Borough Passes Student Housing Ban

The West Chester Borough Council passed an ordinance on Wednesday that would eliminate new student housing in the town center.

“I want to make it clear that this does not eliminate existing homes,” said council president Holly Brown.  “The current percentage population of the downtown is about 25 percent.  We want to keep the current mix.”

Borough Council decided to move forward with the student housing ordinance after several independent studies, including one from the Urban Land Institute, concluded that in order for West Chester to maintain a vibrant downtown the borough should take steps to attract higher-end residents such as empty-nesters and young professionals.

“I think this view we have to change the demographics of the downtown is myopic,” said borough council member John Manion.  “Who else would put up with these old buildings with bad plumbing but students.”

“I see a gap in logic,” Manion added.

Borough resident Gordon Woodrow said that he felt the new ordinance was a very responsible move from the council.

“This is one of the best and most responsible policies I’ve seen put in place in awhile,” Woodrow said.  “This way you can gain at least a modicum of control, and I think this is a good approach to do that.”