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- 🚨 Man Arrested in Chester County Gift Card Scam 💳
In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse
🌤️☀️ Downingtown PA Weather
🏥 Houlahan Opposes Military Construction, Veterans Affairs Bill
🚨 💳 Man Arrested in Chester County Gift Card Scam
🍸 PA Senate Passes Bill to Expand To-Go Mixed Drink Sales
🛏️ Chester County Reports Decline in Homelessness
🥫Chester County Food Bank Receives $50,000 to Combat Hunger
💸🌲 Uwchlan Township Considers Open Space Tax
🏡 Downingtown Real Estate
📆 Upcoming Local Events
🔎 Local Business Finder
Houlahan Opposes Military Construction, Veterans Affairs Bill Over Partisan Measures
On Wednesday, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) voted against the FY25 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill due to its partisan provisions. The bill passed narrowly in the House with a 209 to 197 vote. Houlahan, a veteran herself, criticized the bill's prohibition on the VA offering abortion counseling, elimination of climate change funding, and restrictive measures on addressing veteran suicide. Democratic leaders Annie Kuster and Marilyn Strickland echoed her concerns, condemning the inclusion of extremist policy riders. They called for bipartisan legislation to support veterans and servicemembers adequately. The bill’s passage highlights the ongoing partisan challenges in Congress and the urgent need for a more cooperative approach as it moves to the Senate.
Man Arrested in Chester County Gift Card Scam
WESTTOWN TWP — A man from New York has been apprehended for allegedly executing a gift card scam at several Giant grocery stores. The Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department launched an investigation in March after multiple incidents of "gift card draining" were reported. The scam involved tampering with gift cards by scratching off the protective covering to access the code, then replacing the covering and returning the card to the shelf. Unsuspecting customers who purchased and loaded funds onto these cards found their balances drained by the scammers. The suspect, Dong Shao from Flushing, New York, was identified through the investigation. A warrant was issued, leading to his arrest in New York and subsequent extradition to Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Senate Passes Bill to Expand To-Go Mixed Drink Sales
The Pennsylvania Senate has passed a bill allowing bars and restaurants to sell mixed drinks to go, expanding availability beyond state-run stores. The bill, which now moves to the House, has sparked debate over economic and social impacts, including a potential $80 million loss for state liquor stores and concerns over increased alcohol sales in certain neighborhoods. Proponents argue it will meet consumer demand and boost tax revenue.
Chester County Reports Decline in Homelessness
Chester County has reported a decrease in homelessness based on the 2024 Point-In-Time (PIT) count, with 213 individuals recorded as homeless on January 24, 2024. This reduction is attributed to milder weather and the closure of certain transitional housing programs. The county's ongoing efforts to combat homelessness include participating in the “House America” initiative, which aims to build 1,000 affordable housing units over ten years, with over 315 units already in progress. Additionally, programs like the Emergency Rental Assistance Program and the Eviction Prevention Case Resolution Program have helped thousands avoid eviction. However, the 2024 PIT count also highlighted persistent challenges, such as the disproportionate number of people of color and children among the homeless and rising housing costs.
Chester County Food Bank Receives $50,000 to Combat Hunger
EXTON, PA — The Chester County Food Bank has been awarded $50,000 in state funding through The Emergency Food Assistance Program to combat food insecurity and improve access to nutritious food. This grant is part of a larger $2.07 million initiative supporting food banks and other organizations across Pennsylvania. The funding will enhance the food bank's capacity to distribute fresh food to more residents in need.
Uwchlan Township Considers Open Space Tax for November Ballot
UWCHLAN TWP — The Board of Supervisors in Uwchlan Township is evaluating an ordinance to propose an Open Space Tax referendum for the November 2024 General Election. The tax would generate funds for acquiring, protecting, and conserving open spaces, supporting the township’s 2020 Comprehensive Plan. The proposed additional Earned Income Tax (EIT) of 0.25 percent is expected to raise $2.5 million annually, paid exclusively by township residents. Uwchlan Township currently manages nearly 400 acres of parks and open spaces, with the recent acquisition of the Rossi Property adding 27 acres. The ordinance will be discussed on June 10th, with opportunities for public feedback in person, via email, or by mail.
Newly Listed Homes:
Upcoming Local Events…
Native Tree Walk - June 8th, 9am-10:30am
Parlor at Posh Vintage Grand Opening - June 9th, 12pm-2pm
Learn Beekeeping - June 9th, 3pm-4pm
KSQ Summerfest - June 9th, 3pm-7pm
Chester County Balloon Fest - June 14th-16th
5K for Aidan J. for heart-safe communities - June 15th, 8am-11am
Upper Uwchlan Block Party - June 15th
St Joe’s Festival - June 18th-22nd, 6pm-10pm
Caln Summer Series, Ninja Theme - June 21st, 7:30pm
Craft & Mercantile at River Station Downingtown - June 21st, 5pm-8:30pm
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