Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of this project?
The purpose of this project is to undertake a comprehensive, resident-driven, planning process that results in a neighborhood strategic plan for Grace Manor.
How is this project being funded?
This project is made possible by a grant from the Regional Foundation. The Foundation provides Neighborhood Planning Grants to community-based organizations to make these efforts possible. The Regional Foundation has specific guidelines for grantees to follow when developing their neighborhood plans. These guidelines are included in the responses to many of the questions below.
Who is the sponsoring agency for this project?
The lead community agency and project sponsor is Chester Community Improvement Project (CCIP), which is Chester-based non-profit group dedicated to assisting low- and moderate- income families purchase their first home. CCIP has completed a previously Regional Foundation funded neighborhood planning effort in the East Gateway Triangle section of Chester.
What aspects of the neighborhood will this project focus on?
The focus of the plan will be determined by the planning process (i.e., the residents and the stakeholders will shape the focus of the revitalization strategies). We anticipate that the plan will focus on topics such as:
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Housing
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Public safety and nuisance issues
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Children and families
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Economic development
What is the timeframe for the plan, and what will be in the plan itself?
The plan will include a 10-year vision for the future of the neighborhood and implementation goals for the first five years. The plan will identify and prioritize various neighborhood revitalization strategies within each of the categories listed above and also provide cost estimates and a timetable for implementation.
What are the boundaries of this Plan? How were the boundaries determined?
The map shows the boundaries of the planning area. The Regional Foundation recommends that neighborhood planning areas are compact to facilitate tracking of progress and outcomes after the plan starts being implemented.
Who will be devising the strategies and developing the actual plan document?
Urban Partners, a Philadelphia-based economic development consulting firm, is the lead consultant developing the plan, facilitating the community engagement process, and preparing the final report.
Furthermore, a Steering Committee has been formed to guide the consultants throughout the planning process and the development of the plan. The Steering Committee draws from a broad cross-section of the neighborhood, including representatives from local neighborhood/civic groups, institutions, social service agencies, and residents. The committee will meet at least five times during the project and also have ongoing communications electronically.
How will Grace Manor residents and other neighborhood stakeholders be engaged in the planning process?
The Steering Committee aims for broad participation from neighborhood residents and other stakeholders in this process and will be assisting in promoting the planning process. Neighborhood residents and other neighborhood stakeholders are invited and encouraged to participate in this process in several ways:
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The website, www.gracemanorchester.org, will be the main online source for information and updates about the project.
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A visioning workshop will be held on October 15, 2024 from 6 pm to 8 pm. Check the website for location information and more details.
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A community survey.
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A neighborhood-wide meeting to present and get input on the draft plan, which will take place in Spring of 2025.
More details on each of these are available on the project website, along with a list of Steering Committee members and contact information for comments, suggestions, and questions.
What is the timeline for completing the Plan? What happens when the Plan is complete?
The Plan will be completed in Summer of 2025. Having this neighborhood plan complete is a prerequisite to be considered for Neighborhood Implementation Grants from the Regional Foundation that would fund many of the implementation of strategies within the plan.