Easttown Seeks Input For Comprehensive Plan Development

BERWYN, PA – Easttown Township Seeking Public Input on the Draft Comprehensive Plan and is inviting the public to a special meeting next week to weigh in on the plan.

The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14 at Beaumont Elementary School, 575 Beaumont Road, Berwyn.

The meeting will be an open house format with various displays on the draft goals and recommendations developed as part of the comprehensive plan update process.

"We held an open house for the public in June 2016, and received excellent feedback from the community," Township Supervisor Betsy Fadem said at a recent Board of Supervisors meeting. "Based on that feedback, we’ve now advanced the plan to the point where policies and programs have been drafted in an effort to anticipate the future needs of residents and the business community. It is really important that we hear from our residents and businesses regarding the policies and programs that are being proposed."

A nine-member Task Force will work to address the public comments received on Nov. 14 at public meetings on Nov. 16 and Dec. 12.

In 2015, the Township Board of Supervisors appointed a nine-member Task Force, made up of township officials, residents, and business owners.

The Task Force was created to guide the update of the township’s 2001 Comprehensive Plan with the assistance of the Chester County Planning Commission.

It is anticipated that the Task Force will have a full draft of the plan available for public review in January 2018.

A period for public review will then follow, first with the Township Planning Commission to consider recommending the plan for adoption and then with the Board of Supervisors holding a public hearing to consider adoption in April 2018.

"The updated comprehensive plan proposes a framework of potential policies and actions that can be implemented to achieve the vision for the township through 2028," Township Planning Commissioner Mark Stanish said. "Required by Pennsylvania law, the plan sets the stage for the township to make informed decisions, apply for grant funding, and implement programs in a coordinated and cohesive manner to ensure progress is made towards the township’s vision."

The plan currently under development is an implementable plan – focused on the most pressing challenges and opportunities that the township will be facing over the next 10 years. Focus areas for the plan include improving pedestrian and bicyclist mobility, maintaining Berwyn’s character and improving parking, establishing a vision for Devon, making Route 30 a complete street, and enhancing township services.

"From many voices we are coalescing around a shared vision to preserve the character of our township and enhance the quality of life here in the future," Township Task Force Member Eric Knight said. "This has been a thorough process and I have gained a greater appreciation for the complexity of issues touching on our community."

Materials for review will be posted to the Township website here as plan development proceeds.

For more information, contact Director of Planning and Zoning contact Eugene Briggs at (610) 687-3000, extension 109.

Image via Chester County Planning Commission