[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6080573,"mediaKeyId","2946143-c23461ac90c57c0c17dd6a767d2c37f3","parentId",2946143,"title","Council discusses formalizing Gay Street closure rules into outdoor-dining policy; businesses to sign indemnifications and submit plot maps","audioSeconds",1000,"startMs",5794000,"endMs",6794000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2946143-c23461ac90c57c0c17dd6a767d2c37f3&start=5794&end=6794","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2946143-c23461ac90c57c0c17dd6a767d2c37f3/thumbnail_5794000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6080573/West-Chester/Chester-County/Pennsylvania/Council-discusses-formalizing-Gay-Street-closure-rules-into-outdoor-dining-policy-businesses-to-sign-indemnifications-and-submit-plot-maps","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6080573-e14743162ad0c77766a7f7634ba0fc38/orig.mp4?Expires=1771120040&Signature=XJsL9SELwuyVDgXhmR4qGnSbtHH5jYmYvmjeltNB-QOhnQdQ~eq653AyvBBGtbHOS14xltPb8XoIc62bBcF~QO6ia~MimJRoCWjoj9tJGjIuVFpDDpiLrEXCaSW~N3XYeSvdLJ3puMdcvE7lr7hsak6njXt20e~00tbYeWLvvZlE6pDtJJHpdy2iSYFMwYQnVx4Cy5LxZtoI4Rh-mR4~foD40ABWxG~~njq9Pvub5RxNoDsRT4W2nN1clQASZlZ7vEA4o~~dA9FtX5YEZojCEyko7SYQLkEWHP7Av59gfXbvGk9IYZNSS4Jqmv~2FHg7~OriJvw4x4JWZO~bNeMY3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Borough of West Chester, PA","date","2025-04-10T15:21:25.76Z","article","Councilors and staff discussed formalizing rules for Gay Street closures and on-street dining as an addendum to the borough\u0000s outdoor-dining policy and updating Chapter 98 (cafe permits) to reduce annual ad hoc approvals.

Staff proposed that all businesses participating in the Gay Street closure sign a copy of the rules, file updated indemnification forms with the borough and submit a plot map showing the layout of tables and barriers. \"The rules are pretty similar to what we have laid out in the past ... I do think we need to be a little more strict this year on enforcing that, so that all operators are within that,\" a borough staff member said, urging consistent enforcement of a halfway-in-street width standard and the required 54-inch pedestrian clearance.

John O'Brien of Downtown Westchester noted merchant confusion around signage when meters changed earlier and urged early education for customers and clear signage for the Flowbird app. Council and staff discussed ensuring ADA compliance with temporary ramps and defined clearances and noted the need for proper fire-rated tent materials if structures are used.

Staff also recommended that the director of parks and recreation or Downtown Westchester have limited authority to require businesses to clear space for special events and that retail operations that typically do not apply for cafe permits be addressed if they plan to use street space for events; if a business participates without a permit, borough enforcement options are limited.

The borough sought to standardize three permit types in future updates: (1) Gay Street closure participation, (2) sidewalk cafe permit and (3) on-street dining platform/parklet permit. For this season staff asked council to adopt the temporary rules and allow the bid or staff to collect signatures, indemnifications and plot maps; long-term changes to Chapter 98 would be made during a later ordinance review.

What’s next: staff will include the Gay Street closure rules as an addendum to the outdoor-dining policy and collect indemnification forms and plot maps from participating businesses; staff also recommended a future ordinance update to separate permit types in Chapter 98 and clarify enforcement mechanisms.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Smart Growth - April 9, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council and staff proposed making Gay Street closure rules a formal addendum to the borough\u0000s outdoor-dining policy, standardizing cafe permits and requiring plot maps, indemnification forms and compliance with ADA and fire safety standards.","taxTitle","West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania","taxId",71483,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6080578,"Council debate over rail restoration intensifies as committee re-engages with SEPTA; nonprofits formed",2523,3137000,5660000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2946143-c23461ac90c57c0c17dd6a767d2c37f3&start=3137&end=5660","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2946143-c23461ac90c57c0c17dd6a767d2c37f3/thumbnail_3137000.jpg","/articles/6080578/West-Chester/Chester-County/Pennsylvania/Council-debate-over-rail-restoration-intensifies-as-committee-re-engages-with-SEPTA-nonprofits-formed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6080578-1b4c7a023e5b8e5a6a182dec32f3b6a9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771120040&Signature=Nl58jzUIlKA9wJK9RcclGUH466B3BiuS2wBT3RmSwcAGOEnZcg~hyARe86gjT3i2hLR5EvdM~Qs1-eZB3mZZ6BYYQwfl-G~mKhvwPqm-NjQhwE~qt-8Mqg7WJvlz78IINyhLy-mEM7SFZjxQhzAEtD-AEJxVkj4weW0larrE~slPG~y2s9q211D89-QZHYD37cjALw6q8VpogvMyQPRKPT8IXEW2cL9CNYOpC7cBOJPSFEJUWG9e~yrx5vw3329H3GpdjN5d4pE13cu4qgM7eEu68-sxNNuZjO1NqEw9MKRXm~DFh4V-QFVquIXvliWy~G1EqQc7hcrunvPPI6AghA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jason Levin, chair of the committee to reestablish rail service to West Chester, reported renewed discussions with SEPTA on lease terms and governance and said some committee members have formed 501(c)(3) organizations to support the effort.

\"We have, we have a presentation on the business survey,\" Levin said, and he reported committee research into governance found an authority model would overlap with SEPTA and was a less viable option than a nonprofit 501(c)(3) approach for early-stage advocacy and fundraising.

Council members and others raised sharp questions about ridership projections, operating costs and whether the committee has a tested business plan. One council member said the committee\u0000s business survey had not asked whether individuals would personally use commuter service and recommended focused surveys of likely riders, such as existing public-transit users and travelers at nearby stations.

\"You aren't considering ridership to the right extent,\" a council critic said, urging direct passenger-focused questions rather than generalized business-support surveys. Several council members questioned weekday-only service plans and whether service workers, students or hospital staff would use a connection that requires transfers and walking between platforms.

Levin said the committee had met with SEPTA real-estate staff and moved away from a purchase model toward a long-term lease, and that committee members have held conversations about establishing nonprofit governance and fundraising. He also noted assistance from state and county officials in coordinating funding approaches to avoid duplicating SEPTA funding streams.

The meeting recorded an action item from borough administrative staff to consider the lease at the next Tuesday work session so council can decide whether to approve a lease to operate passenger service over SEPTA infrastructure under specific terms.

Council members also debated coordination with the West Chester Railroad (the heritage operator). Several council members urged the committee to engage the historic railroad and noted volunteers maintain track and run tourist service; others said improved infrastructure for commuter service could relieve the heritage group of heavy maintenance work.

What’s next: borough staff plan to bring a lease decision to the next work session for council consideration; the committee and council members signaled the need for an updated ridership study, clearer operating assumptions and direct outreach to likely commuters before committing to major capital expenditures.","The rail restoration committee reported renewed engagement with SEPTA and formation of nonprofit groups; council members raised concerns about ridership studies, costs and coordination with the West Chester Railroad (heritage operator).",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6080583,"Planning Commission submits first annual report; work continues on height, build-to-line and attainable housing",393,1205000,1598000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2946143-c23461ac90c57c0c17dd6a767d2c37f3&start=1205&end=1598","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2946143-c23461ac90c57c0c17dd6a767d2c37f3/thumbnail_1205000.jpg","/articles/6080583/West-Chester/Chester-County/Pennsylvania/Planning-Commission-submits-first-annual-report-work-continues-on-height-build-to-line-and-attainable-housing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6080583-89da817e3ad54fbede5a101529075b54/orig.mp4?Expires=1771120040&Signature=nbMcxgWSDqMlB8heEWFvZC4yHVW6Nd9tOi0-JXb10ApOjEDq3NdtaQevuGz9dsPxm68~WqzS5IR5aRbQoXqZXyIraj24DX9vPw26keiJjUC4Wb7J5h2SyBtZmViXbLZ2uIC3j7K6MSkAmQN7JOSsPKqw6a5cMXOW9njzTvdeuYh7KEK-9HXAgNLV3mC4NxapPamRcXry3yLvavhbQpO2YRbFrNHXUTL5NvQAhV8hcvTLrcdA3E1oViysgGstFJhZZTKVGEGtUVL44PMKX9PLS0ilxrmCBtsI-Xo-ewvTlccOGJ6eSfvBFE6dmK63t9cHBrmveHyWMW89T49O5OWJmg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Matt Clapp, planning commission secretary, presented the commission's 2024 annual report to borough council and summarized initial 2025 tasks, including ordinance amendments on building height, clarifying the build-to-line versus front-yard setback language, and starting work on attainable housing incentives.

Clapp said the Pennsylvania Municipal Planning Code requires a planning commission annual report by March 1; the commission missed that deadline for 2024 but told council it intends to produce the report annually going forward and will submit the 2024 document to council within weeks.

He summarized actions taken in 2024 — applications reviewed, votes and recommendations — and said the report's body includes detailed motions and current status for each property reviewed. \"The report's broken up into 2 sections, SALDO applications reviewed in 2024 and then, community planning issues, ordinance amendments, that we discussed and or acted on in 2024,\" he said.

Work priorities for 2025 include a previously drafted building-height ordinance amendment that the commission voted to recommend and returned to council for final action; a streamlining of the build-to-line text that the commission finds conflated with front-yard setbacks; and a proposal to ensure HAARB (historic-architecture review) reviews apply to projects in HO-60 and HO-75 height-overlay districts so architectural-review consultants sign off on compliance with design guidelines.

Clapp said the commission is also beginning a focused effort on inclusionary and attainable housing, using a draft ordinance prepared by Ray Ott as a starting point and planning meetings with the solicitor and external experts to identify incentives and alternatives in West Chester’s context.

Clapp and council members also discussed the borough\u0000s dark-skies initiative and how applicants provide lighting plans showing foot-candle grids and cutoff fixtures; the commission told council it is asking applicants to document light spill and Kelvin temperature so projects do not overlight walkable sidewalks.

What’s next: the planning commission will submit its 2024 annual report to council, proceed with refined ordinance drafts on building height and build-to-line/front-yard language and pursue stakeholder work on attainable/inclusionary housing. Council will receive the annual report and schedule next steps on any ordinance amendments.","The planning commission presented its first formal annual report for 2024 and outlined ongoing work in 2025 on building-height rules, build-to-line/front-yard definitions, historic-architecture review in overlay districts and inclusionary/attainable housing policy.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6080587,"Downtown Westchester readies BID reauthorization, plans parking education and food-drive support",281,509000,790000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2946143-c23461ac90c57c0c17dd6a767d2c37f3&start=509&end=790","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2946143-c23461ac90c57c0c17dd6a767d2c37f3/thumbnail_509000.jpg","/articles/6080587/West-Chester/Chester-County/Pennsylvania/Downtown-Westchester-readies-BID-reauthorization-plans-parking-education-and-food-drive-support","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6080587-c9e760343cc46608f9443c7818586d37/orig.mp4?Expires=1771120040&Signature=Ja~FMv6Xroa-nvg9IU6rN9HH7UlfPBJ8NE6cHXCz6UAEi4HoDurqBZXLGxetYqdMAyDUcV7OpwMAXxXrNDISLOc0b1i~RuGvzmWZpNcDzVSOzXpzZ9UBBS4f8SxfjgGvrcYF4JsysCrcezHchN~aC5iLOF~vrfignmbuRINcEcwwqr8fZdTaji7QIXwGqtc~dB3Yw0maL6FxVQ2Tyj3nRRE-ipsMronXTDB4VlOiTJcoFj6HNObmOChloymgnLD5ydqO-8J5AUZns5divRiBjtOEtjWZZ1BP-OCQmUTuU~ufopJv66KZ54CTWaTbWbl9VAXgpBqr8iu8kLCZvrMYhQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","John O'Brien, executive director of Downtown Westchester, told council his group will assist businesses ahead of planned changes to on-street parking and begins the business improvement district (BID) reauthorization process this summer.

\"We really wanna take an active role in helping to market the change that's coming with the parking meters being removed in the downtown so we can get, well ahead to get people over to the Flowbird app,\" O'Brien said, describing a campaign that will include social media, flyers and outreach to merchants so customers are comfortable with the app before on-street meters are removed.

O'Brien said Downtown Westchester will produce small business-card–sized reminders for merchants to hand to patrons and will time outreach months in advance to reduce friction when the meters are removed.

O'Brien also said the BID is entering its reauthorization year: staff plan a public hearing before borough council in June and a mailed notice to all business and property owners in the district as required by state law. Under the reauthorization rules O'Brien described, property owners then have a 45-day window to remonstrate; if more than 40% of property owners object, reauthorization fails. O'Brien said the organization expects to complete the renewal process by August if the remonstrance level remains below the 40% threshold.

\"We're looking to hopefully schedule a public hearing with the full borough council, in June to have public input on what our strategic plan should say,\" O'Brien said. He described plans to expand the BID footprint in some places to better align with the borough's town-center map while excluding parcels that are largely residential even if their land-use codes appear commercial for assessment purposes.

Other items O'Brien flagged: Downtown Westchester is promoting a food drive being run by Kildare's and 22 other restaurants to benefit the Chester County Food Bank and West Chester Food Cupboard following a $250,000 federal cut to the county food bank; the downtown group helped conduct a rail-restoration survey and will share results with the rail restoration committee; and the group plans to push for contractor cleanup of sidewalk paint used to mark utilities.

What’s next: Downtown Westchester will begin merchant-focused outreach around Flowbird and distribute BID reauthorization materials as state law requires; council will schedule the public hearing on the reauthorization process.","Downtown Westchester said it will help businesses prepare for planned meter removal, launch outreach about Flowbird parking app, start BID reauthorization outreach and promote a county food-bank drive responding to a $250,000 federal cut.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6080592,"Borough director: rental-inspection enforcement stepped up; notices sent, court hearings pending",0,2171000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2946143-c23461ac90c57c0c17dd6a767d2c37f3&start=2171&end=2171","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2946143-c23461ac90c57c0c17dd6a767d2c37f3/thumbnail_2171000.jpg","/articles/6080592/West-Chester/Chester-County/Pennsylvania/Borough-director-rental-inspection-enforcement-stepped-up-notices-sent-court-hearings-pending","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6080592-69d0133207cc7b803744eeab42504ee5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771120040&Signature=DAi-0faJK2rIRApf0~0DJ6U4Z1W8SJfln9XoNZ5ziF1liP42Kz4SIzBVYjYsdO2RWq5eZwJpHZBujQODkW1HC3yiJu485tuQ4PwB-Wdr99YXaDDesUrYck8XytbcysWgwsf82IS0u4SvP1OXOyBzWhier29niDnuKXgQS5Qo9tY25oXG0JznGhSn9lecBf39bMDi8eZoEXL~mjJOLlFDpnsmduHmn10lXPFnwVUpdI5snkCpe9tP~0AvI4-V57ZSOSLTvgHYocTjLtsb5GQEukLgP8pel-lpWd7WNMpm0UnrxINe99dDzr2G~qDxEPpEO8J1UnS1bE~ysv6ShHxedA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","West Chester borough staff told council enforcement of rental licenses intensified in March, and notices of violation have gone to owners who are not in full compliance.

The borough’s director said notices cover this year and the 2023–24 period and give property owners until April 15 to respond; otherwise staff will begin issuing citations. The director also said the borough added an affidavit on its website for owners who now occupy a unit and want to close a rental license.

The changes follow the council’s recent ordinance revision that treats any unit that is not owner-occupied as a rental, the director said. That includes some family-occupied units now classified as rentals under the revised ordinance.

“Notices of violations have gone out to all properties that are not in full compliance with their rental licenses,” the director said. The director also told council there is one property that “could be at 10, but the court hearings have not been — they haven't had the court hearings yet,” meaning court findings would be required before the borough assigns enforcement points used in the licensing penalty system.

Councilmember Daryl Cook, a resident of South Hornet Street, asked whether any rental units had reached 10 enforcement points; the director repeated that points are assigned only if courts find violations and that several hearings are scheduled in May.

Staff said code officers performed 127 annual rental inspections in March (up from 111 in February) and issued 91 tickets in March across property-maintenance and related violations. Code officers also conducted reinspections of larger properties and have been patrolling for cafe-permit compliance and helping businesses apply when needed.

Zoning and licensing work continued alongside enforcement: the zoning hearing board granted special exceptions for three short-term rental applications and approved a sight-line variance for 211 Dean Street, the director reported.

What’s next: property owners who received notices must respond by April 15 or face citations; the borough will track responses to affidavits claiming owner-occupancy and close licenses where appropriate. Staff said it will follow through on court scheduling and assign points only after any judicial findings.

The director’s report did not include a council vote on additional enforcement authority or new penalties; staff said any future changes would return to council for action.","The borough director told council enforcement of rental licenses increased in March, notices of violation were mailed and property owners have until April 15 to respond; point penalties depend on court outcomes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council discusses formalizing Gay Street closure rules into outdoor-dining policy; businesses to sign indemnifications and submit plot maps

Council debate over rail restoration intensifies as committee re-engages with SEPTA; nonprofits formed

Planning Commission submits first annual report; work continues on height, build-to-line and attainable housing

Downtown Westchester readies BID reauthorization, plans parking education and food-drive support

Borough director: rental-inspection enforcement stepped up; notices sent, court hearings pending