[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",6056106,"mediaKeyId","3312158-6383826015a11c7c9ae593efef6dd9dd","parentId",3312158,"title","West Chester officials favor rebuilding public works facility on existing Lacey Street site; estimates near $12 million","audioSeconds",813,"startMs",875000,"endMs",1688000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3312158-6383826015a11c7c9ae593efef6dd9dd&start=875&end=1688","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3312158-6383826015a11c7c9ae593efef6dd9dd/thumbnail_875000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6056106/West-Chester/Chester-County/Pennsylvania/West-Chester-officials-favor-rebuilding-public-works-facility-on-existing-Lacey-Street-site-estimates-near-12-million","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056106-6b0fa3f5b1b6625889b8a4d95bf7113e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156662&Signature=KA6fHBURi7F5ICGQSgVC60MsIf-JpOSP5KD8V0gqG3gPD9c~W0yBebPSorh3Ck60U8k3ay-pR7VRbZajXKkuHxBxWnf1A~BPof18Jhup7d5YmC3eU3KB8gGqR0FHqYN7SsxA-iGN8QF-pYlKe0Ho0JR63zgFVimdHCnQB-W8b6gof0gE0Qv8j7Il3Wh-TN3EA8LlMa8OjXmi-rWZO1p0-orMf7iYOPhHAM3OCLZDYYD0PsAowcxc6mjpLF5uDvwmqu820o2U935Gah163Kp8ZBuN6FqpobllCmRfo6swm-2naVWuQIrkOAQbf8qI5OjCjBycEzIl9oGbHCmEtVY4zQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Borough of West Chester, PA","date","2025-05-14T13:05:14Z","article","West Chester Borough Council members and staff discussed plans to replace the borough's aging public works building and retain the same Lacey Street site, saying reusing the lot could save time and money compared with acquiring new land.

The conversation focused on why the building needs replacement now and next steps to design and pay for a new facility. Don Edwards, a staff member who led the presentation, and other staff said the existing structure is deteriorating and would require major, expensive repairs such as replacing HVAC and roofing systems.

Council members pressed for details on alternatives and costs. Council member Brian Travis asked whether the problems were primarily space-related or structural; Edwards said the issue is the condition of the buildings. \"The roof, the HVAC\u0000\u0000it's all in a condition where we're going to start paying big money for replacing,\" Edwards said. Council member Pat McCoy asked whether there was any room at the borough's wastewater facilities for the operation; staff answered no but said Snyder Avenue could be an option if council opted to relocate.

Staff said retaining the existing Lacey Street site has advantages: reusing underground plumbing and other subsurface features could limit excavation on a parcel that the borough has previously identified as containing contamination and therefore restricted from residential reuse. \"Our covenant currently only allows us to go to 24 inches below grade,\" a staff member noted when the John O' Green park grant was discussed; in the public works discussion staff said they would try to minimize subsurface disturbance and reuse existing connections where possible.

Council member McCoy asked about budgets and historical estimates. Staff referenced prior work and an earlier design that resulted in a roughly $12,000,000 cost after design; Edwards said that figure \"is probably in the ballpark.\" Staff recommended moving to design and funding planning next budget cycle, with design costs considered for the 2026 budget.

Participants also discussed project logistics if council keeps the site. Temporary facilities would be needed during construction; staff suggested trailers or temporary spaces at Snyder Avenue or other borough-owned property, noting details would be determined during design and procurement. Edwards said the project team would try to limit excavation because of contamination and work with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) if soil removal were required.

Timeline and next steps: staff said they would solicit proposals from architects when appropriate and that more meaningful information would be available after proposals and preliminary funding discussions. \"Between now and when we start putting the budget together, we'll come up with the appropriate time to get proposals from architects,\" Edwards said, adding that staff anticipated having illustrative proposals and funding options by late summer as the borough prepared its fiscal 2026 capital plan.

Why it matters: Council members repeatedly said costs have risen over time and urged momentum. The mayor said a new building would protect equipment and improve employee working conditions, and urged the borough to prioritize the project in upcoming capital planning. Staff also said they would research comparable small-footprint public works facilities in nearby municipalities for design ideas.

What was not decided: Council did not adopt any ordinance, appropriation, or formal funding plan during the meeting. Staff characterized the discussion as conceptual and said no formal action was required at this time beyond preparing for future budget and design steps.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Public Works - May 13, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","West Chester Borough Council members and staff discussed replacing the borough's deteriorating public works building and recommended rebuilding on the existing Lacey Street site to save time and cost, with preliminary cost estimates in the range of $12 million and design work to be sought for the 2026 budget cycle.","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},6056091,"West Chester parks and recreation outlines summer events and applies for park grants including $225,000 DCED opportunity",1510,589000,2099000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3312158-6383826015a11c7c9ae593efef6dd9dd&start=589&end=2099","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3312158-6383826015a11c7c9ae593efef6dd9dd/thumbnail_589000.jpg","/articles/6056091/West-Chester/Chester-County/Pennsylvania/West-Chester-parks-and-recreation-outlines-summer-events-and-applies-for-park-grants-including-225000-DCED-opportunity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056091-259727b575a434df36f79be893b753b4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156662&Signature=Y6CyVH~CbqQnpoZaD~laP-iS66wsBoFuDyLpyoyDH0VuP~XB2k43w2XZFr5cHyD94FTEdRu3S1WjG-5gSwVhuDHa5Uq2TZJwj5id6Kaj50salUWoVhCS9qjm0OR-iWRm7sewZaT2cEV3wfH-FJjpvQWay9DfyNEZ2UK2tD7wmsAa3Jv8V6RZhZ4xhNuYV5eTMaKIeTRLu0ohsTyQESCTRqQSvJQWKzxAuMSF3Loa8nqWYjxIoIDzIWIiW0MuVaPZOUHb-bWEw~Ff2lKeSz~n76LaCffhJbap4igWdHbWlk049GwOQ~eid0sXk5PAaDd4Qvqwu2Y7prHzI5vHju58WQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","West Chester's parks and recreation staff reviewed recent programming, field and court projects, event plans and grant applications during the council meeting.

Keith Carouse, recreation staff, said the borough's annual Easter egg hunt drew more than 400 people despite bad weather and noted the borough added a sensory-sensitive area this year, organized with Faith on the Spectrum. Carouse said the borough purchased a new projector jointly with West Goshen to improve movie-night screenings and has a full slate of summer events, including the Turkset Music Festival on June 8, which received more than 30 electronic press kits and will feature seven bands.

Carouse gave an update on Hoops Park tennis courts and the sport court schedule: the staff hopes to install the sport court in a window of suitable weather (three consecutive days above 50 degrees plus three curing days) expected around late June or early September depending on conditions.

Grants and capital projects: staff discussed several grant opportunities. The borough will apply for a DCED (Department of Community and Economic Development) Gateways, Trails and Recreation grant for John O' Green improvements, seeking a maximum award of $225,000 with an 85% DCED share and a required local match of at least 15%; staff said the borough's portion would be calculated on the final project cost. Proposed John O' Green work includes playground relocation, shade structures, exercise equipment, basketball-court rehabilitation and additional vegetation. Staff cautioned that environmental covenants on the park may require DEP involvement and limit excavation.

Separately, the borough applied for a People, Arts and Community grant with a maximum award of $30,000 and no local match; the council approved pursuing that grant 3-0. Staff said the borough already budgeted $65,000-$70,000 for North Side Park refurbishment and would scale the project depending on grant award.

Staff said they will consult nearby neighbors on park planning and continue to coordinate design work with Pennoni engineering as necessary.","Parks and recreation staff reported a busy summer calendar, further progress on court projects and plans to apply for a DCED Gateways, Trails and Recreation grant of up to $225,000 to support John O' Green park improvements, with an expected 85% grant share and at least a 15% local match.",{"_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},6056096,"West Chester wastewater staff report: plant passes DEP inspection; several capital items scheduled for summer installation",163,367000,530000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3312158-6383826015a11c7c9ae593efef6dd9dd&start=367&end=530","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3312158-6383826015a11c7c9ae593efef6dd9dd/thumbnail_367000.jpg","/articles/6056096/West-Chester/Chester-County/Pennsylvania/West-Chester-wastewater-staff-report-plant-passes-DEP-inspection-several-capital-items-scheduled-for-summer-installation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056096-737afe0e9d89f7bd0b41b21bb283fbac/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156662&Signature=YNSfBhnmuQEXM2JHcmwfEraQCEOrKiEAgyCZq-5Rzy3ihgtFXV6Je4QX51ZGtwzImUQzDdvCZFieIKdUSM6c4L-ENMJrVpJMx4sbE0s1UpvkSqTJwK0OkQopjv5JAiZ-5jRHWcBzYT4F8Mca8SCX4wNzEpfMWUKf52PXzpsd7Iwcsd5USZ4uKc2VC2h1uwLakQld68-AQEWjoH~LtqNW0j8FR9AeNzz9NDFc79ql47QkktHEeI~PNKJYA9LZDoknuJcpWIxPcoKSW2Zy63pGjGOpc6iVV2ry8gBCQloj0He7Z9IjE4zu7yIfneC6yEgKAO~kKCHJ3p7F21-rKMFFhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","West Chester's public works/wastewater staff reported routine maintenance work, an emergency pipe repair at Goose Creek, and progress on capital equipment procurement during the borough council meeting.

Mister Sean Mitchell reported that workers jet-cleaned the main incoming line into Goose Creek and performed preventive maintenance on lawnmowing equipment and plant mechanicals. He described a slow leak caused by a pipe that had rubbed on another pipe; when staff excavated, the hole enlarged and a contractor was called in the next day to plug and repair the line. \"Everything is back to normal,\" Mitchell said, and the plant passed its annual DEP inspection with no violations.

Operational metrics Mitchell provided included an average flow of about 1,020,000 gallons per day at the main plant and a daily flow of about 761,000 gallons per day at the Taylor Run facility. He said clarifier nozzles were removed, cleaned and replaced and that staff pumped and inspected RBC trains at Taylor Run.

Capital procurement updates: Mitchell said electrical substation installation specifications should be issued in late July or early August with hopes for a September approval. Primary sludge pumps for the main plant and a Taylor Run sludge pump are on order and expected in six to eight weeks; a new pack system is expected to be installed in late June or early July. He also said the Maple Alley project is about 80% completed by design and the connection management plan is pending DEP action.

No formal council action was required for the operational report; staff flagged forthcoming procurement and schedule items for future council review.","Wastewater staff reported that the main plant passed its annual DEP inspection with no violations, a repaired pipe at Goose Creek returned the system to normal operation, and several capital items including sludge pumps and a new pack system are expected within weeks.",{"_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},6056102,"Gay Street closure bids come in far above estimate; borough to redesign and consider removable bollards",628,2314000,2942000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3312158-6383826015a11c7c9ae593efef6dd9dd&start=2314&end=2942","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3312158-6383826015a11c7c9ae593efef6dd9dd/thumbnail_2314000.jpg","/articles/6056102/West-Chester/Chester-County/Pennsylvania/Gay-Street-closure-bids-come-in-far-above-estimate-borough-to-redesign-and-consider-removable-bollards","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056102-ea27964071abcd2b22205a0d7f020431/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156662&Signature=G8QONJBPfET7VBY5t6GUwhn28EXflbYCrHg3B20x-M1pi~hAuUC42GCixHuJgI5FFL8aJjuXItMQcPZmtz-99BmOTWX6DRmGznQ0AQkBqgg6cAv--jzMC7fl7RZ3mMB~4ZMzJasEAQ04X6FJa-n3St2-tGj6K3pTyiebLKTCQrEdkfG72qanQ6LrxRuw6oeCb~XztBxiWEGwphvasj~5KwMKSAKyDR4pw~weFOimqJmciOisosoFY2YTD24rmOF5geCh3K8xdx7Otww9iulwci52A8jgKvw4yf0ipo1DEVbCu0EYskI~E3i2Bh2wRXV1egyEyy86yemvXwLtimhFOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","West Chester Borough staff recommended rejecting all bids for the Gay Street closure infrastructure after the low bid and two others came in about $1.5 million — well above the borough's available $973,000 funding — and presented lower-cost alternatives for consideration.

Kelly Groff, an engineer with RVE, will be asked to redesign the project to fit the borough's budget, staff said. The staff report showed material-only quotes for the previously specified Matador sliding-bollard system were about $800,000, a major driver of the total cost.

Staff discussed alternative approaches, including buying material directly to cut taxes and handling freight separately, using removable stainless-steel bollards in lower-impact areas, and reserving the Matador system for the highest-risk locations. \"We might look at removable bollards,\" one council member said, explaining the borough could have public works install steel bollards that staff could remove for events or emergency access. Staff said removable bollards could meet police crash-rating requirements in many locations and would reduce excavation needs and shipping costs.

Council members and staff also discussed project timing. Engineers recommended starting in January to avoid fourth-quarter work; staff noted some grant monies must be spent before the end of 2026. Because three contractors returned bids within 6% of one another, staff concluded the bids reflected market prices and recommended re-evaluating the design and procurement strategy rather than accepting the bids.

No formal contract award was approved at the meeting. Instead, the administration will ask RVE to revisit the specifications and return with options that preserve safety and ease of installation while fitting the borough's budget.","Bids for Gay Street closure infrastructure exceeded the borough's $973,000 budget, with the low bid roughly $1.5 million. Staff recommended rejecting bids, asking RVE to produce a lower-cost design and exploring removable stainless-steel bollards and other alternatives to the proprietary Matador system to meet safety and budget goals.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6056086,"Council tables household hazardous-waste program extension; discusses sidewalk–street-tree conflicts and new arborist RFP",1089,2035000,3124000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3312158-6383826015a11c7c9ae593efef6dd9dd&start=2035&end=3124","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3312158-6383826015a11c7c9ae593efef6dd9dd/thumbnail_2035000.jpg","/articles/6056086/West-Chester/Chester-County/Pennsylvania/Council-tables-household-hazardous-waste-program-extension-discusses-sidewalkstreet-tree-conflicts-and-new-arborist-RFP","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056086-f896b3d63035744578365f4c60558d82/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156662&Signature=RTjQoK5XX6yXOTDb36tRtZaP8sh2V9xKWUTTnPXR1BtyWY0tRmpWfgs-QEtUFF-Q~xPFd8HcGEN0cMiCJJ0UTauveGg5D4WRlaBlaU6sZsUL9GE1GBeDbYlcgdw0~h6pQQ3j0c2wlXXpIi3lCh8n47iyxeDtTA-4N8kjvSTHHW~ee08BLUUms-35aKkIy1q1hOKMBdBIIHG49DosC1Wvm26jTj7T-bH4PkhA9CLXnl4O-b-nMkwlVTcezqoW4AJSEBJmNvDoS8UN1X7nalGnfJzzn1uNFLOvjCex9WXuZEnufXIhPSgV0~a6NB7jTMdirAii2PSXw9OSjlfsWR~P-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","West Chester Borough Council tabled a motion to approve participation in the 2025 household hazardous-waste program with the Chester County Solid Waste Authority after members said they needed more information; staff later reported the borough's share is estimated under $7,000 and that the program provides collection events for residents and neighboring townships.

Dana, a borough staff member, said the county program allows residents to bring items such as gasoline, motor oil, pesticides and spray cans to designated events; latex paint can be disposed of at home if dried first. \"We're participating,\" Dana said of the county program, adding that the borough would inform residents of event locations and that electronics and e-waste are accepted separately at borough public works.

Council agreed to table an initial motion because details were not included on the agenda; at a later point staff clarified the program is recurring, the borough typically contributes an estimated portion share based on census data and the borough's exposure is under $7,000. Council recorded a 3-0 procedural result to table the motion earlier and later indicated consent to extend the program with new terms.

Sidewalk–tree conflicts: Council members also discussed recurring problems where large street trees lift brick sidewalks, creating trip hazards. Staff and council said the current sequence of notice, arborist evaluation and code enforcement can take months; council asked for faster, clearer resolution for residents. Staff said they had issued an RFP for a new arborist and expected proposals by the end of the month. A resident, Lisa Kearns, spoke about losing a mature neighborhood tree when roots precluded repair options.

Staff emphasized case-by-case solutions: trimming, sidewalk mounding or targeted removal where ADA access or safety is compromised. The borough confirmed that, when trees are removed for safety, the borough shares partial removal costs under existing programs but that residents sometimes prefer removing mature trees rather than recurrent repairs.","Council tabled a motion on a Chester County Solid Waste Authority household hazardous-waste program because members wanted more information; staff said the borough's share is under $7,000. Council also discussed recurring conflicts between street trees and brick sidewalks, slow arborist response times and an issued RFP for a new arborist.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

West Chester officials favor rebuilding public works facility on existing Lacey Street site; estimates near $12 million

West Chester parks and recreation outlines summer events and applies for park grants including $225,000 DCED opportunity

West Chester wastewater staff report: plant passes DEP inspection; several capital items scheduled for summer installation

Gay Street closure bids come in far above estimate; borough to redesign and consider removable bollards

Council tables household hazardous-waste program extension; discusses sidewalk–street-tree conflicts and new arborist RFP