What’s Happening Across the Region

JANUARY 2024 REGIONAL UPDATES: Connecting us all, the 30-bypass expansion is in its design phases for Downingtown to the Reeceville Road exit. This will bring much-needed congestion relief to the corridor so be patient as the project moves forward as the end results will be a super upgrade.

Wallace Township is underway on a makeover of Wagensellor Park including a new pavilion, parking lot and updated basketball and pickleball courts. This will add to new amenities for the 3 developments also moving forward in their township bringing a total of 200 new single-family homes. Atglen Borough also continues their new park project behind their municipal building and directly across from their public library. In other recreation news, Atglen Borough is adding in 4 new pickleball courts.

Valley Township continues on the Valley Suburban Center build that has 90 townhomes with a new approval for 100 more. In addition to that, the township will see the Westwood Bridge Subdivision of 87 single family homes near the Valley Township and East Fallowfield Township lines. Also in Valley, the Hungry Pilot Restaurant has opened its doors at the Chester County Airport, stop in to experience their unique atmosphere and fare.

Honey Brook Township has four new farms slated to go to preservation in 2024 and have completed multiple stormwater improvements. They’re also expecting a new skatepark project to get underway in the end of year. West Sadsbury Township is working on new traffic studies and updating their Comprehensive Plan which is their vision for future growth and development in their Township. The City of Coatesville and Sadsbury Township are also gearing up to do new Comprehensive Plans. These plans address challenges, identify solutions and provide guidance on moving forward and are so important as they serve as a roadmap to a municipality’s success.

The Borough of Parkesburg has some rail movement as PennDot and Amtrak have committed to part one of the three-part series to update the station. The Grocery Outlet has also signed a lease in the Parkesburg Shopping Center. More space is available in that center for those seeking the opportunity. The Borough of Modena received grants for stormwater management and the reconstruction and remodeling of Woodlawn Avenue. In 2023 Modena also got a new recycling truck, Kabota, and loader / backhoe for their Public Works to keep the streets and public spaces tidy and safe.

Speaking of tidy and safe, Sadsbury Township completed beautifying the streetscapes along Lincoln highway with sidewalks and crosswalks, this comes in good time as their population doubled in the past two years. Sadsbury Square Apartment complex is nearing completion, Lafayette Square is putting finishing touches on a Community building CTDI is planning an expansion on their property.

West Brandywine Township continues design work on the Pratts Dam Road project and is working on protecting open space. Also in their township, the Reserve at Cross Creek by Judd Builders broke ground for 178 new townhomes, this residential growth adds to the 650 homes through Traditions of America,.

The City of Coatesville has two new downtown businesses, Toledo'Z Boutique is a stunning formal dress shop and ProSpace on Lincoln (in the former courthouse building) is home to 20 office suites available for rent for professionals and start-ups. The City has movement occurring in about 40 economic development projects, is tackling multiple stormwater irrigation problems and are underway in planning for park improvements across all of their City Parks.

 

Caln Township welcomed a new manager, Don Vymazal. They also welcomed a new daycare, farmers market and coffee shop to their community. Caln has started or completed a handful of residential projects: the Willows at Valley Run Apartments, My Place Apartments and Townhomes, the Hills at Thorndale Woods, and the Villages at Hill View. In addition, the township is working on a GIS mapping system to develop a plan for stormwater infrastructure.

 

The County Planning Commission is working with municipalities on the Starter Home Initiative to help with housing attainability in the county.  They’re also under final review of their Watersheds 2045 plan to protect and enhance streams, lakes, and groundwater. The updated plan provides a framework that empowers communities to protect, sustain, enhance and enjoy the county’s shared water resources well into the future. See page –--- for more news from the County’s Planning Commission.

Stay connected across ChescoWest by engaging with the businesses and organizations listed in the back of this magazine. If you’d like to grow your business in our region, reach out to the Chamber and join us at an upcoming event at westernchestercounty.com !