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- 🌳 Natural Lands Expands 102 Acres |🧑🚒 Cadets Complete Training | 🪑 Caln Historic Preservation Ordinance | 🚨 Contractor Accused of Defrauding Elderly
🌳 Natural Lands Expands 102 Acres |🧑🚒 Cadets Complete Training | 🪑 Caln Historic Preservation Ordinance | 🚨 Contractor Accused of Defrauding Elderly
Downingtown Local Pulse Dec 2nd, 2025
Chesco Sean
02 Dec
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In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse…
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Natural Lands Expands Chester Springs Preserve by 102 Acres
CHESTER SPRINGS, PA — Natural Lands announced the acquisition of 102 acres adjacent to its Bryn Coed Preserve in Chester Springs, Chester County, expanding the preserve to just over 612 acres. The addition comes through an anonymous donation of two undeveloped parcels that were previously sold with permanent conservation easements.
The property has historical significance as part of the former Bryn Coed Farms, assembled by the Dietrich family in the 1970s and including land once owned by Supreme Court Justice Owen J. Roberts. In 2018, Natural Lands acquired the entire 1,505-acre tract to prevent large-scale development just 30 miles from Philadelphia. The organization created a 510-acre preserve, partnered with West Vincent Township on an adjacent park, and sold remaining acreage under conservation easements.
Cadets Complete Firefighter Training
SOUTH COATESVILLE, PA — The Chester County Public Safety Training Campus recently graduated 16 cadets from its Fall 2025 Firefighter 1 certification program. The comprehensive course equipped participants with fundamental skills necessary for safe and effective operations at emergency scenes.
Jacob Pryma Jr., representing East Brandywine Fire Company, received honors as Class Cadet and addressed his fellow graduates as the class speaker during the completion ceremony. The Firefighter 1 certification serves as the foundational credential for both volunteer and career firefighters in the region, covering critical areas including fire behavior, equipment operation, search and rescue procedures, and safety protocols.
Caln Residents Weigh In on Historic Preservation Ordinance
CALN TWP — Caln Township has scheduled a special meeting for December 9th to discuss a proposed Historic Preservation Ordinance designed to safeguard the community's historic buildings, structures, and districts. The meeting will convene at 6:30 p.m. in the Township Building Meeting Room.
The draft ordinance would establish legal protections against demolition and development deemed incompatible with designated historic properties. Documents available for public review include the full draft ordinance, a proposed list of historic resources that would be subject to protection, and the meeting agenda.
Contractor Accused of Defrauding Elderly Couple
EAST GOSHEN TWP — A Chester Springs contractor faces criminal charges after allegedly defrauding an elderly East Goshen Township couple of approximately $20,000 in an incomplete home renovation scheme. Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police issued an arrest warrant for Brian Jarratt, 59, owner of Apex Constructors, on charges of theft by unlawful taking and theft by deception.
The 87-year-old victim and his wife paid Jarratt nearly $35,000 in March for home renovations, trusting him based on previous successful projects. However, Detective David Hale says Jarratt exhibited unreliable behavior including missed appointments, unexplained departures from the job site, and eventual complete cessation of work and communication.
Investigators learned that Jarratt's contractor license had expired years earlier, though he had built a strong reputation since starting his business in the 1990s. A neighbor who worked with Jarratt 15 years ago expressed shock at the allegations, recalling him as a dependable contractor for high-end homes.
Police believe additional victims may exist and are requesting anyone affected to file reports. Authorities emphasize the importance of verifying contractor licenses through the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and checking references before hiring.
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Upcoming local events…
Wallace Twp Annual Tree Lighting (Glenmoore) - Dec 5th, 6pm
West Chester Hometown Christmas Parade (West Chester) - Dec 5th, 7pm-9:30pm
Coatesville Christmas Parade (Coatesville) - Dec 6th, 10am-2pm
The Iron Bird Christmas Village (Downingtown) - Dec 6th, 10am-5pm
Caln Township Tree Lighting (Thorndale) - Dec 7th, 5pm
Chester County Networking WC Happy Hour (West Chester) - Dec 9th, 5pm-7pm
Monthly Realty Investors Meeting (West Chester) - Dec 10th, 6:45pm-8:30pm
Village Holiday Stroll (Chester Springs) - Dec 12th, 5pm-8pm
West Pikeland Township Tree Lighting (Chester Springs) - Dec 12th, 7:15pm
6th Annual Christkindlmarkt (West Chester) - Dec 13th, 11am-6pm
Firebird Festival (Phoenixville) - Dec 13st, 5pm-10pm
CFC Countdown to Noon (Downingtown) - Dec 31st, 10am-12pm
Midnight in the Square – Mushroom Drop (Kennett Square) - Dec 31st
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