With so much going on around town. Catch up on what you may have missed.
It’s Friday, March 8, International Women’s Day and the unofficial start of West Chester University spring break, so enjoy those quiet streets. Here’s what people are talking about this week:
The Mayor’s ward meetings. West Chester Mayor Dianne Herrin and various Borough Council members held their final town halls with residents this week. The meetings offered officials and residents a chance to communicate directly.
3 Things I learned from the Mayor’s Town Hall:
- Pension Liability is going down. Thanks to a switch to 401K style retirement plans for all non-uniform Borough employees.
- ⅓ of the property in the Borough is tax exempt. Think: University, Hospital, County Government, Churches, nonprofits…
- Officials are exploring new ways to raise/save money. Code enforcement, occupancy checks at bars, parking kiosks/mobile apps to replace meters.
Kildare’s. It’s been a tough week for the WCU hangout. First an employee was assaulted at the bar early last Friday morning in an incident that landed the employee in the hospital. The police are seeking information about the event. Then a civil court ordered the bar to pay $525,000 to the family of Shane Montgomery a West Chester University student that drowned after leaving the bar on Thanksgiving Eve 2014. The jury found the bar negligent in its behavior for continuing to serve Montgomery who was visibly intoxicated and then failing to call a cab or see him safely off with friends.
In other news of restaurant employees behaving badly. A waiter of a Gay Street restaurant is facing forgery and theft charges after altering the amount of the tip left by the patrons. No mention of which restaurant it was.
“[David Desper] took Bianca away from her true purpose in life, which was to help and protect those who were vulnerable around her.”
-Michelle Roberson, in an interview in the Daily Local
Bianca’s Foundation. Michelle Roberson, mother of road rage victim and Rustin graduate Bianca Roberson, has announced the launch of a foundation dedicated to carrying out her daughters unfulfilled legacy.
The foundation will work to end gun violence, racism and hate in our community. There will be a pancake fundraiser for the Bianca Nikol Merge with Mercy foundation at Applebee’s on March 30 from 8-10 a.m..
Beef at the BID. Apparently several (38 to be exact) members of the West Chester Business Improvement District are unhappy with their borough council representative, Diane LeBold. The businesses are asking that LeBold step down or be removed from her post by borough council. Not all members of the organization are in agreement however, with BID Executive Director Malcolm Johnstone defending LeBold as a “big champion of the BID.” However, he says the group will do its due diligence in looking into the matter and determining next steps.
People braver than me. The Brandywine Red Clay Alliance held their 12th annual Polar Plunge last month at the Brandywine Picnic Park. Hockessin Community News reported, roughly 150 crazy souls jumped into the 40 degree waters just to emerge into the 27 degree air. Brrrr.
That kid’s going to be a star. West Chester University LIVE! Is looking to cast 50 kids for the Missula Children’s Theatre’s rendition of the Pied Piper. No acting experience necessary. Auditions will be held Monday, March 11, 2019, at 4:30 p.m., in the Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, Philips Memorial Building. Performances will be on Saturday March 16 at 2 and 5 pm.
Is beer vegan? Apparently, yes and so is Liquid Eatery’s new late night menu, which it says is “West Chester’s first fully vegan after hours menu.” In other (sorta) healthy for you news. Roots Cafe is looking at making their CBD food dishes a permanent menu item. The Gay Street restaurant recently hosted a five-course tasting menu featuring the marijuana derivative. The cafe already sells CBD infused honey.
Looking to track all these healthy changes? West Chester resident Tam Williams has pretty successful app for that.
The warnings. Watch your speed on Market Street. I’ve seen several cars pulled over on the strip between the Melton Center and WaWa. Also, PECO is back at work in the borough. They will be upgrading gas services at a numerous properties beginning the week of March 18. PECO will be in touch with affected property owners prior to beginning work.
The freakin’ weekend. What are you up to this weekend? Our days are full of basketball (and I will be taking a much needed trip to the salon) but the nights are open. If we can get a sitter, I would love to check this comedy show out. This is at least their second time in the borough and I have heard good things.
If we can’t, the Daily Local is reporting the James L. Mosteller Comedy and Magic Spectacular is holding its final show after 24 years on Saturday. I’ve never heard of this show but for some reason I still kind of want in on the tradition.
There is also, a new Italian BYOB, Ciao, to try. The reviews are good, very good… Then of course, maybe just, take advantage of a quiet weekend downtown. (WCU spring break starts after classes end today!)
That’s it. Thanks for joining, I’ll be back next week with another installment of the The Round Up. Here is a link to last week’s in case you missed it and if you have an extra minute this latest innovation sweeping through the schools is pretty cool. This weekend, I plan on curling up with some good local reads which I will hopefully share with you next week.
Plus, don’t forget to follow this blog to get all the updates!
Thanks, Cara! I am a new subscriber but am already hooked. I am learning so much about our great town, and on so many fronts. And I like your writing style as well. Thanks for all of your hard work.
Hi Anne, Thank you! I’m so glad you like it. And to be honest, I’m getting kind of hooked myself!