West Chester, PA

Historical Commission

The West Chester Historical Commission is holding its regular monthly meeting. The agenda consists of routine business: approving July minutes, receiving committee reports, and discussing ongoing projects like the Historic Atlas, Lafayette Week, and the Oral History Project. No major decisions, public hearings, or votes are listed.

• Approval of July 2026 meeting minutes
• Reports on Historic Atlas, Lafayette Week, and annual report
• Discussion of Town Tours & Village Walks and Dare to Declare for Borough Parks
• Update on stained-glass committee and Historic Tree Committee
• Announcement: October meeting will start later; Preservation Awards

Public Art Commission

Zoning & Hearing Board

The West Chester Zoning Hearing Board is meeting to address notices for two properties: 500 W Lafayette St and 615-617 S Walnut Street. The agenda lists only these notices and no other substantive items, so the meeting appears to be limited to these matters.

• Notice for 500 W Lafayette St
• Notice for 615-617 S Walnut Street

WCCCC

Recreation Commission

Historical & Architectural Review Board

The Historical & Architectural Review Board is meeting to review two applications: one for sign and façade painting at 208 E. Market St and one for façade work at 50 W. Gay Street. The board will also consider approval of the July 30, 2026 meeting minutes. This is a regular meeting with no other major items listed.

• Application 2026-20: sign and façade painting at 208 E. Market St
• Application 2026-21: façade work at 50 W. Gay Street
• Approval of July 30, 2026 meeting minutes

Sustainability Advisory Committee

Tree Commission

Public Safety & Quality of Life Committee

Transportation Advisory Committee

Public Works Committee

Parking Committee

Administration, Communication & Technology Committee

Smart Growth Committee

Finance & Revenue Committee

Railroad Restoration Committee

Administration, Communication & Technology Committee

West Chester Library Board

Planning Commission- Voting

Borough Council

Borough Council

Historical Commission

Public Art Commission

WCCCC

Sustainability Advisory Committee

Historical & Architectural Review Board

Recreation Commission

Planning Commission- Work Session

Tree Commission

West Chester Library Board

Planning Commission- Voting

Parking Committee

Transportation Advisory Committee

Public Safety & Quality of Life Committee

Public Works Committee

Finance & Revenue Committee

Smart Growth Committee

Railroad Restoration Committee

Administration, Communication & Technology Committee

Administration, Communication & Technology Committee

Historical Commission

Borough Council

Borough Council

Pension Committee

Public Art Commission

Pension Committee

WCCCC

Historical & Architectural Review Board

Sustainability Advisory Committee

Planning Commission- Work Session

Tree Commission

Planning Commission- Voting

West Chester Library Board

Public Safety & Quality of Life Committee

Transportation Advisory Committee

Parking Committee

Public Works Committee

Finance & Revenue Committee

Smart Growth Committee

Administration, Communication & Technology Committee

Administration, Communication & Technology Committee

Railroad Restoration Committee

Borough Council

Borough Council

Historical & Architectural Review Board

Historical Commission

Public Art Commission

WCCCC

Sustainability Advisory Committee

Recreation Commission

Tree Commission

Planning Commission- Work Session

Parking Committee

Transportation Advisory Committee

Public Safety & Quality of Life Committee

Public Works Committee

Smart Growth Committee

Finance & Revenue Committee

Administration, Communication & Technology Committee

Railroad Restoration Committee

Administration, Communication & Technology Committee

Planning Commission- Voting

West Chester Library Board

Borough Council

Borough Council

Historical & Architectural Review Board

Historical Commission

Public Art Commission

WCCCC

Tree Commission

Parking Committee

Administration, Communication & Technology Committee

Planning Commission- Work Session

Parking Committee

Administration, Communication & Technology Committee

Planning Commission- Work Session

Administration, Communication & Technology Committee

Administration, Communication & Technology Committee

Administration, Communication & Technology Committee

Administration, Communication & Technology Committee

Administration, Communication & Technology Committee

General

Borough Council

The West Chester Borough Council will hold a voting session with public hearings on ordinances to regulate tobacco stores, ban kratom, and amend parking rules. They will also consider a conditional use approval for the West Chester University Master Plan, a public safety tax for emergency medical services, and numerous contracts and resolutions.

• Public hearing: ordinance to add tobacco store/smoke shop definition and regulations in TC and CS districts
• Public hearing: ordinance to prohibit sale, manufacture, and public use of kratom and 7-OH substances
• Motion to approve conditional use for West Chester University Master Plan
• Motion to approve 5-year contract with Granicus (SmartGov) for licensing and permit management
• Motion to approve bid for Brick Sewer Relining 2026 capital project

General

General

The Borough Council is considering an ordinance to amend Chapter 112 of the zoning code. The proposal defines tobacco stores and smoke shops and establishes them as conditional uses in specific districts.

• Proposed 500-foot minimum distance between smoke shops and other smoke shops
• Proposed 500-foot minimum distance from schools, religious uses, day care centers, and libraries
• Prohibition of smoke shops in buildings with residential dwellings
• Ban on self-service displays for tobacco and vape products
• Prohibition of food sales within tobacco stores/smoke shops

General

Borough Council

West Chester Borough Council will hold a work session to discuss and vote on several items, including a potential public safety tax to fund emergency medical services, zoning amendments for tobacco stores, and a ban on kratom. The council will also consider contracts, parking policy changes, and development proposals. Public hearings on the zoning and kratom ordinances are scheduled for August 19.

• Consider public safety tax for emergency medical services
• Public hearing on ordinance to add tobacco store/smoke shop as conditional use in TC and CS districts
• Public hearing on ordinance to prohibit sale, manufacture, and public use of kratom
• Approve five-year contract with Granicus (SmartGov) for permit management
• Approve preliminary land development plan for 410 S High St townhouses

Administration, Communication & Technology Committee

Railroad Restoration Committee

The committee is reviewing progress on rail service restoration, including transit surveys and state grant applications. Members are coordinating outreach with Cheyney University and local municipalities.

• Discussion of state grants for a pedestrian bridge with Sen. Kane's staff
• Review of student and resident transit surveys for Westtown and Cheyney
• Project presentations for Media Borough and Middletown Township
• Drafting reciprocal letters of support for Turks Head Trail
• Exploration of corporate partnerships with Deloitte, Aramark, and Kaiser Permanente

Finance & Revenue Committee

The committee will review several financial matters including a public safety tax and payment in lieu of taxes programs. Members are also considering various contract approvals, bid awards for sewer and paving projects, and multiple purchase orders.

• Discuss raising funding for emergency medical services via a public safety tax
• Motion to approve $900 Serpentine donation for West Chester Downtown Foundation event
• Motion to approve five-year contract with Granicus for permit management services
• Motion to approve bids for Brick Sewer Relining and paving at Taylor Run Wastewater Treatment Plant, Green Field, and Market Street Lot
• Motion to adopt budget modification for Fire Fund and purchase of a dedicated blocking vehicle for WCFD

Smart Growth Committee

The Smart Growth Committee will vote on a preliminary land development plan for townhouses at 410 S High St, decide whether to direct the Solicitor to attend zoning hearings for two properties, and consider minor edits to Chapter 66. They will also discuss large party permits and unresolved food truck ordinance items, and approve HARB applications.

• Motion to approve preliminary land development plan for 410 S High St townhouses
• Motion to direct Solicitor to Zoning Hearing Board for 615/617 S Walnut St (parking variance) — staff recommends NOT
• Motion to direct Solicitor to Zoning Hearing for 500 W Lafayette St (side yard setback variance) — staff recommends NOT
• Motion to approve minor edits to Chapter 66 Ordinance (deadline fixes)
• Motion to approve HARB applications: 122 S High St railing, 143 W Gay St sign, 200 N High St awning, 20 W Market St HVAC, 16 E Gay St sign/façade

Administration, Communication & Technology Committee

The Administration, Communication & Technology Committee will discuss several administrative items, including a proposed increase to Borough Council/Mayor compensation, virtual participation at public meetings, and amendments to the employee policy manual. The committee will also receive a quarterly sustainability report and consider approving the July 2026 meeting minutes.

• Discussion of increase to Borough Council/Mayor compensation
• Discussion of virtual participation at public meetings
• Motion to approve amendments to the employee policy manual
• Quarterly Sustainability Report
• Approve July 2026 meeting minutes

Transportation Advisory Committee

The West Chester Transportation Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss several transportation-related items, including a sidewalk prioritization mapping effort, an intersection painting process document, a trail grant study update, and a community shuttle survey. The committee will also hear updates from the Rail Restoration Committee and consider public comments.

• Sidewalk prioritization: next step is to map results
• Intersection painting 1-page process doc initiative (draft in progress)
• Turks Head Trail Grant Study update from DVRPC
• WC Community Campus Coalition Shuttle Survey posted on borough website
• Placemaking idea at Hannum Ave & Wayne St triangle

Parking Committee

The Parking Committee will vote on several items including a lease for Hotel Indigo requiring 55 spaces at Chestnut Street Garage, an updated fee schedule for New Street Lot allowing monthly permits at $95, and changes to the Special Event Parking Policy. They will also discuss excluding 222 N Walnut Street from the residential permit program and renewing a lease with Chester County for 79 spaces at Gay Street Lot.

• Motion to approve Hotel Indigo lease for 55 spaces at Chestnut Street Garage with overage MOU terms
• Motion to approve updated fee schedule for New Street Lot (lot 3) allowing monthly permits at $95, 8am-5pm Monday-Friday
• Motion to approve changes to Special Event Parking Policy moving start time to 2 hours before events, excluding Christmas Parade
• Discussion on excluding 222 N Walnut Street from Residential Parking Permit Program due to non-residential use
• Discussion and possible motion to renew 2-year lease with Chester County for 79 spaces at Gay Street Lot

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will discuss progress on a new Public Works building, maintenance of the West Chester Public Library and its elevator, bathroom conditions at Everhart Park, a Goose Creek Connection Management Plan amendment, and street sweeping schedule changes. They will also vote on Code Elevator maintenance rates for the library elevator.

• Discuss progress on a new Public Works building
• Motion to approve Code Elevator maintenance rates for West Chester Public Library
• Discuss maintenance of West Chester Public Library
• Discuss maintenance and condition of bathrooms at Everhart Park
• Motion to approve Goose Creek Connection Management Plan amendment

Public Safety & Quality of Life Committee

The Public Safety & Quality of Life Committee will discuss proposed zoning amendments to define and regulate tobacco stores/smoke shops, and a separate ordinance to ban kratom and related substances. The committee will also consider special event permits for three upcoming events, a resolution to adopt the Chester County Hazard Mitigation Plan, and regulations for unruly social gatherings.

• Public hearing on zoning amendment to add tobacco store/smoke shop as conditional use in TC Town Center and CS Commercial Service districts
• Public hearing on ordinance to prohibit sale, manufacture, and public use of kratom and concentrated 7-OH substances
• Motion to adopt resolution approving Chester County Hazard Mitigation Plan (updated every five years)
• Discussion of regulations and penalties for unruly social gatherings
• Special event permits for Unite for HER Run/Walk (10/17), Veterans Parade (11/08), Christmas Parade (12/04)

West Chester Library Board

Planning Commission- Voting

The West Chester Planning Commission is meeting to discuss several development projects, including townhomes at 410 South High Street and 615-617 S. Walnut St, and sketch plans for properties on W. Washington and W. Gay Streets. The commission will also review a proposed vape shop ordinance and hear reports from the Zoning Hearing Board and Historical Architectural Review Board. The meeting includes approval of the July minutes and citizen comments on non-agenda items.

• 410 South High Street III Townhomes (Pete Staz)
• 615-617 S. Walnut St Townhomes
• 328-332 W Washington Street sketch plan
• 339 W. Gay Street sketch level discussion
• Vape shop ordinance review

Tree Commission

The West Chester Tree Commission will review written and photo-based evaluations of street and park trees, including Pin Oaks, Bradford Pears, and Elms, before deciding on removals and replacements. The meeting also covers the Borough Arborist’s June 2026 Gay Street tree report, fall 2026 planting plans, and spring 2027 tree initiatives in business districts and parks.

• 618 S Brandywine St: 2 declining Pin Oaks (Tree Comm request)
• 327 S Adams St: Invasive Bradford Pear with stem decay (Tree Comm request)
• 145 E Gay St: Lacebark Elm with storm damage (Borough Arborist recommends removal and replacement with Stellar dogwood)
• 239 E Gay St: Declining Pin Oak (Borough Arborist recommends removal and replacement with Ginko)
• Fall 2026 planting: Borough Arborist to evaluate locations, issue letters to property owners, and coordinate warranty and Gator Bags

Planning Commission- Work Session

The West Chester Planning Commission holds a work session to review zoning topics and discuss several townhome projects. Items include sketch plans for 328-332 W Washington Street and 339 W Gay Street, as well as a proposed vape shop ordinance. Commission members will also present on preservation initiatives and pedestrian safety.

• 410 South High Street III Townhomes (Pete Staz)
• 615-617 S. Walnut St Townhomes (Ted)
• 328-332 W Washington Street – sketch plan
• 339 W. Gay Street – sketch level discussion
• Vape shop ordinance

Sustainability Advisory Committee

The Sustainability Advisory Committee will meet to review a benchmarking ordinance and discuss composting. The committee will also receive updates regarding the Tree Commission, the Transportation Advisory Committee, and the Committee to Reestablish Railroad Service.

• Benchmarking Ordinance
• Composting
• Transportation Advisory Committee update
• Committee to Reestablish Railroad Service update
• Tree Commission update

Historical & Architectural Review Board

The Historical & Architectural Review Board will hold a public hearing to review four applications for proposed work on properties in the historic district, including a front railing at 122 S. High St, a sign at 145 W. Gay St, an ATM awning at 200 N. High St, and HVAC equipment at 18/20 W. Market St. The board will also consider approving revised meeting minutes from May 28, 2026.

• Application 2026-15: front railing at 122 S. High St
• Application 2026-16: sign at 145 W. Gay St
• Application 2026-17: ATM awning at 200 N. High St
• Application 2026-18: HVAC equipment at 18/20 W. Market St
• Approval of revised May 28, 2026 meeting minutes

Recreation Commission

WCCCC

Pension Committee

Public Art Commission

The Public Art Commission will meet to discuss several art projects and designations. The body will explore Tactile Urbanism projects and the Creative District Designation from Pennsylvania Creatives.

• Tactile Urbanism projects discussion with Sustainability Director Will Williams
• America250 Mural Dedication
• 44 West/Public Art Assembly Space
• West Chester Preservation Award
• Pennsylvania Creatives Creative District Designation

Zoning & Hearing Board

The Borough of West Chester Zoning Hearing Board will meet to continue a hearing regarding 244 E. Evans Street.

• Continued hearing for #1040-244 E. Evans Street

Historical Commission

This meeting is largely procedural with reports from the chair and subcommittees. No votes or binding decisions are scheduled. The commission will hear updates on the Historic Atlas, Lafayette Week, the 2027 budget, and projects like the Gay Street School and Oral History Project.

• Discussion of the 2027 Budget Proposal
• Update on the Historic Atlas project
• Report from the Stained-Glass Committee
• Oral History Project update
• Gay Street School update by Mary Baylis & Anne Skillman

General

Borough Council

The West Chester Borough Council meeting on July 15, 2026 includes public hearings on zoning amendments for data centers and tobacco stores. Council members will discuss a proposed $1,000 increase in compensation for council members and the mayor in the next election cycles. Additional items include a motion to approve a cable franchise agreement with Comcast, an elevator repair contract for $15,850, and other approvals and resolutions.

• Public hearing on ordinance amending Chapter 112 “Zoning” to add data center definitions and conditional‑use provisions
• Public hearing on ordinance amending Chapter 112 to define tobacco store/smoke shop and allow it as a conditional‑use in specific districts
• Discussion of a recommendation to increase Borough Council and Mayor compensation by $1,000 in the next election cycles
• Motion to approve a cable franchise agreement with Comcast
• Motion to approve elevator repair purchase order to Code Elevator for $15,850 to fix counterweight sheaves

Borough Council

The Borough Council work session will vote on several items including a zoning amendment to allow data centers in industrial districts, an ordinance to ban kratom products, and a discussion on establishing a public safety tax. Other actions include fee increases for recycling bins, a $15,850 elevator repair contract, and approval of a Comcast cable franchise agreement. Public hearings are scheduled for July 15 and August 19, 2026.

• Public hearing on July 15 to consider zoning amendment adding data centers as conditional use in industrial district
• Motion to approve ordinance prohibiting sale and public use of kratom and derived products; public hearing set for August 19
• Motion to consider establishing a public safety tax (Finance Committee, 3-0)
• Motion to approve elevator repair contract for Chestnut Street Garage with Code Elevator for $15,850
• Resolution to amend fee schedule: recycling bins from $15 to $17