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West Chester staff to fold 'unruly gathering' language into public-nuisance code, aims to present special-event policy in August
Summary
Committee staff proposed embedding disorderly-gathering language into Chapter 73 (public nuisances) and drafting a Chapter 91 special-event policy; staff expects to bring three ordinances and a policy to council in August and seeks interdepartmental review for enforceability.
Committee staff described a two-track approach July 7 to address unruly or disorderly social gatherings: rather than adopting a standalone 'disorderly gathering' ordinance, staff proposed adding disorderly-gathering language into the borough's public-nuisance chapter (Chapter 73) and preparing a clearer special-event policy under Chapter 91 to give residents and organizers a one-stop place for rules and procedures.
"So my plan is to get all of this ready for August for [the president] to present to council," Ramsey said, describing a package that would include three ordinances and a special-event policy for council review. Ramsey said the draft borrows useful language from other municipalities and from PennDOT for truck definitions and aims to make enforcement clearer and easier for police and code staff.
Committee members emphasized evenhanded application across neighborhoods and asked staff to ensure enforcement is practical for the police department. One member noted concern that embedding multiple policies in different chapters could fragment guidance for the public; staff replied a consolidated online policy would serve as the primary, readable resource even if the statutory language remains in several code sections.
Public comment flagged the risk of concentrating special events in one neighborhood: "We should not be a special event every weekend neighborhood," said Carol of Civic Action Southeast, urging limits so the southeast neighborhood is not repeatedly chosen for events.
Why this matters: West Chester has long debated how to balance neighborhood livability, college-area disturbances and the economic benefits of events in the town center. The staff proposal aims to provide clearer rules and an enforceable path while preserving opportunities for legitimate community gatherings.
Next steps: Staff will circulate drafts for interdepartmental review (police, building, housing, parking) and present the ordinance package and policy for council review in August; penalties and the point-penalty system remain under consideration.
