100-Unit Affordable Housing Proposal In West Chester Stirs Controversy

WEST CHESTER, PA — A proposed affordable housing development is stirring controversy in West Chester, 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 Street and Chestnut Street in West Chester, and would include the parking lot where the West Chester Grower's Market is currently located.

In the largest version of the proposal, the five-story building would add 102 new units, 30 parking lot spaces as well as 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 "ten times" what is currently available.

"Borough employers struggle to find lower- and middle-income employees," Pennrose's Matthew DiSanto and Ryan Bailey said in their presentation. "Many can’t live in the area where they work."

The Grower's Market made a plea for supporters to take the issue to borough council.

"We need to engage with the Borough Administration on what’s at stake for the Growers Market," a spokesperson for the market said. "We need to let Council know that affordable housing is important in our community, but they need to hear of the disruption this would cause to the beloved weekly market."

Borough council will consider the proposal on Tuesday, April 16 at their council meeting at borough hall. The full agenda can be viewed online here.