Reward for Animal Cruelty info increased and Warehouse Deal Put on Hold

In this Downingtown Local Pulse Issue…

🌤️ Downingtown PA

🚨 Reward Increased to $10,000 For Animal Cruelty Information

📦 Warehouse Construction Plans at Lionville Station Farm Put on Hold

👩‍⚖️ Mother of Slain Road-Rage Victim Testifies to Unending Grief in Court

⚡️ State Rep. Calls for Transparency and Regulation in Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub (MACH2) Project

🏥 Chester County Commissioner Candidates Discuss Health Issues at Chamber Forum

📚 Downingtown High School East Receives 2023 National Banner Unified Champion School Recognition

📋 ChesCo Recognizes National Community Planning Month

🍁 Downingtown Fall Fest Rescheduled to This Sunday (October 15th)

🚰 East Caln Township Launches Sewer Line Inspection Project

🚧 PennDOT Initiates Boot Road Bridge Replacement Project

📆 Upcoming Local Events

Reward Increased to $10,000 For Animal Cruelty Information

The Brandywine Valley SPCA's Animal Protective Services is seeking the public's help in finding the individuals responsible for a dog found deceased inside a crate dumped in the West Branch Brandywine Creek in Coatesville. They are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in this case. The dog, an emaciated brown female with signs of long-term neglect and abuse, was found wearing a camouflage collar with a red leash attached. The BVSPCA is urging the public to step forward to help find those responsible for the cruel treatment of the dog. They have also commended the Coatesville Police Department for their commitment to animal welfare. The BVSPCA has a team of humane law enforcement officials prepared to protect both dogs and cats in Chester and Delaware counties. They reminded the community that resources are available for lost, neglected, or unwanted animals and for pet owners struggling to afford their pets' care, regardless of the county they live in.

Warehouse Construction Plans at Lionville Station Farm Put on Hold as School District Unwinds Sale Agreement

Plans to construct 1.96 million square feet of warehouse space at Lionville Station Farm in Uwchlan Township appear to have been halted. The Downingtown Area School District had initially sold 237 acres of farmland to Audubon Land Development for $96 million in July 2022, which they had acquired for $22 million in 2006. However, both parties have decided to begin the process of unwinding the sale agreement. The district aimed to finance all-day kindergarten through this sale, contingent on building a new 5/6 center and converting the Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center. This plan is currently under review, with the district seeking community input for the property's future.

A local grassroots organization, Chester County Citizens Advocating Responsible Development (Save Lionville Station), which opposed the warehouse project, is hopeful that the unwinding process will lead to responsible development of the Lionville Station Farm, preventing the negative impacts seen in the Happy Days Farm project. They aim to collaborate with Uwchlan Township and the Downingtown Area School District to ensure a responsible outcome for the property's development.

Mother of Slain Road-Rage Victim Testifies to Unending Grief in Court

In a Chester County Common Pleas Court, Michelle Boyer, the mother of Bianca Nikol Roberson, who was killed in a road-rage incident in 2017, testified that her life remains empty and a daily struggle due to the tragic loss of her daughter. Bianca was fatally shot by David Desper during a road-rage incident on Route 100 in West Goshen, just before she was set to start college. Boyer filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Desper, who was later found liable for the crime. The court was convened to determine the damages to be awarded, although the defendant has few assets and is currently incarcerated. Boyer's testimony and several witnesses painted a heart-wrenching picture of the ongoing impact of Bianca's loss. The court is set to issue a decision on damages shortly.

State Rep. Calls for Transparency and Regulation in Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub (MACH2) Project

State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten expressed her concerns about the Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub (MACH2) project, despite it being promoted as green and pink hydrogen technology. She pointed out that an internal abstract indicates the inclusion of blue hydrogen produced from fracked gas with carbon capture, potentially lacking the necessary regulation and oversight. Friel Otten highlighted the need for transparency, community engagement, and responsible negotiations to establish a regulatory framework for this significant investment, emphasizing the importance of protecting public health, safety, and the environment. She called upon her fellow legislators and Governor Shapiro to implement policies that prioritize residents and the environment in Pennsylvania's pursuit of clean-energy production.

Four Chester County Commissioner Candidates Discuss Key Issues at Chamber Forum

In light of the pandemic and hospital closures, four candidates for Chester County Commissioner convened at a recent forum to discuss pressing issues. Incumbent Democrats Marian Moskowitz and Josh Maxwell are running to retain their seats, while Republicans Eric Roe and David Sommers hope to secure positions. The candidates shared their thoughts on a variety of topics, including handling disasters and dealing with hospital closures. Their stances on issues like addressing drug overdoses, expanding healthcare facilities, and supporting clinics were also highlighted. The candidates presented their visions for the county's future, addressing challenges and opportunities.

Downingtown High School East Receives 2023 National Banner Unified Champion School Recognition

Downingtown High School East has been honored with the 2023 National Banner Unified Champion School award by the Special Olympics, making it one of only 146 schools in the United States to receive this recognition. This accolade highlights the school's commitment to promoting inclusivity, collaboration, and respect among its students and staff, as it has successfully met ten national standards of excellence set by the Special Olympics. Autistic support teacher Meghan Funderburg, paraprofessional Anne Marie Matta, and students Lauren Valko and Jaxon Shillingford were acknowledged for their contributions to achieving this honor. The school plans to celebrate this achievement in November 2023, fostering a sense of togetherness within the school community.

Chester County Recognizes National Community Planning Month, Celebrating Achievements and Commitment to Thoughtful Planning

The Chester County Commissioners have designated October as National Community Planning Month to honor the contributions of various planning commissions and citizen planners in improving Chester County. This initiative, led by the American Planning Association, emphasizes the role of community planning in addressing economic development, transportation needs, and challenges posed by the pandemic. The Commissioners' proclamation acknowledges the accomplishments of the Chester County Comprehensive Plan, Landscapes3, which has provided steady guidance for the county's municipalities during times of change and disruption. Since its adoption in 2018, Landscapes3 has driven transformative developments, including open space preservation, sustainability, and economic development. The county's commitment to thoughtful planning and forward-thinking is recognized and appreciated by the community.

Downingtown Fall Fest Rescheduled to This Sunday (October 15th)

Downingtown's beloved annual event, Downingtown FallFest, which was initially scheduled for a rain date, will take place this Sunday. This vibrant community celebration, a collaborative effort between the Downingtown Area Chamber of Commerce, Victory Brewing Company, and the Borough of Downingtown, brings together the community and visitors in a delightful display of craft beer, artisanal crafts, and culinary delights.

With its bustling marketplace, diverse culinary offerings, and the renowned Victory Beer Garden, Downingtown FallFest is a testament to the town's spirit and charm. While it was rescheduled due to rain, this event promises to capture the essence of Downingtown's vibrant culture and is an experience not to be missed.

East Caln Township Launches Comprehensive Sewer Line Inspection Project in Partnership with USG Inc.

East Caln Township has initiated a sewer line inspection project in collaboration with USG Inc. This comprehensive assessment will occur over the next few weeks, with crews working in different areas each day. Residents should be prepared for potential traffic delays as some lanes may be temporarily closed for safety reasons. During the testing, it's possible that air may enter the sewer lines, causing clean water to come up through traps. Residents with questions or concerns can contact the Township for more information at 610.269.1989 or via email at [email protected].

PennDOT Initiates Boot Road Bridge Replacement Project in East Caln Township

PennDOT is set to begin a $13.3 million project to replace the Boot Road bridge over Amtrak in East Caln Township, Chester County. The aging bridge will be replaced with a new, safer structure, featuring road resurfacing, stormwater management, and guiderail installation. Road improvements at the Boot Road and Quarry Road Intersection are also part of the plan. A periodic lane closure will occur between October 12 and 20, followed by an eastbound Boot Road closure and detour from October 23 through mid-November. Motorists should anticipate delays. A live virtual public meeting is scheduled for October 18, offering project updates and Q&A opportunities. The project aims to enhance safety and traffic efficiency.