CHESTER, June 26, 2024—Six months into his term in office, Chester Mayor Stefan Roots gave his first “State of the City “ address on Tuesday morning on Widener’s campus in Latham Hall.
Speaking to a room filled with Chester City Council, a few community members, community stakeholders, politicians, and potential investors, Roots laid out his upbeat, hopeful vision for the city he loves.
Chester, the only city in Delaware County, has its challenges, including bankruptcy, and Roots addressed each one–appearing not to skirt any issue.
In his opening statement, the Mayor said, “So what is the State of the City? Reading the newspaper or watching the news, you probably have the impression it’s not very good. In our homes and businesses, in our churches and community centers, we see a city that’s being reborn. We’ve some difficult times ahead for certain, but the corner has been turned. Our residents feel it. Our business community is feeling it. And now we ask you to experience it for yourselves. Please join us on this journey.“
Roots outlined the key points of financial recovery, partnering for economic recovery, good and effective governance, cleaning up and beautifying the city, public safety, attracting business, improved and increased housing, green spaces and activities, and workforce training.
Plans for Partnering for Financial Recovery are being implemented as the Roots Administration reaches out to local stakeholders, community leaders, business people, neighbors, boards, the Receiver’s team, agency leaders, Governor Shapiro, the United States Congress, the White House, and other Federal agencies.
The City of Chester has been in Act 47 since 1995, entered Receivership in 2020, and has been in Bankruptcy since 2023. The Roots Administration is currently in the stages of a Plan of Adjustment with the dedicated goal of bringing the city to its current distressed state.
In efforts to bring the city to Good Governance, City Council has been moved from operational to legislative duties, looking to hire qualified individuals on every level, created Council Committees, and is expected to institute a Code of Ethics for City Government.
The administration has also been evaluating and overseeing the effectiveness of the City’s public authorities by re-establishing the Parking Authority, filling board positions with approved residents, increasing transparency and the availability of information, and improving communication and responsiveness to resident requests and issues.
Cleaning up and beautifying is taking place as Streets Department crews are clearing trash and dumping from streets and alleyways, a Block Captain Program will be launched by summer’s end, and License and Inspections have instituted rental registrations.
As for Public Safety, police improvements include body cameras and a new shift structure to achieve maximum coverage, targeted camera coverage on the problem area of 21st and Edgemont, the institution of the Safe Summer 2024 website where all activities are listed. www.chestercity.com/safesummer
Removing red tape and rolling out the red carpet was how Roots described his administration’s efforts to attract new businesses and pursue new diverse businesses that are green, sustainable, and positively contribute to the community.
The administration aims to develop an alternative learning environment for vocational and innovative centers with proximity to industry and job opportunities for Chester residents and the river community of Delaware County by partnering with local businesses and institutions.
There was quite a bit to unpack from this State of the City address. For more information, please go to www.chestercity.com
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