Gov. Wolf Visits West Chester, Praises Downtown

WEST CHESTER, PA — Gov. Wolf toured through West Chester on Thursday, praising downtown's charm and citing the borough's "unique meaning."

He walked around town alongside local officials and borough business owners. In a statement Thursday, he pointed to the importance of historic, compelling, and walkable communities.

"It’s always great to get out and visit Pennsylvania’s historic downtowns," Wolf said after the visit. "Driven by a fatigue of sameness, people are looking for places that have their own unique meaning and West Chester has done a great job at repurposing its buildings, while keeping the borough’s wonderful, historic charm."

His visit was briefly interrupted by protesters calling for him to halt the Mariner East pipeline. Members of the group confronted him with questions on the pipeline as he spoke to a group of citizens gathered downtown.

West Chester was named the "Greatest Main Street" in America in 2017. It was the first Pennsylvania town to earn the honor since York, back in 1998.

"West Chester is pleased to have a visit from Governor Wolf," Malcolm Johnstone, Executive Director of the West Chester Business Improvement District, added. "He knows that with the support of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and local government, we've been able to put together a grassroots revitalization organization that is providing impressive results. These efforts have created an environment where small, home-owned businesses can flourish."

In a statement, the Wolf administration touted projects they'd supported in West Chester in the past, including a $200,000 grant for the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center, as well as $500,000 in funding for the municipal building.