County officials: new home construction in ’21 hits 20-year high
A new report from the Chester County Planning Commission shows that more homes were built in the county in 2021 than in any year since 2001, and that the growth was largely driven by apartment construction. The report also said that despite soaring prices, more homes were sold than in any year since 2005.
“The numbers for units built and sold and the prices for which they were sold are staggering,...
Op/Ed: Consider taking refuge in the highly entertaining films of southern India
By Eric Klein, Special to The Times
Eric Klein
In the quiet hamlets of southeast Pennsylvania, there’s not a whole lot of action. The former farmlands turned to residential neighborhoods don’t offer much excitement.
Fortunately, we do have an IMAX movie theater in Downingtown, PA (population 7,926). I was very pleased to discover that this theater is heavily patronized by a growing Indian population...
Column: Pennsylvania’s fastest-growing county shares what it’s learning from expanded data collection
By Gary Smith, President & CEO, Chester County Economic Development Council
& Michael Grigalonis, COO & EVP, Chester County Economic Development Council
Gary Smith
Chester County is projected to be the fastest growing county in southeastern Pennsylvania, with growth of more than 25% anticipated by 2050. With a 2020 population of just over half a million people, the county is expected...
County highlights local options for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Stock photo of prescription drug bottles. This photograph shows a close-up view of prescription drugs.
Chester County’s Department of Drug & Alcohol Services (CCDDAS) is spreading community awareness for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, taking place on Saturday, April 30th. Organized nationwide by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), National Prescription Drug Take Back Day...
Chesco Democrats welcome Hakeem Jeffries to Spring Event
Pictured: Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Chester County Democratic Committee Chair Charlotte Valyo, and Congresswoman Chrissy HoulahanPhoto courtesy of Jim Salvas
On Wednesday evening, the Chester County Democratic Committee, under the leadership of Chairwoman Charlotte Valyo, welcomed member of the Democratic House Leadership Hakeem Jeffries to Chester County to present the keynote address...
Chester County achieves milestone in preserved open space and celebrates with Open Space Summit
Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell and Michelle Kichline announced the achievement of a significant milestone for the county: More than 30 percent of Chester County has now been preserved as open space. According to the analysis of the Chester County Planning Commission’s Protected Open Space Tracking – or POST – system, as of December 31, 2021, Chester County...
West Chester International Short Film Festival returns for 2022
After a longer-than-expected delay, the 16th West Chester International Short Film Festival is excited to be back in Downtown West Chester! The festival presents short films 30 minutes or less from around the world, including Oscar nominees, comedies, dramas, animated films, and more! From Friday, April 22 through Sunday, April 24, over 70 films will be shown in Film Blocks, the West Chester Family...
Op/Ed: Parents should be concerned about moves to oust school board members
By Charlotte Valyo, Chair Chester County Democratic Committee
Charlotte Valyo
Every parent in Chester County should be concerned by the latest effort from the far right to take control of local elected offices outside the process of fair and open elections.
The latest example is the petition filed in Judge William P. Mahon’s Court of Common Pleas by 10 residents bent on ousting West Chester School...
Davis named county’s new Director of Procurement
Robin Davis
The important job of ensuring Chester County buys its goods, supplies, and services on time and at the most competitive price will now be overseen by Robin Davis. The Chester County Commissioners have promoted the Kennett Square resident to Director of Procurement and General Services, moving up from Deputy Director.
“Through 32 years of public sector purchasing expertise, Robin has...
Walschburger appointed Deputy County Administrator
Erik Walschburger
Following a months-long search for the ideal candidate, Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell and Michelle Kichline have appointed Erik Walschburger as Deputy County Administrator. He will support County Administrator Bobby Kagel in the supervision and direction of all County government programs and administrative operations.
Walschburger comes to the Commissioners’...
