newsFall2012dg111212pm.inddPlanning Newsletter CPCC
C H E S T E R C O U N T Y P L A N N I N G C O M M I S S I O N
F A L L
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Stormwater Management Update Partnering the county and our
municipalities
Stormwater management has become a major and complex issue facing
Chester County and its municipalities.
Municipalities are being asked to regulate stormwater management in
new and more rigorous ways starting next year. Commonwealth
regulations are complex and require plans and ordinances to be
updated.
To address municipal storm water obligations and establish an
efficient and consistent process for meeting these obligations,
Chester County has developed a strategy by which the county and its
municipalities can achieve regulatory mandates in a comprehensive
and efficient way by working together.
A county-wide stormwater management plan Chester County has
prepared a County-wide Act 167 Stormwater Management Plan Addendum.
This plan, when adopted by the Board of County Commissioners early
next year, will amend Watersheds—An Integrated Water Resources Plan
for Chester County, PA and Its Watersheds, and Landscapes2—the
Chester County Comprehensive Policy Plan.
The purpose of the County-wide Act 167 Plan for Chester County is
to fulfill the requirements of “The Storm Water Management Act,”
(PA Act 167) and to reduce stormwater runoff and flooding, and
improve water quality in all watersheds of Chester County.
(continued on page 2)
IN THIS ISSUE
4 Brandywine Battlefield
6 Vision Partnership Program
7 Natural Heritage Inventory
8 Economic Census Form
10 Urban Centers Update
14 Publications
CCPC 2
The County-wide Act 167 Stormwater Management Plan for Chester
County fulfills the requirements of PA Act 167. The plan provides
the following: Information to assist municipalities with
stormwater
planning and management; Stormwater standards in a model ordinance;
and A means by which municipalities can meet certain NPDES
(National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) Phase II small
municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) requirements related to
ordinance standards.
Public participation Municipal and public participation has been an
integral part of the County-wide Act 167 Plan process and occurred
through three approaches: Re-engaging the County-wide Act 167
Watershed Plan
Advisory Committee (WPAC) that was formed in Phase I; Formation and
reliance on an ordinance/standards
committee (comprised of volunteer professional engineers and a
volunteer, professional environmental planner) to provide
professional engineering and planning expertise; and
Public outreach via website posting of all materials, numerous
stakeholder and public meetings, and a press release.
The county is currently seeking input from the public on the draft
plan. Review materials have been posted on a web page dedicated
County-wide Act 167 Plan webpage at www.chesco.org/water.
What municipalities will need to do Pennsylvania Act 167 requires
that “within six months following adoption and approval of the
watershed storm water plan, each municipality shall adopt or amend
and implement ordinances and regulations, including zoning
subdivision and development, building code, and erosion and
sedimentation ordinances, as are necessary to regulate development
within the municipality in a manner consistent with the applicable
watershed storm water plan and the provisions of this act.”
Specifically, municipalities must review their current ordinances
and adopt a revised ordinance that is consistent with the Matrix of
Mandatory Minimum Ordinance Standards for Municipal Act 167
Ordinances, or adopt the County-wide Act 167 Model Ordinance.
In addition: Municipalities that have land area within the Chester
Creek,
Conestoga River, Crum Creek, or Darby Creek watersheds must carry
forward the standards indicated in part 3 from the previously
approved Act 167 plan(s) into their final County-wide Act 167
ordinance.
Municipalities that include portions of the (East) Valley Creek
watershed must also include the standards required in the Valley
Creek Act 167 Plan for those portions of their municipality that
are within that watershed.
Municipalities will need to follow the following process for
implementation of the County-wide Act 167 Plan following final
adoption by the Board of County Commissioners and final approval of
the plan by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
(PADEP): PADEP will issue letters to all Chester County
municipalities
indicating its final approval of the Plan, and requiring that the
municipalities adopt, within six months of the date of PADEP
approval of the plan, municipal ordinance(s) or ordinance
provisions consistent with this County-wide Act 167 Plan.
The county will host an implementation workshop to assist
municipalities in understanding the process needed for adopting and
implementing their Act 167 stormwater ordinances, and review the
available information regarding PADEP reimbursement process and
status of reimbursement funding availability.
Following municipal adoption of their Act 167 ordinance or
ordinance revisions, each municipality must submit to PADEP the
Certification of Ordinance Adoption (Appendix K), signed by a
professional licensed by the Commonwealth.
CCPC 3
The Chester County Planning Commission has received a grant from
the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission through the
Transportation
and Community Development Initiative to investigate the housing and
transportation options available for disadvantaged populations in
southern Chester County.
A study advisory committee was formed to oversee the project. It
meets quarterly and is made up of representatives from county
departments, eleven municipalities, and the private and nonprofit
sectors.
The study focuses on low-wage workers, primarily members of the
Latino community. Many are employed within the mushroom industry
which is the predominant agricultural employer in southern Chester
County. These workers, and other low-income Latino residents,
represent a significant disadvantaged population in southern
Chester County. For these workers, the cost of living, in
particular the cost of housing is prohibitively high throughout the
study area. Many workers must seek housing in locations that are a
long distance from jobs, or housing that is substandard or
overcrowded. A long commute results in increased transportation
costs for workers and can also impact worker productivity. In
addition to low-income workers, fixed-income seniors have
been
identified as a disadvantaged population and the study will
consider the effectiveness of the transportation system in linking
seniors to the medical and other services they need.
The project team has completed a series of interviews with
stakeholders, employers and non-profit agencies, and this fall is
conducting three community forums. These public input events will
serve to lay the foundation for the research and fieldwork phase of
the study. The study will inventory existing affordable housing
opportunities and current housing situations for low-income
households. Research will include an investigation into “best
practices” in affordable housing, seeking models that could be
replicated in southern Chester County. The SCCOOT bus route between
Oxford and Kennett Square is being evaluated for possible
alternatives to better accommodate the workday commutes of low-wage
workers.
The study, targeted for completion in late 2013, will include an
implementation strategy that will draw upon the strengths and
resources available to create and maintain affordable housing for
low-income individuals and families, and to support efficient
transportation connections between housing, jobs, and
services.
Exploring Housing and Transportation Options Study for Southern
Chester County
Brandywine Battlefield Preservation Plan Revolution in the peaceful
valley
Cultural and historic resources related to the Battle of Brandywine
are being studied and protection strategies are being developed on
a multi-municipal level
through the Brandywine Battlefield Preservation Plan. These
resources and landscapes highly contribute to the character and
quality of life in southern Chester and Delaware Counties, where
the approximately 35,000 acre battlefield is located. The
battlefield encompasses portions of 15 municipalities in southern
Chester and Delaware Counties—the Townships of Birmingham,
Pennsbury, Thornbury, Kennett, Westtown, East Bradford, East
Marlborough, New Garden, Newlin, Pocopson, West Bradford and the
Borough of Kennett Square in Chester County, and the Townships of
Chadds Ford, Thornbury, and Concord in Delaware County.
The Battle of Brandywine was an important event of the American
Revolution, specifically the Philadelphia Campaign of 1777. The
approximately 15 square mile area where some of the fiercest battle
action occurred, is recognized by the highest level of historic
resource designation in the nation, that of National Historic
Landmark. The battlefield contains many cultural landscapes,
historic resources, scenic vistas, and open lands that remain
largely unchanged from the time of the Revolution. These resources
provide context and help document the history of the nation,
region, and municipalities. Through ongoing planning activities,
local, county, state, and federal agencies, nonprofit
organizations, elected officials, residents, and businesses
together with the Brandywine Battlefield Task Force have been
working to preserve this important national resource.
Chester County has received grants from the National Park Service
through the American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP) to
complete: A historic resources inventory and mapping study of
the battlefield The Brandywine Battlefield Preservation Plan
The plan is being drafted by the Planning Commission with input
from the Brandywine Battlefield Task Force. The plan focuses on
land and historic landscapes conservation, protection strategies,
access and outreach about the battlefield, and education about the
battle as well as the role of heritage tourism. Since much of the
battlefield falls on privately owned lands, a balance between the
celebration, recognition, protection of this invaluable national
resource and protection of landowner privacy has been a deliberate
consideration. To this end, public meetings and outreach at these
events, such as Chadds Ford Days, have been part of this planning
effort.
Comments from interested parties are being incorporated in the
draft plan. As part of the grant, John Milner and Associates will
also complete an implementation plan.
Brandywine Battlefield Preservation Plan
Prepared by Chester County
Preservation Program (ABPP Grant Number
GA-2255-11-003)
C H E S T E R A N D D E L A W A R E C O U N T I E S , P A
The 7th Pennsylvania Regiments Brandywine Flag
Revolution in the Peaceful Valley
December, 2012
Howard Pyle, The Nation Makers, 1903, oil on canvas. Courtesy of
the Brandywine River Museum
CCPC 5
Proposed Development Activity on the Increase
Comparison of lots/dwelling units proposed during the first three
quarters of 2011 and 2012
Single-family Multi-family Mobile home Commercial Industrial
Institutional Totals
2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011
2012
Jan.–Dec. 265 167 994 2,862 1 2 78 78 23 9 30 24 1,419 3,195
January to September 2012 trends The level of proposed development
activity is reflected in the number of submissions of subdivision
and land development plans for review by the Chester County
Planning Commission under the state enabling legislation, Act 247.
While overall review activity was comparable to 2011, there was a
significant increase in the number of lots/units proposed in the
first three quarters with 3,195 lots/units proposed this year
compared to 1,419 in 201. This represents a more than two-fold
increase. The proportion of multi-family units to single-family
units was almost 3:1 in favor of multi-family units reversing the
trend experienced prior to the 2009 economic downturn.
The Planning Commission reviewed two significant developments in
the first nine months of 2012. Both submissions are consistent with
Landscapes2:
Uptown Worthington in East Whiteland Township was reviewed in July.
The proposed land development is situated on the south side of
Matthews Road, east of Morehall Road and involves the construction
of 367,474 square feet of development that combines commerce and
offices, and 753 multi-family residential units on a 69 acre
portion of the site.
Dwell at Caln had been previously reviewed in 2004. The revised
plans call for 400 dwellings (160 townhouses and 240 apartments) on
a 73.61 acre site with open space areas totaling 30.21 acres and
8,168 feet of roadway. The site is on west side of Horseshoe Pike
(State Route 322), north of Edges Mill Road, with a portion of the
site located in East Brandywine Township, although no construction
is proposed in East Brandywine.
To make census data readily accessible, the Chester County Planning
Commission has developed an online data tool known as the Community
Profiles. This fall,
the Planning Commission updated the interactive web tool to help
make it easier to use as well as updated data.
In response to users’ requests, the Planning Commission has added
an option to select any group of municipalities. The increased
flexibility to select any combination of municipalities should
increase the usefulness of the tool. For example, a user can select
municipalities along a corridor, such as Route 30 or Route 1, to
identify the characteristics of that specific area.
The selected municipalities do not have to be contiguous. This will
allow users to compare different municipalities throughout the
county. For example, a user could select several or all boroughs to
compare their population and housing characteristics. Other users
may want to compare municipalities in different areas of Chester
County to make decisions about locating a business.
Information added to the site includes updated data in the housing,
transportation, and economy sections to provide the latest American
Community Survey 2006–2010 data from the
U.S. Census Bureau. New population projections to 2040 have
replaced earlier projections in the population section. Poverty
data have been added as a new topic in the economy section.
The Community Profiles tool is accessible at
www.chesco.org/planning or www.Landscapes2.org.
Community Profiles Tool Updated
Vision Partnership Program 2012 ROUND TWO grant awards
announced
The Chester County Planning Commission announces the awarding of
six Vision Partnership Program (VPP) grants in the second round of
the 2012 program. The
applications received were scored on the basis of eight criteria
established in the grant manual including: alignment with
Landscapes2 policies and the county strategic plan goals, urgency
of project in achieving local planning goals, creativity and
innovation, implementation of previously funded planning projects,
completeness and quality of the application submission, and the
cost effectiveness of the project or financial need of the
municipality.
The following six projects (in alphabetical order) were recommended
for funding:
East Goshen Township Comprehensive Plan update This project will
address the many changes that have taken place in the township and
county since the last plan was completed in 2005. The project will
start with a township-wide sustainability assessment to address
environmental, social, and economic sustainability issues. The plan
will also include an economic development component to be
undertaken in conjunction with the township’s newly formed Commerce
Development Commission.
Honey Brook Borough Comprehensive Plan update The borough will be
undertaking an update to their 1993 comprehensive plan, originally
adopted jointly with Honey Brook Township. The plan will also serve
as an update to the borough’s revitalization plan, which identifies
infrastructure needs in the county’s urban centers. The borough’s
land use regulations will be assessed from a sustainability
perspective and an energy conservation component will be added to
the plan.
South Coatesville Borough Official Map This project will create an
official map that will include important components of recent
planning efforts, such as parkland and urban green spaces. This
effort will support the revitalization plan efforts in the borough
as well as facilitating implementation of their recently adopted
comprehensive plan and the parks, recreation, and open space
plan.
Wallace Township Comprehensive Plan update The township will be
undertaking a full update to their 1986 comprehensive plan. The
update will reflect the changing conditions experienced over the
last 25 years and provide enhanced policy support for the
township’s historic and natural resource protection
standards.
West Vincent Township Multi-Modal Transportation Study This project
will address the circulation needs of pedestrian, bicycle, public
transit, and automobile users in the township and also consider
connections to adjacent communities. While the study is
township-wide, it will focus on four specific areas: Ludwigs
Corner, Pughtown Road, Birchrunville, and St. Matthews Road. The
study task force will include representatives from East Pikeland
and Upper Uwchlan Townships.
Unionville Area Region—regional land use definitions The region,
consisting of East Marlborough, West Marlborough, and Newlin
Townships, adopted a regional comprehensive plan in 2011. The
current project will focus on creating regionally consistent land
use definitions for use in the municipal ordinances. This effort is
also intended to help build a consensus on the specific land uses
that can be shared across the region, as an alternative to
accommodating all uses in every township.
The next round of funding is anticipated to open in January 2013.
Municipalities will be notified regarding the next grant round as
soon as grant information is available. The grant manual and
program requirements can be viewed at
www.chesco.org/planning/vpp.
Municipal Grants Co m
1 Open Space, Recreation, and Environmental Resources Plan
update
Natural Heritage Inventory Field work is underway
The State Game Lands west of St. Peter’s Village are one example of
how natural habitat impacts community development.
Throughout the spring and the summer, staff from the Pennsylvania
Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) and the Western Pennsylvania
Conservancy has conducted
field surveys in Chester County as part of the County Natural
Heritage Inventory (CNHI). PNHP staff will complete plans for both
Chester and Berks Counties at the same time. This approach allows
for cost savings and permits a complete evaluation of the entire
Hopewell Big Woods, which extends into both counties. The CNHI
document will identify sensitive habitat and update information on
state and federally threatened and endangered species. It will
serve as an update to the 2000 Chester County Natural Areas
Inventory. The final product will include GIS mapping of sensitive
habitat which to date has only been available in paper form. The
project is scheduled for completion at the end of 2013.
This year’s field work focused on updating records older than ten
years. Surveys have reconfirmed the presence of 13 occurrences of
plant species of concern, as well as a new record for Halloween
Penant, a dragonfly species of concern. An occurrence of the
globally vulnerable bog bluegrass (Poa paludigena) was updated in
seeps in Chester County. Surveys have already been completed for 47
sites. This work has reconfirmed 23 occurrences and found four new
occurrences of species of concern. Six of these species are
classified as endangered in the state; Bradley’s spleenwort
(Asplenium bradleyi), false hop sedge (Carex lupuliformis),
Maryland golden-aster (Chrysopsis mariana), downy lobelia (Lobelia
puberula), Virginia bunchflower (Veratrum virginicum), and tawny
ironweed (Vernonia glauca). As part of these surveys, Chester
County Planning Commission staff assisted in public coordination.
Over 280 landowners were contacted to notify them that PNHP staff
might be accessing their properties to conduct field surveys.
CCPC 8
Watch for Your Economic Census Form
Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Laying framework for connecting West
Chester, Exton, Downingtown
The Central Chester County Bicycle and Pedestrian Circulation Plan
will explore ways in which Exton, Downingtown,
and West Chester can be accessed by bike or foot. The plan includes
the Boroughs of Downingtown and West Chester, and the Townships of
East Bradford, East Caln, East Goshen, West Goshen, and West
Whiteland. Following four successful public workshops that engaged
over 100 participants, Chester County Planning Commission staff in
coordination with Chester County Health Department staff, have been
drafting the improvement and implementation sections of the
plan.
The plan will address connections within each growth center (Exton,
Downingtown, and West Chester), connections between the growth
centers and beyond, policies to aid in the development of a
regional bicycle and pedestrian network, and programs to encourage
biking and walking. In doing so, the region hopes to fulfill the
vision for the plan: “healthy, vibrant, and economically viable
communities that facilitate and encourage more walking and
biking.”
Over the last 14 months, Planning Commission and Health Department
staff have compiled information needed to draft the plan document
along with accompanying maps. Data and content for the plan have
come from a variety of places including field studies, the plan
advisory committee, and public participation. Staff has studied the
existing conditions of
the study area to identify key issues to be addressed in the
document. Plan advisory committee members, consisting of
representatives from each municipality in the study area and local
advocacy
groups, have volunteered their local knowledge and expertise to
help guide recommendations.
To review draft concept plans, please visit the project website.
The website contains an overview of the project, previous meeting
materials, upcoming public workshop information, and additional
opportunities for input. The plan advisory committee will continue
to meet throughout the duration of the planning process. A final
public workshop will be held in the spring. Please check the
project website for further details on the public workshop.
The U.S. Census Bureau has begun mailing Economic Census forms to
businesses throughout the country. Chances are yours is one of the
8,000 businesses in
Chester County that will receive a 2012 Economic Census form in
December. Forms go to all but the very smallest businesses in this
tally done once every five years.
The forms ask for basic information like your location, employment,
payroll, and sales by type of product or service. Businesses that
receive a form are required by law (Title 13, U.S. Code) to
respond.
The Economic Census is the official five-year measure of American
business and the economy. The current census covers the year ending
December 2012.
Businesses and municipalities alike use Economic Census statistics
for planning and market development. Information is published for
more than a thousand industries as well as for states, counties,
cities and metropolitan areas at www.business.census.gov.
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Your response makes a difference!
Trails Continue to Blaze Ahead Across County
Chester Valley Trail The Chester County Facilities Department
recently completed the trailhead for the Chester Valley Trail
located at the Exton Park Site. The trailhead, accessible off
Swedesford Road (Church Farm Lane), is open to the public.
Amenities include a restroom facility and playground
equipment.
The Facilities Department is also in the process of constructing
phase 2 of the trail (Route 29 to Warner Road in Montgomery
County). View the trail map at www.chesco.org/planning.
Phase 2 construction includes a 7 mile segment of this multi-use
trail, two pedestrian bridges, a pedestrian tunnel and a trailhead
off Devon Park Drive. Completion status = approximately 25 percent
of total phase 2 project improvements.
Phase 3 of the trail (Iron Lakes Blvd. to Valley Creek Blvd.) is
currently in the approval process with plans being reviewed by
PennDOT and West Whiteland Township. Construction is anticipated to
begin in the spring of 2013 on the 1.25 mile section.
For more information on the Chester Valley Trail, please go to the
Chester County Parks and Recreation Website.
Schuylkill River Trail The Chester County Facilities Department is
continuing to pursue right-of-way for phase 2 (Parker’s Ford to
Route 422) of the trail. The section crossing the Route 422 bridge
will provide a shared use trail facility connecting Chester County
to Montgomery County. View the trail map at
www.chesco.org/ccparks.
For more information on the Schuylkill River Trail please go to the
Chester County Parks and Recreation Website.
The Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management Association
(GVF) is currently accepting request for proposals for a
feasibility study and alternatives analysis for a dedicated
bicycle/pedestrian right-of-way connecting the trail across the PA
Route 29 (Mont Clare) bridge between the Borough of Phoenixville
and Upper Providence Township. This connection will help to close
the gap for the trail within Chester County and connect to existing
sections of the trail located in Montgomery County. Other parties
involved with this effort include Chester County Planning
Commission, Montgomery County Planning Commission, PennDOT,
Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC), Phoenixville
Borough, and Upper Providence Township (Montgomery County).
Trail inventory The Planning Commission completed a county-wide
trails inventory based on adopted municipal plans and studies. The
project included coordination with land trusts, conservancies,
other county departments, and 73 municipalities to verify the data.
The inventory includes 280 miles of existing surfaced trails in 55
Chester County municipalities. View the map at
www.chesco.org/planning.
To review all existing trails within Chester County please view the
Community Profiles: Existing Trails at www.Landscapes2.org.
Chester Valley Trail: Top left: Exton Park trailhead in West
Whiteland Township Top right: Bridge abutment wall construction at
North Valley Road Middle: Stone trail sub-base installed east of
Valley Forge Road Bottom: Stone trail sub-base installed west of
West Valley Road
Urban centers as characterized in Landscapes2 are diverse areas of
economic activity, institutional and community uses, residential
neighborhoods, and
historic resources. Urban centers within Chester County have been
proactive and focused on a common goal and that is to plan for
future growth and development, while maintaining their character
and quality of life for residents. There are a number of projects
either recently completed or in progress that focus on improving
and revitalizing these important growth areas. They include the
following:
Atglen Train Station Feasibility Study (completed: June 2012) This
study analyzed potential station locations and facilities, and
helped to examine the borough’s plan for constructing a new train
station. The study also provided next steps in the planning and
design process, such as updating the borough’s zoning ordinance
with Transit Oriented Development (TOD) provisions. The study
included an analysis of parking needs, concept station and platform
design, economic development opportunities, and renderings based on
public involvement/ design charrette. The study was a collaborative
effort and consisted of representatives from the following agencies
and municipalities: Chester County Planning Commission, Urban
Engineers, Inc., Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission
(DVRPC), SEPTA, Amtrak, Atglen Borough, and West Sadsbury
Township.
Atglen Zoning Ordinance update (in progress) The zoning ordinance
update will support the implementation of the borough’s adopted
planning policies within the comprehensive plan and address
concerns with the current zoning ordinance. The update will respond
to outdated provisions and provide illustrated design guidelines
for various zoning districts. The ordinance will also respond to
the Atglen Train Station Feasibility Study by providing provisions
and guidelines to support a future train station within the
borough, such as a TOD district. The Planning Commission is the
consultant for this project and is expected to be completed spring
2014.
City of Coatesville Comprehensive Plan update (in progress) The
city has retained the Thomas Comitta Associates to update their
1997 and 2002 comprehensive plans using the transect method. Under
this method the plan will be organized by “transect-zones” that
reflect the various character areas of the city including the
downtown, older neighborhoods, newer neighborhoods, industrial
areas, and natural and recreation areas. Design guidelines and best
practices will be developed for each of the T-zones which will, in
turn, provide guidance for future zoning updates. The plan was
funded through the county’s Vision Partnership Program (VPP) grant
and is expected to be completed summer 2014.
Downingtown Borough Comprehensive Plan update (in progress) The
Borough of Downingtown is updating its 1994 and 2004 comprehensive
plans, using Urban Research and Development Corporation (URDC) as
the lead consultant. The borough will focus on updating existing
elements within the plan as well as updating the revitalization
plan. The plan is expected to be completed summer 2014.
Kennett Square Borough Comprehensive Plan update (nearing
completion) The borough is updating its 2001 comprehensive plan.
The Planning Commission is the consultant and has added several new
elements to the plan including a separate housing plan; natural
resources plan; parks, recreation, and open space plan; and energy
plan. Draft chapters are being completed and reviewed by the
borough planning commission and staff. Adoption is expected for
December 2012.
Schematic of the proposed Atglen station
CCPC 11
Malvern Borough Comprehensive Plan update (completed: June 2012)
The borough has retained the Planning Commission to prepare an
update to the borough’s 1999 comprehensive plan and to update and
incorporate the 1992 parks, recreation and open space plan into the
comprehensive plan. Malvern’s comprehensive plan update expanded on
the current plan’s housing, historic resources, economic
development, and revitalization planning components, as well as
added an energy conservation chapter.
Malvern Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Study (in progress) The
TOD study will focus on developing a redevelopment vision and
future zoning to apply higher densities to properties located
around the train station. The study will provide model ordinance
provisions, an official map for transportation infrastructure,
concepts for a parking garage and funding evaluations for proposed
projects. The lead planning consultant for this project is Whitman,
Requardt & Associates. The study advisory committee will
consist of representatives from Malvern Borough, the Planning
Commission, DVRPC, and SEPTA. The study is expected to be to be
completed summer 2013.
Oxford Region Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan: Oxford Borough
(completed July 2012) Oxford Borough participated with five other
municipalities in the Oxford region to develop a multi-municipal
comprehensive plan that focused on a wide range of challenges
affecting the region. The economic development element of the plan
focused on continued revitalization efforts within the borough. The
Planning Commission was the consultant for the plan and provided
the following website to access additional information as well as
the adopted plan link: www.chesco.org/planning/oxfordregion.
Phoenixville Borough Zoning Ordinance update (in progress) The
Borough of Phoenixville has retained Ray Ott and Associates to
prepare an update the borough’s zoning ordinance. The update will
focus on recommendations from the recently updated land use element
in its comprehensive plan. The borough hopes to simplify the
ordinance and make it easier to understand all while maintaining
its overall function to implement Phoenixville’s policies. The
update is expected to be completed fall 2013.
South Coatesville Borough Trail Feasibility Study (completed:
September 2012) The borough recently completed a trail feasibility
study that involves the City of Coatesville and Modena Borough. The
study highlights various bicycle and pedestrian facilities along
roadways within the three municipalities. Defined as the “Mill
Trail,” this route traverses from the existing “Riverwalk”/
Brandywine Creek Trail in Coatesville to locations within South
Coatesville and Modena. The study is the last of three documents
(after comprehensive plan and revitalization plan updates) the
borough has completed with the assistance from Kairos Design Groups
in the last two years. The borough is also in the process of
updating its zoning ordinance.
Chester County Department of Community Development Community
Revitalization Program Chester County Department of Community
Development (DCD) celebrated 10 years of community revitalization
on May 22, 2012. Created by the Board of County Commissioners in
2001, the Community Revitalization Program (CRP) offers funding to
the 15 boroughs and City of Coatesville for public infrastructure
and streetscape improvements. A total of $51,000,000 has funded
projects within urban centers from 2002 to 2012. To celebrate CRP’s
10th anniversary, DCD along with the Planning Commission have
created the CRP interactive map to showcase all awarded projects
within the county’s urban centers.
Intersection of Bridge St. and Main St. in the Borough of
Phoenixville
Efficient energy use and conservation is at the core of
sustainability. The Chester County Planning Commission is working
with the Delaware Valley
Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) to provide energy conservation
assessments for local municipalities. This program, which is funded
by a United States Environmental Protection Agency Climate Showcase
Communities Grant, will provide professional assistance for small
and medium-sized municipalities to help them implement
cost-effective energy management planning. By implementing the
recommendations of the program, local municipalities will be able
to reduce their expenses on energy, which translates into lower
financial burdens on taxpayers as well as reductions in pollution
and greenhouse gas emissions.
This is a competitive program, and selected municipalities will
receive: One-on-one assistance from energy management experts
who will evaluate municipal energy use (such as electricity use in
buildings, fuel use, heating and air conditioning energy use,
etc.).
On-site inspections of municipal facilities and an inventory of
lighting, HVAC, pumps, plug loads, computers, lighting, and indoor
carbon dioxide levels.
Assessment of past energy use data. Identification of the most
cost-effective ways to reduce
energy use. Staff training on energy management practices.
Assistance in implementing energy reduction projects,
including specifying purchases and identifying funding sources with
an emphasis on projects that will pay for themselves.
Tracking of energy savings to assess long-term success.
This competitive program received 23 applications from
municipalities throughout the DVRPC region. Easttown Township and
Phoenixville Borough in Chester County were among the
municipalities which were selected to receive these services. The
DVRPC, its technical consultants and staff from the Planning
Commission will work with these municipalities through March 2013.
We anticipate that a second funding round will be available later
in 2013, when additional municipalities may be able to participate
in the program.
Sustainable Practices Energy efficiency in local government
operations
This building is experimenting with an energy-saving direct-current
system, supplemented by solar power, for its lighting
requirements.
Celebrating sustainability— interactive map announced
The Chester County Planning Commission has created an interactive
map for the Discover the Future website at
ChescoPAGreen.org/resources/interactivemap.cfm. The map links to
examples of successful sustainability achievements throughout
Chester County. With this map, users can explore information about
each of the sustainable practices and activities. Easy-to-use base
maps include aerial photography, topography and road information,
and organizes sustainable practices according to the elements of
Landscapes2, the Chester County Comprehensive Policy Plan. This
interactive map organizes the articles according to subject
categories of agriculture, community services, economic
development, energy conservation, housing, land use,
transportation, and utilities and infrastructure.
Online Services Update
Social networking The Chester County Planning Commission uses
social networking as a means to engage and remain connected with
the community. Reaching out to the community has made it possible
for the Planning Commission to inform more members of the community
about planning related issues and resources. Broadcasting
planning-related information and data electronically allows more
efficient and dynamic access to the Planning Commission. The
following social networking services were employed by the Planning
Commission during the year:
Facebook: Join the more than 270 fans who have liked the Planning
Commission Facebook page. www.facebook.com/ccplanning
LinkedIn: The Planning Commission has a LinkedIn page for sharing
of planning-related news, information and resources.
www.linkedin.com/company/chester- county-planning-commission
Twitter: The Planning Commission also has a Twitter page with over
260 followers. You can follow the Planning Commission
@ChescoPlanning on Twitter. www.twitter.com/ChescoPlanning
Flickr: The Planning Commission uses Flickr for hosting and sharing
its extensive photography inventory. This photostream allows anyone
to access a wide range of photographic images related to Chester
County. The Planning Commission has thousands of planning-related
photographs, including special events and places that characterize
the county available to the public. The photos are available for
download for educational and personal purposes, though we do ask
that you credit the Planning Commission.
www.flickr.com/ccpcphotography
eSubscriptions Landscapes2 eNewsletter: The Landscapes2 eNewsletter
is designed to inform the public about planning issues related to
Landscapes2, the Chester County Comprehensive Policy Plan, as well
as topics related to the implementation of Landscapes2, Discover
the Future website www.ChescoPAgreen.org and related topics.
ePublications: The Planning Commission’s publications are provided
in an online digital format, which allows our publications to
remain contemporary, relevant and readily accessible. Although all
publications will be available through our website, an
ePublications subscription service is available for those who would
like to receive an email about newly released products. Please
visit www.chesco.org/planning to see the publications.
Sign up: Please visit our eSubscriptions page to sign up for these
services. www.Landscapes2.org/eSubscriptions.cfm
Ways to stay connected The Planning Commission is a good source for
planning information and data within the county. There are many
ways to stay connected to the Planning Commission. The following
methods are available to you: Register to receive email updates
about new
Planning Commissions ePublications. Subscribe to the Planning
Commission’s
Landscapes2 monthly eNewsletter. Find us on Facebook to stay
current on the most up
to date notices and engage in discussion. Follow us on Twitter.
Connect with us on LinkedIn. Access our photography on Flickr.
Visit our websites: Planning Commission at www.chesco.org/planning.
Landscapes2 at www.Landscapes2.org. Discover the Future at
chescoPAgreen.org. Email the Planning Commission at
[email protected]. Phone us at 610-344-6285.
www.chesco.org/planning www.Landscapes2.org www.chescoPAgreen.org
www.facebook.com/ccplanning www.flickr.com/ccpcphotography
www.linkedin.com/company/chester-county-planning-commission
www.twitter.com/chescoplanning
Chester County Board of Commissioners Terence Farrell Kathi Cozzone
Ryan Costello
CPCC Planning Commission Members Judy DiFilippo, Chair Nancy Mohr,
Vice-chair Daniel DiMucci, RLA, ASLA Dr. Douglas Fasick Matthew
Hammond, P.E. E. Martin Shane Joseph J. Tarantino Joseph J.
Viscuso, P.E., L.S. John C. Washington, III
Ronald T. Bailey, AICP, Executive Director
Chester County Planning Commission Publications
Guide to Commuter Options U.S. 202— Great Valley Area
This brochure includes information about share- a-ride, park-n-ride
lots, and transit services in the Great Valley area. These options
provide alternatives for commuters and other motorists to avoid
congestion, particularly during the current construction on U.S.
202.
A Guide to Local Farm Products in Chester County, 2012
This guide was redesigned for 2012 and includes a list of over 100
producers within the county and maps their locations to help you
find their farm fresh products.
New Housing Units 2011, Datasheet
This data sheet shows the number of new housing units for each
municipality in 2011 and the county-wide trend since 2000. It
includes the average density of the new housing development. It
shows the relationship between new housing development and the
Livable Landscapes Map.
Discover the Future— Creating a Sustainable Future for Chester
County brochure
This brochure spotlights county-wide examples of successful
sustainable activities in the public and private sectors as well as
in educational institutions.
Public Transportation Serving Chester County
Updates to public transit routes have been added to the online
version of this map.
Landscapes2 Index Report Card, 2011
The Landscapes2 Index Report Card is published annually to measure
progress being made to achieve the goals of Landscapes2. The index
is based on 16 measures within 7 categories.
New !
Upd ate d
View our publications online or purchase at the Chester County
Planning Commission