Millennials in Chester County

On Thursday July 22, 2016, Jake Michael of the Planning Commission staff gave a presentation at the Chester County 2020 Citizen Planner Breakfast about the how local planning is adapting to meet the needs of Millennial Generation.  How Chester County’s communities will adapt to the changing housing and employment needs of Millennials is become a significant planning issue, since this generation now comprises roughly a quarter of the population.

The presentation provides a lot of information that provides insights into the preferences and decisions made by this large, new cohort of our population.  The primary topics include housing, education, employment and transit choices since these could significantly impact planning decisions.  View presentation.

Comprehensive Plan Outreach to Municipalities

Landscapes2, Chester County’s award-winning Comprehensive Policy Plan, was adopted in 2009 to bring growth and preservation together for Chester County. Much has changed in the years since adoption, including a significant economic recession and recovery, digital and technology advances, and growth in both population numbers and diversity.  These changes have had significant implications for our natural and built environment. Continue Reading →

New Pipeline Project

A new pipeline project has been posted to the Pipeline Information Center. In Chester County, the William Transco Northeast Supply Enhancement Project is limited to the addition of an electric compressor unit at the site of the current gas compressor station in East Whiteland Township. However, 35 additional miles of pipeline is proposed for other parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New York. http://ow.ly/qNht301rhew

Proposed Development Map

If you like to keep up with land development activity or want to know more about a proposed development in Chester County, check out the newly redesigned and expanded “Plan Review” webpage on our website. You will find dozens of informative reports and the webpage now features an interactive map containing details on plans that have been submitted for review. Continue Reading →

Hibernia Mansion and Iron Master Plantation

The thunderstorms on Thursday did not dampen the spirit of those who attended the historic Hibernia Park Tour. A guided tour of the furnished mansion and self-guided walking tour of the ironworks site featured the property’s transformation from a modest Quaker weaver’s shop and farm, to a thriving 19th century iron plantation, and then a 20th century country manor, to its present-day use as a County Park and interpretive site. Continue Reading →

Pipeline Information Center

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has begun its technical review of permit applications for the Sunoco Logistics Mariner East 2 project. A public hearing will be held in Chester County on August 10, 2016. The full PaDEP press release can be viewed here: http://ow.ly/WXag302lyq0. Information about the Mariner East project can be viewed here: http://ow.ly/5Wpt302lyu4

Joanna Furnace: An Archaeological Triumph

In 1791 when Joanna Furnace was founded by Samuel Potts, Thomas Rutter III, Thomas May and Thomas Bull, Berks County was part of Chester County.  Hay Creek Valley Historical Association Executive Director Mark Zerr and over 25 living history volunteers brought the village to life for Town Tours in this wonderful testament to imagination and hard work in the 1800’s and today.  This remarkably restored iron village was buried in the woods and weeds after the furnace blew out in 1898 until work began in 1979 to restore the village.  Volunteers recreated this 19th Century iron making community through research, archaeology, restoration, early American crafts, engine technology and just plain hard work!! I sincerely hope all the Chester County residents who wanted to make the trip but felt it was too far will return for the Hay Creek Apple Festival at Joanna Furnace on October 8 & 9 when over 10,000 visitors will enjoy “all things apples” for two wonderful days of family fun.  For more information about this festival and Joanna Furnace visit www.haycreek.org/index.htm.