(From a press release.)
The City of Chester and the Chester Economic Development Authority were awarded a combined $500,000 in Local Share Account (LSA) grants from Pennsylvania’s Department of Community & Economic Development (PDCED).
Sen. John I. Kane (D-Delaware) and Rep. Carol Kazeem (D-Chester), whose districts include Chester helped usher these LSA grants for approval.
The grants include $250,000 to help with the eventual construction of a new police headquarters. The existing headquarters, built in the 1980s, suffers from multiple structural issues, including water leaks. A timetable for the construction of a new facility has not been established.
The $250,000 grant for ACCESS will start Phase II of its project, which will focus on building a gymnasium at the existing community center, which provides crucial social services to the city of Chester. The project will also include the installation of basketball and volleyball fixtures, exterior landscaping, fencing, and other requirements for the complete buildout and stabilization of the gymnasium.
“On behalf of the residents of Chester, I want to thank Sen. Kane and Rep. Kazeem for their work in getting these grants approved,” said Chester Mayor Stefan Roots. “Both Sen. Kane and Rep. Kazeem are stalwart advocates for our city and are committed to improving the lives of their constituents here.”
“Bringing state dollars back to Chester isn’t just about flashy headlines—it’s about creating real change in our community,” said Kane. “These grants are about keeping our streets safe and giving our kids a place to grow. Chester needs this boost, and I’m always fighting tooth and nail for every dollar we can get. Chester’s well-being is always my top priority, because when Chester thrives, we all do better.”
“I am proud to represent Chester,” said Kazeem. “And I will continue to fight to be Chester’s champion.”
For more information on the city’s financial recovery plan, visit.
