With so much going on around town. Catch up on what you may have missed.
It’s Friday, February 15. The week started with snow, it’s ending near 60 degrees. In other unexpected news, West Chester Borough is reporting a significant budget surplus for 2018. Plus, school’s new official end date and changes to the parking code. Here’s what people are talking about this week.
The budget surplus. It was reported just hours ago, the Borough of West Chester is carrying over a budget surplus from 2018. Hang started wringing started last year when growing pensions costs started squeezing long-term revenue sources and leading to the now active tax increase. It also led to some pretty effective cost-cutting measures by the borough.
“I saw things that could be done more efficiently at less cost.”
– Borough Manager Mike Perrone to the The Daily Local.
The city-wide efforts have netted $719,000 in savings in 2018. It does make you wonder why some of these measures weren’t undertaken sooner, but better late than never.
Baldwin’s Book Barn was burglarized. According to the police report, employees showed up Sunday to find a window broken and several rare books missing.
“Your concern means so much to us but everyone is okay at least and it really wasn’t as bad as it could have been.”
– Baldwin’s Book Barn in response to an Instagram posted concern over the theft.
If you have any information about this unfortunate event contact police.
When is school out for summer? Uncertain snow and ice forecasts led the West Chester Area School to call two snow days this week pushing the end of school out to June 12th.
In other school news – a new custodial contract was signed. The five year agreement gives workers a 3.2% increase in wages and benefits.
Climate change. The Federal government now has a New Green Deal, PA has an executive order to cut emissions 80 percent by 2050, so where does West Chester stand on climate change? Turns out we’re ahead of them all and bringing the rest (ok, parts) of Chester County with us. Here’s what’s next.
Parking, always parking. Changes are coming to the parking code including, expanding Permit Area L on South Matlack Street from East Market to Barnard, and prohibiting oversize vehicles from parking in the borough. Have opinions on the parking situation in West Chester? Here’s your chance to share them – a public comment period is being held on Wednesday, February 20. A full list of changes is posted on the borough website.
Have you had your Ward meeting? Speaking of borough news, Ward 2’s meeting with the Mayor was postponed due to the snow. Now Wards 2 and 4 will meet together on Monday 2/25. We’re meeting on 2/26. You can find the full schedule here. If you’ve been to One, let me know your thoughts.
The local art scene. West Chester’s Public Arts Commission is looking for submissions to its lamp post banner project, this time the focus is on the architecture of West Chester. Submissions are due by March 15. Details can be found on the borough website.
In more arts news, meet radical homemaker and popular author Shannon Hayes February 19 at the West Chester Public Library and West Chester University cancelled its Trumpet Festival. Originally scheduled for February 22-23, the event would have celebrated its 12th year. No mention as to why but ticket holders can get a refund by contacting the West Chester University box office.
February is Black History Month. Local activist Bayard Rustin, got some long overdue national recognition for his contributions to the civil rights movement.
The warnings. Here’s what we learned from law enforcement this week – before you throw that party, double check your guest list, and maybe next time just call an Uber? Stay safe out there.
Finally,
The freakin’ weekend. What are you doing this weekend? We are enjoying a belated Valentine’s Dinner (and drinks) at one of our favorite Valentine’s dinner spots.
If you are still uncommitted here are some ideas for you – a member of the Norwegian Nobel Committee (wow!) will discuss peace, leadership and the Nobel Prize tonight at West Chester University. It’s free and open to the public. Or if you are in more of a musical mood, also at WCU, Married to Broadway, a musical tour of the Great White Way with songs from classics like Phantom of the Opera and Disney to newer selections like, Bohemian Rhapsody, is being performed on Saturday. Finally, grab your pencils and binoculars, this weekend is the Great Backyard Bird Count.
That’s it. Thank you for another great week. The Roundup will be back next Friday. In the meantime, you can find last week’s round up here. If you have a minute these local Instagram accounts are worth a look and maybe a follow? Plus, don’t forget to follow along to get all the updates. See you next week!