With so much going on around town. Catch up on what you may have missed.
It’s Friday, May 10. West Chester University graduates, U.S. and World Report ranks our high schools and the Borough wants to add ride-share pick-up zones downtown. Plus, mothers get ready to run (and hopefully scare those rats away) and the best places to get a hoagie. Okay, who’s ready to get started?
Robots at Giant. This past January, the Daily Local warned us of the robot invasion and guess what? A robot was spotted last Saturday evening in the bakery section of the Giant in Bradford Plaza. According to the original article, these robots are being used to identify hazards, such as spills, and facilitate, expedited clean up. He seemed a bit of a lost rumba, bumping around the bakery department when I saw him, but it was relatively quiet so maybe he was just bored?
Traffic nightmares. It some could be a long night tonight for some: overnight road surface repair work will begin tonight at the intersection of East Gay and North Matlack Streets. Matlack will be closed from Gay Street to Chestnut Street for the duration of the work. Part of Aqua’s ongoing repairs, construction is scheduled to start at 8:00 pm. The announcement promises the crew will work as quickly and quietly as possible.
The yard sale at Everhart Park. A scheduled, then cancelled yard sale event is causing much consternation over on Nextdoor. Here’s the gist I got by reading through the snippy comments. Last fall a local group reserved Everhart Park to host their community yard sale event. The permit was approved by the Park & Rec Department and the group began planning. In the meantime, word about got out to members of the Friends of Everhart Park who felt the event was not an appropriate use of the park. Their concern? It could be damaging to the park.
Pleas were made to their Borough rep and the permit for the event was pulled. The group was offered an alternative location at Green Field park but for various reasons the group did not feel this would work. The group and it’s organizers are understandably upset. Others, mostly Borough residents, didn’t feel this was the best use of the park space. There was talk of appeals on the message board but for now the event remains off and, I am guessing, the Park & Rec department is busy clarifying its event guidelines.
What happened to Perch? Less than six months after a major renovation and what appeared to be a solid opening, the country-casual restaurant located on Downingtown Pike in the former home of Mrs. Mikes, has flown the coop, left the nest… (Sorry too many bird puns.) Anyway to much surprise, it’s gone.
Trash enforcement. West Chester has posted for a new Sustainability Coordinator. However, it seems the description has shifted a bit since former Coordinator Meghan Fogarty vacated the post last September after 12-years in the job. The new hire will play more of an enforcement and maintenance role rather than one of leadership and strategic development. Requiring only a high school degree, West Chester will likely take a hit as a local leader in this area.
Can you call me an Uber? West Chester is looking to create “car share pick up zones” at designated areas downtown. The zones would be active from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday and provide rideshare vehicles a place to safely pick up patrons. Subsequently, parking for pedestrian vehicles would not be available in these areas during these times. Feel strongly about this issue? Borough Council will be discussing at their May 15 meeting at 7 p.m.
“We’re building up the soil, making for something new.”
-Executive Director Linda M. Sterthous
Barclay Friends is getting a new building. Over a year after the fatal tragedy that killed four residents, Barclay Friends is ready to rebuild. The assisted living center broke ground last week, The Daily Local reports, on a new 61,000 square foot structure, that will house 60 residents. The group is embracing the project as the next step in moving on.
The warnings. 1) Beware of rats. Literally. Apparently, all the construction downtown has disturbed the rats nests causing several residents to report seeing more rodents than usual scurrying around downtown. Personally, I have not seen these new neighbors, and I am okay with that.
2) Don’t shoot stop signs. (Just in case you needed it in writing.) Last week an unknown assailant shot off several rounds in an early morning encounter with a stop sign. There were fortunately no victims however, the stop sign did not survive and a couple of vehicles sustained collateral damage. Contact police with any info on the incident.
By the way, next week is National Police Week so, thank an officer when you see one. They do a lot.
The accolades. A variety of big-time praise was handed out this week. First, congratulations to all three West Chester High Schools for ranking among the top six percent of high schools in the country according to U.S. News and World Report. That’s pretty impressive. You can find the criteria for the rankings on the school district’s website.
Also, nailing it: West Chester University was applauded for its efforts to help first-generation students succeed in a college environment; Chester County Hospital was recognized for providing exceptional heart care and West Chester was named home to two of the four best hoagies places in Chester County. Bella Cucina and Carlino’s were both singled out for their dedication to a finely crafted sandwich. (Mental note, add Bella Cucina to the list of West Chester restaurants I need to try.)
Plus, congratulations to all WCU students graduating this weekend. Welcome to adulting.
The freakin’ weekend. What are you up to this weekend? I am sneaking off on Sunday with a couple of friends to enjoy a kid-free couple hours at Longwood Gardens. (Happy Mother’s Day to me). Hopefully, the rain will hold out. If not, there’s always the Conservatory and the Beer Garden. Also, this weekend West Chester graduation. If you’re planning a night out you may want to call ahead for reservations or risk long wait times and the Mother’s Day 5k is on Sunday. I love how the race turns the town pink.
Mark your calendar:
- West Chester University Graduation, Hollinger Field House or Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, May 10 – May 12
- Mother’s Day 5K, Downtown, May 12
- West Chester Co-Op Food Tasting, May 18
- Up on the Roof 2019, Chestnut Street Garage, June 1
- Bark in the Park, Everhart Park, June 2
Looking for something a little different to do with Mom this weekend? This Tibetan Singing Bowls concert is described as peaceful and transcendent – and what mom couldn’t use a little quite time away?
That it. Thanks for reading and happy Mother’s Day to all you moms. Hope you have a nice relaxing weekend. Here is last week’s Roundup if you need it, and more on that Mother’s Day 5K, plus four more West Chester runs worth training for. My goal is to be ready for the Dub C 4-miler (now 5k) in June. Wish me luck.
See you all next week. And don’t forget to follow the blog. It’s just so much easier that way.