🏎️ Grand Prix Takes Intermission | 2nd Century Alliance Receives Grant | Stabbing Suspect Apprehended

In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse

🌤️☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

🏎️ Coatesville Invitational Vintage Grand Prix Takes Intermission

💰 Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance Receives $500,000 Grant

❄️ Participate in PennDOT's Winter Services Survey

🚨 West Chester Police Apprehend Suspect in Triple Stabbing Incident

👮‍♂️ WC Borough and Police Union Reach Agreement

🏡 Downingtown Real Estate

📆 Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Local Business Finder

Coatesville Invitational Vintage Grand Prix Takes Intermission, Plans Refreshed Return in 2025

COATESVILLE — The Coatesville Invitational Vintage Grand Prix (CIVGP) will not be held in 2024, as announced by the City of Coatesville, marking a temporary pause in the event's annual schedule. City Manager James Logan cited the need for strategic improvements in managing the event's burgeoning attendance and logistical demands, necessitating a hiatus to re-evaluate and re-imagine the event's format.

Since its inception seven years ago, CIVGP has witnessed a remarkable increase in participation, with growing numbers of drivers joining the Saturday morning driving event. However, concerns surrounding crowd management, expenses, and safety requirements prompted organizers to take a step back and assess the event's future direction.

During the hiatus, organizers plan to restructure CIVGP, with a renewed focus on fostering direct interaction between spectators and vintage vehicles and drivers. This approach aims to build upon the success of ancillary events such as the Friday Evening Cruise-in and the Auto/Moto Show, which have become integral components of the CIVGP experience.

Logan emphasized the crucial role of community engagement and sponsorship support in ensuring the success of CIVGP's restructuring efforts. Notable sponsors from the 2023 event, including Jeff D'Ambrosio Auto Group and Brian Hoskins Ford, are expected to continue their support as CIVGP prepares for its reimagined return in 2025.

Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance Receives $500,000 Grant for Neighborhood Revitalization Efforts

COATESVILLE — The Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance recently received a substantial $500,000 grant from the Regional Foundation in collaboration with the Chester County Economic Development Foundation. This grant, awarded on March 27, 2024, is earmarked for the Coatesville Growing Greater Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative, focusing on specific neighborhoods and driven by resident input.

Over the next five years, the grant will support various aspects of community development, including workforce development, crime reduction efforts, youth initiatives, and the expansion of affordable housing opportunities. Amber Little-Turner, Executive Director of Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance, expressed gratitude for the support, highlighting the importance of resident empowerment and engagement.

Kevin Dow, representing the Regional Foundation, emphasized the significance of initiatives promoting economic opportunity, youth empowerment, and safety in fortifying Coatesville's resilience and success. Gary W. Smith, CEO of the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC), echoed appreciation for the grant's impact, underscoring the transformative potential of community engagement on residents' lives and future generations.

Pennsylvanians Encouraged to Participate in PennDOT's Winter Services Survey

PENNSYLVANIA — PennDOT has launched an online survey to collect feedback from Pennsylvanians regarding winter services. This initiative aims to engage residents in sharing their experiences and opinions, which will be instrumental in refining winter maintenance operations statewide. By participating in the survey, residents can contribute to enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of winter services provided by PennDOT. Find the survey here

West Chester Police Apprehend Suspect in Triple Stabbing Incident

WEST CHESTER — Following the triple stabbing incident on March 24th, West Chester authorities have taken 18-year-old Justin Piner into custody. Piner, a resident of West Chester, is facing charges of Aggravated Assault, Simple Assault, Possession of a Weapon, and other related offenses. The incident, which unfolded in the 50 block of Wilmont Mews Alley, resulted in three individuals being hospitalized for injuries sustained during the altercation.

A collaborative effort between the West Chester Borough Police Department and the Chester County District Attorney's Office led to Piner's apprehension. Authorities clarified that the altercation involved six individuals and emphasized that the incident was isolated, with no ongoing threat to the community's safety.

West Chester Borough and Police Union Reach Agreement on 5-Year Contract Deal

WEST CHESTER — West Chester Borough and its police union have successfully negotiated a new five-year contract deal, signaling a significant milestone in labor relations. The agreement, which avoids arbitration, includes provisions for a 22% increase in salaries over the contract duration, addressing concerns surrounding inflation and the need for fair compensation.

Andrew McFarlane, president of the West Chester police officer association, emphasized the importance of the contract in providing officers with livable wages, enabling them to continue serving the community effectively. Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste echoed these sentiments, stressing the contract's role in ensuring equitable compensation for law enforcement personnel.

Borough Manager Sean Metrick expressed satisfaction with the collaborative negotiation process, highlighting the efforts to balance the borough's long-term financial stability with the needs of its police force. Police Chief Josh Lee commended both parties for their commitment to reaching a mutually beneficial agreement that prioritizes community safety and officer well-being.

The contract, effective from January 1, 2024, through 2028, includes annual pay increases and additional raises in 2025 and 2027. Adjustments to compensation packages for new hires and officers with varying levels of experience have been outlined to reflect the terms of the agreement.

Catch up on previous issues…

Newly Listed Homes:

109 W Uwchlan Avenue, Downingtown, PA ($555,000)

115 Jefferson Avenue, Downingtown, PA ($265,000)

2585 W West Chester Road, Coatesville, PA ($399,000)

Search for homes CLICK HERE

Upcoming Local Events…

• Thorndale Fire Co Blood Drive - April 2nd, 1pm-6pm

• French Creek Powder Mill - April 6th, 2pm-3pm

• West Bradford Easter Egg Hunt - April 7th, 10am

• West Bradford Open Space Event - April 8th, 7pm

• Cars and Coffee at RE/MAX ACE REALTY - April 13th, 9am-11am

• Uwchaln Twp Spring Cleaning Second Event - April 14th 8:30am-10:30am

• Brandywine Red Clay Alliance Clean-up - April 20th 8am-12pm

Catch up on previous issues…