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County approves first readings for Vista Resources plan development for up to 114 homes; council, planners and neighbors discuss access and standards
Summary
Council approved first readings for three related rezoning items filed by Vista Resources LLC to create a planned development of roughly 45 acres and 114 lots; staff and developers agreed to a Knox-box emergency access gate and to work on a development agreement tied to standards and incentives.
Chester County Council gave first-reading approval to three related rezoning requests from Vista Resources LLC that together would enable a planned development of roughly 45 acres and about 114 homes behind the JA Cochran Bypass. The planning commission recommended approval by 4–1 for the parcels before council.
Planning Director Jeremy Ward said the parcel is roughly 45 acres split across three parcels and that the developer—s proposal calls for 114 lots averaging about 6,500 square feet with roughly 35% of the land reserved as open space. "They are off of Old York Road beside the railroad behind the Dollar General," Ward said, summarizing location and design considerations.
Neighbors and council members raised concerns about a proposed secondary access that would connect the new development to an existing residential neighborhood. "There was concern by some of the neighbors... regarding their second access point," Ward said. Staff and the developer agreed on a compromise: a gated emergency access with a Knox Box that would be usable only by emergency personnel. Developer Brady Sanford said the community would likely be built out with streets and infrastructure at once and the model/home site would be near the JA Cochran entrance.
Council members pressed for follow-up technical review. "If you would like to, I can consult with [Chief Jackson] prior to the second reading," Ward said when asked to involve the Chester Fire District. Councilman John Agee asked staff to ensure the fire district and district chief review access for large apparatus and narrow points.
County Administrator Kenneth Hester and Ward said a development agreement is already in progress and would be attached to the rezoning ordinance by third reading if council requires it. Hester said incentives and performance provisions have been discussed informally with the developer and that staff would return with a proposed development agreement and any requested changes before the final vote.
All three first readings (identified in the meeting as CCMA 24-17, CCMA 24-18 and CCMA 24-19) passed on first reading. Council members said the subdivision review, preliminary plat, performance bond and final plat processes remain and that the planning commission and county staff will continue to review stormwater, setbacks, park layout and other technical items before final approval.
