A Planning Legacy — Mr. George W. Fasic
As we look back to the 1970s, it would be remiss not to highlight one of the most influential figures in the Chester County Planning Commission's history — Mr. George W. Fasic.
Serving as CCPC's Executive Director from 1976 to 1995, Mr. Fasic left a lasting legacy through his visionary leadership and commitment to thoughtful planning.
In a 2021 tribute following his passing, Mr. Fasic was recognized as a pioneer — someone who championed the importance of agriculture, natural resources, and smart development in Chester County well before these issues gained urgency. Under his leadership, the preservation of open space became a core priority — a legacy that still guides the county's planning efforts today.
Bob Bielski, former CCPC Demographer and retired West Chester University professor who worked closely with Mr. Fasic, described him as "the man most responsible for improving planning in Chester County," as quoted in the Daily Local News.
Mr. Fasic had many achievements, including his involvement in Hibernia Park and White Clay Creek Preserve; the development of numerous county and municipal comprehensive plans, regional transportation strategies, subdivision and zoning ordinances, instructional materials, research reports; and the initiation of Landscapes, Chester County's first comprehensive plan.
He also founded the Municipal Planning Assistance Program, offering professional planning support to all 73 of the county's municipalities, and co-founded the Pennsylvania Municipal Planning Education Institute (PMPEI) — both of which remain active and impactful today.
Mr. Fasic's legacy lives on in the many initiatives he championed and the strong planning foundation he built for Chester County.