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CHESTER SPRINGS, PA — The West Pikeland Board of Supervisors has stopped its plan to sell the municipal building at 1645 Art School Road in Chester Springs. A crowd had turned out to defend SALT Performing Arts, the community theater that has been based there since 2014. On Monday the board unanimously reversed its earlier 3-to-2 vote to advertise the property for bids. Supervisors are now waiting for the township solicitor to say whether they can require a buyer to honor SALT’s 10-year license agreement. Supervisor Bryan Maher warned that such a condition could lower the offers.

SALT got that agreement in exchange for raising about $400,000 for safety repairs and improvements, which it finished in September 2025. The township later decided to sell the building, for at least $2 million, to help pay for a new police facility on Kimberton Road. SALT was offered the right of first refusal to buy but could not afford it. Its president, Lauren McComas, says the group is working with Historic Yellow Springs, the building’s former owner, on other ways to buy it. If that falls short, SALT hopes the township will protect its agreement.

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DOWNINGTOWN, PA — The Downingtown Municipal Water Authority will do its twice-yearly hydrant flushing next week. Crews will work overnight from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. starting Sunday, Nov. 1 and Monday, Nov. 2, then from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, Nov. 4–6. The work helps maintain water quality and the hydrants. Customers may notice lower pressure or discolored water while it’s underway. If your water is discolored, run it until it’s clear before using it. Anyone who can’t be without water for medical reasons should call the authority at 610-269-5362 as soon as possible. Only Municipal Water Authority customers are affected; Aqua customers are not.

WEST PIKELAND TWP — West Pikeland Police Chief Thomas Goggin and Officer Alexander Sarcione have completed the Keystone Model of Crisis Management training, presented by Penn State and the Pennsylvania State Police. The program teaches officers to recognize, de-escalate, and stabilize people in mental or behavioral health crises. It uses classroom lessons and live simulations with trained actors, covering situations involving psychosis, autism, and suicidal behavior, and each simulation ends with a guided debrief. The Philadelphia Eagles Autism Foundation donated backpacks to the department. Each one includes noise-canceling headphones, picture cards, a weighted blanket, and sensory tools to help officers communicate with people with autism. The training began with State Police cadets and has since expanded to municipal departments, campuses, and other states.

WEST CHESTER, PA — West Chester held its annual Halloween Parade on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Last year’s parade was in the afternoon, and many spectators seemed to like the evening time better. The West Chester Police Department Color Guard led the roughly 40-minute parade, and more than a thousand people, many in costume, watched in mild weather. Marching bands, including West Chester University’s Golden Rams, played “Thriller,” and cheerleaders and a high school football team also marched. Restaurants and pizza shops downtown had a busy night.

Upcoming local events…

Medicare Information Session (West Bradford Building) - Oct 30, Nov 20

Downingtown Farmers’ Market (Kerr Park) - Oct 31, 9am-1pm
Caln Halloween Party (Thorndale) - Oct 31, 1pm-3pm
Trick, Treats, and Eats (Wagenseller Park) - Oct 31, 3pm-5pm

Good Food Fest 2026 (Kimberton Fairgrounds) - Nov 1, 11am-4pm
Historic Yellow Springs Fall Fest (Chester Springs) - Nov 1, 12pm-4pm

West Bradford Tree Planting (Brandywine Meadows Preserve) - Nov 4, 9am-4pm

Caln Clean-up Crew (Caln) - Nov 7, 10am-12pm

Uwhclan Fall Clean-up Event (Exton) - Nov 8, 8:30am

Rain Barrel Workshop (Upper Uwchaln) - Nov 19, 6:30pm-7:30pm

Snow-Ready Uwchlan Kick-off (Exton) - Nov 21, 12:30pm-4pm
Holiday Light Parade (Kennett Square) - Nov 21, 6pm

Catch up on previous issues…

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