Category: News and Updates
Planning Commission Welcomes New Communications Coordinator
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. Continue Reading →
Planning Commission to Conduct Monthly Meeting
The Chester County Planning Commission will conduct its monthly meeting at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 11th. The meeting will take place in the Planning Commission offices of Suite 270, Government Services Center, 601 Westtown Road, West Chester, Pa. The public is invited to attend, and there will be an opportunity for public comment during the meeting.
Planning Commission Releases 2019 Annual Report
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.
Urban Center Design Guide Released
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.
Warner Spur Multi-Use Trail Master Plan Released
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.
Planning Commission Welcomes New Graphic Arts Specialist
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.
Chester County Preservation Partnership Program: 2020 Grant Round Open
The Chester County Department of Parks and Open Space Preservation is now accepting applications for its Municipal and Conservancy grant programs. Applications are due on Friday, February 28, 2020 by 4 p.m.
Planning Commission Highlights New eTools
The county’s municipalities are on the front line of smart growth trying to preserve community character while responding to new development. The Planning Commission has a lot of resources to help, including eTools which cover a wide array of planning topics from natural resources to economic development. Each month we will highlight different eTools starting with Short-term Rentals, Breweries, and Mini-homes.
Meet New Planning Commission Board Member Nathan Cline
The Chester County Planning Commission recently appointed Nathan (Nate) Cline as the newest member of the Planning Commission’s board. A resident of East Goshen, Nate has been employed with Pennoni for over 19 years as a municipal engineer. At the January 8 Planning Commission meeting, board Chairman Keven Kerr noted that Nate brings different types of perspectives to the table.
Nate says, “As an East Goshen resident and former member of its Planning Commission, and a municipal engineer working with many municipalities within Chester County, I’m looking forward to the opportunity to continue the excellent work done by the County Planning Commission, and more importantly, the professional work product executed by the Planning Department staff.”
Learn more about Nate’s professional career and what he likes to do in his spare time. Continue Reading →
VPP Technical Service Projects Wrap Up
The Chester County Planning Commission was pleased to assist North Coventry Township and Franklin Township through the technical services side of the Vision Partnership Program (VPP) with two recent projects. The VPP provides grants to Chester County municipalities and multi-municipal groups seeking to improve planning programs while achieving consistency with and implementation of Landscapes3. In 2018 North Coventry was awarded a VPP technical services grant for a comprehensive plan update, while Franklin Township was provided a grant for assistance with a land use analysis. As with all technical service grants, planning commission staff acted as the consultant to the municipality.