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| Crozer-Keystone Health System COO Rick Bennett (left), Chester Mayor Wendell N. Butler, (center), and Widener University President James T. Harris III cut the ceremonial ribbon celebrating the opening of the Chester Police Substation East at University Crossings. |
Chester, Pa.—Chester has more cops on the beat and a new police substation, thanks to an agreement between the city, Widener University and Crozer-Chester Medical Center.
Officials from the city and two of Chester’s largest employers celebrated the opening of the police substation with a ceremony on August 9. Located at University Crossings on Providence Avenue between 14th and 15th Streets, the police substation is staffed by two officers whose salaries are funded by the university and the medical center.
Chester Mayor Wendell N. Butler Jr. said the agreement gives the city the opportunity to raise its police presence without putting further strain on the city’s budget.
“All of us—the city of Chester, Widener University and Crozer-Chester Medical Center, and developer Teres Holdings LLC—have a common interest in creating a safe and stable neighborhood for residents of the city of Chester,” Butler said. “This agreement has allowed us to put more police on the streets and focus our attention on the areas of the city that need it most.”
As part of the agreement, Widener and Crozer-Chester are paying the salaries of two police officers and paid for a new police vehicle for the city. The developer Teres Holdings LLC has outfitted the space for the police substation at University Crossings and will contribute the space rent free for the use as a police substation.
The new police substation will cover the area north to the Chester/Ridley Township boundary at the Widener athletic fields, south to the Chester/Upland border at Crozer-Chester Medical Center, east to Interstate 95, and west along 18th Street to the cemetery and arc to the south along Rural Avenue to the medical center.
“Part of our mission is to contribute to the vitality and well-being of the communities we serve,” said Widener President James T. Harris III. “The safety and security of Chester is vital to continuing the revitalization of the city and we are very fortunate to have partners at Crozer-Chester Medical Center and in the city that share that goal.”
Widener and Crozer-Chester are partners in the development of University Crossings, a revitalization effort on Providence Avenue that has attracted to the city a modern apartment complex and the first hotel, full-service bank and convenience store in recent memory. The police substation is part of that effort.
I would hope that this helps Stefan. My husband was shot today by men attempting to force him into a van across from his business. He put up a struggle and they were beating him with a gun. An employee ran out to break up the struggle to force him to get in the van and they both began to run down the street and my husband was shot in the hip. This is crazy!
ReplyDeleteSaf
I received your note. I am lost for words. So many outsiders are led to believe that victims of gun violence are all bad people when the vast majority of them are innocent folks in the right or wrong place at the wrong time which is no fault of theirs.
ReplyDeleteThis is a joke Yeah Put the Sub station in a building Widener paid for. Why Not on many of the vacant properties/open lots on Hinkson, McDowell, Green or Caldwell Street that's where the Police presence should be seen! Not across the street from the Widener Campus which has there own security staff. The Daily times reported it will help deter unruly campus parties. I think most of the Chester residents more than likely already guessed that....
ReplyDeleteWhyNot, I am surprised that it took so long for someone to express these sentiments. If it is any consolation, the press release came from Widener who benefits most. The City of Chester produced no press release and should consider doing what you suggest.
ReplyDeleteWidener campus safety officers have zero authority when it comes to arrests, confinement etc - they must work hand in hand with the Chester Police department. The 7-11 has already been held up twice since opening and didn't we just have a shooting around the corner from where the police station is? The East end is not without it's crime and both employees and residents have the right to feel safe.
ReplyDeleteBy the way - check your facts - Widener did not pay for this building. Terrace Holdings paid for this development and is currently in the hole due to lack of tenants. Widener is leasing the land the buildings are on - to the city of Chester - for a nominal cost each year to get more taxes back into the business base.