[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6119399,"mediaKeyId","2712410-568da5ea95055676c0f916abd2fa65a2","parentId",2712410,"title","Council puts SEPTA lease and proposed sublease to historical railroad back to committee after questions","audioSeconds",812,"startMs",3944000,"endMs",4756000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2712410-568da5ea95055676c0f916abd2fa65a2&start=3944&end=4756","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2712410-568da5ea95055676c0f916abd2fa65a2/thumbnail_3944000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6119399/West-Chester/Chester-County/Pennsylvania/Council-puts-SEPTA-lease-and-proposed-sublease-to-historical-railroad-back-to-committee-after-questions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6119399-debed12ff59e169c2c0633073b203d1c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149592&Signature=NzBoikgo6azXFVEDkm-UFBOo6iURmziNL23r3vRoz3ptkGy0-~yGbLcBJvGB59MNpZunyycRyQPEo1-yJ-0efvVjTvd11J8OcjlVF7X-KZrJg5uHx88zC0jR4~OkfcJHk86oUYqmBnfGyklZjKoNLH7DdKO2OVeuDhRhxSy4RGgSS7xaKJXWXFEqJPkEB7bObqqbdeFl0yzPRSxBqh4e8G622xKZKSyYOWENxIMPli4wSbfgjCQlCgnxhDFqfXwM8vH0S2LRM~iParIL4N28B7maxhIHXrVUp9fIUMp5e1n5G8a0DCiQ9LFqxGbGgDTaVJ8L0VasLv1qnZkVBSKKMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Borough of West Chester, PA","date","2025-03-20T14:53:15Z","article","Council discussed a proposed new lease with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and a companion sublease that would allow the West Chester Railroad (a local nonprofit tourist/heritage railroad) to operate on the borough’s right‑of‑way. The discussion drew local leaders, a state representative and railroad volunteers; because of outstanding questions over term length and flexibility for future transportation projects, council referred both items back to committee for further review.

Why it matters: Local representatives said re‑use of the rail corridor could affect regional transit funding opportunities. A state representative told council members that appropriations offices will not provide funding for rail restoration work without evidence of a lease or a durable operating plan; at the same time he urged council not to “box” the borough into a long sublease that could foreclose future options for commuter rail service if SEPTA’s regional plans change.

Key points of debate:
- Term length: nonprofit representatives and the railroad advocated for a 15‑year lease to provide a stable horizon for fundraising and infrastructure work. Some council members and the state representative urged caution, arguing a long sublease could limit future options for commuter rail or other regional transit funding.
- Sublease authority and enabling language: council asked the solicitor to add language in the borough‑SEPTA lease that would explicitly allow the borough to approve subleases to nonprofit operators or authorities in future, and to ensure SEPTA would have to approve those subleases as required under the primary lease.
- Precedent and protections: West Chester Railroad representatives said SEPTA historically retains the right to reclaim the right‑of‑way and can terminate subleases; they said a multi‑year term is necessary to undertake capital projects and grant applications.

Outcome: Because multiple council members said the lease and sublease drafts in the meeting packet were not presented in a clear, updated form and because council wants explicit enabling language to protect future transit options, both the SEPTA lease and the proposed sublease were sent back to committee for revision. Council asked staff and the solicitor to produce a clean, current lease draft that includes provisions permitting future nonprofit or authority use and to return the item to committee prior to the lease expiration date (June 30, 2025). No formal vote to adopt the lease or the sublease was taken at the meeting.

Ending: Council directed the solicitor to work with staff and the nonprofit rail group to produce clearer draft documents and to ensure SEPTA concurrence on any changes to sublease provisions before the items return to committee.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Borough Council Voting Session - March 19, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council discussed a proposed SEPTA lease for the borough right‑of‑way and a related sublease to a local historic railroad group, and sent both items back to committee after members raised questions about a proposed 15‑year term and the need for explicit enabling language for future nonprofit or authority use.","taxTitle","West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania","taxId",71483,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6119409,"West Chester holds public hearing on major rewrite of trash, tote and dumpster rules",2010,232000,2242000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2712410-568da5ea95055676c0f916abd2fa65a2&start=232&end=2242","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2712410-568da5ea95055676c0f916abd2fa65a2/thumbnail_232000.jpg","/articles/6119409/West-Chester/Chester-County/Pennsylvania/West-Chester-holds-public-hearing-on-major-rewrite-of-trash-tote-and-dumpster-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6119409-191bb5f72562a08f38e07fb4e72da6a7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149592&Signature=NTQE53df95lR5x-ubit4SeMx6EbX~QaYTcyooSlFsZnXlzNhQ~4ilBedVtqE2aKvvBau58GFO0P1XsSAhThAKMX8qF8BHRGFXteeRiu81MUeDSjjOKyjEZEX-StoDZTp~fnfWLWoMKJlFcwWzwpo4-pMmUZHj8ZH9iw-3P3~R1SP6PqAJbR3DXDJQehH0YrQxCDPBIY3Vs4Sqb6kZ1MQr2vI306kj9~IA880KuAwAqxtlu4B5tkA0~2E9fi8G0Kyuvkz0E5TqVAXstXQGQIb-ouBNTe9wrte60SpGlikhWxeDNHUZgikCoXNoH7l1sB3dtrYN-F4gBDRM5qkQ5G6lQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","West Chester Borough held a public hearing to review proposed amendments to Chapter 62, “Garbage, Rubbish and Refuse,” that would reorganize the code, define terms such as “toter” and “dumpster,” change storage and screening requirements, and require larger dumpsters for properties that generate more than the equivalent of four 96‑gallon toters per week.

The revisions, presented by a member of the council committee, would move general rules into a single section, split public-collection and private‑hauler requirements into separate sections, and clarify dumpster use and screening. The hearing record shows the committee worked with borough staff on the draft and that the changes are intended to make the ordinance more readable and enforceable.

Why it matters: Council members and residents said the borough’s alleys and sidewalks are increasingly used for permanent trash storage and that inconsistent rules have allowed a proliferation of toters and uncovered bags. The draft attempts to limit the number of containers left in alleys, set minimum dumpster sizes where many toters are generated, and give staff clearer enforcement tools.

Residents and public commenters focused on three practical problems: how the new language affects existing 2‑cubic‑yard dumpsters, whether non‑wheeled containers are still permitted, and how enforcement and timelines for compliance would be handled. Daryl Cook asked the council to read the ordinance aloud for residents without computer access and raised specific questions about whether the draft would “outlaw all the 2 cubic yard dumpsters that are in the borough?” and whether an existing two‑yard dumpster at the Justice Center would be forced to be replaced. Council members and staff responded that the 3‑cubic‑yard requirement applies to properties that “generate more than the equivalent of four 96‑gallon toters per week” and that the intent is to replace clusters of many toters with a single, screened dumpster, not to force conversion on properties that currently do not exceed the trash‑generation threshold.

Anne Carroll, chair of the civic group CASE Civic Action Southeast, queried whether the toter definition would force residents to buy new wheeled containers; staff indicated the residential allowance for two 35‑gallon cans remains and said borough attorneys would remove the word “wheels” where that created unintended limits. Carroll also urged tightening language on vermin and varmint protections and on how and when trash bags may be placed outside a dwelling.

Council members acknowledged there are existing properties with two‑yard dumpsters and discussed adding flexible language so those existing installations could remain with public works director approval. Staff and the solicitor said minor clarifications could be handled without re‑advertising the ordinance, but substantive changes would require bringing the draft back to committee and re‑advertising the public hearing. Council suggested adding a delayed effective date (for example three or six months) so property owners and haulers could adapt and the borough could run an outreach campaign.

The hearing included technical discussion on the conversion math: one councilmember explained that four 96‑gallon toters equal roughly 384 gallons and that a cubic yard holds about 200 gallons, which supported the committee’s choice of a three‑cubic‑yard minimum where generation exceeds four toters per week.

Next steps: Council did not adopt the ordinance at the hearing. Members agreed to take suggested clarifications back to the committee for drafting language that would preserve flexibility for existing dumpster installations, remove unintended vocabulary limits (for example “wheels”), and add clear compliance timelines and outreach steps before any new rules take effect.

Ending: Staff and committee members said they will incorporate the edits and follow up with neighborhood groups and property owners; the ordinance will return to council after committee review and any required re‑advertisement.","West Chester Borough held a public hearing to review proposed amendments to Chapter 62, “Garbage, Rubbish and Refuse,” that would reorganize the code, define terms such as “toter” and “dumpster,” change storage and screening requirements, and require larger dumpsters for properties that generate the equivalent of more than four 96‑gallon toters per week.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6119404,"Council adopts changes to rental‑permit rules to clarify \"rents, leases, or lets\"",713,2260000,2973000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2712410-568da5ea95055676c0f916abd2fa65a2&start=2260&end=2973","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2712410-568da5ea95055676c0f916abd2fa65a2/thumbnail_2260000.jpg","/articles/6119404/West-Chester/Chester-County/Pennsylvania/Council-adopts-changes-to-rentalpermit-rules-to-clarify-rents-leases-or-lets","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6119404-d47f10390f5dad72a6c92d2bed1fba5f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149592&Signature=BHNpLoMWtyXavXl1XM6c0RRmdNNWb0D8Hd8BujiTcskr0O4Nh8-~NNsnC1IElEPtvxxLWpkbDbPRk4jBTiKhgbzxxdY9oVZ~~orGzDV6XMCnA6ABA6AJh-GsS4R1t2WKHYcya2S29hvuwHfiOMcg0yuG3q90wUsCzJNX5ahHlGEMEh0o2li94GLSFr0MD3lXiHmx1T8FdkT-8nw-SasXG5FENfW5-GBSBa9CM5WTkWJm1tNxLIVL0ap0W1VaKfZbRJITm2pxBdPeTAwOr-nVVpyRIQJPiDDhk4UXERyCjJA6Ge1KebG2mwniWdkEo92D6IXBHW54NngebN5vwCffsg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","West Chester Borough Council voted to adopt amendments to Chapter 66 of the property‑maintenance code that tighten the definition of “rents, leases, or lets” and clarify when a rental permit is required.

The ordinance change closes an enforcement gap that staff and council members said left ambiguous whether short‑term or informal arrangements (for example, family members or friends living in an owner’s house without a written lease) required a rental permit. The council and staff explained the intent: if a non‑owner occupies a property and is not on the deed, that occupancy will be treated as a rental that requires a permit and the associated tenant/landlord documentation so code staff can perform life‑safety inspections and track who resides at a property.

Why it matters: Councilmembers and staff said clearer language will improve safety and enforcement because the borough’s inspection and code enforcement processes rely on rental permits to identify occupants and ensure compliance with building and zoning rules. The change also formalizes the borough’s expectation that landlords attach a Chapter‑66 addendum to written leases and that even oral permission for occupancy be memorialized with a written document that identifies occupant obligations under the code.

Public comment: Anne Carroll, chairperson of CASE Civic Action Southeast, asked several clarifying questions, including whether the definition of “rooming unit” applied only to rooming houses and whether oral permissions require a written notification to the borough. Borough staff responded that the borough does not require a copy of every lease but does require landlords to submit the tenant/landlord form required by Article 10; if the owner grants oral permission, the owner must still provide occupants a written notification of their obligations and must obtain a rental permit so the borough has tenant information for enforcement.

Vote: The council approved the amendment with a roll‑call vote: Ms. Dorsey — yes; Mr. Flynn — yes; Ms. Vaccaro — yes; Mr. McGinnis — yes; Mr. Travis — yes; Ms. Shimoni — yes; Mr. McCoy — yes. The motion was made and seconded during the meeting; the mover is recorded in the transcript as making a motion to approve and the roll‑call recorded unanimous approval.

Next steps: The ordinance will take effect under the borough’s normal effective‑date rules unless council specifies a later date; staff said the change is intended to quickly improve the borough’s ability to identify occupants for safety inspections.

Ending: Council and staff framed the amendment as clarifying existing enforcement expectations rather than creating a new regulatory regime; staff emphasized the change is intended to improve life‑safety inspection coverage.","Council voted to adopt amendments to Chapter 66 (Housing and Property Maintenance) that clarify when a rental permit is required, including the scenario where non‑owners occupy a dwelling without a written lease. The move is intended to improve life‑safety inspections and landlord accountability.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6119390,"HARB approves concept for Turks Head Wines dining platform; council to review site details at Smart Growth",735,8180000,8915000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2712410-568da5ea95055676c0f916abd2fa65a2&start=8180&end=8915","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2712410-568da5ea95055676c0f916abd2fa65a2/thumbnail_8180000.jpg","/articles/6119390/West-Chester/Chester-County/Pennsylvania/HARB-approves-concept-for-Turks-Head-Wines-dining-platform-council-to-review-site-details-at-Smart-Growth","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6119390-6bdbe79584c20dd7bdb89b0dcdd8f80e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149592&Signature=gsaA-c3d0~xZBaWksSOd2QN~cm-CE88iQ5XLy-9D9~iA6yU-OxWzZF46ffBYTCB3gJrp5ZeW1iyEK5MpXt6wgcEbzLZN256GeZmRqBCciiZvBGgFU02qEsK1xCjBr0Wn5ty6Uk2NwcB~WxGcic-PV1THCn9d2lpnsTVJ3OasLJvN4nGdN1r2l0mTnJEi-T6KATf5VXNPgg5Dm9MBtP4YxCN2pfEum5Ky8wl66xQnymalAIVUj5aeUXwnoBPjM2CReylhYhHZy6hFlyKanNrBD~vST-RiYlcTlUQiT6B2ahsQpELb4laKF1aTxiCykcnYw4XyIAarD7e~2DfF5YWGog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Historic Architecture Review Board (HARB) approved the proposed design and construction details for an outdoor dining platform outside Turks Head Wines at 120 North Church Street, but full council review remains required for approval to occupy public parking spaces and the platform footprint.

Turks Head Wines owner Allison Owen appeared at the meeting and described multiple conversations with borough staff and her landlord about the platform’s dimensions. HARB’s approval covered aesthetics and construction details; council members and staff noted the application packet lacked a single clean, updated site plan showing property lines and the exact linear feet the applicant would occupy on the street.

Why it matters: Outdoor dining platforms affect streetscape, sidewalk clearance and parking. Council members said they want consistent treatment for all platforms and to ensure platforms do not encroach beyond a tenant’s property footprint or impede the pedestrian right of way.

Key points:
- Ms. Owen said she had HARB approval and had paid associated fees; she revised the metal platform from 40 feet to 32.5 feet to avoid encroaching on an adjacent storefront entry and said the landlord’s property lines reach into the side alley area shown on the design.
- Council confirmed HARB approval is limited to design/aesthetic and that council and Smart Growth will separately review the platform’s use of parking spaces and exact footprint. The borough manager and staff agreed to prepare clearer guidance and a single updated lease/permit packet for Smart Growth review.

Outcome: Council did not approve final use of public parking or the platform footprint at the meeting. The item will return to Smart Growth (the council’s planning review body) for a site‑specific approval of the number of linear feet and any parking‑space conversions; council will review the Smart Growth recommendation at its next meeting.

Ending: The applicant and staff agreed to provide a corrected site plan showing property lines and the revised platform length for Smart Growth review in April.","The borough’s Historic Architecture Review Board approved the appearance and construction details for an outdoor dining platform proposed by Turks Head Wines at 120 N. Church St. Council will consider the operator’s application to occupy parking spaces and finalize the footprint via Smart Growth review next month.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6119395,"Council approves 2025 parks programs; parents propose free community skate lessons",0,7411000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2712410-568da5ea95055676c0f916abd2fa65a2&start=7411&end=7411","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2712410-568da5ea95055676c0f916abd2fa65a2/thumbnail_7411000.jpg","/articles/6119395/West-Chester/Chester-County/Pennsylvania/Council-approves-2025-parks-programs-parents-propose-free-community-skate-lessons","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6119395-4a1310c186a90e021889b89d2676db4c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149592&Signature=KJooDBIFzTYtPBU~bbTndIReb5M7zeX~2w6bxSHHjx36p6ySV~TdztFvhYha6qhzGpekH8YMkDhmC4j5XBzLi7~YTdqimKAobMFsIStVbfFmwVTzsh82oj0xOPJwqvbKjGSRDLdst5skdDa2GOrXjcF0osHfm526tQz-pAamHkwXg0NXMuOSD8d2~2aMaikV~KmTRrlMm49lVnQzZBM1vCLxeNsxQjNksVdgE--6VO0BXBgUaS4CcCcI1jHN-lxf3anWNnQHXysXZ03drXlb5KOwi-c1xihDCkyYSSG7PUuqh17ey-eKwkzApaosuDr8g-rS1SJlksutJDzODNXgdg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","West Chester Borough council approved the 2025 parks programming package, authorizing the borough manager to sign agreements with multiple vendors to run youth and adult activities in borough parks.

The parks director, Keith Carouse, told council the packet contained programs previously run in prior years plus four additional programs confirmed since the committee review. He said two programs were awaiting certificates of insurance (COIs) pending final approval and that the recreation commission is implementing a standard operating procedure to streamline approvals going forward.

Key points and public comment:
- Program locations: Most programs will use Hoops Park and other established park facilities; staff said final location information will be updated in program listings.
- Registration and revenue split: Some larger vendors will handle their own registration; the borough will verify attendance and has historical practice of spot checks to confirm reported enrollment. The borough receives an 80/20 revenue split on some paid programs.
- Insurance and fees: The director said organizations must supply COIs; council discussed whether to charge the vendors facility rental fees (weekday $25, weekend $75) to offset borough costs. Staff said the borough can seek nominal rental fees where appropriate.

A group of parents and local skateboarders asked council to allow a free, volunteer‑run skate program for younger children at borough courts. The volunteers offered to provide helmets and loaner skateboards, to run parent‑training and to secure a COI; parks staff said the borough requires COIs and waivers and staff will work with the volunteers to confirm compliance before programs begin.

Outcome: Council approved the 2025 parks programming slate and directed staff to finalize locations, insurance certificates and administrative procedures for vendor registration. The parks director said he will implement a clearer SOP for program agreements and scheduling.

Ending: Parks staff and volunteer organizers said they will finalize COIs and registration details and work with the recreation commission on a consistent approval timeline so programs can be advertised ahead of the season.","Council approved a slate of 2025 recreational programs for borough parks, including free and paid offerings. Parks director and volunteers said insurance certificates and site assignments are pending; a group of parents presented a free skate‑lessons pilot and volunteers offered loaner boards and helmets.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council puts SEPTA lease and proposed sublease to historical railroad back to committee after questions

West Chester holds public hearing on major rewrite of trash, tote and dumpster rules

Council adopts changes to rental‑permit rules to clarify "rents, leases, or lets"

HARB approves concept for Turks Head Wines dining platform; council to review site details at Smart Growth

Council approves 2025 parks programs; parents propose free community skate lessons