Growth Committee approves minutes and several property items; solicitor to attend 516 North Church zoning hearing

The West Chester Growth Committee met on Dec. 10 and recorded unanimous (3-0) recommendations on several agenda items, including approval of prior minutes and multiple property approvals.

At the start of old business, Chair Nicole Shimoni moved to approve the Smart Growth Committee minutes for Nov. 8, 2025; the chair recorded a 3-0 recommendation to approve the minutes.

Elevation plans: Shimoni introduced final-elevation approval for land development at 210–214 West Washington (Axel Properties). Aaron Flook said the planning commission had reviewed the elevations and voted 5-0 to recommend approval with conditions addressing materials, porch/stoop details and lighting. Flook described the conditions and the commission’s expectation that final submissions reflect the approved materials. The committee accepted the planning commission’s recommendation; the chair recorded a 3-0 committee recommendation.

Zoning hearing attendance — 516 North Church Street: The committee considered directing the borough solicitor to attend the zoning hearing for 516 North Church Street, where the owner seeks relief from coverage requirements to construct an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Flook described the property as about 250 square feet above the threshold that would place it in a higher coverage bracket and said, "I would recommend that we try to have the solicitor there if they can be there." The committee voted 3-0 to recommend solicitor attendance at the hearing.

Darlington Street property repairs: The committee reviewed recommended repairs and replacements for a Darlington Street property, including roof replacement using the DaVinci synthetic slate system in ash gray, new wood basement windows to match existing three-light configurations, and in-kind concrete sidewalk repair. Flook described the DaVinci system as a durable synthetic slate alternative and recommended acceptance of the planning/staff recommendations. The committee recorded a 3-0 recommendation to accept the recommendations.

Votes and attendance: The meeting record shows the chair (Nicole Shimoni) and committee members Bernie Flynn and Lisa Dorsey present and participating; motions were made from the floor by the chair or were placed on the floor by staff and recorded by the chair. The transcript did not specify individual motion movers or seconders for each item; tallies were recorded as a 3-0 committee recommendation per item.

What’s next: the committee’s recommendations return to the appropriate hearing bodies or council as required (for example, solicitor attendance at the zoning hearing and next steps for final plan approval). The committee adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

Ending: The committee completed scheduled votes and moved to adjournment after approving the items on the agenda.