75th Anniversary
We're celebrating the Chester County Planning Commission's 75th Anniversary on November 1, 2025!
A lot has changed over the years, and we want to share it with you. Now through November 1, stay tuned to this page (and our social media) as we share some of CCPC's history, accomplishments, photos, and other memories from the last 75 years. It's a blast from the past you won't want to miss!
As we wrap up our look back at the 1970s, we'd be remiss not to mention one of CCPC's most influential leaders — Mr. George W. Fasic, who served as Executive Director from 1976 to 1995. His impact on Chester County's planning legacy is still felt today. Learn more about George.
A lot can change in 54 years! Located at the crossroads of Route 100 and the PA Turnpike in Upper Uwchlan Township, these images show the Eagle area of Chester County in 1971 compared to today. Its strategic location has played a key role in its transformation. (Note: the current image includes what is now known as Eagleview.)
In the summer of 1972, CCPC asked all Chester County municipalities to submit maps of their unpaved public roads. The goal was to create a countywide inventory that would guide future liquid fuels funding and support the eventual paving of all roads. This map was the result.
The '70s were a landmark decade for CCPC — including the debut of our very first logo. It was proudly displayed on the covers of our 1976-1979 annual reports.
Among CCPC's first staff members in 1962 was Mr. Richard Byler. As county planner and director of CCPC, Mr. Byler had a big role to fill — and minimal resources to do it. Despite these challenges, he accomplished a great deal during his 13 years as Director.
Learn more about Mr.Byler and this formative time in CCPC's history.
Did you know that for the first 12 years of its existence, CCPC had no staff? From 1950 - 1962, the primary function of CCPC was limited to review of subdivision plans. But in 1962, a group of four full-time staff members and several part-time employees were hired. The small but mighty staff spent most of its time researching data and planning information. Fast forward to today, we have 34 staff members covering a wide range of planning topics and tasks. Oh, how times have changed!
Chester County's public water service area has expanded a lot since 1964! From a planning standpoint, the expansion of public water systems had a dramatic impact on advancing development further away from the Boroughs and more developed areas outside their borders. While not as dramatic as having access to public sewers, having access to public water reduces the need for larger lots requiring separation distances from wells.
Check out the map to see the difference between 1964 and now.
CCPC's Annual Reports have a long history, and these reports from the 1960s prove that! A fun fact: back in the 1960s, it was expensive to use more than one color when printing. Today it really doesn't make a difference between one color or 100 colors with digital printing.
As we get ready to celebrate CCPC's 75th this year, we recognize the people who have helped shaped its success. This includes CCPC's Assistant Director, Carol Stauffer, who has been with CCPC for nearly 35 years! See her interview and how some things have changed over the years.
Back in 1956, CCPC was featured in a Coatesville op-ed. Planning was new, and people were unsure about it. But by valuing each municipality's character and vision, much progress was made over the years!
Planning has come a long way over the decades! What once required pencils, rulers, and a steady hand, is now done with a digital screen and the click of a mouse. This transformation reflects how technology has (and continues to) help the planning field evolve.
Once upon a time this was the landscape of Chester County's Exton Square Mall area back in 1958. So much has changed from the 1950s compared to today. Note the drive in theater in the image. Can you spot it?
Check out the image to compare the aerial from 1958 to today!
