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Commission backs pedestrian‑safety pilot, explores street‑tree credits and a pre‑approved building catalog
Summary
West Chester commissioners discussed a fast‑track pedestrian‑safety pilot (painted interventions vs. costly curb extensions), a proposed street‑tree stormwater credit to fund tree planting, and a longer‑range idea to create a pre‑approved building catalog for predictable, context‑sensitive infill.
At the June 8 meeting the Planning Commission discussed three related policy initiatives: a pedestrian‑safety pilot focused on paint and low‑cost material changes, a model to use stormwater credits to support street‑tree funding, and a concept for a pre‑approved building catalog (inspired by Charleston) that would make small‑lot infill more predictable for developers.
Pedestrian safety: Commissioners and staff proposed starting with painted, artist‑led crosswalks and surface treatments as a low‑cost pilot before pursuing more permanent curb extensions. Participants noted potential PennDOT restrictions on paint and recommended presenting multiple material options (from paint to brick/cobblestone) for historic‑district sensitivity.
Street‑tree stormwater credit: Thomas and others circulated a draft model (previously shared as an April PDF) that would adapt credit approaches used elsewhere (Philadelphia Water Authority, Sacramento, Portland) to help fund borough planting. Commissioners suggested refining the model, collecting feedback, and presenting to Smart Growth; solicitor review would be needed for any draft ordinance.
Pre‑approved building catalog / preservation ordinance: Commissioners debated whether to include a pre‑approved building catalog in the preservation ordinance or pursue it as a separate effort, with some favoring incremental implementation (one building type at a time) and others urging using exemplar projects to craft policy. The idea aims to reduce developer uncertainty and speed context‑sensitive infill.
Why it matters: The pilot could deliver visible pedestrian‑safety improvements quickly, tree credits could unlock funding for canopy expansion (which also yields stormwater benefits), and a building catalog could reduce permitting friction for small developers while protecting neighborhood character.
Next steps: Staff and commissioners agreed to refine the pedestrian pilot graphic for a July work session, circulate the street‑tree credit draft for comments, and scope a Smart Growth presentation and solicitor review for any proposed code or ordinance language.
