Community Growth in ChescoWest
Rachel M. Cathell, WCCCC
Here at the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce we often say, ChescoWest is the place to be, and it sure is! So much shifting, moving and shaking is taking place in our 24 municipalities. The best part of it all, is the collectiveness that is driving this growth. Neighbors, business owners, local government and organizations are coming to the table to share in the vision and be a part of the action. That is what it is all about; the people who work, live and play in our communities are firm in accountability for them and proud to carry the torch and provide the direction for the future. If you aren’t engaged in your municipality, this year may be the year for you to reach out, volunteer and be a part of the whole.
What’s Happening Across the Region
Animated Brewing Company opened their second location in the heart of Parkesburg just around the corner from Homestead Studios the local go-to for gift and home items. The City of Coatesville is sparking a night life with the new restaurant The Record (see page — for revitalization updates on the City). This year, Caln welcomed a Lomax Carpet and Elite Therapy Solution’s to the Township. Sadsburyville will be home to a new coffee shop, Athena’s Kafenio, complimented with bakery items and treats, stay tuned for their grand opening! In Valley Township, the G.O. Carlson Airport and Cleveland Cliffs work on expansion plans to their current facilities (two of our region’s major economic assets.)
Honey Brook Township continues to add to their Land Preservation Program with 4,400 acres preserved to date; this number represents 28% of total land in the Township and 38% of the farmland preserved in perpetuity. Highland Township completed a Comprehensive Plan that focuses on open space, agricultural, cultural and historic preservation. West Sadsbury Township received funding from the state’s Growing Greener Plus Program for a streambank restoration project that will address pollution loadings and stream degradation on Strasburg Road. Wallace Township is celebrating its 170th birthday! The Borough of Atglen is working on a new park in the downtown area and a connection to the Chester Valley Trail Extension. Caln Township is also honing in on the trail network as they leverage a Greenways Grant for the Beaver Creek Trail.
East Fallowfield worked on stormwater plans this year and are planning a pollinator garden at the community park. They also announced the appointment of Chad Osborn as the township’s new police chief. Honey Brook Township also focused on stormwater upgrades this year, which the Borough of Modena (small but mighty) knows all too well. As Modena has risen from the floodwaters thanks to a fighting spirit, the borough will do a community cleanup this spring in Partnership with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful and Brandywine-Red Clay Alliance.
Residential development continues in an upward trend across our region. The Valley Suburban Center broke ground for the development of townhomes off of Business 30 and Airport Road and Valley Township adds the Westwood Ridge Development of homes off of Valley Road. Honey Brook Township is seeing single family homes being built in the Chestnut Ridge Development and Sweetwater Farm Development. West Brandywine anticipates 3 age-restricted developments and Caln Township is working on a project of affordable apartments and townhomes.
On the transportation side of things, the County is updating their Public Transportation Plan. You can access and read the plan at chescoplanning.org/transportation/PTP-Update.cfm. The City of Coatesville’s Train Station project continues full speed ahead with an expected completion of 2025. In Valley Township, a task force has formed to review improvements and changes to the West Lincoln Highway Corridor ahead of anticipated development projects coming down the pike. The Transportation Management Association of Chester County (TMACC) is evaluating travel trends in the region and developing a transit development plan which will act as a blueprint to improving efficiency and identifying needs. Connectivity is very important for the future economic health of western Chester County and especially critical for our residents to access jobs, higher education and healthcare as our communities are not always in close proximity to public transport.
The close of 2022 brought funding to our county with the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) meant to rebuild a stronger, more equitable economy as the country recovers. The Chester County Commissioners’ distributed these funds to municipalities and to local organizations to address infrastructure, affordable housing, social and mental health issues, and education and workforce training solutions in our region. Some Chamber members were awarded funds including the Chester County Food Bank that will use them to expand their operations at a time when the numbers of individuals facing food insecurity has skyrocketed across our county. The Alliance for Health Equity will apply their funds for an Equity Center to create a healthcare ecosystem and Chester County OIC (Opportunities Industrialization Center) for their Work Enclave, a program for residents in the 19320 that enlists community clean up while teaching work readiness skills. The ARPA funds also will bring building renovation for the East Brandywine Fire Department, program expansions at the Atglen Public Library and for the Fire and EMS Services Enhancement Project at Keystone Valley Fire Department.
Last year was a challenge for the region with the closure of Brandywine Hospital but every cloud has a silver lining. The closure prompted a multi-municipal network. Neighboring organizations, municipalities and their ems departments opened up to one another more; they shared resources and methods and collectively used their voices in addressing the regional issue of access to healthcare and emergency services. I think that speaks volumes of western Chester County; community comradery, a “we’ll get this done” attitude. That culture can be found all across the west and when people ask what is behind the growth of the region, the answer is always the people.