🎶 Symphony of Sounds in WCU Combined Concert | Employee Convicted in Copper Theft Spree | Chesco Receives Homeless Funding

In Today’s Special Saturday Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse

🌤️☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

🎶 Symphony of Sounds in WCU Combined Concert

🪑 WC Boro Council Addresses EV Stations, Sewer Maintenance, and Short-Term Rentals

🚨 Employee Convicted in Copper Theft Spree

🏘️ Chester County Receives Significant Funding to Address Homelessness

⛑️ UUT Residents Offered Free First Aid and CPR Training

📱 Repair Café Downingtown Returns

🏡 Downingtown Real Estate

📆 Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Local Business Finder

WCU's Wells School of Music Presents a Symphony of Sounds in Combined Concert

West Chester University's Wells School of Music invites the public to a combined Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony concert on February 25 at 3 p.m. The event, directed by Andrew Yozviak and M. Gregory Martin, will feature the works of guest composer Viet Cuong. Accessible through livestream, the concert promises a harmonious experience for music enthusiasts. Livestream available here: https://vimeo.com/wsom

West Chester Borough Council Takes Action on EV Stations, Sewer Maintenance, and Short-Term Rentals

West Chester Borough Council returned to work, addressing multiple issues in their recent session. A unanimous decision was made to mandate electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in new constructions, aiming to support EV infrastructure and promote environmental sustainability. Despite concerns raised by the planning commission and some council members, the ordinance was adopted, influenced by the ambitious 2017 Clean Energy Resolution.

In a practical move, the council resolved a clogged sewer pipe at Cambridge Square Shopping Center, sharing the repair costs with the property owner. The borough will now take responsibility for maintaining the pipe in the right of way, except in cases directly linked to a local business.

The council engaged in a lively debate about short-term rentals, considering economic opportunities versus potential safety and neighborhood disruption concerns. A survey will be circulated among council members to gauge opinions on suitable districts and additional regulations, including parking requirements, for short-term rentals.

Former Employee Convicted in Copper Theft Spree at West Goshen Manufacturing Firm

In a recent trial, Andre Lamont Parker, hailing from Wilmington, Del., and a former employee of Metallurgical Products Company, faced judgment for his involvement in a string of copper thefts from the West Goshen manufacturing firm. Found guilty of 14 counts of burglary, 14 counts of criminal trespass, and one count of theft, Parker's verdict was delivered after approximately two hours of jury deliberation.

The trial unfolded with detailed testimony from Detective Sgt. David S. Maurer, who outlined the intricacies of the investigation leading to Parker's identification and subsequent arrest. Metallurgical Products Vice President Gregg Kudlacik provided insight into the internal discovery of the thefts, emphasizing the significance of surveillance footage in identifying Parker.

The trial underscored the effectiveness of technology, including surveillance cameras and license plate recognition, in tracking down the perpetrator. Despite the recovery of some stolen copper bricks, the whereabouts of the remaining stolen metal remain unknown. Parker, who did not take the stand during the trial, will be sentenced at a later date.

Chester County Receives Significant Funding to Address Homelessness Challenges

The Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD) has been granted over $2 million by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the fiscal year 2023 Continuum of Care (CoC) Competition Awards. These funds, aimed at ending homelessness, will support twelve projects focusing on rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing for individuals with disabilities and chronically homeless individuals. Partner agencies, including Open Hearth, Inc., Human Services, Inc., and Holcomb Associates, Inc., will play a role in utilizing the funds. The DCD oversees the CoC funds as the representative for Chester County.

Upper Uwchlan Township Residents Offered Free First Aid and CPR Training

Upper Uwchlan Township residents have the opportunity to attend a Free First Aid and CPR Training Class, offering essential life-saving skills. The non-certified training is scheduled for Saturday, March 16, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Barn at Upland Farm. To secure a spot, interested individuals are advised to sign up promptly by emailing [email protected]

Save the Date: Repair Café Downingtown Returns on March 9th

The Repair Café Downingtown is gearing up for its next event on March 9th, building on the success of its January session. During the previous gathering, a total of 49 visitors availed themselves of this community service, resulting in the successful repair of 67 items. The Repair Café offers a unique and free opportunity for individuals to bring in items in need of repair, fostering a collaborative environment where skilled volunteers lend their expertise.

More than just a repair service, the event carries a broader mission. It serves as an educational platform, aiming to equip the community with the know-how to fix things independently. By providing a space for shared learning and hands-on repair experiences, the Repair Café Downingtown not only addresses immediate repair needs but also contributes to building a more resilient and self-sufficient community.

Catch up on previous issues…

Newly Listed Homes:

1296 Marshallton Thorndale Road, Downingtown, PA

566 Whitford Hills Road, Exton, PA

613 Brainerd Place, Exton, PA

1224 Clearbrook Road, West Chester, PA

Upcoming Local Events…

• Home Composting Workshop - Feb 24th, 10am

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

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

• OCHS Presents - The Thorndale Coal Wharf - Feb 25th, 2pm

• Designer Bag Bingo - March 2nd, 7-10pm

• The Hidden History of Milford Mills - March 4th, 6pm

• Healthcare Hiring Event - March 6th, 11am-3pm

• Chamber of Commerce Happy Hour - March 7th, 5pm-7pm

• Joe Conklin Night of Comedy For Our Heroes - March 8th, 6-10pm

• Invasive Plant Clean-up at Broad Run Park - March 9th, 9am-12pm

• Downingtown Repair Café - March 9th, 10am-2pm

• St. Matthew’s Consignment Sale - March 15th 5pm-8pm, 16th 8am-12:30pm

• UUT First Aid / CPR Training Class - March 16th, 2pm-4pm

• Upper Uwchlan Egg Hunt - March 23rd, 11am

• Wallace Twp Egg Hunt - March 23rd, 11:30am

Catch up on previous issues…