2023 VPP Round 2 Recipients
Posted November 15, 2023
Congratulations to the recipients of Round 2 of Chester County's Vision Partnership Program! With a variety of project types funded this round, CCPC is excited to watch these exciting initiatives unfold.
The Harriet Tubman Scenic Byway Commission — which includes Kennett Township (lead), Pennsbury Township, Pocopson Township, and Kennett Square Borough — is being awarded $12,000 in VPP funds toward the completion of a Heritage Interpretation Plan for the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad — Path to Freedom. This will include an in-depth examination of the story of the Underground Railroad here in Chester County, as well as throughout the region, using various research materials and input from advocacy groups. The total project is anticipated to cost $20,000, with the VPP funding 60%.
In addition to their involvement with the Heritage Interpretation Plan, Pennsbury Township will receive $15,600 through the county's VPP for various ordinance updates. These include: the protection of specimen trees; the protection of riparian buffers; medical marijuana (growing, processing, and dispensary operations); and additional natural resource protection updates, as appropriate. The total project is anticipated to cost $26,000, with the VPP funding 60%.
With its current open space plan being over 30 years old, West Chester Borough is being awarded $38,000 in VPP funds for the update of their 1986 Park, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan. The update will focus on advancing the goals of Landscapes3, and has already begun with an existing conditions analysis and public engagement request. While the VPP grant request had a project cost of $64,000, the Borough has committed $28,255 outside of the VPP request, bringing the total project cost (including VPP and all municipal funding) to $92,255.
And lastly, West Nantmeal Township will receive $30,000 in VPP funds to update their Comprehensive Plan, which was last updated in 2007. The update will reflect changing conditions over the past 17 years and extensive public engagement. The total project is anticipated to cost $50,000, with the VPP funding 60%.
We look forward to working with these communities and encourage municipalities to reach out with any questions about the next round of VPP funding, which will be announced in 2024!