🥵 Justice Center HVAC Emergency | ⚖️ New ARD Guidelines | 🚨 Coateville Gunfire Damages Homes

***Limited Summer Posting Schedule***

In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse…

☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

🥵 County Declares Emergency After HVAC Failure at Justice Center

♻️ Caln Township Kicks Off Year’s First Clean-Up Crew at Valley Run

⚖️ New Guidelines Limit ARD Access for First-Time DUI Offenders

🚨 Gunfire Strikes Six Homes in Coatesville; Over 30 Shots Fired

🗓️ Upcoming Local Events

🏡 Just Listed Real Estate Listings

🔎 Support Local Downingtown Businesses

Chester County Declares Emergency After HVAC Failure at Justice Center

WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County has declared a local disaster emergency due to the failure of the HVAC system at the Chester County Justice Center amid a forecasted heatwave. With temperatures expected to reach near 90 degrees through the week, the building’s interior conditions have been deemed unsafe for court operations. In response, county commissioners enacted emergency measures to manage the situation, including the deployment of temporary staff, procurement of cooling equipment, and suspension of standard contractual protocols. The Department of Emergency Services has been tasked with leading the response and recovery efforts. The emergency status is set to last for up to seven days unless extended by the commissioners.

Caln Township Kicks Off Year’s First Clean-Up Crew at Valley Run

CALN TWP — Caln Township resumed its Clean-Up Crew volunteer events over the weekend following a stretch of poor weather, launching the first outing of 2025. Volunteers gathered Saturday morning at Valley Run to collect trash and debris, contributing to the township’s environmental restoration efforts. The high temperatures didn’t deter participants, who uncovered numerous discarded items and earned credit toward Caln’s clean-up reward system. This initiative grants prizes to volunteers after every three events they attend, with new reward itemshare the newsletter

New Guidelines Limit ARD Access for First-Time DUI Offenders

WEST CHESTER, PA — In the wake of a Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling that ARD admissions can no longer be used as evidence of prior DUI offenses, Chester County is changing how it administers the program. The District Attorney’s Office has introduced new guidelines restricting access for first-time DUI offenders with high blood alcohol levels, a history of traffic violations, or evidence of hard drug use.

District Attorney Chris de Barrena-Sarobe said the goal is to balance public safety with second-chance opportunities. The changes are expected to cut ARD admissions by up to 20 percent. Unlike some counties that have suspended their programs, Chester County will maintain ARD but apply more rigorous screening. Prosecutors will assess applicants individually, considering both their rehabilitation potential and risk to the community.

The ARD program, which has been in place since the 1980s, provides an alternative to incarceration for first-time, non-violent offenders. Participants must complete probation, safety courses, and community service, after which they can petition to have their records expunged. View the new guidelines here

Gunfire Strikes Six Homes in Coatesville; Over 30 Shots Fired

COATESVILLE, PA — Coatesville police are investigating a late-night shooting that left six homes and four vehicles riddled with bullets. Around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, a gunman opened fire from a dark-colored sedan on Community Lane, discharging more than 30 rounds into a residential block. All six homes struck were occupied at the time, but no injuries occurred.

Responding officers later searched a nearby home, recovering four firearms, including an untraceable ghost gun. Authorities have not named suspects or made arrests, and the cost of the damage remains undetermined.

Upcoming local events…

Eagleview Farmers’ Market (Eagleview) - July 17th, 3pm-6pm

Chris Kasper Band at Broad Run Park (Downingtown) - July 17th, 6pm

Kimberton Summer Concert Series (Phoenixville) - July 17th, 6:30pm

Summer Series Movie Night (Caln) - July 18th, 7:30pm

Downingtown Farmers’ Market (Downingtown) - July 19th, 9am-1pm

Marsh Creek West Ramp - Mountain Bike or Hike, Picnic, Kayaking/SUP, Beer garden (Downingtown) - July 19th, 10:30am-8:30pm

Victory Summer Love Block Party (Downingtown) - July 19th, 11am-6pm

Revved Up & Ready (Coatesville) - July 19th, 12pm-4pm

Ice Cream Social at Springton Manor Farm (Glenmoore) - July 20th, 2pm-5pm

Eagleview Farmers’ Market (Eagleview) - July 24th, 3pm-6pm

Christmas in July (Wallace Twp) - July 25th, 6:30pm

East Brandywine Movie Night: Paddington (East Brandywine Park) - July 25h, 8:45pm

Downingtown Farmers’ Market (Downingtown) - July 26th, 9am-1pm

Eagleview Farmers’ Market (Eagleview) - July 31st, 3pm-6pm

The Amazing Spaghetti (Downingtown) - July 31st, 6pm

National Night Out Concert: Chico’s Vibe (Caln twp) - Aug 5th, 6pm

17th Annual Golf Outing and Dinner (Downingtown) - Aug 8th, 11am-8am

Caln Summer Series: Wonka (Caln twp) - Aug 8th, 7:30pm

96th Old Fiddler’s Picnic (Coatesville) - Aug 9th, 10am-4pm

Roots and Blues Festival (Kennett Square) - Aug 9th, 11-6:45pm

1526 WALTON DR Downingtown ($549,900)

43 MAY APPLE DR Downingtown ($425,000)

140 VIADUCT AVE Downingtown ($329,000)

107 LITTLE WASHINGTON RD Downingtown ($450,000)

335 STUART AVE Downingtown ($289,900)

1884 THISTLE CT Downingtown ($435,000)**

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Catch up on previous issues…