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Mayor says city will assemble violence task force after multiple shootings; residents press for action on scooters, animal control and trash
Summary
Mayor Stefan Roods announced a violence task force after a series of shootings and an officer injury; public commenters urged stronger enforcement on loud motor scooters, property collapses, animal control gaps and recycling practices. The Chester Community Coalition also announced a Wear Orange Peace Walk on June 6.
Mayor Stefan Roods opened the council meeting May 27 by reporting multiple violent incidents over the prior 24 hours, including an officer injured while responding to a domestic call, a man shot in the William Penn projects and a late-night double shooting near 9th and Lloyd. "We're gonna assemble our violence task force, later this afternoon to talk about, you know, these incidents," he said, adding that investigations by the Chester Police Department and county detectives were ongoing.
The mayor’s announcement preceded a public-comment period in which residents raised quality-of-life and safety concerns. Bridgette Flynn told the council that motor scooters playing loud music circulate near 9th and Upland "blocks away" and block sidewalks; she also described collapsing buildings that have not been fully cleared, said rescues seeking to help animals were not getting responses and alleged recycling is being dumped into trash pickups despite residents’ separating recyclables.
Mayor Roods and staff responded that the city has met with the volunteer group Delco Loves Animals and is pressing county partners on property-maintenance responsibilities. On recycling and noise, the mayor said the city has noise ordinances and is continuing to work with the sanitation vendor and county staff to address complaints.
Brown Williams, a longtime resident, urged the council to hold police accountable and to expand youth job and programming opportunities. He said recent shootings were unacceptable and asked for transparency about spending and procurement. Council members and staff highlighted the Chester Education Foundation’s internship openings and encouraged residents to attend a public finance committee meeting scheduled for June 5 to review city finances.
The Chester Community Coalition’s outreach specialist, Antonio Hunter, said the coalition will hold its fifth annual Wear Orange Peace Walk and Block Party on Saturday, June 6, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., starting at 9th and Curlin and ending at MLK Park; the event supports community members affected by gun violence.
What council did not do at the meeting: The mayor announced the formation of a violence task force but council did not record any new spending allocations or a charter for the task force during the May 27 meeting; those implementation details were not specified on the record.
Next steps: City staff said they would follow up with county partners on property maintenance and with the sanitation vendor about recycling procedures. The community is scheduled to gather on June 6 for the Wear Orange event.
