health and safety codes. I compile these findings into the monthly West Chester Restaurant Inspection Reports....

Each year, Chester County Health Inspectors visit every restaurant or food-serving entity in the county, checking for compliance with public health and safety codes. I compile these findings into the monthly West Chester Restaurant Inspection Reports.

09/08/2026

🏠 As WCU students settle into their off-campus homes, West Chester is reminding renters that some housing violations can have consequences beyond a simple ticket.

The Borough updated its rental point system last year to address recurring problems involving noise, trash and parking. Under the system, a first violation starts at three points, while tenants who reach five points within a year can face eviction. Rental property owners can risk losing their rental license once a property reaches 10 points.

Under the new system, points are increased with each violation. Properties will now surpass 10 points after three convictions instead of four. Under the old system, points often expired before a fourth court ruling could be made, and repeat violators would go without consequences.

The Borough is also trying to prevent those violations from happening in the first place. Its new “Student’s Guide to Avoiding Housing Tickets” lays out a few rules renters should know, including keeping house furniture off porches and yards, not parking on lawns or greenspace, keeping yards clean and addressing ticketed issues within 24 hours.

The Borough says the goal is to improve the relationship between student renters, landlords, and their neighbors while giving the rental enforcement system more bite.

🏠For landlords and longtime West Chester residents: what do you think is the biggest issue when it comes to student housing?

09/08/2026

Last chance to upgrade your yearly subscription for ONLY $12!

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09/07/2026

Join North Star of Chester County on Sunday, September 20th, at the historic General Warren in Malvern for our annual fall fundraiser, an evening of Fine Dining and Wines. Enjoy three courses from a specially prepared menu of fine dining courses, paired with expertly-chosen wines. The evening also includes a wine bottle ring toss, silent auction with unforgettable trips, experiences, memorabilia, and much more. Proceeds benefit North Star of Chester County’s homelessness prevention and self-sufficiency program for working single parent families.

Tickets available for purchase at our event site: northstar26.givesmart.com.

Special thanks to our sponsors, including our Presenting Sponsor, The Giuffre Family.

Learn more about North Star of Chester County at: www.northstarofcc.org.

09/05/2026

🚲Could a new trail connect West Chester to points south?

A plan that started with a West Chester dad and his kids during COVID is gaining momentum. The Turks Head Trail would create a roughly five-mile walking and biking corridor alongside the West Chester Railroad, connecting the Borough with areas like Oakbourne Park, Goose Creek Park and Cheyney University. Eventually, the vision could stretch nearly 10 miles to the Wawa Station.

The trail has been included in the Chester County Trails Master Plan and West Chester’s new Park, Recreation and Open Space plan, with support from several local governments and organizations.

And unlike a traditional “rails-to-trails” project, the railroad would remain active. The proposal is for a “rail with trail.”🚂

📲 Want to know where the project stands and what’s next? Read the full story at the link here: https://hellowestchester-newsletter.beehiiv.com/p/west-chester-weekly-news-roundup-aug-28-2026

09/04/2026

Happy Friday! Can West Chester do what Philadelphia hasn’t managed to and bring a top-tier comedy festival to life? This week, we take a look at the first-ever West Chester Comedy Festival and what to expect when comedians start flooding the streets next week. 🎤🎤

Also, West Goshen undertakes a massive zoning rewrite. There are too many changes to document in one update - we start with the significant expansion of allowable residential uses, West Chester restaurant inspection reports are out for August, and West Chester University is introducing a Beer Garden to Farrell Stadium. Hmmm. Wonder what that will do for town-gown relations? 🏠🍺

It’s a breezy one today. Perfect for a holiday weekend.

Special thanks this week to our Community Sponsor, Gladiator Fitness. Now that temperatures will (hopefully) be cooling off, it's a perfect time to get into an exercise routine. Brian can help.

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