🍽️ Saint Agnes Food Program Shut Down | 🕯️Gas Line Upgrades | 👟Trail Bridge Repair

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🚨🍽️ County Shuts Down Long-Standing St. Agnes Food Program

🚧 PECO Launches Upgrade of Natural Gas Lines in Borough

🚧 Dowlin Forge Park Footbridge to Be Rebuilt for Safety

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Chester County Officials Shut Down Long-Standing St. Agnes Food Program

WEST CHESTER, PA — For 32 years, Saint Agnes Church in West Chester offered free, home-cooked meals to hundreds of individuals facing homelessness or financial hardship. In August, county health officials ended this service model, citing state and federal regulations requiring food be prepared in certified environments. Church leaders and volunteers have since depended on donated dishes from local businesses, along with store-bought and processed items, which they say lack the dietary richness of meals once prepared in private homes.

To comply with regulations, the parish has investigated alternatives, including using licensed kitchens at a nearby parish school and center, or constructing a new on-site facility. However, officials note that logistical constraints—such as transporting food across active school grounds—make these suggestions impractical. Until a sustainable solution is found, organizers remain concerned about the well-being of those who have come to rely on Saint Agnes for healthy daily meals. Read the full story at the Daily Local News

PECO Launches Upgrade of Natural Gas Lines in Downingtown Borough

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — PECO has announced a major initiative to strengthen Downingtown Borough’s natural gas system by installing updated underground piping in several key areas. The project will begin around January 20, 2025, focusing on locations near Stuart Avenue, West Pennsylvania Avenue, Manor Avenue, Webster Avenue, and Downing Avenue. By replacing older equipment, the utility seeks to boost overall safety, enhance reliability, and reduce the likelihood of service disruptions.

Work hours will run from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, and the project is targeted for completion by July 25, 2025. Danella Construction, a qualified contractor, has been tasked with overseeing installation. Residents can expect to receive further information in the mail, and they are encouraged to reach out to the contractor’s representatives at the provided phone numbers for any scheduling needs or additional concerns.

Dowlin Forge Park Footbridge to Be Rebuilt for Safety

UWCHLAN TWP — Beginning next week, Uwchlan Township will oversee the demolition and replacement of the footbridge that connects Dowlin Forge Park with the Struble Trail. The aging wooden structure has experienced deterioration of its tread boards and handrails, leading officials to deem it unsafe. To protect the public and maintain a safe trail system, township leaders decided a full replacement of the bridge was necessary. The construction process is projected to last about one month.

During this period, the township recommends that walkers and cyclists access the Struble Trail through Jones Pond on Dowlin Forge Road or via the designated parking lot on Shelmire Road. Community members have been informed that the temporary closure is intended to ensure safety and improve the overall quality of the local trail network.

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