Op/Ed.: Cultivating economic development in Coatesville

By Josh Maxwell, Mayor of Downingtown Josh Maxwell Cultivating economic development is often a tricky endeavor.  On one hand, we want to incentivize job-creating businesses; on the other hand, we want to avoid missing out on valuable tax revenue for our communities.  In Downingtown we have been recognized for being able to use infill development opportunities with limited tax incentives to expand...

Major roads in Downingtown flooded

Police urging people to observe road closures; even better: stay put Updated at 5:50 p.m. with information from county’s Dept.  of Emergency Services Downingtown Police Chief James R. McGowan III is urging residents to stay home or use alternate routes as the heavy rains have taken a toll on the borough’s roads. “Due to the severe rain fall accumulation, all major roadways and...

For ice-pick attacker, another year of commitment

Judge signs order continuing involuntary treatment for Dino B. Taraschi, 55 By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times A Downingtown man who shocked the community in 1996 when he repeatedly stabbed his mother in the eye with an ice pick continues to suffer from “a severe mental disability” that requires continued involuntary treatment, a judge ruled on Thursday, April 17. Dino B. Taraschi,...

Dague formally sworn to Borough Council

Takes oath during otherwise quiet meeting New Downingtown Borough Council member Phil Dague takes the oath office Wednesday night from District Justice Jeffrey J. Valocchi. By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times DOWNINGTOWN — Phil Dague was officially sworn in as a member of Borough Council Wednesday night, the lone point of action in what may have been the briefest council meeting in recent memory. Dague,...

State police: Charges pending in quarry rescue

Troopers say four teens trespassed, two ended up trapped  State troopers from the Embreeville barracks are investigating a criminal trespassing incident involving four teenage males on Sunday, April 6, that necessitated two rescues, state police said in a news release issued on Tuesday, April 8. Police and fire rescue personnel were dispatched at 5:47 p.m. to the Cornog Quarry in the 700 block...

Loved ones lost to violence not forgotten

Candlelight Vigil pays tribute to homicide victims, fallen law enforcement An annual remembrance of Chester County homicide victims and law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty will be held Thursday, April 10, in Downingtown. Sponsored by the Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County, Inc., the 2014 Candlelight Vigil and Memorial Service will be begin at 6:30 p.m. at Central Presbyterian...

DMWA plans rate hike to fund repairs

Water Authority plans $15 quarterly increase for the average customer By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times DOWNINGTOWN — Water rates for users of the Downingtown Municipal Water Authority are going to increase in the coming months, as the authority works to pay for badly needed infrastructure improvements. Hank Hamilton, Assistant Treasurer for the DMWA, made a presentation before Borough Council...

Downingtown PD to participate in drug take back day

DOWNINGTOWN — The Borough Police Department will again partner with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to participate in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is an opportunity for the public to safely discard unwanted, unused and expired prescription drugs. Local residents can bring their medications for disposal to Downingtown...

Dague appointed to Borough Council

Feldman argues process was rushed, secretive Correction: vote of Nick Winkler was ‘yes.’ By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times Phil Dague, who lost election to Ann Feldman by one vote in 2013, was appointed Wednesday night to an open Dowingtown East Ward Borough Council seat. DOWNINGTOWN — This time, Phil Dague won by two votes. Moments after formally accepting the resignation of Borough...

State police probing West Bradford burglary

Victim says power tool chargers, batteries, and miter saw stolen from garage Troopers from the Embreeville barracks said they are investigating a burglary that occurred in the 1200 block of Romansville Road in West Bradford Township on Friday, March 28, between 11:45 a.m. and 3 p.m. The victim told police that a miter saw and three power drill batteries (with chargers) were taken from his garage....