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  • 💸 West Pikeland Weighs Property Tax Hike | 🚒 Thorndale Fire Co Hosts Local Youth | 🎄 Holiday Market Returns | 🏅 WC Visionary Award

💸 West Pikeland Weighs Property Tax Hike | 🚒 Thorndale Fire Co Hosts Local Youth | 🎄 Holiday Market Returns | 🏅 WC Visionary Award

Downingtown Local Pulse Oct 23rd, 2025

Author

Chesco Sean
23 Oct

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West Pikeland Weighs Property Tax Hike to Fund Police Department

WEST PIKELAND TWP — This November, West Pikeland Township voters will determine the future of their local police department through a referendum that proposes increasing property taxes by up to 1.5 mills. The measure seeks to provide stable funding to continue local police services. Without the increase, township officials warn that the municipality may have to rely on the Pennsylvania State Police for law enforcement. Residents can review a detailed FAQ on the township's website to better understand the ballot measure and its implications.

Thorndale Fire Company Opens Doors to Educate Local Youth

CALN TWP — As part of Fire Prevention Month, Caln Township’s Thorndale Fire Company hosted a station tour for local students. The event featured interactive demonstrations, allowing students to see firefighting gear and emergency vehicles firsthand. Firefighters discussed safety procedures and answered questions, aiming to educate young residents and strengthen community ties. The initiative is part of broader outreach efforts to promote fire safety and public awareness.

Holiday Market Returns to The Iron Bird This December

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — On Saturday, December 6, Downingtown’s Bell Tavern Park will become a holiday destination as the Iron Bird Christmas Village returns. The event, running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Downing Estate, will feature a curated selection of local artists and vendors offering handmade gifts, seasonal food from Chester County, and live performances of holiday music. Attendees can enjoy warm drinks, shop locally, and take part in the festive spirit while supporting the Downingtown business community.

 Developer Anthony Stancato Jr. Receives Visionary Award for West Chester Revival

Former West Chester Mayor Dr. Clifford DeBaptiste and Anthony Stancato

WEST CHESTER, PA — The Chester County Community Foundation has chosen Anthony Stancato Jr. as the recipient of its Mayor Emeritus Dr. Clifford E. DeBaptiste Visionary Award, an honor established to recognize individuals who embody bridge‑building, door‑opening and visionary leadership for equitable communities. Stancato began his real‑estate career working alone, and in 1994 co‑founded StanAb Development Company to repurpose neglected properties in Chester County with a focus on sustainable economic impact. One of his most pivotal projects converted the long‑idle Woolworth’s building at the corner of High and Gay Streets in West Chester into the Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, heralding the rejuvenation of the borough’s downtown. During the tenure of former Mayor DeBaptiste (1994‑2002) the number of restaurants grew from 15 to 57, and today West Chester boasts over 80 eateries, thanks in part to the momentum generated by Stancato’s work. The award will be formally presented at the foundation’s 31st Annual Meeting on October 27 at the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center, open to the public.

Good 2 Know in Chester County | Ep 13 | Zack’s Automotive

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — For over a decade, Zach’s Automotive Services in Romansville has stood out as a local business built on honesty and hands-on care. Run by Zach and Missy, the shop handles everything from inspections to complex repairs across all makes and models. But what sets them apart is their approach—offering transparency, education, and individualized service. Customers often come in for second opinions and stay for the trust they build with Zach, who’s known for walking them through what repairs are actually necessary. Missy’s business acumen complements Zach’s mechanical skill, and together they’ve earned a reputation in Chester County for integrity in an often-misunderstood industry. Subscribe to ChesterCounty.TV

Upcoming local events…

Eagleview Farmers’ Market (Eagleview TC) - Oct 23, 3pm-6pm

Hibernia Dam Walking Tours (Coatesville) - Oct 23, 2 & 3:30pm, Oct 25, 9am & 10:30am

Exton Business Networking (Exton) - Oct 24, 9:15-10:30

Downingtown Farmers’ Market (Downingtown) - Oct 25, 9am-1pm

Fall 4×4 Fest (Downingtown) - Oct 25, 10am-1pm

D-Town Brew-Down (Downingtown) - Oct 25, 11am-3pm

Fall Festival at Highland Orchards (West Chester) - Oct 25, 11am-4pm

Caln Twp Halloween Party (Caln) - Oct 25, 1pm-3pm

Upper Uwchlan Trunk or Treat (Chester Springs) - Oct 25, 3pm-5pm

CFC Fall Fest 2025 (Downingtown) - Oct 26, 11:30am-2pm

CCCC Trunk or Treat (Caln) - Oct 26, 2pm-4pm

Educational Trunk-or-Treat (Coatesville) - Oct 29, 4pm-5:30pm

Haunted History Hike (Coatesville) - Oct 29, 6pm-8pm

Trick-or-Pizza (Wallace twp) - Oct 30, 6pm-8pm

Downingtown Farmers’ Market (Downingtown) - Nov 1, 9am-1pm

Good Food Fest (Phoenixville) - Nov 2, 11am-4pm

Fall Riparian Buffer Tree Maintenance Day (Caln) - Nov 8, 9am-12pm, 12pm-3pm

Downingtown Farmers’ Market (Downingtown) - Nov 8, 9am-1pm

Downingtown Christmas Tree Lighting (Downingtown) - Nov 29, 6pm-7:30pm


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Two New Ways for Local Businesses to Shine in the Downingtown Local Pulse

Downingtown is built on the strength of its small businesses — the shops, restaurants, services, and makers that give our community its unique character. Now, there are two new ways for those businesses to get in front of thousands of engaged local readers through the Downingtown Local Pulse.

We’re introducing two promotional programs designed to give businesses year-round visibility and meaningful connections with our audience:

1. Partner Program

This package gives businesses a featured listing in our Local Business Directory, making it easy for residents to find and support you. Partners also receive:

  • A monthly Business Spotlight article that tells your story.

  • A pinned article on our website for maximum visibility.

  • Exposure to our massive Facebook audience, with each feature shared across our highly engaged social channels.

2. Patron Program

For businesses ready to take their visibility to the next level, the Patron Program includes everything in the Partner Program plus:

  • A top-level ad placement one issue a month, ensuring your brand stays front and center.

Both programs are built to keep your business in the local conversation month after month — not just as an ad, but as a valued part of the community’s story.

Whether you’re a family-run shop, a growing startup, or a well-established local favorite, these programs offer an affordable way to boost your visibility while supporting the Downingtown Local Pulse’s mission to celebrate the people and businesses that make our town special.

Have you subscribed yet? Join over 4,000 Downingtown residents and keep updated with Downingtown Local Pulse!

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