Celebrating Community Planning Month

The Chester County Commissioners issued a proclamation in recognition of the work done by local, county, and regional planners in conjunction with the celebration of National Community Planning Month during today’s meeting.

“It’s important to take the time to acknowledge the valuable efforts and contributions of local planners, including those who work for the Chester County Planning Commission and municipal planning commissions,” said Chester County Commissioners Michelle Kichline, Kathi Cozzone and Terence Farrell. “Their work is significant when it comes to planning for our County’s future and balancing managed growth and preservation. In particular, we appreciate all the work that has been done this past year to implement aspects of Landscapes3, the County’s new comprehensive plan.” Continue Reading →

Urban Centers Forum Highlights Destination Towns

Chester County’s urban centers are becoming destination towns where more and more people want to live, work, and visit to enjoy unique experiences offered by breweries and tasting rooms, farmers’ markets, food trucks, and short-term rentals such as Airbnbs and VRBOs.

That was the message that came out of the Chester County Urban Centers Forum on October 8th at the Victory Brewing Company in Parkesburg. Continue Reading →

Chester County Municipal Stormwater Summit Focuses on Adapting to Changing Trends

Nearly 90 Chester County municipal officials, managers, engineers, planners, and others interested in addressing stormwater issues recently attended the Chester County 2019 Municipal Stormwater Summit, “Adapting to Changing Trends in Chester County – Growth, Rainfall Patterns, and Stormwater.” The summit was hosted by the Chester County Water Resources Authority (CCWRA) on Sept. 20. Continue Reading →

Two More Vision Partnership Program Projects Move Forward

Two projects in Chester County – one in Avondale Borough and one in Elverson Borough – that received assistance through the county’s Vision Partnership Program (VPP) are moving forward. The VPP provides grants to Chester County municipalities and multi-municipal groups seeking to improve their planning programs while achieving consistency with and implementation of the goals, objectives, recommendations, and map of Landscapes3. Avondale adopted a new comprehensive plan this year, and Elverson completed full updates to the borough’s zoning ordinance and subdivision and land development ordinance in 2018.

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Fall Planners’ Forum Focuses on Housing and Open Space

Topics ranging from housing to open space preservation were discussed during the Chester County Planning Commission’s fall 2019 Planners’ Forum. About 60 people attended the forum, which took place at Historic Yellow Springs in West Pikeland Township on Oct. 1.

“At the forum, we heard three excellent presentations,” said Chester County Planning Commission Executive Director Brian O’Leary.

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Join us at Creating A+ Homes Forum on Nov. 14th

We are pleased to launch the “A+ Homes” initiative as we work to implement Landscapes3 and its housing recommendations. A joint effort of the Planning Commission, Department of Community Development, and Housing Choices Committee, A+ Homes focuses on creating homes that are attractive, affordably-priced, adaptable, aging-friendly, and accessible. Every person needs and deserves a place to come home to – a place that provides them shelter and comfort, a place where they feel part of the community. Continue Reading →

Senior Review Planner Honored for 25 Years of Service

Congratulations to Chester County Planning Commission Senior Review Planner Wes Bruckno for celebrating his 25th anniversary of employment with the county!

Wes was recently honored by the Chester County Commissioners for his 25 years of service. He works in the Planning Commission’s Design and Technology Division where he provides state-mandated reviews of subdivision and land developments, zoning and subdivision and land development ordinances for the county’s 73 municipalities. He advises the Planning Commission and local government agencies and provides assistance to citizens and local groups.

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Chester County Commissioners Establish Environmental and Energy Advisory Board

The Chester County Commissioners presented plans for the County’s new Environmental and Energy Advisory Board to an audience of municipal representatives at the County’s annual stormwater management conference on Sept. 20. The Commissioners approved a resolution to establish the advisory board at a public meeting earlier this month, with the goal of creating a Climate Action Plan for Chester County. The Environmental and Energy Advisory Board will enhance the County’s commitment to preservation and protection of the environment and focus on the balance, interplay, and impact of energy-related initiatives and issues.

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Chester County Complete Count Committee to Raise Awareness about 2020 Census

The Chester County Commissioners announced that a countywide Census 2020 Complete Count Committee (CCC) has been formed to encourage all residents’ participation in the survey.

The CCC is a group of volunteers who, at the local level, develop and implement a 2020 Census awareness campaign based upon their knowledge of the local community. The CCC is comprised of a broad spectrum of government and community leaders from education, business, health care, and other community organizations. Continue Reading →

Chester County Conference & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Susan Hamley Highlights County's Tourism

Rolling fields and open spaces. Towns and villages known for their rich culture and business communities. A nationally known mushroom industry. A world-class display garden.

These are just some of the county’s eye-catching and unique features that the Chester County Conference & Visitors Bureau has the pleasure of promoting on a daily basis. Susan Hamley, executive director of the Chester County Conference & Visitors Bureau, attended the Chester County Planning Commission’s board meeting on Sept. 11 and discussed her organization’s partnership with the county and discussed her agency’s role, which is mainly focused on promotion of the county’s tourism attractions. Continue Reading →