On August 3, U.S. Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham released a statement regarding an update on the 2020 Census.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in order to ensure a complete and accurate 2020 Census Count by the statutory deadline of December 31, 2020, the deadline for field data entry collection has been moved up one month earlier than previously announced. The new deadline is September 30, 2020. Self-response options will also close on that day in order for data processing to begin.

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On Monday, August 3, the Brandywine Conservancy, in partnership with the Chester County Planning Commission, announced the completion of the Brandywine Creek Water Trail Feasibility Study!

As a part of the Brandywine Creek Greenway initiative, the study outlines recommendations for a formalized route along the Brandywine Creek for recreational use and enhanced trail connections. Recommendations focus on improving safe public access by providing proper amenities for kayakers and canoers, directing use to specific access points through unified wayfinding signage and a water trail map, and establishing an online presence to provide information on creek conditions as well as proper safety and stewardship practices.

The Planning Commission partnered with the Brandywine Conservancy on this project in an advisory capacity and contributed conceptual designs for the proposed launch facilities and proposed wayfinding system.

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Trails are more important now than ever. In fact, due to COVID-19, many of Chester County’s trails have seen an increase in use over the past year, with some averaging more than fifty-percent.

The Chester County Planning Commission helps to advance the Circuit Trail network, the Greater Philadelphia’s multi-use trail network, by conducting feasibility studies and providing ongoing support for trail development within municipalities throughout the county. Additionally, the Planning Commission actively tracks the status of the current Circuit Trail projects in and around Chester County in order to share information with the public and facilitate a unified trail network.

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Did you know that each person counted in the 2020 Census – including newborns and children – brings in just over $2,000 to the community, every year, for ten years? Now more than ever, a total count of our county’s population is crucial. While Chester County’s overall response rate is good, there are still some areas with lower response rates. If you have already completed the census, help encourage others to do the same! If you have not completed the census, please go to 2020Census.gov and do so as soon as possible.

The Chester County Commissioners, Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell, and Michelle Kichline, have prepared videos referencing some of the areas with lower response rates across the region. View the videos.

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Official construction to create the new multi-use path connecting the Exton Train Station to the Chester Valley Trail, located along Route 100 in West Whiteland Township, is well underway!

The new asphalt path will accommodate both pedestrian and bicycle traffic and allow a safe passageway for pedestrians to get from the Exton Train Station (on Walkertown Road) to the entrance of the Chester Valley Trail on Commerce Drive (Main Street at Exton).

The project will be completed in two phases, with the first phase connecting Exton Train Station to Bartlett Avenue, and the second phase connecting Bartlett Avenue to the Chester Valley Trail.

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On Tuesday, July 14, the Chester County Planning Commission held a public meeting discussing the Southern Chester County Circuit Trail Feasibility Study via Zoom from 7:00pm – 9:00pm.

There were 165 people in attendance, with great public feedback and participation among attendees. The meeting was also live-streamed via the Planning Commission’s Facebook page, where the “event” piqued interest from an additional 45 potential trail users.

During the meeting, project manager for the study, Rachael Griffith, provided an overview of the project, including potential trail alignments and feedback received from the public so far. Attendees contributed to the discussion as well, especially regarding the trail’s potential use and location. Additional break-out sessions were facilitated by Planning Commission staff in order for attendees to take a deeper dive into specific discussion areas.

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Chester County’s rich cultural heritage is evident through many of the historic structures and buildings that still exist today. One of the ways this is possible is through the process of adaptive reuse, which is this month’s highlighted eTool.

Adaptive reuse is the process of repurposing buildings to address present-day needs and modern functions. The new functions are not what the building may have originally been intended or used for, however they are sensitive to the building’s character-defining features.

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The Chester County Planning Commission is excited to welcome Austin Kerley as the new full-time intern for the summer!

Austin is a native of Chester County, growing up and residing in Chester Springs with his family. He is currently attending Bloomsburg University, where he is studying Environmental Science with a focus in Geography and Planning.

Over the next three months, Austin will be working on projects mostly within the Planning Commission’s Environment and Infrastructure Division, but will assist in other areas as well, such as GIS. He hopes to learn as much as he can in the Planning and GIS fields, and has already gotten off to a great start.

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Chester County ranks second among Pennsylvania’s 67 counties in agricultural production, and 53rd out of the 3,000 counties in the nation. Because of this, the agricultural industry continues to play a vital role in Chester County’s economy and culture. This month, our highlighted eTools focus on a few ways to support the agricultural industry within Chester County.

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The Chester County Environmental and Energy Advisory Board held their first meeting, via Zoom, on Thursday, May 28, 2020. It was a productive and exciting kick-off meeting, with all 21 newly-appointed Board members on the call.

Commissioners’ Chair Marian Moskowitz began the meeting by welcoming everyone to the group. “It’s great to see everyone here for the first real meeting,” said Moskowitz. “I’m anxious to hear the conversation and listen to all of the great ideas.”

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