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Could the auction for the majority of St. Peter’s Village mean more housing density? We look at some of the options on the table. Also this week, a new vinyl listening room is opening in Kennett Square, some Tredyffrin Township residents are concerned that a park conversion isn’t worth the hefty price tag, plus, work has resumed at a controversial data center site.
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Could more housing be coming to St. Peter’s Village?
Nearly two months out from an auction that will see the quaint St. Peter’s Village go to the highest bidder, some local business owners are excited, if a little apprehensive, about the prospect.
“There is this rural charm there, and that is part of what the village has built its reputation on over the years,” said Doug Reeser, who owns Excursion Ciders at the Snug. “So, if development could be done with an eye towards preservation and minimal impact, I think that would be great.”
There are several high- and lower-density housing developments on the table that could bolster it into a tiny town, but not without its challenges.
The Inquirer’s Brooke Schultz looks at some of the potential outcomes.
Kennett Square is getting a new vinyl listening room and bar
Top Dog Cocktails is expanding its offerings in Kennett Square, with plans to add a Japanese-inspired vinyl listening room and bar.
The ready-to-drink cocktail brand, which already has distilling operations at 110 E. State St., has hundreds of albums to spin, with a goal of offering “a quieter, safer, more sophisticated space to consume alcohol and listen to really good music,” founder Ken Smukler said.
Top Dog also has plans to partner with nearby music venue Kennett Flash.
Here’s what you can expect when the new concept opens.
📍 Countywide News
Main Line Health, which owns Paoli Hospital, is in the process of adding specialty physicians such as gastroenterologists to reduce patient wait times for specialized care.
The county is investing over $1.7 million in park improvements and open space preservation through eight grants, the largest of which will add a 55-acre easement in West Bradford Township.
More than a dozen roadwork projects throughout the county will cause closures, detours, and delays this week.
💡 Community News
Tredyffrin Township residents are expressing concern after work to convert the dilapidated Chase Road Park has swelled from $725,000 in the first year to $1.7 million this fiscal year. Here’s what to know.
Work on the 1.5 million-square-foot data center at an East Whiteland Township Superfund site resumed last week after a temporary order halting work.
Tyler Humphreys, a 24-year-old Malvern man and former Sharon Hill police officer, was sentenced to nine to 20 years in state prison after admitting he raped and sexually assaulted three children.
A 20-year-old Coatesville man, Kevin Reza-Gonzales, has been arrested and charged with first- and third- degree murder, as well as strangulation, in the death of his girlfriend.
The University of Valley Forge, a Christian institution in Phoenixville, announced last week that it will suspend operations after the summer semester.
Oxford’s borough council voted last week to pursue joining the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department amid rising costs. At a special meeting Monday night, New Garden Township’s board of supervisors agreed to move forward with negotiations for Oxford to join the regional police department.
Caln Township’s board of commissioners approved E. Khan Development Corp.’s proposal to build a 97-townhome community on a roughly 29-acre parcel at 4109 Lincoln Highway.
Developer D.R. Horton is looking to build a 130-townhome community known as Meadowview at the nearly 30-acre site at 200 N. Church St. in Parkesburg. The borough will hold a zoning hearing tomorrow at 7 p.m.
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Imaging Associates, LLC, along with Toll Brothers, is looking to build an age-restricted community on a nearly 119-acre site at 500 Hibernia Rd. in Coatesville. Plans call for 163 single-family homes and 74 twin homes. West Brandywine Township will hold a conditional use hearing for the project tonight at 7 p.m.
Speaking of Toll Brothers, the homebuilder recently opened Regency at Valley Creek, a 317-home 55-and-over community in Exton.
East Fallowfield swore in its new township supervisor, Robert Sparr, last week.
The Hot Spot, a pottery painting, candle-making, and mosaic concept, has opened at 34 S. Main St. in Phoenixville.
🏫 Schools Briefing
Coatesville Area School District’s board voted last week to approve a bond resolution of up to $100 million, funding that will support the yearslong North Brandywine Middle School construction project.
The tracks at both Downingtown Area School District high schools are closed for renovations for several weeks. The Downingtown East track is expected to reopen Sept. 7, with the Downingtown West track to follow on Sept. 21.
🍽️ On our Plate
Cutter and Cannon Spirits opened its new location at 104 E. Gay St. in West Chester over the weekend. The distillery’s new spot has a tasting room and bottle shop.
🎳 Things to Do
🎆 Phoenixville First Responders Appreciation Night: Rescheduled from the Fourth of July, the event includes water ice, pizza, and a fireworks show. ⏰ Thursday, Aug. 6, 6 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Friendship Field, Phoenixville
🚴 Tour-de-Trike: See teams of adults compete in tricycle races. ⏰ Friday, Aug. 7, 3:30-6 p.m. (rain date: Aug. 8) 💵 Free 📍 Gay Street, West Chester
🎻 Old Fiddler’s Picnic: Now in its 97th year, the festival brings together performers for free concerts. There will also be food trucks, vendors, and yard games. ⏰ Saturday, Aug. 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (rain date: Aug. 9) 💵 Free 📍 Hibernia County Park, Coatesville
🥕 Phoenixville VegFest: Check out all things vegan at this festival, complete with food trucks and a beer garden. ⏰ Saturday, Aug. 8, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (rain date: Aug. 9) 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Reeves Park, Phoenixville
✈️ 2026 Festival of Flight: See acrobatic flight displays, a drone show, and fireworks at this two-day event. ⏰ Saturday, Aug. 8, 2-10 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 💵 $13.57-$47.02 📍 New Garden Flying Field, Toughkenamon
🏡 On the Market
A century-old Honey Brook farmhouse with a modern interior
Built in 1900, this farmhouse has been renovated to bring it into the 21st century while retaining its historic-looking exterior. The first floor has an open-concept living and dining area that opens onto a kitchen, plus two bedrooms. There are two additional bedrooms upstairs, including a primary suite with a sleek, updated bathroom. The property also has a large detached garage with room for additional living space.
See more photos of the home here.
Price: $550,000 | Size: 2,128 SF | Acreage: 0.61
🗞️ What other Chester County residents are reading this week:
6abc’s Cecily Tynan discusses her surprise retirement, sealed after a brief bout with vertigo
Four Cheltenham High School football coaches, six players charged in assaults on teammate
Doctor killed in Southwest Philly was driving for DoorDash to support wife’s medical career, family says
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This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.
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