A proposed affordable housing development is stirring controversy in West Chester Borough, as community members say it would impact the site of an ongoing farmers market. The proposal would bring a building of anywhere from one to five stories to the corner of Church and Chestnut streets, and would include the parking lot where the West Chester Growers Market is currently located. In the largest version of the proposal, the five-story building would add 102 units, 30 parking lot spaces plus underground parking, and 3,000 square feet of street level retail space. In a recent presentation to the borough's Smart Growth Committee, the developer, Pennrose, argued that essential workers are being priced out of West Chester and that the need for affordable housing is "10 times" what is currently available. An April 16 council work session drew a standing-room-only crowd, with most commenters expressing opposition to moving the market. Pennrose has pushed for the borough to make a decision by the end of May to meet a deadline to apply for grant funding from Chester County.
Source: West Chester Patch; 4/15/2024