How residents fight data centers and development | Inquirer Chester County
Plus, the latest on SALT Performing Arts’ home.
Hi, Chester County!
Some community groups have had success fending off what they deem to be unwanted development, helping create blueprints for future fights. Here’s how. Also this week, we look at the local referendums and questions on Tuesday’s ballot, the sale of SALT Performing Arts’ home has been put on hold for now, plus, take a peek inside a nearly 18,000-square-foot estate on the market for almost $9 million.
Hope the rest of your week is spooktacular! See you back here next Wednesday.
— Lisa Dukart (chestercounty@inquirer.com)
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As Chester County’s population continues to climb and developers look to build on open land, residents are becoming increasingly vocal in their quest to push back.
Rallying around open space, groups have formed to fight data centers and preserve properties like Crebilly Farm, Rock Hill Farm, and now a vast swath in West Brandywine being eyed for an age-restricted community. (Discussions in West Brandywine will continue Monday at 5 p.m. at the township building and via Zoom.)
📍 Countywide news
The general election is Tuesday. While the governor’s seat is the top race, some county voters have referendums to consider. Unsure what’s on your ballot? Check out The Inquirer’s guide to the midterms here and see the local questions you might be asked to consider. (P.S. Last week we misreferenced the election, which is indeed a general election.)
The number of children in the county declined 5% between 2010 and 2025, part of a larger trend of people having fewer children regionally and nationally, according to an Inquirer analysis of Census Bureau data. The Inquirer’s Dana Munro unpacks the decline.
Roadway projects continue throughout the county this week, causing traffic detours and possible delays. Here’s where.
💡 Community news
After community members decried the possible sale of the Chester Springs property that houses SALT Performing Arts, West Pikeland Township’s board of supervisors this week agreed to temporarily put a hold on its sale. In the meantime, they plan to look into whether they can require a potential buyer to retain the theater’s existing license agreement there.
John H. Lymberis, who owned Harry’s Hotdogs and Athena’s Kafenio in Sadsburyville, is facing more charges related to the production and possession of child pornography and unlawful contact with a minor out of state. The 58-year-old was arrested for alleged sexual abuse of children earlier this year.
Educational nonprofit Mighty Writers is slowly resuming services at its Kennett Square outpost after being forced to furlough employees last month amid financial headwinds. Food distribution is running twice a week and two part-time workers had been restored as of last week.
Some area farmers are worrying about future food instability as the state’s climate continues to become warmer and more extreme. In response, FarmerJawn, which grows some of its crops in West Chester, is adapting its plans.
A nearly 18,000-square-foot Tredyffrin Township home with six bedrooms, including one with a massive closet and dressing room, is on the market for $8.75 million. Other features include a built-in, 700-gallon fish tank and a more than 8,000-square-foot detached garage that can accommodate 40 vehicles. Take a peek inside.
Westside Community Center in West Chester played host to the biannual Philly AM skating competition over the weekend, bringing together a wide array of competitors. More than competition, skateboarding can help foster a tight-knit, diverse community, Inquirer contributor Becca O’Reilly reports.
A Downingtown man, Elijah Thomas, 28, has been charged by the District Attorney’s office with trafficking minors, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with minors, and possession with intent to deliver controlled substances for allegedly demanding sexual contact and money in exchange for providing marijuana to two 14-year-olds. A 17-year-old also reported being sexually assaulted by Thomas.
Square Roots Collective is growing its footprint in Kennett Square, acquiring the building at 225-29 Birch St., according to the Philadelphia Business Journal. The nonprofit behind projects like The Creamery, Artelo, Opus, and The Francis hotel hasn’t revealed its plans for the space that houses Braeloch Brewing and Chaikhana Chai.
Main Line Flower Market has opened its doors at 610 Lancaster Ave. in Berwyn, offering florals, classes, and more.
About a year after opening, Downingtown’s Boutique On Thirty is closing its doors.
🏫 Schools briefing
Chester County Intermediate Unit has opened its Great Valley campus. The Child and Career Development Center is expected to serve students from 21 districts throughout the Delaware Valley through four special education programs and 12 classrooms.
Oxford Area School District alum Karen Bradley, who graduated in 2010, competed on Jeopardy! Monday night, coming in second place.
Unionville-Chadds Ford School District recently completed the installation of about 900 solar panels on the high school roof, a project funded in part by state grants. It’s expected to produce 25% of the district’s energy.
🍽️ On our plate
Fearless Restaurants, the group behind White Dog Cafe and other popular regional eateries, has been ordered to pay $200,000 to two former employees. They allege Fearless mishandled sexual harassment at the group’s Italian restaurant, Rosalie, in Wayne. Fearless operates a White Dog location in the Chester Springs area, which was not included in the suit.
Sitara Indian Cuisine has opened at 630 Lancaster Ave. The Malvern joint’s menu includes Tandoor- and Tiffin-style dishes, in addition to Indo-Chinese noodle and rice options.
There are just a few days left to submit flavor nominations for Herr’s next round of the “Flavored by Philly” competition, which closes Monday. The Nottingham-based chip brand selected three flavors this year in honor of the nation’s semiquincentennial.
🎳 Things to do
🏇 Pennsylvania Hunt Cup: See the 91st running, which includes tailgating and a kids’ stick pony race. ⏰ Sunday, Nov. 1, gates open at 10 a.m. 💵 $100 general admission parking in advance, $125 on race day 📍 Pennsylvania Hunt Cup, Kennett Square
🧑🌾 Good Food Fest: Shop local produce, listen to live music, check out cooking demonstrations, and more. ⏰ Sunday, Nov. 1, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 💵 $10-$50 📍 Kimberton Fairgrounds, Phoenixville
🎃 Halloween events: The West Chester parade is tonight at 7 p.m., Oxford’s is tomorrow at 6:30 p.m., New Garden’s pet parade and movie night is Friday at 5 p.m., and Caln’s Halloween party is Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. Owen J. Roberts also has a trick-or-treat event tomorrow at 5 p.m. And Wallace Township is hosting its Tricks, Treats, and Eats festivities Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m.
🏡 On the market
Situated on two acres and backing up to a large swath of conserved land, this four-bedroom home has plenty of access to nature. Its first floor has multiple living areas, including a family room with vaulted ceilings and a stone fireplace. Outside is a deck overlooking the woods.
See more photos of the property here.
Price: $950,000 | Size: 4,254 SF | Acreage: 2
📈 Chester County market report
Median listing price: $590,000 (down $9,000 from August) 📉
Median sold price: $590,000 (up $21,800 from August) 📈
Days on the market: 32 (down one day from August) 📉
This Chester County market report is published on a monthly basis. Above is data for September from realtor.com.
🗞️ What other Chester County residents are reading this week:
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