We attended the Housing Authority of the County of Chester (HACC) board meeting on Tuesday at the Denny Rayburn building. The outside doors were locked prior to and during the meeting at 4:30, so members of the public were unable to gain access to the room while it was happening. In addition, the livestream that was published to their website was the incorrect link, so members of the public were not able to access the meeting as far as we can tell, unless they arrived early.

We also did not see any public notice of the meeting, and the agenda was not published ahead of time. The time of the meeting was published on their website, but that does not meet the legal standard according to our understanding of the law. The time listed on their website was a half hour earlier than the meeting actually started, which is the only reason we were able to gain access and provide coverage.

These all seem to be violations of the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act, so we reached out to the Chester County Commissioners. County Commissioner Josh Maxwell responded, “They are a non-profit; I’m only familiar with the government sunshine laws. They are likely different than our rules.”

HACC administers the Section 8 program, and the board is appointed by the county commissioners. According to the state website regarding the Sunshine Act, HACC does seem to meet the criteria.

We objected during the meeting, but they claimed the doors were unlocked. We demonstrated after the meeting to Mr. Claypool, one of the board members, that the doors were indeed locked.

We are waiting for a response from Commissioner Maxwell and will update you if we hear back from County Commissioner Marian Moskowitz or Chester County Commissioner Eric Roe.

This week, we remember the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 at the National Iron & Steel Heritage Museum in Coatesville, PA, wehre the steel for the World Trade Centers were made. Also, Gov. Shapiro takes a stand on Flock cameras, but the relationship between VIPR.ai and State Police is unclear. Finally, we sit down with Jasmine Smith, Director at the Downingtown Library to talk about the amazing community center right down the road. Rest in peace Tom Walsh, 1941-2026.

This week, Bonita goes over the major changes SEPTA is making to their bus network and what is in store for West Chester. Governor Shapiro changes direction on data centers, we speak with activist Ginny Kerslake and hear a response from his opponent in the race for governor, State Treasurer Stacy Garrity. This week Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union had a “Cybersecurity Incident” that caused their website, emails and login to go down. Bam Margera is back making content and filming locally for his new Kick.com channel.

Also, local sports with Josh Gordon (new book available now!) and a look at Monday’s “Night of Light” at the Chester County Historic Courthouse.

This week we continue our investigation into VIPR.ai Automated License Plate Reader Technology, the largest surveillance network you’ve never heard of. In this video we share a shortened version of a presentation VIPR owner Sean Petty made to IPVM in 2023 where he goes into how his technology works. Then, he walks through a product demo that showcases the abilities with a run through of what a search looks like.

We also go over clearance rates going back to 2018 to show what impact, if any, the VIP system had on actually solving crimes. Then, local attorney Sam Stretton shares his concerns with the lack of regulation on this technology.

Josh Gordon gives this week’s sports report which is focused on the East Side Little League’s historic trip to the Little League World Series.

Don’t forget, school is back in session!

Editors note: In the original publication of this video, the source of the presentation was mistakingly labeled IVPM, when the source is, in fact, IPVM. They are a Pennsylvania based research organization focused on physical security. That has been corrected in this version.

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This week, Auciel goes over the America250 Celebration in Downtown West Chester that went off despite the rain. Our editor visited the Chester County Welcome Center and spoke with Michelle Cope about Chester County Tourism. Plus, Josh Gordon with local sports and the Tour-de-Trike is this weekend!

Our local journalism is made possible by neighbors like you.

Right now the air is officially unhealthy, we discuss a small dog that was killed by unleashed dog at the Apartments for Modern Living, student volunteers were suspected of being drunk while supervising children as young as 1st grade, and we talk with the founders of the upcoming West Chester Comedy Festival.

Our local news is made possible by neighbors like you.

This week, Auciel looks at the cause of the recent contamination of Goose Creek. Also, our cultural correspondent, Zabelle Minasian, visited the Chester County Community Foundation's "Sweet Charity" event, and the borough is looking for volunteers for several commissions.

featuring music by Mike Nappi

This week, Bonita goes over how to run for office, Cultural Correspondent Zabelle Minasian explores Restaurant Week (featuring Music from Mike Nappi), and Kyle visits the West Chester Theatre and Dance department to check out this weekend's performance of "Good" by C.P. Taylor.