The Chester County Board of Commissioners announced this week the next step in the Landscapes3 process – the creation of a steering committee to guide the development of the new county comprehensive plan.
The steering committee will be co-chaired by three Chester County leaders representing key sectors of the county’s drive to balance growth and preservation: Chris Alonzo, President of Pietro Industries and Chair of the Chester County Agricultural Development Council; Matthew Hammond, P.E., Executive Vice President of Traffic Planning and Design, Inc. and Chair of the Chester County Planning Commission; and Molly Morrison, President of Natural Lands and a member of the Chester County Planning Commission.
“We have asked select individuals to volunteer their time and expertise to collectively serve as a sounding board in the development of Landscapes3, our plan for the County’s future,” said Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Michelle Kichline. “The members of the steering committee represent a wide range of interests, from preservation to farming, from educators and municipal officials to business leaders.”
The development of the Landscapes3 plan will begin this fall, following the comprehensive public input process that includes a citizen survey, and is anticipated to take 18 months. It will update and replace Landscapes2, the current award-winning long-range policy plan that is the basis for such initiatives as revitalized urban centers and protected farmland and open spaces – issues clearly identified as important to citizens in the last survey undertaken in 2007.
“Landscapes2 has been successful in bringing growth and preservation together through a series of partnerships and grant opportunities, and Landscapes3 will be the next chapter in our success,” commented County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone. “This steering committee will guide that process and insure that core planning issues are addressed as we plan for the future.”
The public is invited to participate in the update process through a series of activities, including the public opinion survey (closing June 30th), a series of outreach events throughout the county, online commenting, and a public meeting and second photo contest planned for this fall. Public engagement is a critical part of the comprehensive plan development. Steering committee meetings will be held throughout the county and are open to the public.
“Chester County is a special place and it is our intention that this steering committee will challenge us to develop a plan that continues our great success,” stated County Commissioner Terence Farrell. “The steering committee will take the results of the public survey currently underway and develop a plan that promotes the continued balance of growth and preservation we enjoy today.”
For more information on the steering committee and the comprehensive plan update go to: http://www.chescoplanning.org/CompPlan.cfm .
