2020 survey shows decline in homelessness in Chester County

This map details the location and number of unsheltered people on Jan. 23 of this year — the annual Point In Time Count for Chester County for those suffering homelessness. WEST CHESTER — A report compiled by the Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD) and the Decade to Doorways partnership has found that 522 people were identified as experiencing homelessness in  Chester...

Wolf moves to shut bars, limit restaurant capacity, as COVID-19 numbers spike again

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa Bar service is going to be limited again in Pennsylvania as COVID-19 cases are growing again in the state. With COVID-19 numbers starting the creep up again in Pennsylvania, Gov. Tom Wolf is hitting the brakes — especially when it comes to bars and restaurants — because people within the state aren’t always wearing masks, too many people are...

State, local officials remind everyone to wear a mask

On Tuesday, state and federal officials — including  Chester County legislator — joined Gov. Tom Wolf in reminding Pennsylvanians to wear a mask to reduce the likelihood of spreading COVID-19. “As we increasingly resume public activities in our commonwealth, we need to remain vigilant about taking precautions, especially wearing a mask that covers our noses and mouths while around other...

Mortgage/Rent relief focus of next Restore Chesco Webinar, July 9

WEST CHESTER — The next in a series of webinars hosted by the Chester County COVID-19 Business Task Force, focusing on mortgage and rent relief for county residents, is scheduled for Thursday July 9, 2020 at 3:30 p.m. The webinar covers the CARES Rent Relief program, created for Chester County renters financially impacted by the pandemic to pick up where assistance from the Commonwealth support...

Mushroom industry awards scholarships to local students

AVON GROVE — Sixteen college-bound high school seniors from five Chester County- area high school districts were awarded scholarships from the Mushroom Farmers of Pennsylvania’s Community Awareness Committee (CAC), the group announced today. Fifteen students received the Sara Manning Scholarship ($1,500) and one student received the Rob Ferranto Scholarship ($2,500)*. CAC was...

Wolf was right; early reopening is killing people & the economy elsewhere

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa A few weeks back, I wrote a column suggesting that the people of Chester County be careful, listen to health experts, wear a mask, wash their hands frequently and continue social distancing as we worked through the process to reopen our county and state, carefully, and slowly. And while it is clear most of the residents in the county agreed — we...

County opens call center for questions on reopening

WEST CHESTER — As Chester County begins its green phase of operation during the COVID-19 pandemic, County officials have added a call center service for business and resident questions on reopening guidelines and practices.  Part of the “Restore Chester County” initiative, the call center is operated by Chester County Health Department staff, with input from members of the County Commissioners’...

County OKs $1.77M to support affordable housing in Kennett, WC

The Melton Center Apartments WEST CHESTER — Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell and Michelle Kichline approved two contracts this week awarding more than $1.7 million in funds to support two affordable housing projects in Chester County. The two developments are the Melton Center Apartments in West Chester and Red Clay Manor in Kennett Square. “As one of the wealthiest...

Chesco goes Green; most businesses allowed to reopen

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa After more than three months of COVID-19 shutdown, Chester County is largely opening up today. While virtually no businesses will reopen at full capacity, everything beyond those that require large public gatherings (concerts, sporting events, etc) are allowed to resume operation as of today. Still, there are limits — COVID-19 is raging through...

Herrin overwhelming choice for State Rep. to replace Comitta on ballot

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa Dianne Herrin West Chester Mayor Dianne Herrin was the overwhelming choice of 156th District Democratic Committee Persons to replace State Rep. Carolyn Comitta on the fall ballot — Comitta won the the primary for the Democratic nomination to replace state Sen. Andy Dinniman (D-9). Based on unofficial results posted Tuesday night, Herrin won 75%...