💚 ☎️ 🔔 Chesco Honors Vets, Phone Scam, Historic Abolitionist Church Recognized

In this Downingtown Local Pulse Issue…

🌤️ Downingtown PA Weather

💚 Historic Courthouse Glows Green: Chester County's Tribute to Veterans

🌲 Upcoming Closures on Chester Valley Trail for Tree Removal Work

☎️ Alert: Downingtown Residents Warned of Deceptive Phone Scam

🏘️ West Chester Weighs Airbnb Dilemma with Proposed Short-Term Rental Ordinance

📺 East Whiteland Township Reflects on November Highlights in 'That's a Wrap

🇺🇸 West Goshen Historic Commission Hosts 'An Evening with Thomas Jefferson

🔔 Hosanna Church Restoration: Linking History, Equity, and Freedom in Southern Chester County

🪧 West Bradford Calls for Campaign Sign Cleanup

🚨 Main Line Communities Band Together for Enhanced Vigilance

🚨 Retail Theft Uptick in Suburbs Tied to Philadelphia Policies, Police Express Concerns

 📆 Upcoming Local Events

Historic Courthouse Glows Green: Chester County's Tribute to Veterans

In a ceremony held at the venerable Historic Courthouse, Chester County inaugurated Operation Green Light this week, a program designed to honor the 24,000-plus veterans residing in the county. The initiative, echoing sentiments nationwide, seeks to acknowledge the sacrifices of veterans and their families, symbolized by the illumination of the Historic Courthouse in a vibrant green hue from November 6 to 12.

Residents and businesses in Chester County are urged to participate in this symbolic gesture by replacing their porch lights or lamps with green bulbs, symbolizing a collective appreciation for the service and sacrifices of veterans. Walmart, in a philanthropic move, has generously donated thousands of these green bulbs to facilitate community-wide support for Operation Green Light.

Upcoming Closures on Chester Valley Trail for Tree Removal Work

In an upcoming maintenance initiative, the Chester Valley Trail is set to undergo brief closures for essential tree removal work. On Monday morning, 11/13, the segment between Ship Road and the Exton Park trailhead in West Whiteland Township will be temporarily closed, reopening at noon on the same day. Subsequently, from November 14 to 17, the trail section spanning the Rt. 202 underpass to Church Road in East Whiteland Township will be closed to facilitate necessary tree removal efforts.

Alert: Downingtown Residents Warned of Deceptive Phone Scam

Downingtown residents are on alert as a phone scam, falsely claiming affiliation with Chester County Courts, attempts to extract personal information, including social security numbers. Officials emphasize that Chester County Government and Courts do not make such calls and advise residents to promptly hang up if targeted by this fraudulent activity.

West Chester Weighs Airbnb Dilemma with Proposed Short-Term Rental Ordinance

West Chester is in a heated two-year debate over allowing Airbnb in its Town Center. Dr. Krupa Daniel's experience prompted a review of the Borough's Airbnb stance through the proposed Short Term Rental Ordinance. The ordinance, now with the Borough Council, permits standalone units without off-street parking in the Town Center but excludes units beyond downtown, raising enforceability concerns. Debates center on the "Airbnb effect," with opposing views on housing impact and potential benefits to local businesses. The ordinance, approved by the Planning Commission, awaits a Borough Council decision in the coming weeks.

East Whiteland Township Reflects on November Highlights in 'That's a Wrap

East Whiteland Township's "That's a Wrap" video for November features a solemn tribute to Volunteer Firefighter Colin Reedy, the success of the Trunk or Treat event, and the ratification of a new Park & Recreation Director during the Board of Supervisors meeting.

Journey Through History: West Goshen Historic Commission Hosts 'An Evening with Thomas Jefferson

The West Goshen Historic Commission presents "An Evening with Thomas Jefferson" on December 7 at 6:30 pm. Speaker Steve Edenbo's compelling portrayal of Jefferson, coupled with a Q&A session and photo opportunities, offers an engaging exploration of history. The free event at the West Goshen Township Building requires registration.

Hosanna Church Restoration: Linking History, Equity, and Freedom in Southern Chester County

A restoration project led by Lincoln University aims to preserve Hosanna Church, an essential Underground Railroad site, as part of the Commonwealth's 250th Celebration. The initiative, aligning with A250PA's pillars, focuses on educating, preserving history, and celebrating the legacies of Declaration signers and the Free Black Community of Hinsonville. The restored Hosanna is poised to become an economic asset in historic tourism.

Post-Election Courtesy: West Bradford Calls for Campaign Sign Cleanup

West Bradford extends congratulations to all involved in the recent election. A reminder is issued to candidates, committees, and supporters to promptly retrieve roadside campaign signs, emphasizing the shared responsibility to preserve West Bradford's welcoming atmosphere.

Burglary Alert: Main Line Communities Band Together for Enhanced Vigilance

Main Line residents are alerted to a series of residential burglaries, with organized groups targeting unoccupied homes. The police emphasize increased vigilance and encourage reporting suspicious activities. A training session for dog walkers aims to involve them in crime prevention, and the Vacant House Program offers additional security for residents leaving for more than 48 hours.

Retail Theft Uptick in Suburbs Tied to Philadelphia Policies, Police Express Concerns

A spike in suburban retail thefts, notably in Marple Township, is linked to Philadelphia residents, with a police chief citing lax policies as a contributing factor. Concerns arise regarding the impact of Philadelphia's district attorney policy on theft rates. National Retail Federation data indicates a $112 billion industry loss, prompting retailers to implement preventive measures.