Chester County Comprehensive Policy Plan
Draft for public comment — July 2009
The draft update to Chester County's policy plan, Landscapes has been distributed for public review and comment. The components of the draft update being submitted for public review and comments as prescribed by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC), Act 247 can be found on the Landscapes2 website. In addition, a CD containing the draft components for public review has been distributed to all local municipalities, school districts in the County, and to adjacent counties in accordance with the MPC. An online copy of the CD containing the draft documents is also available. You can access any of the chapters to the plan through the document table of contents or by navigating through the topics in the website. The draft review period is scheduled for July through September 4, 2009.
Landscapes Initiatives for Change
Chester County will champion three major initiatives to balance the County’s vision of managing growth and preservation, while maintaining the quality of life and sense of place enjoyed by residents.
- Build working partnerships
- Create sustainable communities
- Keep Chester Country green
These initiatives will be accomplished through the collective implementation of the policies and actions established by this plan. More...
Landscapes2 Related References
Plan Philly: Informative excerpts from recent Urban Land Institute symposium on the future of urban development and revitalization. The symposium was the first of its kind sponsored by the Urban Land Institute's Philadelphia regional chapter. The presentations (see video clips) by keynote speaker Christopher Leinberger, a land use strategist who is the director of the graduate real estate development program at the University of Michigan and a native of this region provided useful insights into past and emerging trends.. "The market demand pendulum has swung away from the “drive-able suburban” model that's been popular since World War II and toward a “walk-able urban” model", said Leinberger, who is currently a Brookings Institution visiting fellow.
County's plan for land use taking a tour. The plan features several refinements and updates to Landscapes, the County's 10 year old land-use plan. It was presented to small crowds of municipal officials by Ronald Bailey, Executive Director of the Chester County Planning Commission.
PA named third in nation for green jobs —
The green workforce is still in its infancy, but Pennsylvania has already hit its growth spurt, and many believe it could last for decades. Pennsylvania ranked third, behind only California and Texas, in clean energy jobs.
Buy Fresh Buy Local — Local food guide introduces farms, farmers, County agencies and restaurants committed to strengthening Chester County’s food system. It includes approximately 80 producers divided into categories including: farm stands, farm stores, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) operations, farmers’ markets, specialty products, and retail outlets within the County and maps their locations.
View Commissioners' Meetings Online — Launch of Chester County Buy Fresh Buy Local Food Guide.
Three Chester County projects receive Pennsylvania funds for affordable housing in Elverson, West Chester and Coatesville.
Penn State Cooperative Extension is the informal educational arm of the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, provides programs for all types of farms and homeowners located in Chester County.
Designing the future — Paoli hospital's new pavilion will house 124 private rooms, a smart surgery department, outpatient procedures and new emergency/trauma department.
East Marlborough, West Marlborough, and Newlin Townships held their first public information session for the development of the Unionville Area Regional Comprehensive Plan on June 18th. An online survey for the plan can be found on the project's website.
Chester County Planning Commission is now on Facebook.
Planning Related References
Delaware River Basin Partners Announce Enhanced Protections for Wildlife and Water. Pennsylvania, New York City and other states in the Delaware River Basin, have reached two agreements regarding the plan that safeguards the drinking water supply for 15M people and supports the basin's diverse wildlife habitat. The Flexible Flow Management Program governs New York City and Delaware Basin reservoir diversions and releases under the terms of a 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decree.
Get Help Now PA! is a volunteer initiative to connect Pennsylvanians facing financial difficulties with advice and assistance from professionals in their communities. Governor Rendell and First Lady Judge Rendell are calling upon Pennsylvania’s legal and financial professionals to donate their time and talents in support of this effort.
All Aboard the Wind-Powered Railway. The marriage of railway operators and wind farms could bring renewable energy to more people and energy-saving, higher-speed locomotives to America’s rails.
Traffic congestion dipping as economy falters. With the U.S. growing by 3M people each year, the Nation's aging infrastructure won't be able to keep up without broad upgrades - especially once the economy picks up again.
Through Drive Safe PA, PennDOT aims to make sure that all motorists in Pennsylvania are safe drivers. With nearly 1,500 people losing their lives in traffic crashes in Pennsylvania each year, Drive Safe PA encourages motorists to avoid life-threatening behaviors such as not wearing a seat belt, driving impaired and driving aggressively.
Upcoming Calendar of Events
Chester County Weston A. Price Chapter Presents: An Afternoon with Jerry Brunetti. Food as Medicine July 11th, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM at Maysie's Farm Conservation Center. Please RSVP to Annmarie Cantrell at 610-458-8129 or email at mambutera@verizon.net
2009 PA Chapter of the APA Annual Conference “Investing in a Sustainable Future” October 4-6, 2009; Valley Forge, PA.
APA PA Chapter Calendar of Events
Urban Land Institute Philadelphia Calendar of Events
Economy League of Greater Philadelphia News & Events
DVRPC Calendar