Landscapes2 Related References

NEW Comments! — See what others have been saying about the Agriculture Policy paper. Keep the conversation going, login and post your comment. If you need assistance please contact Carolyn Oakley.

Chester County's unique position as an economic engine for Pennsylvania is chronicled in a recent National Public Radio series. Developers Improvise As Economy Falters by Steve Inskeep provides insight into development trends within the county during the current down turn in the economy. You are invited to listen to this program which features Executive Director Ronald T. Bailey and others concerning the changing role of Chester County.

A Bridge to Somewhere: Rethinking American Transportation for the 21st Century — If transportation policy is going to achieve critical national objectives around economic competiveness, environmental sustainability, and social equity in an era of fiscal constraints it will require a 21st-century transportation vision.

Wall Street Journal — Americans have been driving less, the latest figures suggest that the migration from highways to rail is accelerating. The House and Senate have passed by veto-proof margins legislation that could increase Amtrak funding by 33% or more in the new fiscal year beginning October.

Beyond LEED: Buildings That Give Back — A handful of thinkers and architects are pushing past LEED requirements to design buildings that generate more energy than they use.

Trail & Path Planning guidebook — This award-winning publication presents ways that municipalities can address trail and path planning.

Chester County bucks national housing trend when it comes to existing-home sales, which are still free-falling in some parts of the country.

Pro-green corps discusses plans — GHGR is considering reducing demand through sound land-use options, reducing vehicle miles traveled, reducing traffic, improving vehicle fuel efficiency and increasing awareness of the need to reduce greenhouse gases. A task force presentation to the Commissioners on July 1st.

DVRPC is undertaking a study to evaluate the Greater Philadelphia Food System to look at a broad range of food supply issues; agricultural production trends, natural resource constraints, processing and distribution facilities, the origins and destinations of food imports and exports, and the efficiency of transporting from farm to plate.

Amtrak Ridership sets all-time record in it's 37 year history Amtrak ridership in July 2008 increased nearly a 14%. Record-setting ridership indicate the year will end with approximately three million new passenger trips in FY09.

More frequent Septa buses, late-night trains, better weekend service — SEPTA's ridership has increased by about 6%, or 38,000 trips a day, from a year ago. Rail ridership is up 12%, to its highest point in 25 years.

Largest Septa expansion of public transportation in it's history — Most of the initiatives will take place in September and November and come at a time of tremendous growth of public transportation. 2008 Service Expansion Initiative.

Classic Towns of Greater Philadelphia — Throughout the region, there are communities that have preserved their history, their character, and their main street charm. Each is unique, yet all are wonderful places to live, work, and play.

Chester County economically sound but not immune — Chester County and the region have dodged the economic downturn bullet but, for how long? The County is doing "fairly well, given the more difficult economic environment nationwide, though it is not immune from the downturn," said Ryan Sweet, senior economist at Moody's Economy.com in West Chester.

Schuylkill River Trail nearer to completion — The 130-mile-long Schuylkill River Trail that, when finished, will link five counties from Philadelphia to Pottsville. But a couple of huge gaps remain: a 20-mile stretch between Reading and Hamburg in Berks County, and a 14-mile segment in Chester County.

Is Chester County becoming a haven for retail? Major retailers seem to be very comfortable with the County's demographics. Despite a sluggish national economy, major retailers still view the County as a viable place to set up shop.

Valley approves Riverwalk plans — Coatesville is one step closer to beginning construction on the riverwalk pedestrian path that is crucial to two of the city's redevelopment projects.

Worthington Steel property at Rts. 29 and 30 — L. L. Bean joins Target, a Wegmans supermarket and a 14-screen Muvico theatre as retail anchors. Uptown Worthington is remediating and redeveloping a 77-acre brownfield, the former Worthington Steel Factory; the developer also plans 30% open space, a Rails-to-Trails bike path and the re-opening of Little Valley Creek, currently enclosed in a pipe under asphalt paving. L.L. Bean plans LEED certification for their Uptown Worthington store. Uptown Worthington is scheduled for fall 2009.

Take a tour of Uptown Worthington

Planning Related News and References

Transit-oriented development catching on — Warminster is considering transforming a 16 acre industrial site into a 200 home mixed-use development within walking distance of nearby SEPTA regional rail station.

100 Mile Diet — It’s an easy way to start thinking local. A 100-mile radius is large enough to reach beyond a big city and small enough to feel truly local.

Congestion pricing: A smart solution for reducing traffic in urban centers and busy corridors.

GreenSpace: Water, water everywhere - but it's not unlimited. Water footprint calculator

Pennsylvania's Natural Gas Boom puts townships in a difficult position. They must deal with the impact of this growing industry and even address your complaints but thanks to Pennsylvania’s Oil and Gas Act of 1984, they are virtually powerless to halt the damage.

Pre-Proposals Sought for Projects that Reduce Nutrient, Sediments in Chesapeake Bay Region — The Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund is accepting pre-proposals. Grants between $200K and $1M will be awarded to support the reduction or eliminatition of nutrient and sediment pollution to the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Up to $12.9M will be awarded.

Upcoming Events & Training

2008 Sustainability and Energy Festival and Conference - Sept. 19, 20, & 21, 2008. Featuring dynamic speakers, national exhibitors, workshops, hands-on demonstrations, vendors, live music and entertainment, children's activities, food and more.

Delaware County TMA Annual Golf Outing — Friday September 12, 2008, Edgmont Country Club.
Tee-Off at 10 am.

New Way of Living — Families from Chester County have been meeting for six years to develop a small-scale neighborhood that will provide a balance between personal privacy and living with people who know and care about each other. Meetings are every 3rd Sunday in Kimberton, Pennsylvania Contact AltairCohousing or 610-917-3648 for specifics.

4th Annual Environmental Festival — Sept 20, 2008

DVRPC calendar of outside events related to the planning community for the benefit of our partners and website visitors.

PA Chapter of APA South East Section Green Planning annual event: Local Food Systems Plannign and The Role of Car Sharing in Planning, October

Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs Conferences — Fall 2008, Wyndham Gettysburg October 17 - 19.

America's First Fair Trade Town, Media, PA will bring national and international attention to the significance of Fair Trade by holding a Free concert on September 14th, 2008.

TMACC Sponsored Events

The Future of US Route 202/Section 300 — Friday 8 - 9:30 am, Penn State Great Valley.

PennDOT Municipalities Forum — Tursday September 28, 2008 and DCCC Downingtown Campus. contact Betty Shaw at 610-993-0911.

The State of Western Chester County Summit Series: Session 3, Economic Development, September 19, 7:30-10:30 am. The Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce (WCCCC) and the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) will present the 3rd summit of Western Chester County.

Links

Terminology Corner

Perspectives on terms used in Landscapes2 discussions.

Fair Trade

LEED Certification

Cohousing