📚 Teacher Receives Citadel Heart of Learning Award | Chesco Launches Human Needs Network | Driver Pleads Guilty

In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse

🌤️☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

📚 Teacher Natalie Handley Receives Citadel Heart of Learning Award

☎️ Chester County Launches Human Needs Network to Address Mental Health Challenges

🚨 Driver Pleads Guilty to DUI Charges in Crash That Killed Mother of Five

🚈 Former Mayor Proposes Rail Service “Rights” Referendum

🏠 West Chester Council Debates Regulation of Short-Term Rentals

🏚️ Senators Propose Neighborhood Revitalization and Land Banking Act

🏡 Downingtown Real Estate

📆 Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Local Business Finder

Downingtown Cyber Academy Teacher Natalie Handley Receives Citadel Heart of Learning Award

DOWNINGTOWN — Natalie Handley, a teacher at Downingtown Cyber Academy, has been honored with the Citadel Heart of Learning Award for her exceptional dedication to education and positive impact on students within the Downingtown Area School District. Handley's commitment to her students and her own educational journey exemplify excellence in teaching.

Chester County Launches Human Needs Network to Address Mental Health Challenges

WEST CHESTER — The Chester County Commissioners and the Department of Human Services have unveiled the Human Needs Network of Chester County, a comprehensive initiative designed to address the diverse needs of residents dealing with mental health challenges, behavioral health issues, or housing crises. Central to the network are a locally-based contact center and mobile crisis resolution teams, offering round-the-clock support to individuals in distress. The contact center operates the 2-1-1 information and referral service, alongside the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, staffed by trained mental health counselors. The mobile crisis resolution teams, based at the new Equity Health Center in Coatesville, provide personalized peer-led care, aiming to reduce reliance on law enforcement or emergency medical services during mental health crises.

Driver Pleads Guilty to DUI Charges in Crash That Killed Mother of Five

TREDYFFRIN— Ismael Rodriguez, 31, has pleaded guilty to felony charges including homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence and DUI, following a tragic crash on Route 422 in Tredyffrin that claimed the life of Christine "Chrissie" Severino, a mother of five. Severino's dedication to her family and her work as a pharmacy technician were highlighted as her family received condolences from the court following Rodriguez's plea. Deputy District Attorney Justin Roberts outlined the circumstances of the crash, underscoring Rodriguez's reckless actions and elevated blood alcohol content.

Former West Chester Mayor Proposes Rail Service “Rights” Referendum for November Ballot

WEST CHESTER — Former West Chester mayor Jordan Norley urged council consideration of a referendum question for the November ballot during Wednesday's meeting. Representing the Restoration Rail Committee, Norley advocates for reinstating passenger rail service between West Chester and Philadelphia, citing potential benefits for residents and commuters. The proposed ballot initiative seeks to amend the Home Rule Charter to establish a "right to clean, sustainable, and affordable rail trains from West Chester to Philadelphia." Council members expressed their concerns that rail service could be considered a “right” and if the Home Rule Charter needed to be changed to addressed it.

West Chester Council Debates Regulation of Short-Term Rentals

WEST CHESTER — The West Chester Borough Council engaged in a lengthy debate during Tuesday's meeting regarding the regulation and location of short-term rentals. Councilwoman Lisa Dorsey advocated for permitting short-term rentals in response to the existing presence of 60 such rentals in the borough, emphasizing the need for control and regulation. Councilman Brian McGinnis proposed regulatory measures including limits on the total number of units and safety inspections, emphasizing the importance of host proximity and liability coverage. Councilman Bryan Travis expressed concerns about potential neighborhood disruptions but uncertainty regarding their actual impact. Councilman Bernie Flynn opposed allowing overnight rentals in residential neighborhoods, advocating for their restriction to the Town Center. Anne Carroll raised concerns about potential revenue loss from Earned Income Tax and uncollected hotel taxes resulting from short-term rental stays.

Senators Propose Neighborhood Revitalization and Land Banking Act to Transform Blighted Properties

WASHINGTON D.C. — Senators Bob Casey and Shelley Moore Capito have introduced the Neighborhood Revitalization and Land Banking Act, a bipartisan initiative aimed at empowering public land banks to acquire and rejuvenate blighted properties nationwide. The Act emphasizes the role of land banks in reclaiming deteriorating properties and repurposing them as community assets, with provisions for expanded expertise and research investment through the Blighted Property Remediation Fellowship Program. Key provisions include grants for property condition data monitoring, revitalization planning, and implementation over a 5-year period. Additionally, the Act proposes a fellowship program to nurture talent within the field and provide technical assistance to under-resourced land banks.

Catch up on previous issues…

Newly Listed Homes:

369 Mary Street, Downingtown, ($475,000)

1105 New Hampshire Lane, Downingtown ($410,000)

55 Norwood House Road, Downingtown ($295,000)

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

Search for homes CLICK HERE

Upcoming Local Events…

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

• Sustainable Saturday - PECO Home Energy Assessment - April 20th, 10am

• West Chester Film Festival - April 26th-28th

• 2024 Walk For Paws - April 27th, 10am-1pm

• Minquas Fire Co Spring Craft & Vendor Sale - April 27th, 10am-

  2pm

• Springton Manor Farm Sheep and Wool Day - April 27th, 11am-3pm

• West Bradford Fire Company Community Yard Sale - May 11th 8am-12pm

Catch up on previous issues…