Planning Commission Shares Highlights of Landscapes3 Topical Surveys

Public engagement for Landscapes3 has occurred in a variety of ways in recent months — stakeholder meetings, topic specific surveys, presentations to more than 20 groups, and outreach at community events (check our calendar for where we’ll be next) — and we will be launching our public survey on May 15. The public survey is an interactive, highly visual survey that asks about priorities and preferences for the future of Chester County. As we get ready for that survey, here’s a look back at the logistical details on our topic specific surveys from 2016:  Continue Reading →

Local Officials Receive Statewide Awards

Chester County Planning Commission Executive Director Brian O’Leary and officials from two local townships received awards from Governor Tom Wolf for their dedication to strengthening communities and providing assistance to residents.

“It’s a great honor receiving this award along with the other honorees, and it’s wonderful to see the state acknowledge the work done by so many people at the local level to improve our communities,” Brian said.

Brian, along with East Goshen and Kennett townships, were among 10 government officials and 11 communities from across Pennsylvania that received awards in Harrisburg on April 12 as part of the 21st Annual Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence.  Continue Reading →

Planning Commission to Host Commercial Landscapes Symposium

The Chester County Planning Commission will be hosting a Commercial Landscapes Symposium from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. June 7 at the Penn State Great Valley campus. The planning series focuses on trends and potential strategies to address changes in retail centers, office parks, transit centers, and old industrial properties around the county.

The featured speaker will be James Cook, the Americas Director of Retail Research at Jones Lang Lasalle, who will discuss the future of commercial real estate in Chester County and the Philadelphia region. There also will be a panel discussion with experts. Click here to register for the event. 

Planning Commission Provides Update about Landscapes3

The Chester County Planning Commission continues to advance the development of Landscapes3, the county’s next comprehensive plan, with the help of partners, stakeholders, and the public.

As part of this process, the Planning Commission has gathered experts’ opinions during stakeholder meetings about preservation, agriculture, housing, utilities and infrastructure, transportation, and economic development. The stakeholder meetings are wrapping up with one more about community health, which will take place from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. May 18 at the Chester County Intermediate Unit, 455 Boot Road, Downingtown.  Continue Reading →

Planning Commission Assistant Director Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Chester County Planning Commission Assistant Director David Ward has always appreciated the uniqueness of communities. That passion started when he was young.

That’s why it’s fitting that he has worked for the Planning Commission — an organization that assists communities with future growth and preservation — for four decades. He celebrated his 40th anniversary with the agency on April 4.  Continue Reading →

Employment Opportunity

The Planning Commission seeks a Community Planner to assist in advancing smart growth principles at the municipal level throughout Chester County. The position, classified as a Planner III, provides professional planning services to local municipalities in the development of comprehensive plans and ordinances that advance the principles of Landscapes2, the county’s comprehensive plan. Continue Reading

Chester County Boroughs Receive Accolades

Chester County has great places to live, work and connect. And the county’s municipalities aren’t going unnoticed these days.

For instance, Malvern was named a “Classic Town” recently by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC). The regional planning commission stated: “A desirable mix of Victorian charm and modern amenities makes Malvern an ideal Classic Town.” According to the Daily Local News, the DVRPC has designated 22 municipalities in the Greater Philadelphia region as Classic Towns. In addition to Malvern, other Chester County municipalities that have received this designation include Kennett Square, Oxford, Phoenixville and West ChesterContinue Reading →

Discussing the Future of Chester County with Students

The future leaders of Chester County have some items on their wish lists when it comes to features they are looking for in their communities. In particular, they are hoping for affordable housing options in Chester County along with more sidewalks.

That was the message that about 60 West Chester University (WCU) students delivered during a Chester County 2020 forum on March 1. The majority of students who attended the forum were pursuing degrees in public administration and geography. The meeting took place at the new College of Business and Public Management Center on WCU’s campus.  Continue Reading →

Planning Commission Welcomes Technical Services Director

When Paul Fritz was growing up, he wanted to be an architect.

“I loved looking at buildings and how they were put together,” he said, adding that he also was interested in history.

At one point during his childhood, Paul wanted to be a firefighter and a professional baseball player but he later realized those aspirations weren’t realistic.

Paul is now the new Technical Services Director at the Chester County Planning Commission. He is a certified planner and registered landscape architect with over 10 years of management experience with diverse public and private urban and rural projects.  Continue Reading →