CHESTER, PA — The City of Chester has finalized its first comprehensive parcel condition survey, marking a significant step in its efforts to address blight and support revitalization. The study evaluated 13,828 properties citywide, assigning each a blight severity score from zero to five, where zero indicates no blight and five signifies structures deemed unsafe.
The results revealed that 92.47% of properties, or 12,787 parcels, were ranked as having no blight, while 27 properties, representing 0.20% of the total, were identified as posing imminent public safety risks. Conducted by Cyclomedia using advanced LiDAR camera technology, the survey captured high-resolution visual data to assess the city’s structural conditions with precision.
This initiative forms part of Chester’s broader revitalization strategy, aiming to prioritize immediate abatement needs, improve public safety, and guide strategic community development. Additionally, the data will assist in zoning enforcement, street maintenance, and emergency response planning while also identifying key areas for redevelopment.
“This study represents a significant step forward in our ongoing mission to address blight and invest in the revitalization of our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Stefan Roots. He emphasized the use of geographic information system (GIS) technology to make informed decisions with state and county partners, aiming to create a safer and more welcoming city for residents and visitors alike.
The parcel condition survey will support Chester’s Receiver team as they undertake a detailed market value analysis of the housing market. Conducted by The Reinvestment Fund, this analysis will inform future budgetary decisions and guide the disposition of blighted properties, further spurring redevelopment efforts. These efforts are seen as pivotal in attracting investment while boosting property values and tax revenues in Chester.
The chart below provides a summary of blight and vacancy data, organized according to the rating scale:
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.