County Gives West Chester a $250,000 grant

The West Chester borough received a grant for over $280,000 from Chester County for sewer repairs on East Miner Street as part of the county's $3 million revitalization program.

“These grants will improve communities across Chester County, focusing on urban centers,” said Commissioner Chair Terence Farrell in a press release. “Eight boroughs will use the money for their ‘downtown’ areas, including improvements to sidewalks, street lighting and landscaping as well as water systems and sewage – all helping to increase energy efficiency, pedestrian safety, and upgrading of water mains.”

“The projects are all in line with our strategic plan and Landscapes2, the County’s plan that bridges growth with preservation,” said Commissioner Kathi Cozzone. “For ten years, community revitalization grants have helped to address safety and encourage more pedestrian and cycle traffic, and as importantly, supported development in our more populated areas.”

Commissioner Ryan Costello added, “Economic conditions continue to impair the ability of municipalities to fund improvements on their own. Not only do these grants help our urban areas by providing direct funds, they have also, over the years, leveraged millions more in investment. They remain instrumental in revitalizing our ‘main street’ and surrounding areas into more attractive places to live, work and shop.”

The anniversary ceremony included presentations by Commissioners Terence Farrell, Kathi Cozzone and Ryan Costello and the awarding of citations to the 16 Chester County urban centers. A panel discussion on community revitalization projects, with representatives of six municipalities, was also held.

The awards include $353,347 to Avondale for a water trunk main extension, $513,362 to Downingtown for its streetscape project, $634,770 to Elverson for its wastewater treatment plant, $676,000 to Kennett Square for its West Cypress Street Gateway project, $105,285 to Modena for its sewer meter relocation, $342,000 to Phoenixville for its Cherry Street water line replacement, $284,006 to West Chester for its East Miner Street storm sewer rehabilitation and $550,000 to West Grove for its wastewater treatment plant improvements and Jackson Avenue water main replacement and roadway reconstruction.

During the past decade more than $51.5 million dollars for needed infrastructure improvements have been awarded to the 16 urban centers in Chester County (City of Coatesville and 15 boroughs).