Hi, Chester County! đź‘‹
As Oxford weighs the future of its police force, some residents are concerned about what those changes could mean for the borough. Also this week, a new timeline on the Boot Road bridge project is expected to have ripple effects in Downingtown, QVC has named an interim head, plus, here’s where to catch tonight’s meteor shower.
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Residents in Oxford are concerned about the future of emergency response times and municipal protections in the 5,800-person borough if council moves ahead with disbanding its police department in favor of joining a regional agency.
That’s a decision council will make at an Aug. 17 meeting as it grapples with rising costs to maintain a century-old police force.
For some residents, the decision feels personal. “This is a small town. These guys, all 11 of them, mean something to us. We buy them coffee. We buy them donuts. They are part of our extended family. This matters to us, and how they’re being treated matters to us,” one said.
đź“Ť Countywide News
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Traffic signal and safety improvements are expected in six Chester County municipalities thanks to recently awarded state funds. The largest is a nearly $640,000 grant for Tredyffrin Township to make improvements along Lancaster Avenue.
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The region will see two celestial events — a partial solar eclipse today and the Perseid’s meteor shower, which will peak tonight — and there are several great viewing spots nearby, including Valley Forge National Historical Park and French Creek State Park. Here’s what to know.
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Expect roadwork, including on Route 30, to cause delays, detours, and some closures throughout the county this week.
đź’ˇ Community News
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A 9-year-old girl who was injured in an East Goshen home shooting last week, which left one woman dead, is recovering, according to the DA’s office.
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Downingtown Mayor Erica Deuso is calling on Gov. Josh Shapiro and other state leaders to approach the delayed Boot Road bridge replacement over Amtrak with greater urgency. The East Caln Township project is now projected to continue into next year, further snarling local traffic, emergency routes, and even some other nearby projects.
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West Chester-based home shopping giant QVC Group has named Mike George as its interim CEO after parting ways with David Rawlinson. George previously served as president and CEO of the company.
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Honey Brook Township has named Nancy Freenock its next township manager and secretary. An attorney by trade, Freenock previously served as the city manager for Warren and borough manager for Clarion, both in Western Pennsylvania.
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East Vincent Township is hosting a special planning commission meeting tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at the municipal complex and on Zoom to consider AQ Dev, LLC’s conditional use application to build 53 single-family homes at 446 Stony Run Rd.
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West Vincent Township’s board of supervisors is slated to consider Toll Brother’s proposal to build 46 homes near South Chester Springs and Conestoga Roads at its meeting on Monday.
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The third season of Tires, which was created by comedian Shane Gillis and is set and was partly filmed in West Chester, drops on Netflix tomorrow.
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Spooky season may still be a couple of months away, but Spirit Halloween has already opened at a former Rite Aid on Paoli Pike in West Chester. It’ll be joined this month by one at the former Tuesday Morning space in Downingtown.
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A new coworking space, iThrive Coworking, recently opened at 10 Leopard Rd. in Paoli.
🍽️ On our Plate
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Sweltering summer heat and humidity have you clamoring for a cool treat? Revisit our guide to the region’s ice cream shops, including the ever-popular La Michoacana in Kennett Square.
🎳 Things to Do
🎙️ Sound of Summer Free Concert Series: The final show of the season features a performance by Kennett Square’s own rock band The Holy Smokers. ⏰ Wednesday, Aug. 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Anson B. Nixon Park, Kennett Square
🎸 80’s Revolution: The band will transport attendees back a few decades, playing some of the most iconic tunes from the 1980s (leg warmers optional). ⏰ Friday, Aug. 14, 7:30 p.m. 💵 $23-$28 📍 Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center
🖼️ Look Around Music and Arts Festival: Hear live music, browse works of art, see skating demonstrations, and grab a bite to eat at this festival. ⏰ Saturday, Aug. 15, noon 💵 $25 in advance, $30 at the door 📍 The Elks Lodge, West Chester
🎶 Eagleview Summer Concert Series: Old 97’s frontman Rhett Miller headlines the next show. Local trio The MAKs will also perform. ⏰ Tuesday, Aug. 18, 7-9 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Eagleview Town Center, Exton
🏡 On the Market
This Kennett Square property features not one but two homes, both situated on a large lot. The main six-bedroom home is a renovated and expanded mid-19th-century barn, complete with old beams, a stone fireplace, and an expansive walk-out lower level with a kitchenette. The second home, a restored 1800s farmhouse with two bedrooms, spans nearly 1,500 square feet and has its own driveway. Both overlook a pool and hot tub.
See more photos of the property here.
Price: $2.25M | Size: 7,402 SF | Acreage: 2.56
🗞️ What other Chester County residents are reading this week:
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