County Participates in National Planning Conference

More than 4,000 planners from across the globe came together in Philadelphia in early April to learn about best planning practices and other strategies during the American Planning Association's 2023 National Planning Conference. Various CCPC staff participated in the conference as orientation guides, mobile workshop guides, speed share session presenters, and other activities. This initiative supports the Landscapes3 Prosper Recommendation 5, "Market the county's location and amenities."

Encouraging Ag-friendly Communities

The county conducted a series of municipal outreach efforts in 2023 including a tailored zoning analysis for Chesco's municipalities which provides guidance and suggestions to help communities become more ag-friendly. This is an ongoing process which will include additional efforts and outreach over the years. This initiative supports the Landscapes3 Prosper Objective D, "Encourage the agricultural industry so that its diverse business models and workforce can adapt and thrive, continuing as a vital component of county industry and land use."

Community Rallies After Oxford Fire

After a devastating fire in the heart of Oxford Borough in September of 2023, the community rallied together to support the residents who lost their homes and possessions and businesses who lost their spaces and inventory. This community effort spurred various local restoration efforts and other partnerships, showcasing the power of community support and the will to rebuild. This initiative supports the Landscapes3 Prosper Recommendation 7, "Ensure economic development strategies remain responsive."

Revitalizing Coatesville

In 2023, the City of Coatesville saw a number of revitalization efforts including the ongoing progress of the Coatesville Train Station and Parking Garage, a National Sports and Events Center, numerous new businesses in the downtown area, streetscaping, and Ash Park — among other projects. These initiatives support the Landscapes3 Prosper Recommendation 8, "Revitalize Urban Centers."

International Paper Plant in Atglen

International Paper opened its newest corrugated packaging facility in Atglen in September of 2023. The $100-million facility provides more than 100 manufacturing jobs to the area and looks forward to being part of the local community. The facility provides packaging for produce, processed food, beverage, shipping distribution and e-commerce customers. This initiative supports the Landscapes3 Prosper Recommendation 6, "Create and grow businesses."

New Ag Strategic Plan Adopted

The Chester County Agricultural Development Council released their new Chester County Agricultural Economic Development Strategic Plan in March of 2022, which outlines how to sustain and grow a successful agricultural economy in the face of growth pressures, industry challenges, and limited resources. This initiative supports Landscapes3 Prosper Recommendation 10, "Support agricultural economic development."

East Brandywine Adopts New Comprehensive Plan

In 2022, East Brandywine Township adopted a fully updated comprehensive plan which was a special achievement given that they prepared it during the height of COVID. This plan focuses on the preservation of open space, the enhancement of Guthriesville Village, the inherent character of the community, and maintaining a high quality of life through community services, and supports the Landscapes3 Prosper Objective C, "Support redevelopment and strategic infrastructure investment to maximize community assets, capitalize on existing infrastructure, and provide areas for residential and commercial growth."

Chester County Ag Presents the Annual Farm Guide

For over 20 years the Chester County Farm Guide has served as an annual resource that many residents and visitors look forward to reading. With so many great options to choose from in Chester County, consumers can pinpoint exactly what they're looking for and feel good about growing our regional economy. The farm guide supports Landscapes3 Prosper Objective D, "Encourage the agricultural industry so that its diverse business models and workforce can adapt and thrive, continuing as a vital component of county industry and land use."

Modena Adopts New Comprehensive Plan

Assisted by CCPC, Modena adopted a new comprehensive plan in November 2022. The plan further builds on on-going initiatives in seeing projects such as the Mode Park and house restoration fulfilled, having targeted commercial amenities such as a convenience store locate within the Borough, and to continue to best address stormwater challenges. It supports the Landscapes3 Prosper Objective C, "Support redevelopment and strategic infrastructure investment to maximize community assets, capitalize on existing infrastructure, and provide areas for residential and commercial growth."

Brandywine Battlefield National Historic Landmark Heritage Interpretive & Connectivity Plan

This project was completed in 2022 to help advance the implementation of CCPC's Brandywine Battlefield Preservation Plan and associated Landscapes Plans, and will conceptualize three new Heritage Centers and a network of smaller-scale interpretive sites, to help continue efforts to tell the story of the Battle of Brandywine and the rich heritage of Chester County. This initiative supports Landscapes3 Prosper Recommendation 5, "Market the county's location and amenities."

International French Bank Opens in Chesterbrook

In 2021, the French bank "BNP Paribas" began operations in their 59,000 square foot office space leased in Tredyffrin's Chesterbrook Corporate Center. BNP Parabas is the world's eighth-largest bank in terms of total assets. In August 2020, Chesterbrook Corporate Center was acquired for $148 million by Rubenstein Partners who then invested another $50 million in new amenities and other upgrades. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 Prosper Objective A, "Promote a diverse industry base and flexible workplaces that can adapt to rapidly evolving market, demographic, and technological trends."

Oxford Produce Auction

The Philadelphia Inquirer featured an impressive article about the Oxford Produce Auction in 2021, which is noted for reviving small family farms in western Chester and Lancaster counties. The auction serves grocers, restaurants, and caterers three mornings each week starting at 9 a.m. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 Prosper Recommendation 10, "Support agricultural economic development."

Open-Air Business Setups

In April 2021, the Borough of Phoenixville closed portions of their downtown from Fridays through Sundays to allow for expanded pedestrian foot traffic and outdoor shopping/dining opportunities. Other communities have continued to follow similar strategies to accommodate their residents and businesses during the warmer months, such as West Chester's Open-Air Marketplace and Kennett Square's Third Thursday event. These initiatives help to implement Landscapes3 Prosper Recommendations 1, "Expand workforce development," 5, "Market the county's location and amenities," and 7, "Ensure economic development strategies remain responsive."

The Grove at Malvern

The Grove at Malvern contains diverse businesses, offering everything from cuisine to fitness and health. The property was initially acquired in 2017 by DP Partners for $5 million, with the goal to redevelop the center and create an outdoor space for dining and entertainment. With plans to open right before the pandemic struck in 2020, The Grove had to face many hardships throughout 2021 but is now almost fully occupied. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 Prosper Recommendations 3 and 9, "Support flexible zoning," and "Encourage Suburban Center investment."

Life Sciences Buildings Open/Expand

Castle Creek Biosciences extended its lease for 10 more years on the 86,500 square feet at Eagleview Corporate Center in Exton. Nearby, Frontage Laboratories also signed a 10-year renewal on its headquarters in Eagleview. In addition to the 80,000-square-foot space, the company signed another 10-year-lease for 70,000 square feet in a nearby office park. Additionally, XyloCor Therapeutics has signed a lease for a 3,800-square-foot space in Chesterbrook. The property will serve as its first headquarters. These initiatives help to implement Landscapes3 Prosper Recommendation 9, "Encourage Suburban Center Investment."

eTools — Main Streets, Outdoor Dining, Home-Based Businesses

CCPC posted eTools addressing Main Streets, Outdoor Dining, and Home-based businesses in 2021 to help guide municipalities on how to best regulate zoning ordinances and other challenges when addressing these topics. Each eTool provides resources, examples, and other information to get started. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 Prosper Recommendation 7, "Ensure economic development strategies remain responsive."

New Investments that Maximize Community Assets

During 2021, the old Lukens Steel Plant completed its first year of operation under new ownership as Cleveland Cliff Steel. Construction also progressed on the Berwyn II development consisting of 18 single family units where Mack Oil Company was previously located. Construction also progressed on the 277-unit Yards at Malvern apartments along Route 30. In Willistown Township, the Bursich Property Townhouses began construction, consolidating five parcels for 39 townhouses, and finally, a detached single family unit was constructed on Emmitt Street in Phoenixville Borough, and another unit was constructed on Cherry Street. These initiatives help to implement Landscapes3 Prosper Objective C, "Support redevelopment and strategic infrastructure investment to maximize community assets, capitalize on existing infrastructure, and provide areas for residential and commercial growth."

Creating a Sense of Place and Walkability

During 2021, construction progressed in the West Chester Crossing Townhomes in East Bradford Township (previously the Daily Local News location). Sales began on the newly constructed Darlington Ridge Townhomes, which is crossed by walking trails. Additionally, the J Creekside at Exton Apartments in West Whiteland have been renting throughout 2020-2021. The apartments are close to shopping centers along U.S. Route 30. Construction was also completed at the 76 townhomes in the Pickering crossing Development in Charlestown Township — close to the shopping malls along Rt. 29. And finally, construction progressed on Phase 5 of the French Creek West Steelpointe apartments in Phoenixville Borough adjacent to the County Schuylkill River Trail. These initiatives help to implement Landscapes3 Prosper Objective F, "Support the redevelopment of traditional main streets while encouraging other commercial areas to incorporate the walkability, sense of place, and human-scale of these existing main streets."

Restore Chester County Website

In May 2020, the county launched the Restore Chester County website. The website had toolkits in English and Spanish with guidance for individual businesses and organizations; CDC and Pennsylvania regulations; information about the Chester County COVID-19 Business Task Force; and up-to-date press releases with links to past webinars. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 Prosper Recommendation 7, "Ensure economic development strategies remain responsive."

COVID-19 Business Task Force

In April 2020, the Chester County Commissioners formed a COVID-19 Business Task Force with business, economic, and health officials to help provide input and advocate for business communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The task force is targeted towards communicating and supporting businesses in re-opening. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 Prosper Recommendation 7, "Ensure economic development strategies remain responsive," as well as Objective B, "Support communication and collaboration between the public and private sectors to further economic development initiatives and community health."

Goshenville Traditional Neighborhood Design Adopted

In August 2020, East Goshen Township adopted the Goshenville Traditional Neighborhood Design overlay, which extends along Paoli Pike from Boot Road to Route 352. This rezoning helps to implement Landscapes3 Prosper Recommendations 3 and 4, "Support flexible zoning" and "Retain and expand existing businesses." The district will serve to connect people, calm traffic, and enhance the Town Center of Goshenville as a destination.

County Grants for COVID-19 Recovery

In March 2020, the county created a grant program to provide funding for Chester County small businesses and agricultural enterprises that were unable to take advantage of any existing federal and commonwealth COVID-19 response programs. These grants help to implement Landscapes3 Prosper Objective A, "Promote a diverse industry base and flexible workplaces that can adapt to rapidly evolving market, demographic, and technological trends."

New Businesses Come to Coatesville

In 2020, new construction began at Coatesville's nth Innovation Center, (190 West Lincoln Highway). The soon-to-be 30,000 sq/ft start up hub is located within a Qualified Opportunity Zone and a Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ), and is the first major commercial building to be erected in Coatesville in over 50 years. This helps to implement Landscapes3 Prosper Recommendations 3 and 4, "Support flexible zoning," and "Retain and expand businesses."

(Photo credit: Valley Creek Productions)

Restore Chester County Website

In August 2020, the first Chester County Economy Report was completed as a joint effort of the Planning Commission and the Economic Development Council. This report helps to implement Landscapes3 Prosper Objective B, "Support communication and collaboration between the public and private sectors to further economic development initiatives and community health."

Urban Center Parking Garages

In 2020, Kennett Square Borough added 92 spaces to its municipal parking garage, while Oxford Borough opened its new municipal parking garage and multimodal transportation center. These projects received funding assistance from the Department of Community Development. This new parking helps to implement Landscapes3 Prosper Objective C, "Support redevelopment and strategic infrastructure investment to maximize community assets, capitalize on existing infrastructure, and provide areas for residential and commercial growth."

Coatesville Streetscape Improvements

In 2020, construction was undertaken on several streetscape projects in the City of Coatesville with funding assistance from the Department of Community Development. Improvements were constructed along 1st Street, as well as at 3rd and 4th Streets leading to the train station. These projects help to implement Landscapes3 Prosper Objective C, "Support redevelopment and strategic infrastructure investment to maximize community assets, capitalize on existing infrastructure, and provide areas for residential and commercial growth."

Bridge Improvements

In 2020, several bridges were improved in Chester County. In Modena Borough the South Brandywine Avenue Bridge was rehabilitated. The Norfolk Southern Trestle over North Main Street in Phoenixville was raised to allow emergency vehicles to pass. These improvements help to implement Landscapes3 Prosper Objective C, "Support redevelopment and strategic infrastructure investment to maximize community assets, capitalize on existing infrastructure, and provide areas for residential and commercial growth."

2020 Farmer of the Year Award

In November 2020, The Agricultural Development Council presented the 2020 Farmer of the Year Award to Sonya Beltran and family of First Generation Farms, a mushroom growing operation in Avondale. This award helps to implement Landscapes3 Prosper Objective D, "Encourage the agricultural industry so that its diverse business models and workforce can adapt and thrive, continuing as a vital component of county industry and land use."

Career Counselling and Assistance

In 2020, the Department of Community Development provided funding for career counseling for job seekers at PA Career Link of Chester County and training initiatives through the United Way. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 Prosper Objective E, "Coordinate and support workforce development across age ranges, skill sets, and business sectors to create a workforce prepared for current and future opportunities."

Main Streets Convert for Open-Air Pedestrian Markets

In June 2020, many of Chester County's urban centers — including Phoenixville, Kennett Square, and West Chester — closed portions of their main streets to vehicular traffic in order to accommodate outdoor pedestrian-friendly dining and shopping. These actions allowed for further social distancing and expanded seating, and helps to implement Landscapes3 Prosper Recommendation 7, "Ensure economic development strategies remain responsive."

Chester County Farmers Rise to the Challenges of COVID-19

In July 2020, despite the many challenges and hardships of COVID-19, Chester County's farmers came up with creative ways to continue serving their communities. While some utilized social media, others increased safety protocols and expanded their services. This helps to implement Landscapes3 Prosper Objective D, "Encourage the agricultural industry so that its diverse business models and workforce can adapt and thrive, continuing as a vital component of county industry and land use."

Downtown West Chester Business Resiliency

While many towns and Main Streets across the nation faced business closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, West Chester Borough was able to retain most of their downtown businesses in 2020. Although some businesses were lost, a comparable number of businesses opened such as Champion's Premier Dog Parlor and La Tartine Mediterranean Restaurant. This resiliency helps to implement Landscapes3 Prosper Recommendation 4, "Retain and expand existing businesses."

Ice Cream Shop Relocates

In July 2020, the Maggie Moos Ice Cream Shop relocated to the Whiteland Towne Center located at 137 West Lincoln Highway. The business, which was originally located in the Main Street at Exton Shopping Center, recently partnered with Great American Cookies and needed additional room for their growing operation. The new location also offers ample outdoor seating. The flexibility of this business helps to implement Landscapes3 Prosper Recommendation 4, "Retain and expand existing businesses."

New Distillery in Elverson

Brandywine Branch Distillers is a small batch micro-distillery which opened in late 2020 in Elverson. The distillery is a grain-to-bottle enterprise which inhabits a restored 130-year-old barn, and it is located on an eight-acre property. Everything they make is produced on site. This new business helps to implement Landscapes3 Prosper Recommendation 6, "Create and grow businesses" and Recommendation 8, "Revitalize Urban Centers."

New Brewery in West Chester

A 5,000 square foot brewery opened at 342 Hannum Ave in West Chester in the fall of 2020, adding to Chester County's robust and growing brewery scene. The brewery features 24 rotating taps as well as a newly-added kitchen. This helps to implement Landscapes3 Prosper Recommendation 6, "Create and grow businesses" and Recommendation 8, "Revitalize Urban Centers."

Planning tools promoting business development

During 2020, the Planning Commission posted business related eTools on its municipal assistance web page. This included guidance for promoting Main Street areas by marketing and selling the unique aspects of a Main Street to attract visitors, as well as guidance for breweries (beer gardens, tasting rooms, taprooms, microbreweries, regional breweries, and brewpubs). These tools help to implement Landscapes3 Prosper Recommendation 7, "Ensure economic development strategies remain responsive."

"Your Town as a Destination" Urban Centers Event

In October 2019, the Chester County Planning Commission presented an urban centers event at Victory Brewing Company in Parkesburg, entitled "Your Town as a Destination."" This forum focused on challenges and opportunities for the urban centers by promoting data sharing and friendly communication. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 recommendation, "Revitalize Urban Centers."

Urban Centers Design Guide Completed

In 2019, the Planning Commission completed the Urban Center Design Guide, which serves to foster new development that is compatible with community and historic character, and protect residential neighborhoods from adverse impacts. Such development should encourage alternative modes of transportation, improve the environment, and guide appropriate development for municipalities. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 recommendation, "Revitalize Urban Centers."

The Oxford Borough Transit Center and Borough Hall Completed

December 2019, the Oxford Borough Transit Center and Borough Hall were completed. The new multi-modal transportation center provides parking for 266 cars, along with 3,500 square feet of ground floor office space. This $7.1 million dollar project, also includes space for the borough's administrative offices, and has the much needed technology improvements they have been lacking. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 recommendation, "Revitalize Urban Centers."