George Wilson Fasic, a West Chester resident who played a crucial role in the preservation of Chester County, has died at 90. Jen Samuel reported the loss for the Daily Local News.

Fasic served as executive director of the Chester County Planning Commission from 1976 to 1995. During those 19 years, he created an environment that focused on smart development, which was not necessarily the easiest path to take but was right for the county.

Also, he emphasized the value of supporting agriculture and prioritized preserving natural resources. This latter stance led to such successes as Hibernia County Park to the White Clay Creek Preserve. As a result, today, fully one-third of Chester County is preserved space.

Robert Bielski, a retired professor of West Chester University who also served on the Chester County Planning Commission, called Fasic “the man most responsible for improving planning in Chester County.”

“He was an amazing individual,” said Bielski.

Fasic taught at several schools, including WCU. He retired from that role six years ago. He also served on several boards, task forces, and commissions and maintained a private consulting practice.

Read more about George Wilson Fasic in the Daily Local News.