Plan Commission Hosting Virtual Meeting On Southern Chesco Trail

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — Chester County planners are looking for a way to integrate a new trail into the wider 800 miles of trails in Greater Philadelphia. The Chester County Planning Commission will hold its first public meeting to discuss a multi-use trail project in southern Chester County. The trail would connect communities along the Route 1 corridor from Chadd's Ford to Oxford.

Last year, the Chester County Commissioners accepted a grant award that funds a study of the feasibility of the trail project. "We're looking forward to receiving feedback from local residents and potential trail users,"said Executive Director Brian O’Leary. "We're excited for the county to begin this public engagement process."

The virtual meeting is set for Tuesday, July 14 from 7-9 p.m. via Zoom, and will also be streamed live on the county’s Facebook page. Those who want to attend may register here.

The Southern Chester County Circuit Trail Feasibility Study seeks to connect the boroughs and growth areas along U.S. Route 1 in southern Chester County to the Brandywine Trail and the circuit of the Greater Philadelphia region's 800-plus-mile network of existing and planned trails.

Given the interest in trails and the need for more pedestrian and bicycle mobility options in southern Chester County, the study aims to find a route where an off-road, multi-use path could possibly be developed. The path would provide a safe and viable connection between the communities of Kennett Square, Avondale, West Grove, and Oxford Boroughs, as well as Pennsbury, Kennett, New Garden, London Grove, Penn, Upper Oxford, Lower Oxford, and East Marlborough Townships, according to Chester County's news page.

Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Marian Moskowitz said, "Many of our residents are becoming more interested in using alternative modes of transportation, as well as wanting more outdoor recreational opportunities." She said the trail would help address both of those needs.

County Commissioner Josh Maxwell encouraged county residents to attend the virtual meeting and give their input. "Trails make Chester County special," he said. "Their interconnections are vital to ensuring our residents have safe trail access for decades to come. I hope our residents take this opportunity to share how they would like to see us continue to improve our trail network throughout Southern Chester County."

The intent of the Southern Chester County Circuit Trail project was identified in he county's comprehensive plan, Landscapes 3, which recommends creating a countywide, interconnected trail network. "The goal of this study is to determine whether a trail is feasible, and if so, what is needed for it to be built," explained County Commissioner Michelle Kichline. She said if a trail is not feasible, the report will also identify potential alternate options.

The feasibility study is expected to be complete by the end of 2020.

Partial funding for this project comes from the Regional Trails Program, administered by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, with funding from the William Penn Foundation.

Upon approval of the study's funding, the county formed a steering committee, including representatives from municipalities, county departments, and other partner organizations in the area.

There is a public survey available in both English and Spanish, which remains open through the end of July. To learn more about this project, visit chescoplanning.org/transportation/SouthernChesco.cfm