Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
GOV. WOLF VISITS WEST CHESTER
WEST CHESTER >> Gov. Tom Wolf visited several uptown businesses, Thursday, on an 80-minute tour led by Business Improvement District Executive Director Malcolm Johnstone.
Drivers slowed to get a peek at Pennsylvania’s highest elected official, while pedestrians gawked.
About 40 business leaders, elected officials, staffers and one dog followed along as Wolf shook hands, listened intently and gave everyone who approached to within earshot a say. Cellphone cameras recorded almost every moment for posterity. Johnstone said he can’t remember the last time a standing governor visited the borough.
State Sen. Andy Dinniman walked with his poodle, Jagger.
“The governor is the best friend Jagger has ever had,” Dinniman said.
The governor quipped that 30-year resident, A. Roy Smith, has not lived in the borough nearly long enough to have part of the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center named in his honor.
At Fairman’s Skate Shop the governor pointed to a ‘70s era skateboard and said it resembled what her rode during his college days.
Protesters holding signs
learned from the governor that he will soon be back to inspect Sunoco Mariner East pipeline construction.
Wolf marveled at the $5.2 million Uptown! Theater that is a collaboration between state and local entities. He even heard a live performance by a group of children attending WCStudio for the performing arts.
A release from the governor’s office reads: “Through the years, the Wolf Administration has supported many West Chester Improvement District projects that have repurposed and updated its historic properties. The Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center received a $200,000 Keystone Communities loan to redevelop the Pennsylvania National Guard Armory with specialized lighting,
visual and audio equipment, and theatre seating. Additionally, the borough received $500,000 in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding for upgrades for the Municipal Building.”
Dinniman said the visit was unique since the governor was not appearing as part of a campaign stop.
“It’s always great to get out and visit Pennsylvania’s historic downtowns,” said Wolf, according to a release. “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.”
Johnstone has helped to attract several businesses to West Chester.
“West Chester is pleased to have a visit from Governor Wolf,” Johnstone said. “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.”
Dinniman approached the governor several times and showed him the outside of his historic office.
“I’m glad to see the governor is here to see a very special place,” Dinniman said. “It works.
“West Chester is unique, thriving and historic — a wonderful place to live and work.”
The governor was also greeted warmly when visiting the Warner Hotel, Jane Chalfant and Spence’s Café. The tour started at the Chester County Historical Society.