🏥 Penn Medicine Abandons Brandywine Hospital Acquisition

In Today’s Issue of Downingtown Local Pulse…

🌤️ Downingtown PA Weather

🏥 Penn Medicine Abandons Brandywine Hospital Acquisition

⚖️ Officer Faces Trial for Shooting Incident

🔎 Judge Introduces Transparency in Courtroom, Discloses Campaign Contributions

🚧 Construction Alert: Delays Expected at Boot & Quarry Roads

🚧 Interstate 76 to Close Temporarily for Bridge Beam Installation

💰 CCEDC Announces New Business Champions Micro Grant Program

📆 Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Local Business Finder

Penn Medicine Abandons Brandywine Hospital Acquisition, Pursues Alternate Location

Penn Medicine has abandoned plans to acquire the Brandywine Hospital campus from Tower Health, citing space constraints. Despite disappointment from Chester County Commissioners, Penn Medicine remains committed to bringing emergency and acute care to the Coatesville area and is actively seeking an alternative location. The closure of Brandywine Hospital in 2022 left Western Chester County without a local hospital. Efforts are underway to address healthcare disparities, with the Greater Coatesville Health Quality Group preparing to open the Equity Health Center in Coatesville. ChristianaCare plans to operate a micro-hospital in Jennersville by late 2024, adding to healthcare resources. The Coatesville VA reassures that veteran care will not be impacted, emphasizing their ongoing collaboration with Penn Medicine.

West Caln Police Officer Faces Trial for Shooting Incident During Traffic Stop

Sgt. Anthony Sparano of West Caln police faces trial for assault and reckless endangerment after firing a shot at a motorist during a routine traffic stop. The incident occurred in late 2021, leading to Sparano's arrest in December. The trial, initially set for December, is now scheduled to begin Monday and is expected to last the week. The female driver involved, Takeshia Landry, faced charges but served time for illegal weapons possession, completing her sentence in December 2023. This marks the first case of a Chester County law enforcement officer charged in a shooting incident.

Judge Sarah Black Introduces Transparency in Courtroom, Discloses Campaign Contributions

Judge Sarah Black, the first female public defender elected to the Common Pleas bench in Chester County, introduces transparency by voluntarily disclosing campaign contributions from lawyers in the district attorney's and public defender's offices. She empowers defendants to discuss the matter with their counsel and seek her recusal if uncomfortable. The proactive approach, lauded for ethical considerations, emphasizes transparency and impartiality.

East Caln Township Construction Alert: Delays Expected at Boot & Quarry Roads

PennDOT updates motorists on the $13.3 million Boot Road bridge replacement project in East Caln Township. Ongoing construction at the intersection of Boot and Quarry Roads may cause periodic lane closures and delays from January 29 to February 2. Motorists are urged to allow extra travel time and stay informed about weather-dependent schedule changes.

Traffic Disruption Ahead: Interstate 76 to Close Temporarily for Bridge Beam Installation

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has scheduled an overnight closure of Interstate 76 on Sunday, Jan. 28, from 12:01 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. for the installation of overhead bridge beams at the Manor Road Bridge in Chester County. The closure affects the Morgantown to Downingtown interchanges, with entry and exit ramps at The Peter J. Camiel Service Plaza closed during this period. Travelers are advised to plan accordingly, and detour routes will be in place.

CCEDC Announces New Business Champions Micro Grant Program: Up to $2,000 in Funding for Small Businesses

The Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) is urging eligible small businesses to prepare for the upcoming application window for the New Business Champions Micro Grant Program. Starting February 1, 2024, businesses can apply for up to $2,000 in funding to access free services from professional advisors and mentors. The program, now in its fourth round, has already benefited nearly 100 small businesses in Chester County since its launch in February 2022. Eligible businesses, established within the past 5 years with 10 or fewer employees, can apply until March 1, 2024, through the CCEDC website.

Upcoming Local Events…

• Downingtown WINTER farmers market - Jan 27th 10am-12pm

• #IHEARTDTOWN Happy Hour - Feb 13th, 5-8pm

• Business Showcase and Art Expo - Feb 17th, 11:30am-4pm

• Kennett Winterfest - Feb 24th, 12:30pm-4pm

• Attatoba Clayworks: Night of Music - Feb 24th, 7pm