West Chester is known for its student population since it is a college a town. But Borough Council is changing that.
"It would keep the student housing level at the current level that it is sitting at now," said John Manion, Councilman for the 7th Ward.
He says that's the purpose of an ordinance council recently passed involving student housing in the Town Center area. He is the only member who voted against it.
"There's very little parking, some of the buildings that the students are currently living in would not be a draw to young families," Manion says.
But that is exactly what council hopes the ordinance will clear the way for. They want a more diverse pool of residents, like young professionals and start-up families.
"They do come out but not as much as the college students." That's Charles Johnson's opinion. He is a chef in town who says the ordinance will kill business.
"When the college students are here, that generate's more money and more hours for me. My hours get cut back a lot when there's no one there for me to cook food for."
But others think giving families more of a chance to rent downtown is a good idea.
Sarah Fedena says, "It's really important for the families who aren't students who are struggling to find housing and different options."
Right now, there's about 25 % of student housing in the Town Center area. The ordinance would cap it at that. Councilman Manion worries it will hurt landlords who invested solely in the Town Center area, based on the need for student housing.
"What they had purchased as a potential retirement vehicle would be diminished," says Manion.
How is this enforced? Council says an agency will go around to landlords to take a count of properties and types of tenants. Existing college rentals will remain but if landlords ever rent to non-college students, they can't go back. That could be an issue for those who rent to students who leave during the summer.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 6:47 AM EDT2013-05-15 10:47:08 GMT
"They just keep buying time. It's 60 days here and 60 days there. It's a small victory," said Brian Hathaway. He's one of hundreds of residents who left a meeting at Garnett Valley Middle School hesitant
Neighbors say developer that withdrew application to build is a stall tactic.
Friday, May 10 2013 7:37 AM EDT2013-05-10 11:37:01 GMT
Gregg Wolfe, like most parents, always thought he would look back on precious moments, like receiving Father's Day cards, with a smile. But instead he's fighting back tears.
Gregg Wolfe, like most parents, always thought he would look back on precious moments, like receiving Father's Day cards, with a smile. But instead he's fighting back tears.
Friday, May 10 2013 7:16 AM EDT2013-05-10 11:16:07 GMT
Heroin is killing young people at an alarming rate. And, parents, you think you'd recognize the signs. See what two grieving families missed until it was too late.
Heroin is killing young people at an alarming rate. And, parents, you think you'd recognize the signs. See what two grieving families missed until it was too late.
Thursday, May 23 2013 1:03 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:03:33 GMT
We have been following the story of Herbert and Catherine Schaible for a while now. This couple lives in Philadelphia and are a faith healing couple who is facing murder charges for the death of their
We have been following the story of Herbert and Catherine Schaible for a while now. This couple lives in Philadelphia and are a faith healing couple who is facing murder charges for the death of their
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:55 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:55:29 GMT
A $1,000 reward has been posted for information leading to the arrest and conviction of two men seen running to and away from a homicide scene Tuesday night in Camden.
A $1,000 reward has been posted for information leading to the arrest and conviction of two men seen running to and away from a homicide scene Tuesday night in Camden.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:43 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:43:10 GMT
Thirteen paintings by the famous Wyeth family of artists have sold for just over $2 million at a New York City auction.New Jersey businessman Eric Sambol sold the works by Andrew, Jamie and N.C. Wyeth
Thirteen paintings by the famous Wyeth family of artists have sold for just over $2 million at a New York City auction.New Jersey businessman Eric Sambol sold the works by Andrew, Jamie and N.C. Wyeth
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:31 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:31:19 GMT
AP Image
New Jersey's invasion of cicadas has started in the wake of two days of warm weather.The insects have started to emerge from the soil in droves for the first time in 17 years and that could make for
New Jersey's invasion of cicadas has started in the wake of two days of warm weather.The insects have started to emerge from the soil in droves for the first time in 17 years and that could make for
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:23 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:23:02 GMT
A small street in the city's Fern Rock section is closed off to traffic - for a good reason!Volunteers from Rebuilding Together Philadelphia and the Sears Heroes At Home program have gathered at the Reed
A small street in the city's Fern Rock section is closed off to traffic - for a good reason!Volunteers from Rebuilding Together Philadelphia and the Sears Heroes At Home program have gathered at the Reed
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:03 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:03:40 GMT
In the aftermath of the tornado that devastated Moore, Oklahoma on Monday, residents are starting to sort through their belongings that were scattered about as a result.
In the aftermath of the tornado that devastated Moore, Oklahoma on Monday, residents are starting to sort through their belongings that were scattered about as a result.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:35 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:35:48 GMT
To the everyday on-looker, Lacey Barchart is just your average young girl.She likes playing with her stuffed animals and her friends. But, she sees the world just a bit differently than one might guess.
Brave little Lacey lives a normal life, but there is more to her than what meets the eye.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:36 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:36:20 GMT
Rapper-producer Sean "Diddy" Combs has paid a marketing visit to Pennsylvania's capital city. Combs visited with Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board officials on Wednesday to promote a
Rapper-producer Sean "Diddy" Combs has paid a marketing visit to Pennsylvania's capital city. Combs visited with Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board officials on Wednesday to promote a
