The Year 2009 will be known as the year of Landscapes2. The year the plan that brings growth and preservation together in Chester County was completed and adopted. The November 9th adoption of the plan was the last step in a three year process of updating the County’s long-range policy plan.
The Chester County Planning Commission and staff extend their appreciation to all the volunteers that devoted their time, energy and ideas to the Landscapes2 process. Volunteers contributed ideas and perspective through the public opinion survey, a series of focus groups, regional meetings and by participating on a planning steering committee.
Year in Review
Strategic Business Plan. Upon the adoption of the strategic plan by the County Commissioners, the Planning department developed a Strategic Business Plan that will direct resources to championing Commissioner goals.
- Transportation Improvement Inventory. The Planning staff partnered with municipalities, PennDOT and DVRPC to develop a comprehensive inventory of transportation improvements within the County.
- Greenhouse Gas Reduction Task Force. Planning staff participated on the county’s task force directed to explore opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption through county operations and municipal activities.
- Technological advances. The Department introduced enhancements to our websites to make them more interactive and interesting to our partners. The department also explored the use of 3D modeling to illustrate planning concepts supported by Landscapes2. The Department was instrumental in implementing an automated land records system using EnerGov software. This system will allow land-related department the opportunity to tract development applications through the process. Ultimately, this information will be made available to municipalities and residents.
- APA-PA Chapter’s Annual Planning Conference. Staff participated in the planning and execution of this year’s conference that focused on sustainable community planning.
- Training opportunities. The County partnered with West Chester University and Chester County 2020 to present the PMPEI Master Planner Program for municipal leaders.
- Digital products. The department now provides all its products in digital format to reach a broader audience, require no fees, and eliminate paper.
- Chester County receives AAA bond ratings. The Department provided assistance to the Commissioners in the successful award of an AAA bond rating by three agencies.
Landscapes2 Related References
2009 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement Lancaster County was recognized by the federal Environmental Protection Agency as the 2009 recipient of the Award for Overall Excellence in Smart Growth.
A water treatment and transportation facility in Chester County, Pennsylvania will be the site of one of the East Coast's largest solar energy farms. Ingram's Mill Farm, is the recipient of a $1M grant from the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority.
Philly Green Wall & Roof. Green roofs and green walls, like no other architectural style provide a wide range of positive effects for buildings, inhabitants and the environment. Green roofs and green walls help to meet on of the essential conditions of sustainable development; the reconciliation between economy and ecology. Philly Green Wall completed the installation of the largest green wall in North America for PNC Bank Headquarters, Pittsburgh, PA.
Green City Clean Waters the City of Philadelphia's program for combined sewer overflow control. A long term control plan update.
U.S. DOT tabs $280M for urban circulator projects. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced the availability of $280M for urban circulator projects such as streetcars, buses and bus facilities to support communities, expand business opportunities and improve quality of life while also creating jobs. "This represents a significant effort to promote livable communities, improve the quality of life for more Americans and create more transportation choices that serve the needs of individual communities," Sec. LaHood said. "Fostering the concept of livability in transportation projects will stimulate America's neighborhoods to become safer, healthier and more vibrant."
Design Guidelines for Bus Transit provides an overview for municipal officials, planners, and developers on methods to accommodate public transportation into subdivision designs.
Planning Related References
CITIES ALIVE World Green Roof Infrastructure Network Student Green Infrastructure Design projects announced First Place: Cliffside Village.
The Future Needs Us, The Crescent Corridor and it's benefits to Pennsylvania at a glance:
- 690,000 Annual Trucks Diverted to Rail
- 9.9 Million Gallons Fuel Saved per Year
- 110,000 Tons CO2 Reduction per Year
- $44.1 Million Annual Congestion Savings
- $8.6 Million Annual Cost of Accidents Avoided
- 25,901 Jobs Created
Providing Transit in Low Density Environments. Making public transportation successful in suburban environments is a significant transportation challenge for all communities. This report highlights how transit agencies are becoming involved in the land use planning process in order to positively shape the built environment that they are tasked to serve.
RTA's Euclid Avenue HealthLine is faring well in ridership, innovation. As of one of the nation's largest bus rapid transit projects, Cleveland's $200 million Euclid Corridor has been fully operational since November 2008. A video review of the project one year later reveals significant ridership increases and $3.3B in planned redevelopment for the 5-mile corridor. Cleveland's Euclid corridor project has paved the way to economic development.
Planet Green 10 Holiday Decorations You Can Make from Recyclables.