Zoning Hearing Board Meeting | May 20, 2026

The City of Chester, PA Zoning Hearing Board convened on May 20, 2026, to review multiple zoning variance applications related to property use and development. Key procurement-related discussions included the Chester Upland School District's request for variances to increase impervious surface coverage and reduce required parking for a new athletic complex at the STEM Academy campus. The board heard detailed plans for facility upgrades including artificial turf, expanded seating, and ADA improvements, and approved the variances. Another significant item was Widner University's application to convert the former Best Western Hotel into student housing, requiring a use variance in the C2R zoning district. The university presented plans for minimal interior modifications and demonstrated adequate parking availability. The board approved this variance as well. Public comments addressed community concerns such as construction impacts and support for the projects. Both approvals included decisions to be issued within 45 days, enabling the respective capital improvement projects to proceed.