We are pleased to announce the second round of 2017 Vision Partnership Program (VPP) planning grants opened July 5. Through VPP, Chester County municipalities are eligible for funds to assist their communities with comprehensive planning, ordinance updates, and other studies.

The 2017 VPP Grant Manual and application materials are available online. Pre-application meetings are strongly encouraged, and can be scheduled by contacting Planning Services Director Susan Elks at selks@chesco.org. The deadline to apply is Aug. 30, 2017. 

Local municipal officials expressed appreciation for the VPP program.

In particular, Atglen Borough recently received two VPP grants.

“Our first grant, which was completed in 2014, was to modernize our zoning code,” said Atglen Borough Manager/Secretary Caren Andrews. “The second and current grant is to develop an issue-based comprehensive plan. These planning tools are critical to stabilizing our municipality, giving us an identity, and allowing for smart growth.”

Kennett Township Manager Lisa Moore was equally pleased with the VPP program and process.

“I find county staff is always extremely helpful and willing to provide valuable feedback, comments, and suggestions,” she said.

Moore said her township recently utilized a VPP grant for a joint economic development study for Kennett Township and Kennett Square Borough. Officials at the two municipalities are now working to implement the study. The two municipalities have agreed to hire an economic development director who will do work for Kennett Township and Kennett Square, and they have received a second VPP grant to amend their ordinances.

The second round of VPP funding this year is anticipated to have $125,000 available for eligible planning projects. More information on the 2017 second round grant process, as well as projects funded previously through the program, can be found here.