Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell, and Michelle Kichline recently proclaimed October as National Community Planning Month, noting the dedication of members of the Chester County Planning Commission, municipality planning commissions, and citizen planners who have contributed to the improvement of Chester County.
Initiated by the American Planning Association, Community Planning Month highlights the role of community planning in improving the economic development and transportation needs of communities, as well as addressing disruptive changes brought about by the pandemic.
The Commissioners’ proclamation recognizes the success of Chester County’s Comprehensive Plan, Landscapes3, stating, “For the last five years, Landscapes3 has successfully provided growth and preservation guidance to the county’s municipalities while effectively maintaining a steady foundation for planning during changing and disruptive times.”
The proclamation also notes, “The celebration of National Community Planning Month provides the opportunity to publicly recognize the dedication of the members of planning commissions and other citizen planners who have contributed their time and expertise to the improvement of Chester County.”
Since its adoption in 2018, Landscapes3 has guided Chester County through a period of transformative developments, positioning the county as a model finnovative planning and responsible stewardship through the Plan’s six goals and vision.
Initiatives such as Chester County’s commitment to open space preservation led to more than one third of the county’s land being protected through the Landscapes3 Preserve goal, while the adoption of the county’s Climate Action Plan falls under the Protect goal. Other key accomplishments include advancements in sustainability and smart growth strategies, economic development, infrastructure improvements, and community engagement.
Chester County Planning Commission Executive Director, Brian O’Leary, said, “With ongoing commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, Chester County is well-positioned to continue its role as a model community for thoughtful and forward-thinking planning - for the next five years and beyond. We thank the Commissioners for their recognition of the importance of community planning, as noted in the proclamation.”
Chester County’s Comprehensive Plan, Landscapes3