Category: Events and Happenings

bookmark_borderWest Chester Busking Ordinance Borough Council

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Jordan C. Norley
West Chester Borough Council
Title: President, 4th Ward
jnorley@west-chester.com

Dear Mr. Norley:

In a Philadelphia Inquirer article on July 8, 2016, you were asked about my concerns over the proposed busking ordinance and you replied, “That is just silly.” While filming police misconduct on June 21, 2016, Sergeant Deighan of the West Chester Borough Police refers to my First Amendment Rights as “non-sense”. ( see https://youtu.be/rrrZBfKH7NM )

I am a writer and have written hundreds of songs on the streets and in the parks of West Chester. Also, I create new arrangements of traditional songs. In addition, I practice with a group of musicians known as the Gay Church Band. At no time have I, nor any of the other musicians, attempted to solicit or engage in commercial activities.

Nevertheless, I and other street musicians have been targeted, swatted, harassed, assaulted and terrorized by the West Chester Police. (see http://JusticeDept.com/West-Chester-Crimes/ ) In one such incident, I was threatened by Patrolman Gregory Cugino for having an “open guitar case”. When I write and play, I often take my instruments in and out of their cases, as well as, let others play them. An open guitar case is not a commercial activity.

I am requesting the ordinance be modified to specifically exempt musicians, such as myself, to help avoid further police misconduct and crimes. The ordinance should also clearly state that an open guitar case does not constitute busking.

Will you assure me of the proper re-drafting of the proposed ordinance?

Thank you. I shall await your advice.

Sincerely,
Daniel Brouse

More About the West Chester Busking Ordinance

bookmark_borderWest Chester Parking Authority Master Plan

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WEST CHESTER, PA — The Borough of West Chester held a public meeting to unveil the “Master Plan” for parking. Unfortunately, the most severe problem was not even addressed — the militant and hostile behavior of the West Chester Parking Authority. In fact, it did not appear as though a single representative from the Parking Authority was present. Instead, a Parking Enforcement Officer was documented harassing a motorist and engaged in illegal activities out on the street.

West Chester Parking Enforcement Officer Illegally Stalking a Motorist
West Chester Parking Enforcement Officer Illegally Stalking a Motorist
Nobody From the Parking Authority at the Parking Meeting
Nobody From the Parking Authority at the Parking Meeting

bookmark_borderWest Chester to Ban Singing and Dancing

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The West Chester “Footloose” Ordinance
by Daniel Brouse
#WestChesterFootloose

WEST CHESTER, PA — The Borough of West Chester, Pennsylvania is attempting to pass an ordinance that would outlaw singing, dancing, acting, reading, juggling, magic, mimes and more. Unlike some “busking ordinances”, this ordinance will criminalize these activities for every person.

For instance, if you allow a 5-year-old to color with chalk on the sidewalk without a license, you both will be breaking the law. If you obtain a license to perform music and kids start dancing, they will be breaking the law. If you write music without a license and kids start dancing, you all will be breaking the law. Should you and your friends attend a peace rally or sporting event and sing the “Star Spangled Banner”, you will be breaking the law. If you read the First Amendment, you will be breaking the law. For that matter, if you read the busking ordinance, you will be breaking the law.

There is a public hearing:
Tuesday July 26, 2016 at 6PM
West Chester Borough Hall
401 East Gay Street
West Chester, PA 19380

Contact Borough of West Chester: email info@west-chester.com

Those interested in more information, please contact us below:

Your Name
 E-mail Address
 Phone Number
Street Address
 City
 State & Zip Code

Please give a brief description of your intentions.

Click the submit button to send your request.

Thank you.

 
More Info. at KingArthur.com