Chester County Department of Community Development

10/22/2026

On October 8, 2026, Walters Group held a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of construction for its new development, Cornerstone at Willistown. This development will be a new construction senior (62+) development project in Willistown Township located near the Paoli Hospital. The three-story building will have 57 one-bedroom units, 48 of which will be affordable.

Chester County awarded funds totaling $2,092,449, including $1,292,449 of federal HOME Investment Partnerships funds, and $800,000 state Health Choices Reinvestment funds.

Cornerstone at Willistown, which Walters Group expects to complete in early 2028, will increase the number of affordable units for Chester County seniors, provide services that will allow residents to age in place, and facilitate an environment in which residents can socialize and connect with one another.

Walters Apartments

10/21/2026

Thank you to the organizations that made the Whole Home Repairs program successful in Chester County!

10/19/2026

Cornerstone at Willistown, once completed, will increase the number of affordable units for Chester County seniors, provide services that will allow residents to age in place, and facilitate an environment in which residents can socialize and connect with one another. DCD is proud to be part of the process to add affordable units to the housing inventory in Chester County.

09/30/2026

Congratulations and thank you to BVAA for its renewed commitment to providing and expanding services for our aging population in Chester County. Chester County is proud to have invested Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds in BVAA’s acquisition of this new permanent location.

09/18/2026

09/16/2026

09/11/2026

When it takes $48.27/hour to afford a modest two-bedroom rental in parts of Chester County, it isn't just a challenge for minimum wage workers. It's a challenge for single parents, recent college graduates starting their careers, nonprofit employees, and many of the people who keep our communities running.

For reference, the national Housing Wage for a modest two-bedroom rental home is $34.73/hour, while Pennsylvania's statewide Housing Wage is $28.87/hour. A Housing Wage is an estimate of the hourly wage a full-time worker must earn to afford a rental home without spending more than 30% of their income on housing costs.

When housing costs consume more than 30% of a household's income, little remains for life’s other necessities like food, childcare, transportation, or healthcare.

This is why expanding access to affordable housing is a key focus of the Partnership's advocacy agenda. Stable, affordable housing strengthens individuals, families, and our entire community. Learn more at endhomelessnesschesco.org/affordable-housing-advocacy

07/28/2026

It takes an entire community to solve homelessness.

Today's quote features Dolores Colligan, Director of the Chester County Department of Community Development, who highlights the unique network of partners working together throughout Chester County.

🤝 From nonprofits and municipalities to housing providers, faith communities, and advocates, this milestone reflects the strength of cross-sector collaboration.

07/10/2026

Staff and elected leaders from Chester County and the Borough of West Chester gathered today to celebrate substantial completion of the first phase of infrastructure improvements to the Gay Street Open Air Marketplace.

This initial phase included the installation of operable bollard systems at four locations, meant to create a safer environment while reducing time and resources necessary to open and close the street, and improving access for authorized emergency personnel. Much of the work was funded by two grants from the Chester County Department of Community Revitalization Program totaling $1,102,798.

The project represents an ongoing commitment to the Gay Street Open Air Marketplace, and the community, environmental, and economic benefits the initiative brings to “Uptown” West Chester.

The project was designed by Re*****on and Vernick Engineers, and constructed by Marino Corporation.

07/02/2026

For a list of cooling stations available to those experiencing homelessness, please call 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211.

A list of public cooling places such as libraries and senior centers is available at chesco.org/heat.

Please be sure to:
✔️check in on vulnerable neighbors and family members.
✔️NEVER leave children or pets alone in cars.
✔️ make sure that outdoor pets have plenty of shade and drinking water.