Parking, new senior center, transportation & retail to shape ‘Coatesville Gateway’
COATESVILLE – Yesterday, at the city’s Gateway Park, county leadership, area elected officials, nonprofit agencies and members of the community gathered to hear a special announcement regarding Chester County’s latest investment in Coatesville development initiatives. Chester County Commissioners provided details of three major investments that will boost Coatesville programs, services and infrastructure. 
Commissioners Farrell, Cozzone and Kichline noted the groundswell of activity that is laying the foundation for Coatesville’s revitalization, due to effective partnerships of, and smart investment by, local and state government, private investors and community groups.
Commissioners’ Chair Terence Farrell provided information on an investment of $500,000, earmarked for Coatesville during the County’s latest round of Community Revitalization Program (CRP) awards. The money will contribute to the construction of a new two-tier parking garage located at 1st Avenue and Diamond Street in the city, needed to support the commercial activity that will result from the $20 million Coatesville Gateway Redevelopment project.
DEPG Development’s rendering of the planned retail, dining and living space.
“This half million dollar investment complements the CRP award of $700,000 that the county made to Coatesville last year for Lincoln Highway and 1st Avenue intersection improvements,” noted Commissioner Farrell. “CRP grants have benefited Coatesville and our 15 other urban centers over the past 13 years, and they are very necessary to greatly improve a community’s overall health and provide for growth.”
Commissioner Kathi Cozzone announced details of a $1.4 million investment by the County through its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, for a new Coatesville Area Senior Center. The CDBG funds cover the purchase of a new property and the renovation of the property to host the 1,300-plus seniors served by Senior Center staff and volunteers each year.
“Every week day, Coatesville seniors rely upon and enjoy a meal at the Senior Center. They take part in exercise classes, wellness program, and turn to volunteers at the Center for counseling and assistance with things like government entitlement programs, health insurance and tax returns,” said Commissioner Cozzone. “We know that this investment in a larger premises is another smart move that directly benefits people within Coatesville, many of whom have called this city home for decades.”
The senior center serves 1,300 seniors and service 5,000 meals every year. Executive Director Jen Givler noted, “Statistics speak volumes for the success of our programs. Our membership has increased 25%, health and wellness programs have increased 35%, and we are witnessing a 75% increase in other special initiatives and services here at the senior center.”
Turning the focus of the announcement to the importance of a good public transportation service for Coatesville residents, Commissioner Michelle Kichline revealed plans for Chester County to pick up the tab on a shortfall in funding for the LINK bus service.
A rendering of the new Coatesville Area Senior Center
A review of the funding for LINK identified an opportunity for the County to step up and provide the matching funds that will allow the service to continue. Chester County’s investment of more than $130,000 enables ChescoBus, the service run by the Transportation Management Association of Chester County (TMACC) that provides the LINK, to receive a grant from PennDOT of $880,000, allowing the LINK to continue to operate and serve Coatesville for the remainder of the year, including Saturdays.
“The LINK bus service is an essential lifeline for many residents in Coatesville and it is crucial to ensure it continues,” commented Commissioner Kichline. “It is used by over 70,000 riders a year and its connection from the Brandywine Hospital through to Parkesburg encompasses the Brandywine YMCA, the VA Hospital, Handi-Crafters, the Airport Village Shopping Center, the Walmart in West Sadsbury and regular stops throughout the city of Coatesville.
“It also connects with the Krapf ‘A’ bus for access to Exton and West Chester, which is critical for many Coatesville residents who have jobs there.”
Jim Depetris, DEPG Development, revealed detailed plans for 30,000 square feet of retail, two restaurants and 45 market rate apartments that will compliment Coatesville’s updated train station and ongoing revitalization efforts.
Attendees were reminded and invited to attend Coatesville’s Heritage Day scheduled for Saturday, October 17th, which will feature family friendly activities centered in the Lukens Historic District.
I’m confused, the senior center just recently bought the old Career Link building as their new location, did they not? And now they are going to drop that location and build a new one?? Not sure the town needs anymore (empty) retail space, there is more than enough of that now. The bus service is the only part of the deal I agree with. Time will tell.