It’s Friday, December 21, the shortest day of the year and 4 shopping days to Christmas. Here’s what people are talking about this week (besides holiday plans and to do lists)…
That d&$* pipeline. Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan announced via press release that the District Attorney’s Office has opened a criminal investigation into the construction of the Mariner East 1, 2, and 2X pipelines being constructed through Chester County. The pipeline construction has been riddled with problems including sinkholes, water contamination and most recently an explosion. In the release Hogan cites two specific incidents that led him to open an investigation, “First, the explosion in Beaver County changed speculation into tangible danger and destruction. Second, over Thanksgiving, some of the residents of Lisa Drive in West Whiteland were kind enough to take me onto their property and show me the damage caused by the pipelines. The concerns and fears of those citizens were both disturbing and heartwrenching.”
The reactions. State Senator Andy Dinniman praised the action saying in a statement, “For years, I’ve stood with and fought alongside Chester County residents whose lives have been upended by the carelessness associated with the Mariner East project. It’s good to see that others seem to be beginning to listen and hopefully, to act.” So far residents too seem to support the actions taken by the D.A. Some business groups disagree citing instead a report commissioned by Delaware County Council that show more people are likely to die from traffic accidents or falling down the stairs than accidents related to pipelines. Comforting.
More road closures. The Daily Local is reporting more closures are coming to Gay St. The road will be closed from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays beginning January 7. If the weather cooperates the project could be completed by late March. Start planning your alternate routes now.
Speaking of traffic, is the borough ready for electric cars? Read our post.
Plans for next year. Foresee some extra time in your future? The West Chester Area School District is looking for some new board members. The WCASD will have five seats up for election in 2019. If you are interested in running the district is holding an information night on January 7. Interested individuals should RSVP to Lind Cherashore at lcherashore@wcasd.net. Plus a number of vacancies remain on a variety of West Chester committees. Contact Dana DiDomenico for details.
The Grammy nominee among us. VISTA reports West Chester University Applied Music professor and distinguished baritone, Randall Scarlata was nominated for a Grammy for his recording Schubert’s Winterreise. The performance was recorded at Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre. The Grammy Awards air on Sunday, February 10. Best of luck Mr. Scarlata!
The mayor at Barnaby’s near closing time? Mayor Dianne Herrin hit the bars late night with Daily Local journalist Bill Rettew to help raise awareness around over consumption especially among university students. University officials point out bar patrons come from all over not just the university but still there are ongoing efforts to curb drinking. These include providing appealing after hours alternatives and raising awareness around responsible drinking habits.
Police cooperation. Borough Council will vote on extending the police cooperation agreement with East Bradford Township for another year. A public hearing will be held on the extension at the next regularly scheduled public work session meeting. Which I believe is January 8.
All those cookie calories. Want to get a jump start on that annual promise to get healthier next year? The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (including both West Chester locations) will open their doors to the community from Wednesday December 26 through December 31. Download your free pass here.
The Christmas spirit. Last Friday the Oscar Lasko YMCA held a Christmas market for students in their after school program. Students earned Y-bucks during the week exhibiting good behavior then used those dollars to purchase gifts for family and friends. Volunteers were on hand to help wrap the gifts. It was terribly sweet.
The freakin’ weekend. Four shopping days left until Christmas. And if you are still staring at a Christmas list. Go here and here -then here (I heard a rumor everything is on sale at Wine and Spirits. Happy Holidays everybody!
Can’t wait to see what happens next? Follow the blog for weekly updates. And if you missed last week’s update you can find it here.