Westchester Parking Committee Approves $20 Event Fee for Town Center Special Events

The Borough Council Worksession on July 15, 2025, focused on the approval of a new special event parking fees policy aimed at enhancing the management of parking during town center events. The council discussed the definition of a "special event," clarifying that not all events require an official application. For instance, local events like the restaurant festival are considered special events but do not need a permit.

The proposed policy includes a parking fee of $20 per vehicle, which will be enforced starting at 8 AM on the day of the event until its conclusion. Notably, the open-air market is exempt from this fee as it occurs weekly and is not classified as a special event. Vendors participating in special events will receive one free parking pass, while regular monthly account holders can park without additional fees during their designated hours but must pay if they park outside those times.

A significant aspect of the discussion was the allocation of revenue from the special event parking fees, which will be retained entirely by the West Chester parking services department. The council also addressed parking arrangements for churchgoers on Sundays, proposing to allow church parking in neighboring lots with a plan to notify churches two weeks prior to events.

The council's recommendation aims to streamline parking management during events while ensuring that the borough benefits from the generated revenue. The policy is expected to enhance the overall experience for visitors and residents attending various town center activities.