This month’s highlighted eTools look at different ways to support people of all ages and abilities. Aging in Place and Age-restricted Housing focus specifically on housing options for older populations while Universal Design for Residential Uses and Universal Design for Public Spaces accommodates all ages and abilities.

We are pleased to announce that Benjamin Nein has joined our staff as the new Technical Services Specialist. Benny recently graduated Magna Cum Laude from West Chester University with a Bachelor of Science in Urban and Environmental Planning, and is on track to complete his Master of Science in Geography later this year. While an undergraduate, Benny was a data analyst intern at the Chester County Department of Parks and Open Space Preservation. He also worked as a graduate assistant providing data research and visuals for faculty and university events. We look forward to having Benny assist with GIS while also providing support with IT related tasks.

We are very pleased to announce Elle Steinman has joined our staff as the new Communications Coordinator. Elle graduated from West Chester University in 2015 with a Bachelor’s Degree in English Writing and Linguistics. Elle brings to the Planning Commission four years of experience working with local government, community affairs, and public communications. She is well-versed in a wide range of social media platforms and has been a contributing author to local publications. 

The Chester County Planning Commission released its 2019 Annual Report, which provides a recap of projects and accomplishments. Notably, the report highlights steps we took to begin implementing Landscapes3, Chester County’s comprehensive plan. This plan serves as a road map for the next 10 years, and it seeks to balance preservation and growth across the county’s landscapes through six goal areas: Preserve, Protect, Appreciate, Live, Prosper, and Connect. During the year, the Planning Commission worked on resource preservation, urban and suburban center revitalization, housing diversity, transportation choices, collaboration, and resiliency. The annual report highlights examples of Landscapes3 implementation and upcoming initiatives toward further implementation of the plan. View the Annual Report.

As part of Chester County’s commitment to design quality in its built environment, the Planning Commission issued a new design guide for the county’s Urban Center Landscapes. As designated on the county’s Landscapes map, Urban Center Landscapes encompass the county’s 15 boroughs, the City of Coatesville, and portions of neighboring townships that have Urban Center Landscape characteristics.

The Warner Spur Multi-Use Trail Master Plan, a study funded by DVRPC’s Regional Trails Program and the William Penn Foundation, is now completed and illustrates how this route could become an active multi-use trail. The Warner Spur is a 1.95 mile-long former rail corridor owned by Tredyffrin Township that connects the Chester Valley Trail and Cedar Hollow Park to the Atwater development in East Whiteland Township. The master plan identifies what improvements would be necessary to convert the former rail spur to a multi-use trail, how much those improvements might cost, and steps for developing the trail. Working with McMahon Associates as the project consultant and Tredyffrin Township, the master plan process included significant public participation through the formation of a Plan Advisory Committee (PAC), numerous public meetings, and interviews with residents living adjacent to the Warner Spur corridor.

We are pleased to announce Ian Mix joined our staff as the new Graphics Arts Specialist earlier this month. Ian graduated Magna Cum Laude from West Chester University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic and Interactive Design. His course work included typography, publication design, and digital design. He brings to the Planning Commission experience with print and digital layouts, brand identity, and tight deadlines. Read on to learn more about Ian.