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City of Chester proposes $250,000 CDBG-funded renovation of Chester Park Bandshell
Summary
City staff presented a plan Nov. 10 to reallocate $250,000 in CDBG funds across FY2022–FY2024 to renovate the Chester Park Bandshell, including roof replacement, ADA ramp, HVAC, interior and electrical upgrades; council will consider the amendments Nov. 26, 2025.
City staff held a public hearing on Nov. 10, 2025, to review proposed substantial amendments to the City of Chester’s FY2022, FY2023 and FY2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) action plans that would fund a Chester Park Bandshell renovation with $250,000 in reallocated CDBG funds. The hearing was livestreamed and opened for public comment; no comments were offered and the session adjourned at 10:38 a.m.
The amendments would fund a comprehensive renovation of the Chester Park Bandshell to address structural deterioration and bring the facility into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, according to the staff presentation. Work described at the hearing includes demolition and removal of water‑damaged materials; roof replacement with dimensional asphalt shingles over new plywood and reinforced southern yellow pine rafters; removal and replacement of the deteriorated concrete deck with a reinforced concrete slab; replacement of the hollow‑metal exterior door with a commercial‑grade insulated unit; and installation of a new split‑system HVAC for year‑round comfort.
Interior and code upgrades listed by staff include new gypsum board walls and ceilings, tile and flooring, paint‑grade wood trim, ADA‑compliant toilet room improvements, and a full electrical rewire with a new panel, efficient LED lighting and GFCI outlets. Exterior masonry and ceiling finishes would be restored through mortar repointing and related repairs to protect the structure from further weather intrusion. Staff characterized the combined work as intended to provide long‑term safety, accessibility and functionality for public events and performances.
City staff said the funding would come from reallocated administration and contingency line items across three fiscal years: a $119,369 reduction in the FY2022 administration line, $61,855 from FY2023 administration, and $68,776 from FY2024 contingencies and administration (a $48,134 reduction to contingencies and $20,642 to administration). Those reductions, staff said, total $250,000 for the project.
"The purpose of this public hearing is to give citizens and other interested parties an opportunity to comment on the city's proposed substantial amendment to the fiscal years 2022, 2023, and 2024 CDBG action plans," City staff said during the hearing. The notice of the amendments was published in the Delaware County Daily Times and the draft amendments were posted online and available for public review from Oct. 27 through Nov. 25, 2025; staff directed questions and written comments to the Chester Economic Development Authority at jar@ceda.cc or (610) 447‑7854.
No formal vote was taken at the hearing. City staff announced the City Council plans to consider the proposed amendments at its regular meeting on Nov. 26, 2025, and intends to submit the amendments to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on or about Dec. 5, 2025. Because the funding comes from reallocated CDBG administration and contingency funds, the changes are adjustments to the existing action plans rather than a new grant award.
The hearing record will remain open for written comments through Nov. 25, 2025; interested parties can view the amendments at chestercity.com and ceda.cc.
