Plan Update News
Historic Resources was identified as one of the topics to be addressed by the Landscapes2 Steering Committee. The Landscapes2 website has been updated to highlight the next topic in the Plan, Historic Resources. A Historic Resources presentation (PDF, 10 mb) was given to the Landscapes2 Steering Committee on February 20 that summarized the Historic Resources issues facing Chester County.
The Landscapes2 Draft Housing Policy Paper has been developed with input from various stakeholders and the Landscapes2 Steering Committee, and is now available for review and comment.
Historic Resources Related References
Chester County Historical Society has permanent and changing exhibitions that highlight Chester County’s fascinating past. (Drawing on collections that span more than three centuries from 1680 to present.) The Society maintains a library with an extensive collection of reference material to assist with research for local topics.
The Philadelphia City Archive, PhillyHistory.org is one of the country’s largest municipal archives, with an estimated 2 million photographs that date from the late 1800’s.
Planning Related News and References
Green Communities News is a monthly electronic newsletter on sustainable affordable housing. This month highlights a landmark HUD Green Affordable Housing initiative passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.
Organizations Encouraged to Apply for 2008 Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grants
Non-profit groups and local governments are encouraged to apply for the 2008 Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grants. The program provides grants to organizations and local governments working to protect and improve watersheds in the Chesapeake Bay basin, while building citizen-based resource stewardship.
Healthy Community Trees Program - The Home Depot Foundation believes that trees aren't just "nice" things to have, but that they are essential to a supportive, healthy community.
U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) held a public forum in Harrisburg to discuss and hear public comments about the designation of 52 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties as part of the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (NIETC).
PennDOT’s Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) is offering two courses for municipalities on roadway maintenance: Thursday, April 3 at the Tredyffrin township building and Thursday, April 10 at the West Chester Holiday Inn.
Governor Edward G. Rendell announced the PENNVEST (Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority) Board of Directors’ approval of $82.9 million in low interest loans and grants for 21 brownfields, drinking water and wastewater projects in 18 counties. The Governor cited the importance of these projects to the environment, the health of Pennsylvania citizens and the economic vitality of communities.
National Park Service Announces Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program for 2008. Could your project benefit from 1-2 years' staff time and technical assistance from a National Park Service specialist? Application deadline is August 1, 2008.
Enterprise Green Communities News - Green Communities News is a monthly electronic newsletter on sustainable affordable housing. This month highlights a landmark HUD Green Affordable Housing initiative passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. New SEPTA General Manager Joe Casey focuses on improving service.
FHA Secure - If you have an adjustable rate mortgage coming due or your interest rate is already too high, you may qualify for safe and affordable financing options provided by government-insured mortgages through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).
Upcoming Events
2008 Old House Fair The Old House Fair grows out of the Preservation Alliance’s mission to provide technical assistance and educational activities that encourage restoration and reuse of historic buildings. The Old House Fair is one of the longest running programs of its kind in the country.
Spring 2008 Workshop - What you need to know to preserve the historic structures in your community. The CCHPN (Chester County Historic Preservation Network) will hold 2008 annual workshop on Demolition, looking at ordinances and other strategies for preserving historic structures. Commission. Saturday, March 8, 2008, Brandywine River Museum, Chadds Ford, Pa.
National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) Conference March 12 - 15, 2008. This national conference, in Washington, DC, is the largest annual gathering of community organizations devoted to creating and sustaining affordable homeownership for America’s working families.
DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Program Grant Applications due April 25, 2008. Spring 2009 will be the next opportunity to request funding. DCNR may in extraordinary circumstances consider acquisition projects outside of the regular spring application cycle. However, it would be unwise to expect DCNR to view your situation as extraordinary. DCNR is holding grant workshops across Pennsylvania during February.
National Trust for Historic Preservation is now accepting nominations for the 2008 National Preservation Honor Awards. The coveted annual awards recognize singular success in preserving, rehabilitating, restoring or interpreting America’s architectural and cultural heritage. Winners will be announced at the 2008 National Preservation Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which will run from October 21-25. For more information, please contact John Bravacos.