People love to drop rumors on me to go investigate. Not only do I refuse to investigate anything, most rumors end up as fact so why should I do all that investigative work?
A recent rumor-turned-almost-fact is that a city official made mention a couple months ago that Chester was going to take efforts to attract immigrants. There was no mention from where or how soon, but today’s Delaware County Daily Times offers a hint that the Cambodians may be coming to Chester.
The Ambassador of Cambodia to the United States came through the city and got the red carpet treatment of lunch at Pizzeria Unos, a reception at the Wharf (which probably included more food), and box seats to the soccer stadium to watch our MLS team play a match (where there was probably even more food). Hope he was hungry.
It’s not clear whether Cambodia is planning to bring new businesses or new people to Chester, or both.
The demographics of Chester is as largely black as several western Delaware County towns are largely white. Other than the towns that border Philadelphia in eastern Delaware County, we don’t find much diversity of cultures around here.
It will be interesting to see how this Sister Cities initiative between Chester and Phnom Penh works out. We hope that if they bring their businesses to Chester their people will also live in Chester.
We have a tendency to allow Asian business owners to leave the city on a daily basis with the money we pay them for goods and services and take it back to the suburbs where they live
That practice should be nipped in the bud from the very beginning if Phnom Penh joins forces with William Penn.
Chester Matters Blog 
How about helping the ppl here first before bringing foreigners into Chester. There are a lot of ppl hurting hear born and raised here. Start using the village her to raise up our ppl before we start teaching out to others.
This was a great article but I just wanted to clarify some facts! The Cambodian Ambassador’s name is Chum Bunrong. Chester is indeed looking to form a relationship with Cambodia to help build up new and existing business already in the city. We see this as a positive and diplomatic move and are extremely excited by the possibilities. Thanks again for covering this event! Feel free to check out our Facebook Page, Chester Economic Development Authority for more information and photos!
Thanks for chiming in. I think there’s some concern that this move is to bring Cambodian’s to live in Chester. I believe the intent is to only partner with Cambodian’s in business. Can you clarify?
“We have a tendency to allow Asian business owners to leave the city on a daily basis with the money we pay them for goods and services and take it back to the suburbs where they live”
Now why is this, Stefan? Commuting is a pain. And it is clear that back in Chester’s prehistoric times (based on the number of fancy mansions that are still standing) that Chester business owners once actually lived in the city.
“We” vs “They”…as long as “they” may be welcome as business owners, but not as human beings (who have need for personal safety, family, friendship) you will see “them” making the decision not to open themselves to punishment after business hours.
Thoughts?
Allow them to leave? You suggest we prohibit them from leaving? If we don’t want them here, stop buying from them.
Look at your post, Stefan. “Allow them to leave” is your words.
And no, I do not suggest anyone be prohibited from leaving at the end of the business day. Here’s a thought: is it possible for business owners to feel comfortable to living and working in the same town? Not so long ago, this was the norm. And when that can happen, it’s a win-win situation, because business owners then have a stake in making the community as pleasant and livable as possible.
This is the same concept as in Jane Jacobs’ book: you need a critical number of folks who both own and dwell in a neighborhood for it to remain viable.
Owning and dwelling usually refer to residential status. NY, Baltimore and other suburban landlords swooping into Chester buying properties on the cheap with no regard for the community is a problem. Commercial business owners seek locations their business can thrive regardless of where the owner lives. Many businesses are faceless conglomerates with investors from all over. The corner store owner living atop the store are few and far between.
Here in Chester there are so many people in leadership with old ideas. As a homeowner I welcome anyone who is willing to care for the home they live in and not be a menace to the community. Black people have been the dominant demographic in this city for awhile, and we act like were a minority. The city should be welcoming anyone who wants to pay the high taxes and receive the lackluster services the city provides. Part of the reason the city can’t keep a supermarket is the people don’t have the income to sustain it, and no one wants to be a victim of crime if they were to shop at a market in the city. Seems like the majority of the population is either on public assistance or are senior citizens getting pensions or SSI checks, they don’t have a lot of deposable income. Its not difficult to stop doing business with people who don’t support the community, just because people refuse to walk or drive little further to a business that does, shouldn’t stop the city from welcoming others who want to live or do business in the city. People need to take responsibility for who they decide to do business with.
🙏🏽 AMEN! CASE CLOSED! NOW DONT GET OFFENDED BY THIS NONSENSE…WE CONTINUE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT MANY THINGS GOING ON IN CHESTER; YET WE DO NOT POSSESS THE INITIATIVE NOR DRIVING SPIRIT TO BRING ABOUT A CHANGE IN OUR VERY OWN BACKYARD. WE CATER TO THOSE WHO BRING BUSINESS TO OUR TOWN BECAUSE WE ARE TOO DAMN LAZY TO GO ELSEWHERE!!!
WHAT I DISLIKE ABOUT SOME FOREIGNERS IS THAT IF YOU ARE SHORT OF A FEW PENNIES..THESE FOLKS WILL HOLD ONTO THEIR MERCHANDISE UNTIL ITS PAID IN FULL!!! COME ON NOW .. WE ARE STILL IN A POSITION TO BRING ABOUT A CHANGE! MAKE UP YOUR MIND..EITHER YOU ARE IN OR OUT. ..AND STOO BUYING BLUNTS FROM YOUR LOCAL TRAP STORES THROUGHOUT THIS CITY!