The Chadds Ford Zoning Hearing Board on Tuesday, Feb. 24, upheld a decision by zoning officer Fran McCardle in his ruling against Calvary Chapel.
Calvary had wanted to build an extension to its current building with a terrace that would have an overhang that would also include sound equipment, TV screens, and lighting equipment at the chapel. However, McCardle, in an email dated September 2025, said the determination was that such an extension was not allowed at that site.
He cited the 2005 conditional use hearing in which Calvary agreed that there would be no extension there. Calvary appealed the decision in December, and the board made its ruling earlier this week.
McCardle said the proposed permanent performance area at the chapel is not permitted in the POC Zoning District, but that Calvary could build such a facility on the other side of Brandywine Drive, on a lot Calvary also owns.
The board’s ruling reads in part: “The proposed outdoor terrace improvements and surrounding land and use thereof represents modification or amendment of the conditions of the original 2005 Conditional Use approval as amended and requires additional conditional use application and approval…The September 2025 determination by the of the township officer as to such use was not improper or incorrect and relied upon information provided to him at that time”
PennDOT has announced the following weather-dependent rod projects that could affect drivers in the greater Chadds Ford area from March 2 to March 6. Motorists are urged to allow extra time traveling through one of the construction zones. Work schedules are subject to change.
Roadway construction will continue to cause weekday lane closures at the intersection of Routes 202 and 926 in Westtown and Thornbury townships from Monday, March 2, through Friday, March 20.
Utility installation will cause daytime lane closures on E. Marshall Street at its intersection with N. High Street in West Chester through May 8.
Curb demolition, milling, and ADA ramp installation will cause daytime lane closures on Route 1 between Creek and Ring roads in Chadds Ford Township through March 31.
Roadway construction will continue to cause weekday lane closures at the intersection of Routes 202 and 926 in Westtown and Thornbury townships from Monday, March 2, through Friday, March 20.
Utility installation will cause daytime lane closures on E. Marshall Street at its intersection with N. High Street in West Chester through May 8.
Curb demolition, milling, and ADA ramp installation will cause daytime lane closures on Route 1 between Creek and Ring roads in Chadds Ford Township through March 31.
Tree trimming will cause daytime lane closures on Red Lion Road between Marlboro and Lenape Unionville roads in Pocopson Township through March 16.
Tree trimming will also cause daytime lane closures on Brandywine Creek Road between Green Valley and Harvey’s Bridge roads in Newlin Township through March 27.
Roadway coring will cause periodic daytime lane closures on High Street at its intersection with Gay Street in West Chester through March 18.
Overhead utility work will cause daytime lane shifts on Route 1 between Pennsbury Way and Bayard Road in Pennsbury, Kennett, and East Marlborough townshipsthrough March 6.
Overhead utility work will also cause daytime lane shifts on E. Cypress Street at its intersection with Ways Lane in Kennett Township through March 6.
Overhead utility work will cause daytime lane shifts on Kennett Pike between Ashford Drive and Cossart Road in Kennett and Pennsbury townships through March 6.
Continuing, motorists should expect daytime lane closures in both directions on Route 1 between the Kennett Oxford Bypass and Greenwood Road in Kennett and East Marlborough townships. The closures are to facilitate widening that 1.3-mile stretch of roadway to three lanes in both directions. Work is expected to continue through April 17.
Intersection reconstruction will cause a full 24/7 closure of Bethel Avenue between Conchester Highway and Cherry Tree Road through late 2026. Detours to be posted.
Road reconstruction will continue to cause lane shifts on Conchester Highway between Chelsea Parkway and Cherry Tree Road in Upper Chichester through Oct. 15.
Roadway construction will cause daytime lane closures on Route 1 between the Kennett Oxford Bypass and Webb Barn Lane in East Marlborough and Kennett townships through April 24, 2026.
Kennett Square is reporting that the Birch Street Reconstruction Project is scheduled to end in the spring of 2026. During this time, Birch Street will experience rolling road closures where one or both lanes of traffic may be closed for a few hundred feet at a time. In general, the road will be open to local traffic, and road closures will be minimized as much as possible. When both lanes of traffic need to be closed for construction activities, access will be available on both sides of Birch Street, from South Broad Street and South Walnut Street.
Tree trimming will cause daytime lane closures on Red Lion Road between Marlboro and Lenape Unionville roads in Pocopson Township through March 16.
Tree trimming will also cause daytime lane closures on Brandywine Creek Road between Green Valley and Harvey’s Bridge roads in Newlin Township through March 27.
Roadway coring will cause periodic daytime lane closures on High Street at its intersection with Gay Street in West Chester through March 18.
Overhead utility work will cause daytime lane shifts on Route 1 between Pennsbury Way and Bayard Road in Pennsbury, Kennett, and East Marlborough townshipsthrough March 6.
Overhead utility work will also cause daytime lane shifts on E. Cypress Street at its intersection with Ways Lane in Kennett Township through March 6.
Overhead utility work will cause daytime lane shifts on Kennett Pike between Ashford Drive and Cossart Road in Kennett and Pennsbury townships through March 6.
Continuing, motorists should expect daytime lane closures in both directions on Route 1 between the Kennett Oxford Bypass and Greenwood Road in Kennett and East Marlborough townships. The closures are to facilitate widening that 1.3-mile stretch of roadway to three lanes in both directions. Work is expected to continue through April 17.
Intersection reconstruction will cause a full 24/7 closure of Bethel Avenue between Conchester Highway and Cherry Tree Road through late 2026. Detours to be posted.
Road reconstruction will continue to cause lane shifts on Conchester Highway between Chelsea Parkway and Cherry Tree Road in Upper Chichester through Oct. 15.
Roadway construction will cause daytime lane closures on Route 1 between the Kennett Oxford Bypass and Webb Barn Lane in East Marlborough and Kennett townships through April 24, 2026.
Kennett Square is reporting that the Birch Street Reconstruction Project is scheduled to end in the spring of 2026. During this time, Birch Street will experience rolling road closures where one or both lanes of traffic may be closed for a few hundred feet at a time. In general, the road will be open to local traffic, and road closures will be minimized as much as possible. When both lanes of traffic need to be closed for construction activities, access will be available on both sides of Birch Street, from South Broad Street and South Walnut Street.
Chadds Ford Township is considering becoming a Bird Town Pennsylvania municipality. Heidi Shiver, president of Bird Town Pennsylvania, made a Zoom presentation to the board during its Feb. 25 workshop meeting.
Bird Town Pennsylvania works in partnership with local municipalities and like-minded organizations to promote community-based conservation actions to create a healthier, more sustainable environment for birds, wildlife, and people,” she said in explaining what Bird Town does.
She said the group has been working in the state for more than 14 years and has developed 99 programs in 17 counties. Municipalities such as Concord are already part of Bird Town Pennsylvania.
Shiver said there are major threats to bird populations, including loss of habitat, cats, window collisions, pesticides, and several more. She said Bird Town addresses these issues by holding native plant pop-up gardens, sales and swaps, installing demonstration native plant, pollinator, and rain gardens, supporting and running citizen science programs, and educating about invasive plants and running workshops for their removal.
Shiver went on to say that Bird Town provides municipalities with a “framework for community networking with other Bird Towns and conservation partners that includes avenues of communication. Events, volunteer opportunities, community science projects and more.”
There are also training workshops for Bird Town leaders and backyard habitat recognition programs.
To get involved with Bird Town, municipalities should set up a meeting to review the process, form a committee of at least three people, pay a one-time application fee of$100, submit an application form, and pass a municipal resolution in support of Bird Town.
Following Shiver’s presentation, Supervisors Chairman Timotha Trigg questioned her about some things on Bird Town’s website. Specifically, she mentioned the group suggests passing ordinances regarding native plants, weed ordinances, dog-leash ordinances, and cat ordinances requiring cats to be kept inside, on a leash, or in an enclosure.
Shiver responded, saying, “These are all recommendations. These are just suggested activities and actions. These are things you don’t have to do.”
Supervisor Samantha Reiner said the Open Space Committee has recommended taking part.
“The Open Space Committee believes this initiative aligns with the township’s open space plan,” she said.
Helene Badeau, the vice chair of the Open Space Committee, said later that any effort with regard to Bird Town would be voluntary but added that there are some suggestions that are ordinance-related.
But Trigg asked a specific question: “What exactly are you asking from the township…What are you going to come to us for next year? What are you looking for?”
Badeau responded, saying, “The initial step in the process is the adoption of the municipal resolution. Any sort of go-forward activities that would require support from the municipality would be something that, you know, is volunteer-led. If we had an idea to pursue that would require municipal support, we would pursue that.”
She said most of the efforts they’ve considered are all volunteer-led.
After several other residents spoke, Trigg said she was torn. She said she would like to support the idea because it’s worthwhile, but added, “Bird Town is a municipal program and, as a municipality, our responsibilities are really different than what you’re trying to do.”
She said she’s trying to see how the township can support the effort in a responsible way, but has a problem with teaming up with an organization that calls for municipalities to change ordinances.
Supervisors’ Vice Chair Kathleen Goodier said this was the first time the board had seen the concept and that “This is a lot to chew on.”
The board made no decision on the suggested resolution but will consider it at a later date.
Darlene (Naumowich) Evans, 79, of Avondale, died Monday, Feb. 16, at her home in Avondale. She was the spouse of the late Howell Evans. Born in Wilmington, she was the daughter of the late Paul Naumowich and the late Lillian (Pierce) Naumowich.
For 25 years, Darlene was the Events Coordinator at the Chadds Ford Inn in Chadds Ford Township.
Darlene Evans
In her spare time, Darlene enjoyed cooking and was known for making excellent pierogies and chicken and dumplings. She was also a talented baker and baked beautiful cakes that looked like they came from a professional bakery. Darlene also enjoyed gardening and had a lifelong love of horses, having grown up with them as a child.
Darlene will be remembered for being a loving wife and mother.
Darlene will be missed by her daughter-in-law for her dancing in the kitchen, her generosity, and her love of cats.
Darlene is survived by her daughter-in-law, Kristine “Tina” Throckmorton; her sister, Paulette Baker; her grandchildren, John and Tim Ryan; and her nephew, John Baker. In addition to her parents and late husband, Howell Evans, she is predeceased by her son, Steven Throckmorton.
You are invited to visit with Darlene’s family and friends from 10-10:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, at Unionville Presbyterian Church, 815 Wollaston Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Her funeral service will follow at 10:30. Interment will be held privately.
In honor of her love of flowers and gardening, donations in Darlene’s memory can be made to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society: https://phsonline.org/
Arrangements are by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Kennett Square (484-734-8100). To view her online tribute or share a memory with her family, please visit www.griecofunerals.com
The Chadds Ford Elementary School Art Show and Sale is March 14.
The Chadds Ford Elementary School Art Show and Sale is set for Saturday, March 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the school. There will be more than 70 artists on hand to show and sell their work in support the school. New for this year is an Artisan Market- two rooms that will showcase pottery, sculpture, jewelry, woodworking, and other handmade wares.
The Brandywine Battlefield Park will celebrate Pennsylvania’s 345th birthday with free admission and engaging programming for all ages on Sunday, March 8. From noon to 4 p.m., visitors are invited to explore the historic grounds, enjoy guided tours, and take part in activities that honor the Commonwealth’s founding and Revolutionary War legacy. There will be free admission to the museum and Gen. George Washington’s headquarters.
Learn about property research with the Chester County History Center on March 7.
On Saturday, March 7, the Chester County History Center Library presents, What the Map Doesn’t Show: Property Research with Jane Dorchester. This is a hands-on program where Dorchester will guide participants through the rich collections of the Chester County History Center and beyond. Drawing on decades of experience in architectural and property research, Jane will share practical tips, proven strategies, and memorable anecdotes from the field —especially what to do when your research hits a dreaded brick wall. The event runs from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The cost is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $5 for students with ID. Tickets are available here.
It’s Puzzle Palooza Junior time at Westtown Township on Friday, March 6, from 6-8 p.m. Assemble your team of 3-4 people and race to complete a 300-piece jigsaw puzzle. This version of Puzzle Palooza is geared for families with school age children or children who want to form their own team. Teams must consist of at least two players under age 12 and no more than 2 players age 12 or above. $15 per team to play. Small prizes for the fastest teams. You keep the puzzle. Register here.
A new exhibit is coming to the Brandywine Museum of Art on March 15. Kate Butler, Kirchen Table Issues, 2024. Oil on canvas, 40×30, courtesy if the artist and Abattoir Gallery.
A new exhibit at the Brandywine Museum of Art is less than three weeks away. Abundance/Excess: A Contemporary Eye on Still Life opens March 15. The exhibit features work from 10 different artists who draw on the legacy of still life painting in their practice. Still life has a long reputation as a genre for aesthetic experimentation, and the artists in Abundance/Excess continue in this tradition of exploration and play while also incorporating still life’s thematic emphasis on time, impermanence, and the politics of bounty.
Concord Township Council holds a conditional use hearing for a restaurant liquor license transfer for the as yet unapproved Giant store planned for the also unapproved as yet Shoppes at Concord. Three council members were not in attendance, Dominic Pileggi, John Criossan, and Larry Mutschler. Pileggi has recused himself from all proceedings regarding the application for the Shoppes at Concord.
The as yet unapproved Giant supermarket proposed for the also unapproved as yet shopping center at Ridge Road and Route 202 wants a restaurant liquor license approval from Concord Township. Giant took its request to the township council for a conditional use hearing Tuesday night. No decision is expected until April.
Giant was awarded the restaurant liquor license after a bidding process, and the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has specific regulations regarding the transfer of a license awarded in that manner, according to. Attorney Ellen Freeman, representing Giant. Her response was in response to a question from Concord Township solicitor Hugh Donaghue.
According to Freeman, those regulations mean the applicant must file for municipal approval within six months of being awarded the license. Giant was awarded the license on Oct. 9, 2025, making April 9, 2026, the six-month mark.
“If you don’t file by that date, you lose the license,” she said. Freeman later said that even if the council approves the transfer, “it would be moot” if the Ginat and development were declined. “Giant would not be able to move it anywhere else in the township. They would essentially lose the license.”
At that point, Donaghue noted the unique nature of the timing of the application since neither the Giant nor the development — The Shoppes at Concord — has been approved by the township council. And he mentioned that a revised plan might be proposed for the 23-acre site.
He continued saying he had previously suggested delaying the liquor license hearing until the land use was approved, but that was not to be the case because of the LCB’s six-month regulation. Donaghue said that any approval for the license transfer given before land development approval would have to be a conditional approval.
Freeman agreed to that and said she already filed papers for conditional language.
Council now anticipates announcing a decision at its April 7 meeting.
After discussion of the timeline legalities, Freeman got down to some of the specifics of what Giant plans for the alcoholic beverage sales.
Freeman made the bulk of the presentation, but she had Scott Shaeffer, the brand compliance manager for Giant as a witness to confirm proof of her statements.
She made the formal request, asking Concord to give approval for the license transfer to allow for alcoholic beverage sales at the proposed Giant.
The floor plan for the alcoholic beverage portion of the proposed store. The booth seating area, as shown, is at the bottom and the kitchen area with the hot food is in the upper left. The large white space in the upper right represents a part of the grocery store area.
Freeman continued, saying Giant has 144 stores with active restaurant liquor licenses in the state. The chain of stores has operated with liquor licenses since 2009, and she said, “Even with their operations spanning well over a decade, Giant has an incredible record with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, as well as the Liquor Control Board. They’re considered one of the gold standards in Pennsylvania with respect to how they operate their liquor licenses. Its gold standard and exemplary record are largely based on their safety policies.”
Basics of the proposal for the licensed area include hours of operation of 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days per week. There would be a “booth seating area” about 36 feet long along one wall, and a food sales area where patrons can get sushi, fried chicken, and other hot food to eat in the store. There will be no formal wait staff in the area; getting the food will be self-serve. The seating area will accommodate about 30 people, Freeman said.
The area would also have separate cash registers for liquor sales, and such sales have to be made at those registers, not at any other register in the store. There would be a total of five employees in the area, and all of them would be RAMP trained, Freeman said.
RAMP stands for Responsible Alcohol Management Program. The program teaches sellers how to properly card people for ID, how to spot a fake ID, and how to spot a visibly intoxicated person. There is also an internal training program, she said. That program teaches the sellers what Giant additionally does to ensure the safe sale of alcohol.
The area will also have a trained manager for the license area. The manager’s training goes beyond what RAMP teaches the regular employees.
There will be limitations on what can be sold. Those limitations include selling no more than 192 ounces of beer to go, about the equivalent of two six-packs, 3,000 ml of wine, equivalent to about four standard bottles. They are also limited to selling no more than 192 fluid ounces of spirit-based drinks or canned cocktails.
“Because it’s a restaurant liquor license, the Liquor Control Board maintains that they must allow for on-premises consumption,” Freeman said.
But because of that requirement, Giant is limiting what a person can drink on-site. Those restrictions include 24 ounces of either beer or a ready-to-drink cocktail, or one 8-and-a-half-ounce bottle of wine.
In addition to those restrictions, a patron “must be sitting in the seating area,” Freeman said. “You are not permitted to walk around even in the licensed area with an open container, and you’re certainly not permitted to walk around the grocery store or the parking lot with an open container.”
Freeman then called Shaeffer, the brand compliance manager for Giant, who confirmed the truth of what she had said in her presentation.
Some members of the council asked Shaeffer several questions, many of which were in the nature of confirming Freeman’s presentation regarding the amount that can be sold. Other questions concerned how Giant would handle thefts, and a double check of how many employees there would be for the licensed area, and that the employees would be RAMP trained.
There were six members in the audience with only one — Concord resident Kevin Voit —speaking against approving the license. No one spoke in favor of the application.
Voit had previously sent a letter to the council asking that members deny the application, and he read most of that letter during the hearing. He made several points in his letter, including the fact that nothing — neither the shopping center nor the store has yet been approved.
“Without approved and finalized plans, the township cannot meaningfully assess the licensed premises in their ultimate configuration or evaluate their impact on traffic, safety, zoning compliance, and community welfare. Municipal approval at this stage would therefore rest on assumptions regarding future design elements and operational conditions that remain subject to change.”
Voit also referenced traffic issues. Specifically, he cited: “The introduction of a restaurant liquor license — particularly one facilitating off-premises alcohol sales — is reasonably expected to increase short-duration vehicle trips, peak-hour parking turnover, and internal circulation activity. Alcohol-related retail activity typically generates higher trip frequency and shorter dwell times than conventional grocery shopping, further intensifying ingress and egress activity.”
He also mentioned zoning concerns, saying that the zoning code does allow for a supermarket in the C-2 Planned Business and Commercial District, “retail liquor sales are not identified as a permitted secondary use.”
Voit also cited what he termed a “concentration of alcohol availability” in the township, noting that ACME, Whole Foods, and Wegmans.” He did not cite WAWA, which also sells beer.
In an exchange with. Freeman, it was determined that the state calls for one liquor license per 3,000 people in the municipality, while Concord currently has 24 restaurant liquor licenses, making the ratio 4.72 licenses per 3,000 residents.
Voit concluded, saying, “For all of the reasons set forth above, I respectfully request that Concord Township deny the proposed intermunicipal transfer of a restaurant liquor license to Giant Food Stores, LLC and memorialize that decision by formal resolution.”
There were four people from Chadds Ford Township, but they were only observers. None of them spoke in either support or opposition. There was no one from Concord Township supporting the application.
Utility installation will cause daytime lane closures on E. Marshall Street at its intersection with N. High Street in West Chester through May 8.
