WEST CHESTER — The Chester County Board of Commissioners announced the kickoff of a public opinion survey for Chester County at Tuesday’s Commissioners’ public meeting. The survey, which will help to identify citizen priorities for the future of Chester County, will contribute to the vision for Landscapes3, the county’s long-range comprehensive plan.
“We’re asking all county residents and businesses to take five minutes to complete the electronic survey because it is important to find out public opinion before we begin to plan the County’s future,” said Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Michelle Kichline. “This will be a transparent process that will guide us in knowing what to preserve – or alter – as we move forward.”
The information gathered from the survey will help to transition the development of Landscapes3 from the identification of issues to building the vision for the future. Landscapes2, the current award-winning long-range policy plan, 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.
“Landscape2 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,” said County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone. “This survey will specifically cover issues such as transportation, the economy, open space and housing options.”
The public is invited to participate in the update through a series of activities, including the public opinion survey, and a series of outreach events to be held throughout the county. Public engagement is a critical part of the comprehensive plan development, and a variety of activities will be taking place including photo competitions, public meetings throughout the County, and online discussions.
“Chester County is a special place and it is our hope that we get a large response to this survey to reflect the concerns of our citizens,” stated County Commissioner Terence Farrell. “In 1995, when the ‘Landscapes’ comprehensive plan process began, the County received 5,000 survey responses. In 2007, for Landscapes2, that response number rose to more than 8,000. Our target number for this next survey is 10,000.”
The survey can be accessed online at www.chescoplanning.org. For more information, contact Chester County Planning Commission Director of Planning Services Susan Elks at 610-344-6285 or email selks@chesco.org.
