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Last indexed Apr 14, 2026
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Coatesville's governance focus centers on zoning modernization, economic revitalization, and public safety enhancement. Key recurring themes include zoning ordinance amendments addressing convenience stores and neighborhood development overlays (with tax incentives under LERTA), downtown beautification initiatives targeting infrastructure deterioration, and staffing transitions across police, fire, and EMS departments. The city is actively leveraging state programs—including a DOJ COPS grant for police expansion and tax exemption districts for neighborhood development—while promoting historic preservation through community engagement events. Overall, the council demonstrates procedural diligence in public hearings and transparency, with governance priorities balancing land use regulation, economic development, infrastructure improvement, and public safety capacity.
City Council Meeting Minutes January 12, 2026 Approved February 9, 2026
The City of Coatesville held a regular council meeting on January 12, 2026, during which President Lavender-Norris introduced the city's new solicitor, Joseph Clement. The council conducted a public hearing on a proposed zoning ordinance amendment that had undergone review by both the Chester County Planning Commission and the city's Planning Commission, with proper publication notices issued in December 2025 and January 2026 in compliance with Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code requirements. The ordinance amendment, which originated from concerns regarding convenience stores and other zoning matters identified by the city's Planning Commission, was presented for potential adoption following the public comment period.
City Council Meeting Minutes October 27, 2025 Approved November 10, 2025
On October 27, 2025, the Coatesville City Council held a regular meeting where they approved the October 13 meeting minutes and accounts payables by unanimous vote. John Sly from ALS/Westwood EMS presented year-to-date emergency response data, reporting 1,261 total responses with 111 responses in September, including 114 medical incidents, six falls, four vehicle accidents, four overdoses, and four cardiac arrests; he also announced that outgoing EMS Chief Kennedy is transitioning to local government after 15 years of service and will be replaced by Chief Barnes.
Last 12 months
City Council Meeting Minutes October 13, 2025 Approved October 27, 2025
The Coatesville City Council held a regular meeting on October 13, 2025, where they unanimously appointed Rob Jefferson as City Solicitor following his transition to the law firm Unruh, Turner, Burke & Frees. The Council also conducted a public hearing on the HND Hilltop Neighborhood Development Overlay LERTA District Ordinance, which would establish tax exemptions from real estate property tax for certain deteriorated properties within a designated neighborhood development overlay district, in compliance with Pennsylvania's Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act.
Projects approved at the January 20, 2026 CFA Board meeting Applicant Project
Jan 20, 2026