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Downtown business owners press West Chester committee to tighten pedaling, soliciting rules
Summary
Retailers on Gay Street told the Public Safety committee that groups soliciting signatures and donations are blocking storefronts and deterring customers; the committee asked the solicitor to clarify exemptions in Chapter 80 and moved the issue to work session for further drafting.
Several downtown business owners told the Public Safety and Quality of Life Committee on April 7 that unregulated solicitors and petitioners who congregate at key corners on Gay Street are interrupting foot traffic and costing sales.
Joshua (Josh) Coin, co‑owner of Melena’s Vintage Boutique, described groups forming triangular clusters at corners and said customers avoid entering stores: "we lose business because people avoid those people" and "they stand in front of my business... I’ve seen up to 10 people on three corners asking for money, signing petitions." Another owner said solicitors have stood so close to shop doors that staff feel blocked from letting customers in.
Council members reviewing a draft amendment to Chapter 80 — the borough’s peddling, soliciting and handbills ordinance — noted confusing exemptions in the current draft (insurance brokers, securities brokers, real‑estate brokers, farmers) and asked the solicitor to explain why those categories appear and to limit exemptions to those required by state law where possible. The committee agreed to table final action and add the item to a work session with full solicitor counsel.
Police and council members discussed enforcement tools such as clarifying definitions of "peddling" and "soliciting," setting permitted setback distances from storefront entrances, and using the non‑emergency number for on‑the‑spot responses. Council and business leaders also discussed landlord and licensing levers available when activity ties to specific residences.
No ordinance was adopted; the committee asked staff to return with solicitor clarification and draft language for the work session.
