Comitta, Lawrence Announce Investment in Londonderry Roads Dept.

December 22, 2025

West Chester, Pa (December 22, 2025) – Londonderry Township was recently awarded state funding to construct a new salt shed for its road department, an investment that will help improve operations, save taxpayer dollars, and protect the environment.

State Senator Carolyn Comitta and State Rep. John Lawrence worked together to secure the $150,000 investment from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Local Share Account Program.

“This funding will allow the municipality to construct a new winter storm materials storage building adjacent to the existing township facility. The new building will include separated storage bays designed to house multiple aggregates used to improve roadway conditions and traction during winter storms,” said Darryl M. King, Londonderry Road Master. “The entire staff at Londonderry is thrilled to see this goal become a reality!  We are grateful for the extraordinary efforts of Senator Carolyn Comitta’s office and Representative John Lawrence’s office in securing this investment.”

The new, four-bay salt storage shed will replace the existing two-bay shed, which is structurally failing and unable to accommodate delivery trucks. The new shed will feature reinforced concrete floors and walls, metal siding, and a paved landing in front of the facility for more efficient cleanup. It will also be high enough to accommodate deliveries, improving cleanup and preventing salt residue from entering the stormwater system.

According to King, the average 140 to 200 tons of salt used by Londonderry Township each year is expected to decrease by up to one-third thanks to increased storage efficiency and improved protection from the elements in the new shed.

“When we work together, we can get things done,” Comitta said. “I was proud to work with Rep. Lawrence and Londonderry Township officials to secure this investment – one that will help ensure safer roads, cleaner streams, and lower costs for years to come. I also want to thank all of the workers and snowplow operators who help keep our roads safe and clear of snow, ice, and debris throughout the winter.”

“During my time in office, I have tried to focus on improvements to core local infrastructure – much of which has been neglected for far too long,” said Rep. Lawrence.  “I commend the forward-looking approach of the Londonderry Township supervisors with the salt shed replacement project.  This improvement will save taxpayer dollars in the long term and ensure better, more responsive service in clearing roads during the winter months.  I am very glad to work with Senator Comitta to ensure this project can move forward.”

Londonderry will use the LSA funds for construction and engineering costs. The total project cost is $264,207.

The Local Share Account program is designed to distribute funds derived from gaming revenue to support community and economic development projects. Eligible applicants include counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, economic development agencies, redevelopment authorities, land banks, and councils of government. Eligible projects must improve the quality of life of community citizens and be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a nonprofit organization.

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Comitta Announces State Investments in Community and Municipal Services

December 18, 2025

West Chester, Pa (December 18, 2025) – Fifteen municipalities and three organizations in Chester County were awarded state grant funding for projects to address flooding, strengthen infrastructure, support emergency services, upgrade public works, improve parks, prevent homelessness, promote local history, and enhance health and human services, state Senator Carolyn Comitta announced today.

“From repairing roads and bridges to upgrading public works and public safety equipment to expanding parks and recreational opportunities, these investments can make a big difference to ensuring a strong quality of life in communities across Chester County,” said Comitta. “As a former mayor and borough council member, I know just how important these investments are to ensuring health, safety, and opportunity for all residents and families.”

The funds, which come through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Local Share Account Program, were approved today by the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

In addition to Comitta, the 18 projects that were awarded funding are represented by State Representatives Christina Sappey, Chris Pielli, Dan Williams, Danielle Friel Otten, Melissa Shusterman, and Kristine Howard.

In total, they amount to a $5.8 million state investment in Chester County municipalities and local communities. They are as follows:

Infrastructure:

• $375,000 for Downingtown Borough to support engineering costs for the Downingtown Area Flood Planning project. It calls for developing a flood mitigation strategy as part of an intermunicipal effort to address flooding in the Brandywine Creek sub-basin.

• $475,000 for East Fallowfield Township to reconstruct the Mortonville Road Bridge. The funds will support construction, engineering, and administrative costs to replace the deteriorating bridge, which serves emergency first responders and a growing number of residents.

• $250,000 for the West Goshen Sewer Authority to replace 16 wastewater treatment process pumps and related equipment that maintain reliable treatment operations and prevent potential sewer overflows.

• $150,000 for West Whiteland Township to rehabilitate the Grubbs Mills Pump Station. The project calls for completely rehabilitating the 40-year-old pump station to comply with current codes, address reliability issues, and prevent ongoing costly repairs.

• $150,000 for Willistown Township to replace the Pump Station 3 interceptor along Eisenhower Drive. Constructed in the 1970s with asbestos-cement pipe, the current interceptor has deteriorated and collapsed, requiring emergency repairs. The funds will be used to replace the next section with corrosion-resistant polyvinyl chloride pipe.

Public Safety:

• $600,000 for the City of Coatesville to purchase a new pumper fire engine and tractor-drawn aerial apparatus ladder truck. The Coatesville Fire Department’s current engine and ladder truck are more than two decades old and frequently out of service. The new equipment will help ensure a reliable, timely response to the more than 700 emergencies the department responds to each year.

• $175,000 for Valley Township to replace and repave the main driveway of Westwood Fire Company #1. The existing driveway are severely deteriorated due to age and wear and tear, presenting a growing safety risk. The project calls for regrading and repaving the parking area, main driveway, and access points to and from the station.

• $818,576 for West Chester Borough to purchase a new fire apparatus for the West Chester Fire Department. It will replace a 21-year-old fire apparatus that is frequently out of service due to increasing repairs, as well as a lack of available parts, which is both time-consuming and costly.

Public Works:

• $150,000 for Londonderry Township to construct a new, four-bay salt storage shed for its road department. It will replace the existing two-bay salt storage shed, which is structurally failing and unable to fit delivery trucks. The new shed will be high enough to accommodate deliveries, improving cleanup and preventing salt residue from entering the stormwater system.

• $191,490 for Newlin Township to purchase a new tractor and boom mower for use in addressing encroaching vegetation on roadways. It will replace antiquated equipment, improve reliability, and enhance employee safety.

• $75,000 for East Bradford Township to purchase a new disc chipper to dispose of tree trimmings and other wood debris during routine work on roads, parks, and township property It will replace an outdated machine that lacks safety features and cannot process larger debris, requiring additional chainsaw work.

Housing:

• $350,000 for Safe Harbor of Greater West Chester (through the Chester County Economic Development Council) to expand its current facility by adding a second building. The new building will add 20 shelter units, expand trauma-informed day programming, and provide spaces for job readiness training, counseling, and life skills workshops.

Health:

• $100,000 for Main Line Health (through the Chester County Economic Development Council) to purchase and install 23 patient lift chairs at Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital. Ceiling-mounted patient lifts help to ensure a comfortable and dignified experience for everyone involved in moving a patient, reducing the risk of injury for both patients and caregivers.

Parks:

• $388,440 for East Caln Township to construct multiple park improvements to Bell Taven Park, the township’s only primary active public park. The project calls for resurfacing and upgrading the existing basketball courts, turning the obsolete roller hockey rink into pickleball courts, resurfacing the parking lot, and adding entrance gates, exercise/fitness stations, shade canopies, benches and trash cans, security cameras, signage and landscaping.

• $350,000 for Tredyffrin Township to make improvements to Friendship Park, including ADA parking spaces, an ADA accessible pathway, inclusive playground equipment, a dog play area, a new pavilion, benches and trash receptacles, stormwater management measures, and the restoration of a 3.6-acre greenspace with a fully accessible nature trail.

History:

• $700,000 for West Nottingham Township for the headquarters and visitor center for the new Oxford Area Historical Association. The association plans to acquire the historic former school building on 5th Street in Oxford Borough to serve as a gateway for regional tourism, welcoming visitors to the area and directing them to nearby historic sites.

• $325,000 for Malvern Borough for the Paoli Memorial Association to build the Heritage Center at Paoli Memorial Park. The funds will be used to construct a single-story timber-framed structure that will serve as the new Heritage Center on the site, along with connections to utilities, a driveway, parking, exhibit space, and interpretative signage.

Human Services:

• $200,000 for the Royer-Greaves School for the Blind (through Tredyffrin Township) for upgrades to the school’s energy infrastructure. The project calls for removing existing oil tanks and replacing them with natural gas-powered heating systems and adding solar panels and related roof modifications These improvements will be made across the school’s buildings.

The Local Share Account program is designed to distribute funds derived from gaming revenue to support community and economic development projects.

Eligible applicants include counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, economic development agencies, redevelopment authorities, land banks, and councils of government.

Eligible projects must improve the quality of life of community citizens and be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a nonprofit organization.

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Comitta Announces State Investments in Local Historical and Cultural Organizations

December 17, 2025

West Chester, Pa (December 17, 2025) – Five Chester County historic organizations have been awarded more than $100,000 in total state funding through the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC), state Senator Carolyn Comitta said.

The investments, which come through the PHMC’s Cultural and Historical Support Grant Program, assist the general operations of eligible museums and official county historical societies. They are as follows:

• $30,000 for the Chester County History Center.
• $25,000 for the Graystone Society Inc. (The National Iron & Steel Heritage Museum)
• $25,000 for Historic Sugartown Inc.
• $15,000 for American Helicopter Museum & Education Center.
• $6,200 for the Oxford Area Historical Association.

“As we approach our nation’s 250 anniversary, the organizations that work to preserve and promote our local history continue to play a leading role in attracting visitors, educating the public, and ensuring that future generations know the stories that shaped Chester County and the United States,” Comitta said. “From the Revolutionary War to the Industrial Revolution to the Abolitionist Movement and Civil Rights Era and beyond, the story of Chester County is an integral part of the story of America.”

The Cultural and Historical Support Grant Program aims to strengthen Pennsylvania’s museum community by supporting eligible museums and official county historical societies that are not supported by other state agency funding programs. Under the program, museums must have an annual operating budget exceeding $100,000 (excluding capital and in-kind services) and at least one full-time professional staff person (or approved equivalent).

Award amounts are determined by a formula based on a percentage of the organization’s annual operating budget, with a maximum grant of $50,000 and a minimum grant of $4,000. 

The grant funding is part of almost $4 million in total Cultural and Historical Support Grants awarded to 177 eligible museums and official county historical societies from 59 counties across the Commonwealth.

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Comitta Secures Funding for Job Coaching and Career Mentoring Program

December 3, 2025

West Chester, Pa (December 3, 2025) – Main Line Mentoring, a Tredyffrin-based nonprofit organization offering educational and tutoring programs for school-age children, is expanding its programs to help more young people prepare for future careers, thanks to funding secured by state Senator Carolyn Comitta.

“The sooner we can help young people explore career options and get thinking about how they can contribute to our economy and our society, the better positioned they will be for long-term success in school, work, and life,” said Comitta, a former public-school teacher who serves on the Senate Education Committee. “Integrating job and career-readiness into education programs just makes sense. We’re focusing on that in our schools, and Main Line Mentoring is, too. I also want to thank Kevin Stroman and all supporters and volunteers at Main Line Mentoring for their work on behalf of our kids.”

The $50,000 grant, which comes through the Pennsylvania Department of Education, will help Main Line Mentoring (MLM) restructure and expand to offer comprehensive job training and career readiness services, including career coaching, job skills development, resume writing and interview preparation, career workshops, information on certification programs, internship and job shadowing opportunities, and more.

“The funding will enable us to extend our free after-school tutoring program and introduce new educational, life skills, employment, and leadership initiatives for young adults across the Main Line. We express our sincere appreciation to Senator Comitta for her essential contributions and ongoing commitment to our community,” said MLM Founder and President Kevin D. Stroman Sr.

Based out of the historic Carr School/Mount Pleasant Chapel in Wayne, MLM was originally founded by Stroman in 1994 under the name “Kids First Now.” Since then, the organization has grown significantly to include after-school homework help and tutoring four nights a week, cultural programs like field trips to museums and theatrical performances, and opportunities for social interaction.

MLM’s plans to incorporate job training and career readiness in its academic support services aim to help bridge the gap between school and employment, particularly for underserved youth who face barriers to academic and career success.

The program will support about 35-50 students and families annually and plans to help them explore future careers and develop job-specific goals, while increasing high school graduation rates and college and career readiness.

Through access to hands-on learning experiences, information on jobs in high-demand industries, networking opportunities, and guest speakers from various fields, MLM aims to create a pipeline to sustainable employment and foster long-term economic growth.

For more information on Main Line Mentoring, visit mainlinementoring.org

Comitta: Affordable Housing Tax Credits Approved for The Hickman

November 25, 2025

West Chester, Pa (November 25, 2025) – The Hickman, a nonprofit senior living community in West Chester Borough, plans to renovate one of its buildings into affordable housing for senior citizens with support from tax credits recently approved by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA).

The project, currently working under the name “Nathaniel Hickman House,” calls for the renovation of the three-story, 40,000-square-foot building, which will be reconfigured into six efficiency units, 22 one-bedroom units, and four two-bedroom units for seniors aged 62 and up. Architects also plan to retain the historic structure and brick façade of the building, which was built in 1936.

“As our senior population continues to grow, the need for high-quality affordable housing options is increasing with it,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate Aging and Youth Committee. “This investment will help create 32 affordable apartments for older adults on the campus of The Hickman, a safe, welcoming community where they can live independently and access in-home care services when needed.”

“We are grateful to breathe new life into this historic building and reimagine it as affordable housing for older adults. This project continues The Hickman’s long tradition of providing compassionate, community-centered living options that honor the dignity and independence of every resident in Chester County,” said Toni Kelly, Executive Director of The Hickman.

The PHFA board voted to reserve $1,056,000 in federal low-income housing tax credits for the renovations, which will be designed to achieve National Green Building Standard (NGBS) Silver Certification and Zero Energy Ready Homes Certification.

“Tax credits are the main tool for PHFA to create affordable rental housing, and I’m pleased we are awarding credit to developments that will make a difference for so many Pennsylvanians,” said Robin Wiessmann, PHFA executive director and CEO. “The shortage of affordable housing is widely acknowledged. These credits are pivotal in helping to build and preserve homes that working families, seniors and vulnerable Pennsylvanians can afford.”

The tax credits for The Hickman come as part of $66.5 million in low-income housing tax credits approved by PHFA to support the construction of 1,900 new and rehabilitated affordable multifamily housing units statewide.

In addition to these tax credit awards, PHFA’s board authorized Pennsylvania housing tax credits and recognized the agency will also contribute first mortgages and/or soft funding sources to many of the awarded developments. Additionally, these low-income housing tax credits will be used to leverage local, state, federal and private financial resources needed to complete the financing plans for these construction initiatives.

Founded in 1891 and rooted in Quaker values, The Hickman currently provides personal care and memory care in the Anna T. Jeanes building on its campus near downtown West Chester. When the renovation is complete, the 1936 building—currently operating under the project name “Nathaniel Hickman House”—will introduce independent living apartments, expanding the continuum of care available to older adults.

For more information on The Hickman, visit thehickman.org

For more information on PHFA, visit phfa.org