🚒 Arsonist Sets Store Ablaze | 🏥 Brandywine Hospital Campus Sold | 🧻 ‘Stall Stories’ Life-Saving Education

In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse…

☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

🚒 Man Accused of Arson After Store Set Ablaze

🏥 Developer Buys Long-Closed Brandywine Hospital Campus

🧻 ‘Stall Stories’ Delivers Public Health Education in Unexpected Places

⛱️ New Shade Features at Bell Tavern Park

🗓️ Upcoming Local Events

🏡 Just Listed Real Estate Listings

🔎 Local Business Finder

West Grove Man Accused of Arson After Store Set Ablaze

WEST GROVE, PA — In a disturbing incident earlier this month, a man allegedly set fire to a convenience store in Chester County using a Molotov cocktail, causing significant damage and forcing the business to temporarily shut down. Authorities say the suspect, Agustin Cisneros-Bedolla, entered the store, demanded car keys while holding a homemade incendiary device, and then ignited and threw it toward employees. While the fire destroyed merchandise and part of the store structure, no one was seriously injured.

After attempting and failing to flee in a vehicle, the suspect fled on foot and was taken into custody the next day. Police say he admitted to setting the fire in an attempt to gain attention. He has been charged with attempted homicide, aggravated arson, and other serious offenses. The store owner, who is expecting a child this summer, estimates the damage at over $300,000 and is working to reopen within several weeks.

Developer Buys Long-Closed Brandywine Hospital Campus

COATESVILLE, PA — Three years after closing Brandywine Hospital, Tower Health has sold the 67-acre Coatesville property to Mill Farm LLC, affiliated with Delaware’s Regal Builders. The sale does not include the behavioral health building still in use by Banyan Treatment Centers. Regal Builders has not disclosed future plans for the site, though it has other active projects in the region.

The transaction marks another step in Tower Health’s effort to recover from financial setbacks, including pandemic-related losses and the underperformance of hospitals it acquired in 2017. Tower has closed or sold several facilities, including Jennersville and Chestnut Hill hospitals, and is focusing its resources on Berks, Northern Chester, and Western Montgomery counties.

‘Stall Stories’ Delivers Public Health Education in Unexpected Places

WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County is promoting substance use prevention through an innovative campaign called Stall Stories, which delivers educational messages via flyers posted in public restrooms and on community bulletin boards. The flyers, with titles like The Blunt Truth and Parents Who Host Lose the Most, address common issues related to underage drinking and drug use.

Developed by Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems and funded by the Chester County Department of Drug & Alcohol Services, the program aims to meet people where they are—sometimes quite literally. With concise messaging and monthly awareness themes, the materials are designed to catch the eye and provide practical information in informal settings. Both digital and print versions of the flyers are freely available to schools, businesses, and community groups. Get electronic or print copies of Stall Stories here.

East Caln to Install New Shade Features at Bell Tavern Park

EAST CALN TWP — East Caln Township is making preparations for the summer season with new upgrades at Bell Tavern Park. Starting March 25, contractors will be on-site for approximately two weeks to install shade umbrellas above several benches near the Splash Pad. While construction is underway, the Township is advising visitors to be cautious around the work area.

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163 JEFFERSON AVE Downingtown ($210,000)

926 KINGS ARMS DR Downingtown ($625,000)

390 MARY ST Downingtown ($450,000)

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