County Commissioners recognize winners of Landscapes3 photo competition

Chester County Planning Commission’s photo contest, Show Us Your Favorite Place in Chester County, set out to engage the public in the development of Landscapes3, the county’s next Comprehensive Plan. From the county’s working agricultural lands to its urban main streets, participants shared 375 favorite places. The contest was intended to get a different  view on what places are valued in Chester County, and the perspectives offered were varied but still quintessential Chester County – open space, farmland, farm stands, main streets and side streets, community parks, streams and lakes, historic buildings, community events, walking trails, and bridges.  Continue Reading →

Senior Staff member departs from the Planning Commission

Tom West, Technical Services Director of the Chester County Planning Commission staff, will be leaving his post after thirty years of dedicated service.  Over his tenure at the Commission, Tom has held a position in nearly every division; from subdivision review to developing products using Geographic Information System software.  He has seen the evolution of technology from typewriters to computer networks. He became fluent in both planning jargon and technical language and could bridge planning issues with technical solutions. Continue Reading →

Spring Classes Announced

We are pleased to share the spring dates for the Master Planner Courses in Community Planning, Zoning, and Zoning Administration taking place at the West Chester University Graduate Center. These courses are designed to help municipal officials and land use professionals navigate the rules that govern land use in Pennsylvania. There are no pre-requisites to take the courses and any citizen who is interested in land use is welcome to enroll. Classes begin at 6:30 pm and are accredited for continuing education for attorneys, engineers, realtors, appraisers and licensed landscape architects. Continue Reading →

Recapping 2016

The Chester County Planning Commission accomplished many goals in 2016.  The staff continued to create excellent, highly-professional products that set the standard for planning work in the region.  Here is a brief recap of 2016’s accomplishments and how they helped implement Landscapes2 and smart growth.  Continue Reading →