The Chester County Urban Centers Forum was held on Oct. 8 at Victory Brewing Company in Parkesburg. In accordance with the theme, "Your Town as a Destination," Chester County Commissioners Michelle Kichline, Kathi Cozzone, and Terence Farrell highlighted the importance of the urban centers.
According to the commissioners, Chester County's urban centers are becoming destination towns where more people want to live, work and visit to enjoy unique experiences offered by breweries and tasting rooms, farmers markets, food trucks and short-term rentals such as Airbnbs and VRBOs. Commissioners' chair Kichline said continued revitalization of the 15 boroughs and the city of Coatesville is a focus of Landscapes3, the county's update to its comprehensive plan.
At the forum, Kent Steeves of the new Braeloch Brewing in Kennett Square spoke about some of the hurdles people might face when opening a brewery or tasting room. He credited Kennett Square Borough officials with being forward thinking when it comes to welcoming new businesses.
Lisa O'Neill, owner of Growing Roots, spoke about the benefits of farmers markets in Chester County. Her organization currently runs three markets in Chester County and one in Berks County. She said the markets help bring visitors to the borough, and these visitors then patronize the local businesses.
Eric and Elaine Kelleher of On the Roll Food Truck were on hand to discuss the benefits of food trucks in urban centers.
A County Planning Commission analysis states there are currently approximately 25 breweries in Chester County; 10 active farmers markets the county, six of which are open during the off-season; and dozens of food trucks licensed to operate in the county.
County Planning Commission Urban Planner Kevin Myers discussed short-term rentals, which are more commonly known as Airbnb or VRBO rentals. These are residential properties or portions of residential properties that are available for rent on a limited duration basis; there are more than 250 of this type of rental in Chester County. Myers said these rentals are popular options in communities with higher lodging demand, thriving business or entertainment districts, seasonal destinations, significant tourism attractions, close proximity to universities and large special events such as fairs, concerts and festivals.
Myers noted that municipalities should consider some factors before allowing this type of lodging, including potential neighborhood opposition, the effects on housing availability and affordability and effects on commercial lodging such as hotels and bed-and-breakfasts. Myers also provided suggestions for municipalities, such as examining policies and determining methods of regulation such as zoning ordinances or standalone ordinances.
Chester County Health Department environmental health specialist Carrie Lane spoke about the importance of business owners and municipal officials reaching out to the County Health Department for assistance when opening new restaurants, breweries and businesses.
Phoenixville Borough planning and land development director and zoning officer David Boelker spoke about how consumers have shifted their spending habits toward more online shopping versus brick-and-mortar stores. He said that, as a result, when people go out in their spare time, they often seek experiences. He highlighted the experiences people can have in Chester County's boroughs as a result of vibrant downtowns that offer a variety of restaurants, breweries, tasting rooms, farmers markets and food trucks.
Urban Centers Forums have been conducted since the development of VISTA 2025, the County's economic development strategy. The forums are the result of a partnership involving the Chester County Commissioners, the County Department of Community Development, the County Planning Commission and the Chester County Economic Development Council.
County Planning Commission executive director Brian O'Leary noted that his office is implementing projects in Landscapes3 that are intended to help the boroughs and city of Coatesville, such as an Urban Centers Design Guide. He said the Vision Partnership Program (VPP) is available for all municipalities in Chester County, including urban centers, to help improve their planning programs while achieving consistency with Landscapes3. More information about the VPP is available at http://www.chescoplanning.org/municorner/vpp.cfm.
County Department of Community Development director Pat Bokovitz also noted that urban centers are encouraged to begin coordinating with his staff and Myers on Chester County Community Revitalization Program (CRP) grant opportunities for infrastructure improvements. He said the next application process will begin in the spring. Bokovitz added that the program is connected to Landscapes3 because it directs appropriate growth to the county's urban centers.
More information about the CRP is available at https://chesco.org/1924/Apply-for-Grants. Municipalities also can sign up for alerts about community development grants by contacting Department of Community Development planning supervisor Shaun Bollig at sbollig@chesco.org.
Fact sheets about destination towns are available at https://chescoplanning.org/MuniCorner/UrbanPlanning.cfm.
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