Delaware County DA funds vacant-lot stabilization in Chester under Philadelphia LandCare model

City of Chester council discussed Resolution 133 on Nov. 10, a proposal to authorize a memorandum of understanding with the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) to stabilize and maintain vacant lots owned by the city and the Chester Redevelopment Authority.

City staff said the program will use the Philadelphia LandCare model: PHS will assess lots, perform grading, plant grass and trees and install split‑rail fencing. Staff said the county DA’s office is providing the funding; the initial program scope described in the meeting materials was limited to 100,000 square feet and could expand if additional funding is raised. “They’re getting paid to do it,” staff said, noting the DA is funding the initiative as part of a violence‑reduction and greening strategy.

Staff told council the program can hire local contractors where appropriate and that some parcels could be taken out of the Redevelopment Authority’s inventory as they are redeveloped. Council asked whether the city would incur costs for maintenance; staff said the initial work is funded by the DA grant and that ongoing maintenance arrangements would be handled as part of program design; inclusion of PennDOT parcels would require additional approvals and could take years.

The resolution was presented for final passage on the agenda; the transcript does not record a final vote during the meeting.