BID takes a look down the road

5-year plan includes flowers, more banners and purchase of new gum removal machine

WEST CHESTER » The Business Improvement District’s executive director, John O’Brien, presented the district’s five year plan to borough council that calls for a safe, clean and green downtown and which creates a sustainable place for future generations.

Voting unanimously, council endorsed the plan and will likely tally a final vote to reauthorize the BID at its December meeting.

O’Brien is busy preparing for the next five years.

“As we start to look at the economic recovery plan fromthe devastation caused by COVID-19, the West Chester Business Improvement District will play an essential role in helping downtown West Chester businesses rebuild,” O’Brien said. “Our goal is to increase our marketing budget to drive more customers to our town and to increase the funding for events, beautification efforts, and artwork to help add to the ambience of West Chester.

Our commercial property own-

ers pay into the BID each year through the annual assessment and they deserve to see value in their investment. That is how we approach each day.

The following goals were presented to council at Wednesday’s virtual meeting:

• Add new flower boxes to “brighten things up,” according to O’Brien, on East Market Street and other locations.

• Place new bike racks in the district so bikers can smartly park and lock up, instead of on a tree, sign or light pole.

• Work closely with the Public Arts Commission to place a mural recognizing the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, at East Market Street. Other murals are planned.

• Expand the banner program. Many district light poles already have the apparatus to hang banners. This is part of the beautification work in conjunction with the PAC, to recognize the borough’s diversity, heritage and events.

• Install cages to protect some of the downtown’s small street trees with both the Public Works Department and Tree Commission.

• Add information kiosks at locations such as the Chestnut Street Garage so visitors can know where various shops and restaurants are located. What is currently contained in a pamphlet might go online, with use of a smartphone and QR code.

• Revamp the BID’s website, with an increased digital marketing presence by early 2021.To access the site, go to downtownwestchester.org.

• Help to purchase a new gum removal machine. The first pre-pandemic machine broke and the cost was returned from the manufacturer.

• Consider having members of community service programs pick up trash. Possibly add new trash cans and dress up Big Belly cans not already decoratively wrapped. Add cigarette butt receptacles.

• Invest more in decorations for the downtown. Lights were just purchased so that the remaining acorn light poles can be wrapped.

BILL RETTEW - MEDIANEWS GROUP The BID plans to add more flower boxes to downtown West Chester.

BILL RETTEW - MEDIANEWS GROUP A mid-afternoon respite form the hustle and bustle of Downtown West Chester.

BILL RETTEW - MEDIANEWS GROUP On an autumn day, the BID plans ahead to improve Downtown West Chester.