Vince Pompo, Chair of East Bradford Township’s Board of Supervisors, along with Rich Phifer, the township’s Director of Property and Recreation, recently attended the Chester County Planning Commission’s April Board meeting to provide an update on recent planning successes in East Bradford Township.

Their presentation demonstrated how strong planning can lead to exemplary results, with much of the township preserved as open space and growth focused in appropriate locations.  To illustrate these successes, they described recent efforts and funding behind their Plum Run Corridor initiative, which includes a trail, riparian corridor plantings, and improvements to the Strode’s Barn located in the Strode’s Mill Historic District. All of these projects are included in the Plum Run Corridor Master Plan (2019), which was funded with a Vision Partnership Program grant.

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The Chester County Planning Commission’s Heritage Preservation Coordinator, Karen Marshall, has retired from her position as of Friday, April 23. After 9 years with the Planning Commission and 14 years with the county (having started with Parks and Recreation back in 2007), Karen has played a key role in so many of the county’s historical efforts and achievements.

“Karen has been a passionate and effective leader in the historic community here in Chester County,” commented the Planning Commission’s Executive Director, Brian O’Leary. “She has done a great job of being an advocate of our region’s history, and has helped others to accomplish their goals on the historic preservation front as well. We wish Karen all the best in her retirement.”

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Chester County’s landscape is defined by rolling green hills and picturesque woodland views which help to define our unique sense of place. One of the ways to help maintain this sense of place is by preserving our steep slopes and woodlands.

By limiting the disturbance of steep slopes, municipalities can greatly reduce soil erosion, stormwater runoff, and stream sedimentation. In addition to protecting water quality, wildlife habitats and scenic views are preserved.

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While 2020 presented countless challenges for communities across the globe, Chester County continued to implement Landscapes3, the county’s comprehensive plan, through a variety of ways. These efforts (and more) can be identified through the Chester County Planning Commission’s recently released 2020 Metrics and Success Stories!

The 2020 metrics and success stories were presented at the Planning Commission’s April Board Meeting, and serve to support the six goals and vision of Landscapes3.

“Our 2020 metrics and successes show that our Chester County communities continue to remain resilient,” commented Planning Commission Executive Director, Brian O’Leary. “While some industries were more affected than others this past year, we see more positives than negatives which proves that even during a global pandemic, our efforts to continue implementing Landscapes3 are strong.”

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Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell and Michelle Kichline, along with leaders of Chester County”s Planning Commission and Parks + Preservation, are hosting the annual Open Space Summit on Thursday, April 29, 2021.  The Summit includes a report on Chester County’s 2020 open space preservation achievements and ongoing commitment to the program, and will take place via Zoom from 6:30pm – 8:00pm.

Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Marian Moskowitz said, “Throughout this pandemic, Chester County’s protected open spaces have been a haven for thousands of people to safely visit and enjoy, and have helped to not only improve our physical health, but provide a remedy for our emotional and mental well-being too.”

“Anyone who wants to find out more about the true value of preserving open space in Chester County, and how their own local community can contribute, should ‘attend’ the summit.”

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