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  West Chester Borough Information

This is West Chester Borough
Fast Facts > People > Contact Information > Hours > Park Maps & Information > Events Calendar > West Chester Borough Homepage


The residents, elected officials and the business owners of West Chester would like to welcome all new residents or businesses to the town.  In 1999 West Chester marked two centuries of eventful history since the incorporation of the County seat as a Borough in 1799.

West Chester displays its historic charm in many of the residential areas, the downtown shopping district and the area around West Chester University.  Many of the tree-lined streets are still framed with brick sidewalks.  Almost every block boasts some architectural treasure such as stained glass transoms, hitching posts, unique doors and restored carriage houses.  A delightful array of retail shops, art galleries, service shops and restaurants await in the central business district, all of which will provide the personalized customer service that you can only find in such a setting.  Relax in any of the eleven parks and playgrounds in town and enjoy a variety of recreation pleasures.

Enjoy the lifestyle that is West Chester. Walking tours are given at many of the annual events, such as the Gallery Walk in June and the Chester County Day house tour held in October. West Chester historians will provide a wealth of information throughout the year at Bicentennial events, walking tours and during the three-day Old Fashioned Christmas celebration in December. One of the most popular events the Restaurant Festival, is held in September and boasts more than 45 restaurants from the Borough and County all offering enticing samples and a great way to spend the afternoon. Other family fun will include the Halloween parade, Old Fashioned Christmas parade, Everhart Park May Festival and the July Turk's Head Music Festival.

An integral part of the community, West Chester University offers excellent educational opportunities for both the traditional and non-traditional student. The undergraduate and graduate programs attract local, state, national and international students to campus. The general public is welcome to attend the many educational and cultural programs provided by the University.

It is hoped that everyone will be able to appreciate the splendid diversity, community, and opportunity that West Chester offers.

Fast Facts:

Tax District

Year Organized

Area (Sq. Miles)

Census. Population

Assessed Valuation

01

1799

1.8

17,861

606,208,820

Municipal Millage

School Millage

County Millage

Transfer Taxes

Occupation Taxes

3.9489

11.63

3.173

1/2%

10.00

 Municipal Earned

     Income

School Earned Income

Municipal Roads (miles)

State Roads (miles)

 

1/2%

1/2%

27.34

6.09

 

Boards & Commissions: Planning, Zoning Hearing, Recreation, HARB
Ordinance & Codes: Zoning, Comp. Plan, Building Code, Sub-division

Population/People of West Chester:

The U.S. Census indicated that West Chester Borough included 17,861 residents in 2000. This number is  lower than the municipal officials estimates due to a believed undercount of university students residing in the Borough.

Total Population  17,861  
Male 8,382             46.9%
Female 9,479       53.1%
Median Age     24.6 years  
Total Households    6,265  
Average Household Size      2.31 persons  
Average Family Size     2.95 persons  
Total Housing Units 6,541  
Occupied Housing Units          6,265  
Owner Occupied Housing Units 2,331    37.2%
Renter Occupied Housing Units           3,934      62.8%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000 West Chester  Borough Government

West Chester is governed by Borough Council which consists of seven members representing each of the voting wards in the Borough. Council directs the activities of the Borough through the appointed Borough Manager, who in turn supervises all departments except the Police Department (the Mayor directs the activities of the Police Department through the Chief of Police). In order to provide continuity, the representatives from the even-numbered wards are elected at the same time, and representatives from the odd-numbered wards, plus the Mayor, are elected two years later. All serve four year terms, and are eligible for reelection once. On the first Monday of January in each even numbered year, Borough Council conducts a reorganization meeting where they elect a President and Vice President of Council.

BOROUGH OFFICES  
Emergency Police Calls      911
Emergency Fire Calls      911
Emergency Ambulance Calls     911
Police Business Calls      610-696-2700
Police Chief Scott Bohn  
Borough Manager, Ernie B. McNeely 610-692-7574
Judy Benes, Administrative Assistant  
Building Housing & Codes Enforcement Department   610-696-1773
Michael A. Perrone, Director  
Dana Dillow, Administrative Assistant  
Mayor, Richard B. Yoder  610-696-1452
Sandy Huss, Administrative Assistant    610-696-4930
Parking Services & Enforcement Dept.                610-696-4521
Xavius da Silva-Thompson, Director
Public Works Department    610-696-5282
Bob Wilpizeski, Director         
Kathy Weiss    610-436-1367
Recreation Department   610-436-1377
Shelagh Purnell, Director  
Tax Office   610-436-1359
Treasurer's Office    610-696-0249

Doug Kapp, Treasurer

 
Important Area Phone Numbers  
Business Improvement District    610-738-3350
Chester County Courthouse          610-344-6000
Chamber of Commerce 610-696-4046
Chester County Hospital           610-431-5000
Driver's Licensing Center         610-640-2934
Earned Income Tax Collector - Berkheimer Associates    610-363-7214
Philadelphia Suburban Water Company       800-711-4779
Social Security Office  800-772-1213
SPCA 610-692-6311
Taxes - School District   610-436-7182
Taxes - County    610-344-6360
Unemployment Office  610-384-9393
Voter's Registration    610-344-6410
Welfare Office    610-466-1000
West Chester Public Library    610-696-1721
West Chester District Court  610-431-4814
West Chester Post Office     610-696-5831
West Chester Area Senior Center       610-431-4242

Business hours: Monday thru Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Observed Holidays:

  • New Years Day

  • Martin Luther King's Birthday

  • President's Day

  • Good Friday

  • Memorial Day

  • July 4th

  • Labor Day

  • Thanksgiving

  • Christmas Day

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