Have you heard about the exciting projects that are underway in the City of Coatesville? The Chester County Planning Commission recently toured the city to get a better understanding of these ongoing opportunities and revitalization projects. 

The city is in a transformation geared toward improving commerce and quality of life for residents and business owners. The Planning Commission visited a wide variety of sites on June 13 prior to the board’s regular monthly meeting, including:

• City Hall Renovations, which will provide needed space and rental space for the District Court.
• Gateway Projects, located at the corner of Lincoln Highway and First Avenue, will include urban renewal and park and intersection improvements.
• Train Station Improvement Project, located at Fleetwood Street between Third and Fourth avenues, will include a new station with parking and streetscape improvements.
• Palmer Park Revitalization Plan, located at Lumber Street between Ninth and 10^th avenues, is converting a neighborhood park to a nature-friendly destination.
• Cambria Terrace Neighborhood, located at Oak Street and Rosemont Avenue, has replaced the Oak Street project with affordable housing coordinated by Habitat for Humanity of Chester County.

The county has been a partner in investing in these projects, which will bring over $85 million total in private and public investments to the city.

“I found the Coatesville tour extremely interesting,” said Kevin Kerr, a Planning Commission board member. “The Chester County Planning Commission reviews plans and projects as part of our mission, but we rarely have the opportunity to visit the physical location of these projects as an entire group. When you actually visit the various project locations, you appreciate the challenges but even more importantly, the extraordinary potential that Coatesville has to offer. It was exhilarating to see the various government agencies and private sector entities collaborating to bring jobs, home ownership and a positive attitude to the City of Coatesville.”

In addition to the Planning Commission board, other participants and tour guides included Chester County Department of Community Development Director Pat Bokovitz, Natural Lands Vice President of Communications and Engagement Oliver Bass, and Coatesville 2^nd Century Alliance Economic Development Administrator Sonia Huntzinger.

“We’re always happy to showcase the projects underway in Coatesville, especially to an esteemed group like the Chester County Planning Commission board,” Huntzinger said. “Oftentimes our audience might not have a detailed understanding of all that goes into an economic development project, but with this group, we were all speaking the same language. The board plays a critical role in the future development of Chester County and as such, is a partner in our development efforts in the City of Coatesville. We were honored to have them here.”

After the tour, the Planning Commission board conducted its monthly meeting at The National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in the city.