Over 50 professional planners recently attended the Chester County Planning Commission’s seventh semi-annual Planners’ Forum to learn about topics ranging from revitalization efforts and affordable housing in Phoenixville to progress on the Schuylkill River Trail.

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

Jean Krack, the manager of Phoenixville, described revitalization efforts and new development in the borough and how the borough has planned for this transformational growth.

Elaine Schaefer, the executive director of the Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area, discussed progress on the Schuylkill River Trail, which is a major focus of her organization, as well as environmental stewardship and river-oriented events.

Kathryn Evans, a member of the Phoenixville Council on Affordable Housing, provided an overview of the borough’s recent groundbreaking work on affordable housing, acknowledging the impact that the borough’s revitalization has had on affordable housing, particularly housing rents.

The spring forum took place April 4 at Phoenixville Borough Hall. View the presentations.

The Planning Commission will conduct another Planners’ Forum in fall 2019. Anyone who has ideas for presentations can contact O’Leary at boleary@chesco.org.