Downtown West Chester recognized as a "Great Neighborhood"

“You are the first ‘Great Neighborhood’ in Pennsylvania!” — David Ward (center, with Mayor Carolyn Comitta and Council Vice-President Steve Shinn)

Updated January 22, 2015 | Malcolm Johnstone

Harrisburg, PA — The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association (PA-APA) recognized Downtown West Chester as one of four Great Neighborhoods 2014 through its Great Places in Pennsylvania program when David Ward, Assistant Director of the Chester County Planning Commission and member of the PA-APA Chapter, presented the Great Places Certificate to the West Chester BID Board, Borough Mayor and Borough Council on January 21.

The new program, which also has a category for Public Spaces, recognizes outstanding neighborhoods throughout Pennsylvania and celebrates the community leaders, professionals, and residents who contribute to making the Great Neighborhoods an asset for the community.

“Downtown West Chester is a unique and memorable place that serves as a planning ‘best management practice’ to share with other communities,” said Brian O’Leary, President of PA-APA.

A Great Neighborhood is described as “a thriving mixed use area that showcases historical/cultural diversity, fosters economic opportunity, promotes community involvement, and demonstrates connectivity. It is a hub of activity for residents and visitors.”