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Below we have archived our recent weekly news briefs.. If there are any questions or comments regarding any specific news items, please contact us via email.

 

News briefs for the week of May 14, 2012

REALTOR Rally: Just One Week Away

Next Thursday, May 17, thousands of REALTORS will gather to show our elected officials that no one cares more about revitalizing the economy and real estate market than REALTORS! Can't attend the Realtor® Rally in person? A Virtual Rally platform is being launched on RealtorRally.org for those who will be unable to attend the Rally in Washington D.C. on May 17. Just before the day of the Rally, you will be able to share your location on a map, share your participation in the Virtual Rally through Facebook and Twitter, and automatically send your Rally participation message to your members of Congress. On May 17, you'll be able to access ongoing coverage of the events at the Mall in Washington through videos, tweets, Facebook updates and more. Visit RealtorRally.org for more information.

America Needs Long-Term Extension of National Flood Insurance Program

A long-term extension of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), before the current temporary extension expires on May 31, is critical to provide certainty and avoid further disruptions in real estate markets. That was the message delivered today by National Association of Realtors® President Moe Veissi before the Senate Banking Subcommittee on Economic Policy about the need for long-term NFIP reauthorization and reform. “We urge Congress to act quickly to reauthorize the NFIP and not let this vital program lapse again. It is critical that homeowners continue to have access to available and affordable flood insurance to protect themselves against losses,” Veissi testified. For some time now, Congress has been approving short-term extensions of the NFIP authority to issue flood insurance policies while debate continues over comprehensive reforms to the program. Since 2008, there have been 17 short-term extensions, and twice authority has been allowed to expire, delaying or cancelling 1,300 real estate transactions each day, according to NAR research. During the June 2010 lapse, NAR estimates that more than 40,000 home sales were stalled.

Source: National Association of REALTORS

Bucks County

Redevelopment Authority to help tackle blight

The Bucks County Redevelopment Authority has created a new strategic planning committee responsible for identifying blighted and underused properties in the county. The committee will prioritize the list of properties and work to get them shovel-ready when the authority obtains federal, state or county funds to aid revitalization. Participating Bucks municipalities include: Bristol Borough, Bensalem, Bristol Township, Falls, Morrisville, Tullytown and Penndel. The municipalities also make up the Enterprise Zone program run by the state, a business development tool designed to create local jobs through tax breaks and other incentives. Visit the Bucks County Redevelopment Authority website for more information. Click here for what constitutes a blighted property.

Source: Courier Times; 5/10/2012

Bensalem school budget calls for $59 tax increase

The Bensalem Township School District approved a proposed final budget that will include a $59 tax increase for the average home assessed at $22,000 in the district. The proposed final budget will use $1.95 million in savings to cover a budget deficit. If finalized, the property tax rate will increase from 141.4275 mills to 144.1275 mills. Budget talks will continue prior to final adoption of the spending plan with a public question-and-answer session immediately following the 7:30 p.m., May 23 school board meeting at the district administrative center. Final adoption is scheduled for June 13. Click here for the school district website.

Source: Courier Times; 5/10/2012

Middletown Township hires manager

Middletown Township supervisors recently announced the appointment of Stephanie Teoli as the new manager of Middletown. Teoli brings to Middletown over 15 years of professional local government management experience, having served as manager in Upper Makefield Township, Bucks County and Hatfield Township, Montgomery County. Teoli also currently serves on the executive board of the Association for Pennsylvania Municipal Management, the Bucks County Consortium of Communities and the Delaware Valley Workers Compensation Trust. July 9 will mark the first official day for the new Middletown Township manager.

Source: The Advance; 5/8/2012

New Hope-Solebury eyes $80 tax hike

The New Hope-Solebury School Board has approved the proposed final budget for the 2012-13 school year. The proposed spending plan includes a tax rate increase from 83.30 to 84.72 mills, with a home assessed at the district average of $52,829 seeing an increase of $80. The average tax bill would rise to $4,814. Homeowners eligible for the homestead/farmstead exemption will see a $261 credit on their school property tax bill. The school district plans to use $1.3 million in savings to balance the budget. The budget is set to be finalized at the June 4 meeting.

Source: Courier Times; 5/10/2012

Manager hired in Newtown Township

The Newtown Township board of supervisors unanimously voted to hire Kurt Ferguson as the new township manager. Ferguson is currently the manager of Hempfield Township in western Pennsylvania and will replace former manager Joe Czajkowski, who resigned on April 1. Ferguson is set to begin his new position with Newtown on or before July 2.

Source: The Advance; 5/9/2012

Chester County

Downingtown to consider adopting U&O inspections

Downingtown Borough Council will consider two ordinances that will impact the sale of properties in the borough. Ordinance 2012-04 would require a residential certificate of compliance before the sale of a property. Ordinance 2012-02 amends the building code standard in the borough to include the 2009 International Property Maintenance Code and adds additional housing standards. Both ordinances will be considered for adoption on Wednesday, May 16, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. at Downingtown Borough Hall, 4 West Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335.

Tredyffrin Easttown finance committee meeting packed

The Tredyffrin Easttown Finance Committee meeting hosted a number of residents, students, parents and teachers concerned about the budget and proposed demotion strategy. While no action was taken on the demotion issue, officials noted that action would have to be taken by June 14, the date set for final budget passage. The demotion strategy, which would affect the most highly paid teachers in the district, is projected to save $640,000 next year if approved. In all, three budget strategies for closing an estimated $1.5 million deficit were discussed. Increasing class size by one student in the elementary grades would net a savings of $607,500 according to personnel director Sue Tiede, who explained the current class-size policy and the thresholds that trigger additional staff hiring. The next finance committee meeting is scheduled for June 11, at 7 p.m.

Source: Suburban Main Line Times; 5/10/2012

Downingtown School Board approves final budget

The Downingtown School District’s Board of Directors voted on a proposed final budget, which includes a 1.96 percent tax increase. The proposed property tax increase could be reduced if more funding is made available from the state. The final vote on the budget and a tax increase must occur by June 30.

Source: Daily Local; 5/10/2012

London Grove supervisors tackle mushroom farm noise

London Grove supervisors have been mulling an ordinance that would address the problem of mushroom farm noise that disturbs nearby residents late at night. Residents have complained about the truck traffic noise at night. The supervisors voted to advertise a public hearing on a proposed ordinance that would apply the residential noise guidelines to mushroom farms.

Source: Avon Grove Sun; 5/10/2012

Delaware County

Upland passes changes to sewer later inspection

Upland Borough Council passed amendments to a recently enacted sewer lateral inspection. The first amendment removes the need for a lateral inspection when renovations worth 50 percent of the home’s value are made. The second creates an exception for temporary use and occupancy permits when repairs are necessary. The temporary permit would allow an 18 month grace period to make any repairs and obtain a permanent U&O.

Ridley schools budget calls for 3.29 percent increase

Ridley School District taxes will be going up 3.29 percent, according to the proposed final budget for 2012-13 approved Monday night by school directors. The total millage rate will be 38.250 mills, or $3.83 for each $100 of assessed property value. For a property assessed at the average in the district of $103,000, the tax increase will amount to about $121 a year. Final approval of the budget is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on June 11.
Source: Daily Times; 5/7/2012

Upper Darby School Board OKs budget after long debate

The longest school board meeting ever recorded in Upper Darby occurred this week, lasting more than six hours, from 7:30 p.m. Tuesday until 2 a.m. Wednesday. An estimated 1,200 citizens showed up for the first public meeting since the announcement of the 2012-2013 budget, which calls for cuts of teachers and classes at the elementary and middle schools. Board President Maureen Carey announced at the onset of the meeting that everyone would be given a chance to speak in the order they signed in before the board voted to approve the tentative budget, which calls for the curtailment of 64 staff members.

Source: Daily Times; 5/10/2012

Chester Upland CFO predicts $11 million deficit for district at trial

The trial of the federal lawsuit filed by the Chester Upland School District against the state began with the district’s chief financial officer projecting the public school system’s dire financial status would worsen by next school year. District CFO Robert Bruchak, the first witness called by Chester Upland, testified that the current working version of the school district’s budget – which has not been presented publically yet – predicts an $11-million deficit by the end of the 2012-2013 school year. Those budget calculations include a 2.7 percent property tax increase that Bruchak said would raise as much as $300,000 for the district. Chester Upland School District is suing the Pennsylvania Department of Education over the funding it will receive from the state for the 2012-2013 school year. The district claims the education of its students with disabilities is in jeopardy and it blames the state, citing funding cuts and years of district mismanagement while Chester Upland was under state control. The state has responded in court documents that Chester Upland has “no credible handle” on its finances and the district has not taken measures to fix its financial problems for the future.

Source: Daily Times; 5/9/2012

Council hires firm to look at refinery’s future

Delaware County Council announced that the county’s Industrial Development Authority selected IHS Global Inc. to study the potential uses for the former Sunoco Marcus Hook refinery. County Council Chairman Tom McGarrigle said that while there was good news last week with the announcement that ConocoPhillips agreed to sell its Trainer refinery to a Delta Air Lines subsidiary, council is committed to moving forward with the study of the Marcus Hook site.

Source: Daily Times; 5/10/2012

Glenolden-Prospect Park Comprehensive Plan Joint Public Hearing

Glenolden Borough and Prospect Park Borough will hold a joint hearing to review and receive public comment on a proposed joint comprehensive plan. The hearing will take place on May 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the Glenolden Municipal Building, 36 Boon Avenue, Glenolden, PA 19036.

Source: Daily Times; 5/4/2012

Montgomery County

Bank sues Norristown over Sandy Street condos

Norristown Municipality has been hit with a lawsuit filed by Customers Bank of Phoenixville that demands Norristown and some of its current and former officials repay money the bank lost when mortgages at the Rittenhouse Club went bad. The Rittenhouse Club, a 26-unit condominium project on Sandy Street, has already cost Norristown over $1 million in court-ordered repairs after it was determined that the buildings were unsafe for human habitation. The lawsuit states that the municipality should be held accountable for the failure of the project because it did not properly oversee the construction of the building. An independent report found that during construction of the Rittenhouse Club, Norristown lacked certified inspectors or a building code official and allowed a secretary to sign the building permits. Several condominium owners are included as plaintiffs in the suit. The developer of the project, R. Bruce Fazio, was arrested in 2010 for allegedly risking a catastrophe and is scheduled for trial in June.

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 5/10/2012

Limerick posts fair housing reminder

Limerick Township has posted a Fair Housing Notice reminder. The notice will serve to advise all residents of Limerick Township that the following actions, if based on race, religion, sex, national origin, familial status (families with children), or handicap are considered discriminatory: Refusing to sell, or rent to, deal or negotiate with any person; Discriminating on terms or conditions for buying or renting housing; Discriminating by advertising that housing is available only to persons of a certain race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or handicap; Denying that housing is available for inspection, sale or rent when it really is available; Blockbusting for profit, persuading owners to sell or rent housing by telling them that minority groups are moving into the neighborhood; Denying or making different terms or conditions for home loans by financial institutions; Denying to anyone the use of, or participation in, any real estate services, multiple listing services or other facilities related to the selling and renting of housing. All residents are hereby notified that any complaints regarding a discriminatory action under one of the above conditions may be filed with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, 101 South Second Street, Suite 300 Harrisburg, PA 17103 and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, FFEO/Regional Office Liberty Square Building, 105 South Seventh Street Philadelphia, PA 19106-3392 and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, FFEO/Area Office Old Post Office and Courthouse Building, 7th and Grant Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219-1361.

Source: Pottstown Mercury; 5/8/2012

County transition team recommends streamlining government

Before taking office in January, incoming Democratic Commissioners Josh Shapiro and Leslie Richards formed a 50-member transition team focused on ways to improve Montgomery County government. The team separated into committees dealing with economic development; public safety and legal matters; county administration; planning, environment and transportation; and human services. Common recommendations in the subcommittee reports included a more “centralized, shared services” government model for greater efficiency and cost savings. This may include the consolidation of departments. Other suggestions include improving communication between county departments as well as between the county government and the residents and businesses it serves.

Source: Times Herald; 5/10/2012

Traffic forum scheduled in Hatfield

On Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 7:00 pm Hatfield Township Commissioners and Staff will host a Traffic Forum for the community. The intent of the forum is to educate residents on township initiatives and infrastructure repair, as well as facilitate breakout sessions for individual discussion topics. Township Traffic Engineer McMahon Associates will provide technical assistance and support to the event to explain Pennsylvania obligations, in addition to what opportunities are available to commissioners for future improvements. Public involvement is highly encouraged. The meeting will be held at the Hatfield Township Administration Building, 1950 School Road, Hatfield, PA 19440. Click here for more information.

Source: Hatfield Township; 5/9/2012

Pottstown schools eye $63 tax increase

The proposed final budget for the Pottstown Area School District would increase taxes by 2.4 percent. The .8834 mill increase would add about $63 to the school property tax bill of a home assessed at the district average of $72,000, for a total millage rate of 37.6934 mills. The school district is facing a $500,000 budget deficit. The proposal does not replace a retiring Assistant Superintendent and several teachers, and maintains the current arts, sports, and music programs. The district is expected to adopt the final proposed budget at the May 17 meeting with final budget adoption scheduled for June.

Source: Pottstown Mercury; 5/7/2012

Sewer program discussed in Upper Salford

At a recent joint meeting of the Upper Salford Township board of supervisors and planning commission, the proposed Act 537 Sewage Facilities Program was discussed. Township supervisors announced earlier this year that they would not move forward with a centralized, publicly-owned wastewater system. Instead, the township will focus continued efforts on the maintenance of on-lot disposal systems. In March of 2011, the township passed an ordinance requiring residents to pump out their septic systems every three years. The Act 537 plan will create a set of rules and standards for on-lot disposal systems in the township.

Source: The Reporter; 5/5/2012

Philadelphia

Aging in place in Philadelphia

With continuing struggles in the housing market, many Americans of retirement age are staying in their homes. Philadelphia has set a goal to become one of the World Health Organization’s “network of communities” that look out for the well-being of its aging population. The city’s Commission on Aging has developed a strategic plan and is working with the AARP on the needs-assessment portion of the plan to help Philadelphia become a “livable community” for older people. Philadelphia hosts several “naturally occurring retirement communities” where large numbers of seniors reside – among them Old City, Society Hill and Queen Village. Senior residents in Queen Village founded Penn Village, a nonprofit corporation that, for an annual membership fee, provides participants with basic services such as grocery shopping and rides to medical appointments. The city’s strategic plan will attempt to address housing and transportation issues, volunteer or employment opportunities, and neighborhood aid for elderly residents.

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 5/4/2012

Council, SRC grapple with ‘tsunami’

Appearing before a skeptical city council, Philadelphia School District officials underscored the system's dire financial position and stressed the need for $94 million in new city money. Without that amount - contingent on council adopting Mayor Nutter's plan to raise the money through property taxes - "it's almost an insuperable barrier for us," said Thomas Knudsen, the district's chief recovery officer. Without a city cash infusion, the district's shortfall for the 2012-13 school year would be $312 million. Left unchecked, the deficit would grow to $1.1 billion over five years, officials have said. Councilman Mark Squilla wants to delay for a year the city's Actual Value Initiative (AVI), a long-planned reassessment initiative through which Nutter hopes to raise additional tax revenue. SRC Chairman Pedro Ramos said that while the country is in an educational and economic crisis, the district is worse off than most "because Philadelphia has been slow to respond to changes in revenue, the need to reduce labor costs, or reduce the infrastructure commensurate with the loss of students in district-run schools."

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 5/8/2012

News briefs for the week of May 7, 2012

REALTOR® Rally – Just two weeks away!

Join REALTORS from across the country at the Rally to Protect the American Dream on May 17 at the National Mall. Register for the REALTOR® Rally today. Let’s show our elected officials that no one cares more about preserving the American Dream for future generations than REALTORS®.

Ruling opens door for municipalities to challenge nonprofits’ tax-exempt status

A recent ruling by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court may allow municipalities to challenge the tax-exempt status of nonprofit organizations. In the ruling, the court found that most of a 61-acre Orthodox Jewish school’s summer camp property is taxable. During the 1980s and 90s, many municipalities challenged the charity status of large nonprofits and were able to receive large payments in lieu of taxes to settle the claims. In 1997, the legislature passed Act 55, which made it easier for groups to be certified as a charity, ending the tax-exempt challenges and payments in lieu of taxes. The current ruling effectively restores the narrower criteria for charity status. The City of Philadelphia plans to begin review of the tax-exempt status of some of the larger city nonprofits as a result of the Supreme Court decision.

Source: Newsworks.org; 5/3/2012

Bucks County

New Britain Borough to consider fire safety inspection ordinance

New Britain Borough Council will consider the adoption of an ordinance that will begin an annual program of fire safety and emergency equipment inspections for the following facilities within New Britain Borough: multi-family residential facilities; industrial, commercial, retail, banking, and wholesale facilities; educational and daycare facilities; and places of worship. The meeting will be held May 8, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. at Borough Hall, 56 Keeley Ave., New Britain, PA 18901. The program will be the responsibility of the fire marshal and borough code enforcement officer with inspections being conducted on an annual basis or more frequently at the discretion of the fire marshal using the 2009 International Fire Code. Inspections may include fire suppression and alarm systems, means of egress, fire department access, electric service and panels, utility and service areas, room occupancy loads, existing building construction requirements (Ch. 46 of 2009 IFC), and storage of hazardous substances.

Source: The Intelligencer; 4/27/2012

Council Rock preliminary budget includes $71 tax increase

The Council Rock school board approved a preliminary budget for 2012-13 that includes a $71 tax increase for a home assessed at the district average of $38,000. The proposed increase is equal to the 1.7 percent maximum allowed by Act 1, but district officials hope to reduce the hike by the June 30 budget deadline. With the proposed 1.88 mill tax increase, the district is still facing a $3.2 million budget gap. The budget will be discussed at a special forum to be held on May 16 at 7 p.m. in the Chancellor Center, 30 N. Chancellor St. in Newtown. Click here for the school district website.

Source: Courier Times; 4/27/2012

Pennsbury works to lower $80 tax hike

Administrators in the Pennsbury School District set a goal to pare down a proposed property tax increase to fall within the 1.7 percent rate set by Act 1, which they have met. Under the current proposed budget, the millage rate would increase to 152.86 mills, which would amount to an $80 tax hike for the district’s average property assessed at $31,324. With firmer data regarding state funding and additional property tax revenue from new development in the district coming, Pennsbury administrators hope to reduce that amount to a zero tax increase. The board is scheduled to adopt a proposed budget on May 10, with final approval scheduled for June 14. The school board will host a public budget hearing on May 29 at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria at Quarry Hill Elementary School in Lower Makefield.

Source: Courier Times; 4/30/2012

Chalfont eyes train station as center of revitalization

In 2011, Chalfont Borough formed a revitalization committee focused on bringing business back into the community. With the Route 202 parkway slated to open in the fall, it is hoped that traffic through the center of Chalfont will be reduced and will encourage more pedestrian and business activity. As part of the revitalization effort, the borough is seeking proposals from consultants interested in developing plans to aid in redevelopment along the North Main Street corridor near the train station. Submitted proposals must include an understanding of North Main Street and the train station area, as well as a marketing analysis and plan. Click here for more information.

Source: PhillyBurbs.com; 4/30/2012

Chester County

Atglen Train Station Concept Plan Briefing

The Chester County Planning Commission, working in close coordination with Atglen Borough, SEPTA, Amtrak, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission and PennDOT, have retained Urban Engineers to develop a station concept plan for a train station in Atglen. Urban Engineers will provide a briefing focused on the conceptual station design and anticipated projected costs for Atglen Borough Council and members of the public on Monday, May 7, 2012 at 7 p.m. in Atglen Borough Hall. To learn more, view the concept plan online.

Kennett suspends afternoon workshops

Kennett Township Supervisors have suspended a long-standing and recently controversial practice of holding afternoon work sessions until further notice. Supervisors’ Chairman Michael Elling said that the work sessions have been held for almost 30 years and were originally created to increase accessibility. Recently, conflicts have cropped up over the meeting policy because working members of the public are unable to attend. Evening work sessions were proposed as an alternative, but the current suspension will make work session items a part of regular supervisor meetings.

Source: Daily Local; 4/23/2012

Unionville-Chadds Ford School District reviews tax rates for budget

Unionville-Chadds Ford school officials have approved a preliminary 2012-13 school budget that maintains current programs. The budget calls for a 2.69 percent increase in the property tax rate for Chester County residents, while Delaware County residents will see a 1.74 decrease in their tax rate. The rate will be 25.19 mills for Chester County and 21.44 mills for Delaware County. A homeowner in Chester County with a residence valued at $350,000 will pay approximately $8,816 per year in taxes. A property of the same value in Delaware County will pay $7,500 in taxes. Board member Keith Knauss said that roughly 8,000 homes in the district will be affected by the increase of approximately $20 for most property owners. The budget is scheduled for final approval at the June 18 board meeting.

Source: Daily Local; 4/22/2012

To close budget gap, Oxford Area School Board looks at reserves

The preliminary 2012-2013 Oxford Area School budget cuts no programs but raises taxes by 1.7 percent and uses $1.7 million from the district’s fund balance. School board members have expressed an interest in eliminating the tax increase and utilizing more from the fund. The budget will be presented for final adoption at the school board meeting to be held in the board room of the Administration Building, 125 Bell Tower Lane, Oxford, PA 19363 at 7 p.m. on May 15, 2012.

Source: Daily Local; 4/19/2012

Atglen 537 update comment period open

Atglen Borough has opened a public comment period for its Sewer Facilities Plan Update pursuant to Act 537 of 1966. The Plan includes an analysis of sewage disposal methods currently in use, natural resources, community planning and sewage disposal alternatives. The foundation of the plan is the upgrade and expansion of the wastewater treatment facility to provide additional capacity for future growth and meet the mandates placed on the borough due to the Chesapeake Bay regulations. Sewer user rates are projected to increase by approximately 3% in 2013 and an average of approximately 2% per year thereafter until the annual debt service requirements are satisfied. Individuals interested in reviewing a copy of the plan may do so at the Atglen Borough Office, 120 Main Street, Atglen. The public can mail written comments on the proposed Act 537 Plan update to the Atglen Borough Manager, P.O. Box 250, Atglen, PA 19310 during the public comment period which will end on May 18, 2012.

Source: Daily Local; 04/18/2012

Kennett Township to regulate sewer discharges

Kennett Township Supervisors will consider new requirements for the use of public and private sewers in the Township during a meeting set for May 21. Ordinance No. 201 would also regulate public sewer discharges into the township’s sewer system. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Kennett Township Building (downstairs meeting room) 801 Burrows Run Road, Chadds Ford, PA 19317.

Source: Daily Local; 4/23/2012

Delaware County

Upland to amend sewer lateral ordinance

Upland Borough will consider an amendment to a recently passed sewer lateral inspection ordinance that currently impacts properties that are being renovated. The amendment would remove the need for a lateral inspection when renovations worth 50 percent of the home’s value are made. Ordinance No. 4 of 2012 would still require a video inspection prior to the sale of a commercial or residential property. If repairs are deemed necessary, a temporary use and occupancy permit may be issued to allow the homeowner an 18 month grace period to make any repairs and obtain a permanent U&O. The amendment will be introduced for enactment at borough council’s next meeting to be held on Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at 7 p.m. at Borough Hall, 224 Castle Avenue, Upland, Pa. 19015. The Suburban REALTORS Alliance recently sent a letter to all Delaware Municipalities explaining our opposition to point-of-sale sewer lateral inspection ordinances.

Source: Daily Times; 4/18/2012

Delta, ConocoPhillips finalize deal for Trainer refinery

Delta Air Lines has entered into a $150-million agreement of sale with ConocoPhillips to purchase the 185,000-barrel-per-day refinery in the borough that had been idled six months ago, officials announced today. In September, ConocoPhillips discontinued manufacturing petroleum products in Trainer citing severe market pressure on East Coast refining due to product imports, weakness in motor fuel demand and costly regulatory requirements. Oil industry analysts previously estimated that the facility could be operating again as early as July, although it’s more likely to be running later this summer or early in the fall. Industry analysts have said this is the first instance of an airline owning a refinery. They have speculated that Delta will use the facility to manufacture jet fuel for its fleet and will trade byproducts such as gasoline and diesel for jet fuel in other locations.

Source: Daily Times; 4/30/2012

Collingdale considers ordinance to fight blight

Collingdale Borough Council will consider the adoption of an anti-blight ordinance at an upcoming meeting. Ordinance No. 2012-682, entitled “The Collingdale Borough Blight Reclamation and Revitalization Ordinance,” would help the borough address deteriorated properties, public nuisances and properties in serious violation of state law and/or municipal code. The ordinance will be considered for adoption on Monday, May 7, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. at the Collingdale Municipal Hall (800 MacDade Boulevard, Collingdale, PA 19023).

Source: Daily Times; 4/23/2012

Upland to update zoning code and create public participation regulations

Upland Borough Council will consider for adoption Ordinance No. 7 of 2012, entitled “Upland Borough Zoning Code of 2012," and Ordinance No. 8 of 2012, "Public Participation Regulations,” during a May 8 meeting. The zoning code update is the result of a two-year joint effort between county and borough officials, and would represent the first amendment to the code since 1969. Ordinance No. 8 would outline new rules for public participation at council meetings. The ordinance would require that any citizen who wishes to address council register at least one half hour before the start of the meeting, and that any citizen wanting to address council on a non-agenda topic provide notice to the borough manager before the close of business on the scheduled meeting day. Both ordinances will be introduced for enactment at a meeting of the Upland Borough Council on Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at 7 p.m. at the Borough Hall (224 Castle Avenue).

Source: Daily Times; 4/18/2012

Unionville-Chadds Ford School District reviews tax rates for budget

Unionville-Chadds Ford school officials have approved a preliminary 2012-13 school budget that maintains current programs. The budget calls for a 2.69 percent increase in the property tax rate for Chester County residents, while Delaware County residents will see a 1.74 decrease in their tax rate. The rate will be 25.19 mills for Chester County and 21.44 mills for Delaware County. A homeowner in Chester County with a residence valued at $350,000 will pay approximately $8,816 per year in taxes. A property of the same value in Delaware County will pay $7,500 in taxes. Board member Keith Knauss said that roughly 8,000 homes in the district will be affected by the increase. The budget is scheduled for final approval at the June 18 board meeting.

Source: Daily Local; 4/22/2012

Montgomery County

Souderton Area schools face $3.8 million budget gap

The Souderton Area School District Finance Committee has received news that the district is facing a $3.8 million budget gap for the 2012-13 school year. The district is expected to use a combination of spending cuts and a tax increase to cover the deficit. Pennsylvania state law dictates that Souderton cannot increase school property taxes more than 5.3 percent – a 1.7 percent base rate plus exceptions the school district may be eligible to receive. A five percent tax increase would add $200 to the current property tax bill of $4,078.50 on a home assessed at $150,000 in the district. The district is also reviewing budget cuts, including increasing revenue through higher student participation fees and parking fees, along with equipment and supply cuts. A second option includes the elimination of some music, sports, clubs, extracurricular programs and cutting the number of educational support personnel. Souderton has a spending freeze in effect for the current year, and has not replaced 21 teachers who retired at the start of this school year. The district will vote on a proposed budget in May with the budget being finalized in June. Visit the Souderton Area School District website for the most up-to-date information.

Source: Souderton Independent; 4/19/2012

Final public meeting set for possible relocation of Willow Grove Train Station

A final public meeting to discuss the Willow Grove Train Station Feasibility Study will be held on Weds., May 9 at the Upper Moreland Municipal Building, Council Room, 117 Park Ave., Willow Grove, PA 19090. The Upper Moreland Township Revitalization Task Force will host a public presentation and feedback session to provide results of the study. Two sessions will be held, from 5 - 6:30 p.m. and another at 7 - 8:30 p.m. with both presentations including the same information. Visit www.willowgrovestation.com for more information on the project.

Source: Upper Moreland Township; 4/17/2012

West Norriton enacts business privilege tax

The West Norriton Board of Commissioners recently enacted a $1,000 business privilege tax (BPT) for West Norriton businesses that earn more than $100,000 in gross receipts. The BPT is retroactive for 2011 and is expected to raise $175,000 in revenue for the township. Businesses that earn less than $100,000 in gross annual income are exempt. West Norriton has seen declines in earned income tax revenue, real estate tax revenue and transfer tax revenue and has dipped into the township fund balance in each of the past three years to compensate for the loss of revenue. In late December 2011, the township increased the 2012 municipal property tax rate by 35.7 percent, from 2.57 to 3.487 mills.

Source: Montgomery Life; 4/25/2012

Upper Moreland School District facing $1.61 million budget shortfall

A draft version of the Upper Moreland School District preliminary 2012-13 budget includes a 4.26 percent tax increase. If the proposed increase were to go into effect, a property assessed at the district average of $125,520 would see a property tax increase of $143.23 for a total bill of $3,503.26. Under Act 1, most school districts are limited to a 1.7 percent property tax increase unless exceptions are approved. Business Manager Michael Braun outlined revenue losses in the district, including an assessed property value decline of $5.27 million, which translates into $148,573 in lost property tax revenue. Braun stated that most of the assessment appeals in the district were business properties and added that the district is investigating the possibility of appealing assessments on properties that should have higher appraised values. Upper Moreland must adopt a proposed final budget by the end of May. Click here for the school district website.

Source: Public Spirit/Willow Grove Guide; 4/18/2012

Philadelphia

Mid-point on the Schuylkill River Plan

Philadelphians got a first look at a still-in-development plan to restore 4,100 acres of industrial land along the Lower Schuylkill to its former role as an economic engine, while simultaneously adding trails and green space and better connecting the swath to nearby communities and the rest of the city. A progress report on the Lower Schuylkill Master Plan was presented by the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation and their consultant Alex Krieger of Boston architecture and design firm Chan Krieger Sieniewicz. The key goal of the long range plan is making the area an economic engine once again. Because new industries are largely cleaner, that goal can be accomplished while also creating new green space and adding trails and roads designed to connect this part of the Schuylkill with nearby neighborhoods and the city and region. Click here for more.

Source: Plan Philly; 4/19/2012

Homeowners nervous over property-tax increase possibility

If the city’s property-tax valuation overhaul is enacted, some property owners in Philadelphia feel that they will be forced out of the city. Community groups have warned that many homeowners could wind up with rude sticker shock when the Nutter administration moves to a tax system that relies on the market values of properties, an effort known as the “Actual Value Initiative.” Critics have blasted Nutter for also trying to collect an extra $90 million in taxes for the school district next year when he shifts to the new system, calling it a “back-door tax increase.” Nutter has insisted that he’s just trying to accurately capture the increase in property value across the city. Recently, he upped his pressure on City Council to approve the plan, citing the growing budget woes at the school district, though many Council members remain uncommitted. Several neighborhood civic associations have formed a “Tax Fairness Coalition” and are urging lawmakers to delay implementing AVI for a year, until after the new assessments are released, and to enact protections for homeowners they identify as vulnerable. Click here for more.

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 4/30/2012

News briefs for the week of April 30, 2012

FHFA Announces New Short Sale Directive

On April 17, 2012, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced a new directive as part of FHFA’s continued servicing alignment initiative that directs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to align their guidelines for servicing delinquent mortgages they own or guarantee. The new directive requires that servicers of Fannie and Freddie loans:

• Review and respond to borrower requests for short sales within 30 days after receipt of a short sale offer and a complete borrower request.
• If the review is still under way after 30 days, give the borrower weekly status updates. (This allows more time where necessary, such as where subordinate lenders and/or mortgage insurance is involved.)
• Advise the borrower of the final decision within 60 days after receipt of a short sale offer and a complete borrower request.

The new timelines apply both to HAFA loans and to other short sales approved by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Additional enhancements are planned by the end of 2012 addressing borrower eligibility, simplifying documentation, valuing property, payments to subordinate lien holders, and mortgage insurance.

Source: National Association of REALTORS; 4/23/2012

REALTOR® Rally

Join REALTORS from across the country at the Rally to Protect the American Dream on May 17 at the National Mall.. We have expanded our free travel options available to members. Click here for details about both bus and train travel from Southeast Pennsylvania. Register for the REALTOR® Rally today. Let’s show our elected officials that no one cares more about preserving the American Dream for future generations than REALTORS®.

Bucks County

Morrisville cracks down on delinquent trash fees

Morrisville Borough is cracking down on property owners with delinquent trash fees. The borough has calculated that it is owed $500,000 in delinquent trash fees, with some property owners owing thousands of dollars. Morrisville Borough charges $75 per quarter for trash removal, for an annual bill of $305. The borough will work with property owners who may have trouble paying off their debt. The tiered repayment plan requires that the property owner stay current with the trash bill and repay a portion of the past bills each quarter. The past bill repayment amount is based upon the total amount owed to Morrisville Borough. Borough Solicitor James Downey stated that a 35 percent penalty can be applied to bills in arrears and that the borough has the option to take delinquent property owners to court over the delinquent bills.

Source: Yardley News; 4/19/2012

Central Bucks reviews budget

The most recent budget proposal in the Central Bucks School District eliminates 18 current positions and creates eight teaching positions. Of the 18 jobs eliminated, two are administrative, 15 are teaching and one is support. The eight new positions will be core subject area teachers at the middle school level. The district budget will still have a $1.3 million deficit after the staffing changes, which the district will close with money from its reserves. The proposed 2012-13 budget includes a 1.66 percent tax increase, or two mills. The new 122.8 mill rate would increase the property tax for the average home in the district assessed at $40,000 about $80 to $4,912. Revenues such as real estate transfer taxes remain at their lowest point since 2000 in the district. The final budget is expected to be approved on May 22.

Source: Courier Times; 4/25/2012

Doylestown seeks volunteers for boards

Doylestown Borough Council is seeking adult volunteers to fill vacancies on the bike and hike committee and the environmental advisory council. Teens are encouraged to volunteer for positions on council, the parks and recreation board, the Fanny Chapman pool board and the historic architecture and review board. Volunteers must be residents of the borough. Applications are due May 31 and can be mailed to Doylestown Borough Hall, 57 W. Court St., Doylestown PA 18901.

Source: PhillyBurbs.com; 4/17/2012

Morrisville council and school board working together again

The Morrisville Borough Council and Morrisville School District school board have reopened a dialogue after years of not discussing issues that concerned both governing bodies. A change in the makeup of both the council and the school board led to the reorganization of the Joint Board/Council Committee. The school board initiated the reorganization of the joint committee for the betterment of the community. The committee consists of three members from each governing body and is tasked with ensuring a safe environment for students walking to and from school. The committee will meet monthly to discuss enforcement of traffic laws around schools, improving the markings in school zones and an upcoming “walkability” study among other items.

Source: Courier Times; 4/25/2012

Bristol Township council hopes tax incentives bring businesses to town

Bristol Township council unanimously voted to designate 53 acres of the 82-acre Bristol Commerce Center as a Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone (KOEZ). The commerce center is located on the former 3M property on Green Lane. Council approved a payment in lieu of taxes agreement (known as PILOT) with the property owner, who agreed to pay a tax rate of 110 percent above the prior year’s tax assessment, a maneuver that defers future tax increases on the property. The property owner must next gain approval for the KOEZ from the Bucks County commissioners, after which an application can be filed with the state.

Source: Courier Times; 4/25/2012

Chester County

Honey Brook Township to consider ordinance regulating right-of-ways

Honey Brook Township Supervisors will consider adopting Ordinance 162 which creates regulations of the use of land within public rights-of-way, prohibiting the disturbance of such land and permitting the Township to remove any encroachments within said right-of-way as deemed necessary by the Township. The Ordinance prohibits the depositing of rocks, trash, yard waste or other debris within said public right-of-way and permits the removal of said debris. No swimming pool, sump pump, downspouts or other facilities shall be drained or permitted to drain or discharge within the public rights-of-way. Individuals who desire to install shrubbery or other similar plantings and landscaping within the right-of-way, including fences, shall do so with the understanding that such persons shall immediately remove such items from the public right-of-way when required to do so by Honey Brook Township. The public hearing will take place on May 9, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. at the Township Building.

Source: Daily Local; 04/24/2012

State Rep. Curt Schroder leaving

Rep. Curt Schroder announced that his resignation takes effect May 6. A posting on his state website says he's leaving to become a vice president at the Delaware Valley Healthcare Council of the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania. The nine-term Republican state representative from the Philadelphia suburbs is quitting the Legislature seven months earlier than his previously announced retirement.

Source: Daily Times; 4/26/2012

Seniors affordable housing complex opens

The Hankin Group has opened its second apartment complex for low-income seniors at Eagleview. Residents have started occupying the new three-story Bernard Hankin Building. The $10 million, 50,857-square-foot complex is located at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Rice Boulevard. The new complex comes 15 years after the Potter Building, the real estate development company's first affordable apartments for low-income seniors. Apartment monthly fees are based on a sliding income scale with no apartment costing more than $750 a month, Reeves explained. Utilities are not included. The Bernard Hankin Senior Housing project is a partnership between The Hankin Group, The Pennsylvania Housing and Finance Agency, Chester County Commissioners, Uwchlan Township and Wells Fargo.

Source: Daily Local; 4/26/2012

Committee recommends West Chester board approve budget

The Property and Finance Committee of the West Chester Area School District has recommended the school board accepts the proposed 2012-13 budget that reflects a tax increase of 1.7 percent. The full school board will vote on the proposed budget at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 30 in the East High School auditorium. The board chose not to raise taxes for the current year but decided to move forward with the balanced preliminary budget at this time because of increasing costs that are out of its control. Problems for the district include the decreased funding it receives from the state while the money it needs to contribute to the faculty pension system dramatically increases. The situation is further complicated by flat real estate revenue and an increase in the cost of health care. According to district administrators, the current tax rate for the district is 18.36 mills, which was the same rate as the 2010-11 school year. A mill is $1 in tax for every $1,000 in assessed property value. The tax rate needed to balance the budget is 18.67 mills. Administrators said this would equal a school property tax rising from $3,486 to $3,544 for the average resident with an assessed property value of $190,000.

Source: Daily Local; 4/26/2012

Delaware County

Upper Darby Historic Commission seeking nominations

The Upper Darby Historic Commission is seeking nominations for the annual Historic Preservation Award presented by the township in June. Individuals or business owners that have preserved the integrity of a significant historic building, 75 years old or older, can be nominated by the May 4 deadline. Nomination forms can be obtained from Sue Elder, Department of Leisure Services, 4820 Drexelbrook Drive, Drexel Hill, PA 19026, or by calling 610-394-9544.

Source: Daily Times; 4/26/2012

Granite Run Mall officials discuss facility’s upgrades

In the year since Madison Marquette assumed management and leasing responsibilities for the Granite Run Mall, significant cosmetic improvements are starting to bring it back to life again, according to company Vice President John-David Franklin. A year ago, Franklin came to council with mall General Manager William Leppert and Marketing Director Aubrey Proud to outline a much-needed enhancement and improvement project for the badly neglected, 38-year-old facility. As part of his recent update, Franklin told council the vacancy rate has deceased “ever so slightly.” Last year at this time, 40 out of 110 stores were vacant.

Source: Daily Times; 4/24/2012

BIG appealing zoners’ decision in Haverford

Bartkowski Investment Group, Inc. (BIG) has appealed the zoning hearing board’s decision to deny and dismiss its validity challenge of township ordinances prohibiting billboards, and its application for 672-square-foot, double-faced signs at five locations in Haverford. BIG argues in its appeal, filed in Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, that the zoning board “committed an error of law and/or abused its discretion” when it denied BIG’s challenge. The appeal maintains that BIG did not obtain a fair hearing or impartial decision because the township “wore two hats” throughout the process, namely “that of defender of its own zoning ordinance and that of adjudicator in the proceedings on BIG’s challenge.” Such mixing of prosecutorial and adjudicatory functions “offends fundamental notions of due process and is constitutionally impermissible,” the appeal states. In a related development, four Haverford residents filed a petition to intervene in the appeal. The zoning board granted these residents party status due to close proximity of their homes to one or more of the proposed billboards, and the residents maintain they have “substantial, vested interest” in the outcome.

Source: Daily Times; 4/24/2012

Folcroft established health board

Folcroft Council unanimously adopted an ordinance establishing a health board, which will enforce the laws of the state, regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, as well as all ordinances enacted in the borough to prevent the introduction and spread of infectious or contagious disease. The board will also have the authority to recommend rules for the construction and maintenance of house drains, wash pipes, soil pipes and cesspools and recognize and mark infected houses.

Source: Daily Times; 4/20/2012

Montgomery County

Abington passes anti-discrimination ordinance

The Abington Township Board of Commissioners adopted a Human Relations ordinance on April 12 that protects the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in the township. Under the ordinance, it is unlawful to deny anyone employment, housing and commercial property or public accommodation because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The ordinance passed with some exceptions, namely that any religious, charitable, educational, private or fraternal organization may make decisions on employment that uphold the principles that they promote. Also exempt are rooms for rent in a landlord-occupied rooming house with a common entrance and single sex dormitories. The ordinance also creates a Human Relations Commission to handle complaints. Abington becomes the latest of 28 Pennsylvania municipalities to adopt an anti-discrimination ordinance to further protect classes of people not specifically included in the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, which protects classes based on race, color, religious creed, ancestry, sex, national origin, handicap or disability and the use of support animals.

Source: Glenside News; 4/19/2012

Dean wins special election for 153rd state House seat

Abington Commissioner Madeline Dean, is the new state representative for the 153rd District, defeating Abington Republican Nick Mattiacci. The 153rd district comprises parts of Abington and Upper Dublin. The special election was held to fill the unexpired term of Democrat Josh Shapiro, which expires at the end of the year. Shapiro stepped down in January when he was sworn in as county commissioner. Both Dean and Mattiacci also ran unopposed for their party’s nomination for a full two-year term in the seat and therefore, will face off again in the November general election.

Source: The Intelligencer; 4/25/2012

No tax hike proposed in Wissahickon

The Wissahickon School Board recently adopted a preliminary final budget that does not increase the school property tax rate for the 2012-13 school year. A home assessed at the district average of $205,000 will continue to pay $3,621 in school district property taxes. The district will pull $2.5 million from its fund balance to cover an expected deficit, leaving a balance of $14.5 million.

Source: Ambler Gazette; 4/24/2012

Proposed Lansdale development opposed by residents

Lansdale Borough Council reviewed a project that proposes to build townhouses and twin homes on a former factory site on Line Street. Developer Chris Canavan of W.B. Homes approached council proposing a zoning change to allow for the conversion of the former factory building into two seven-unit townhomes that would front Line Street and build four twin homes toward the Pacific Avenue side of the parcel. The townhomes would be similar to ones recently built by W.B. Homes in its Cannon Square development, with 24 of 28 of those units already sold. Several area residents were opposed to the zoning change, stating that the density of the residences would impact traffic and school populations. Lansdale council voted unanimously to approve the land zoning change request, but clearly stated that there are multiple steps of review before the project can proceed.

Source: North Penn Life; 4/24/2012

Philadelphia

Philadelphia school budget includes overhaul

The Philadelphia School Reform Commission (SRC) recently unveiled a plan that proposes the closure of 40 schools next year and 64 by 2017, move thousands of students to charter schools and dismantle the district’s central office. A smaller central office would maintain compliance, finance, accountability, strategic planning and government relations. The district’s schools would be divided into “achievement networks” that would run groups of 20 to 25 schools. The achievement network could be run by successful principals or district staff, charter organizations or universities and would be required to sign performance-based contracts. The Philadelphia School District is facing a $218 million budget shortfall for 2013. Click here for the full article.

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 4/25/2012

North Philadelphia neighborhood impacted by student housing

A boom in new-housing construction, mainly for Temple students, has changed the face of North Philadelphia over the past decade. The fear and anxiety among many longtime residents that they may be displaced could thwart City Council President Darrell Clarke’s push to create a neighborhood-improvement district (NID) for the area. The next public hearing on the bill is scheduled for May 3, and the earliest it could be approved by Council is June 21. If the North Central Neighborhood Improvement District bill is approved, an extra 7 to 10 percent tax assessment would be applied to landlords and business property owners.

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 4/23/2012

News briefs for the week of April 23, 2012

REALTORS® get out the vote

Primary Election Day is on Tuesday, April 24. The Suburban REALTORS® Alliance encourages REALTORS® to vote. It is important to back candidates who support private property rights and the real estate industry. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Click here to find your polling place information by address.

REALTOR® Rally Update: A Monumental Change

Due to the overwhelming response from REALTORS across the country the Rally to Protect the American Dream on May 17 has outgrown its original location at the Upper Senate Park! We have made a "monumental" change and are now holding the rally at the Washington Monument. Our REALTOR® sea of blue will gather on the National Mall, home to so many historic marches and rallies. Our visibility will be greater and impossible to ignore. We have also expanded our travel options available to members. Click here for details about both bus and train travel from Southeast Pennsylvania. Register for the REALTOR® Rally today and join thousands of your colleagues to show our elected officials that no one cares more about preserving the American Dream for future generations than REALTORS®.

Bipartisan panel submits revised district maps

A state panel has submitted, for the second time, proposed new boundary maps for Pennsylvania’s 203 House and 50 Senate districts. The Legislative Reapportionment Commission was tasked with the constitutional requirement of rebalancing the districts every decade to accommodate population shifts after the Census. The first map adopted by the commission was thrown out by the state Supreme Court in January because the proposed version divided too many municipalities into separate legislative districts. As a result, the April 24 legislative races and Nov. 6 general election will be based on the 2001 map. The commission’s latest map proposal contains 68 so-called “splits” to municipalities for House seats – there were 108 in the original plan, and 30 splits for the Senate map, as opposed to 58. Click here to view the proposed maps and public hearing dates. If approved, the new maps would take effect for the 2014 elections.

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 4/13/2012

Bucks County

Bristol Borough to consider ordinance that prohibits indoor furniture use outside

Bristol Borough council voted to advertise an ordinance that will prohibit the use of upholstered couches, chairs or other fabric-covered furniture intended for indoor use, to be placed on porches, decks or yard areas. The proposed ordinance contends that indoor furniture is “susceptible to infestation by insects and rodents” when exposed to outside elements which “poses an unreasonable health and safety risk” to borough residents. The ordinance would be enforced by the code enforcement officer and violators would be cited but given time to correct the violation. The borough will have the furniture removed at the owner’s expense if the violation is not corrected and may place a lien on the property for the removal cost. Council will vote within a month to enact the ordinance. Click here for the Bristol Borough website.

Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 4/13/2012

Lower Makefield housing development gains preliminary approval

The Lower Makefield supervisors approved a preliminary plan for a 15-home development that runs along the township border with Falls Township. Preliminary approval for the Freeman’s Farm at Makefield project was delayed to provide engineers from both townships to meet with the project engineer to work out a solution for increased flooding in the area due to other recent development. A pipe will be installed to direct stormwater to a basin and the property closest to Falls will be regraded to prevent stormwater from flowing into the neighboring properties. Final approval from the supervisors is still necessary before the developer can begin the project.

Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 4/19/2012

Hearing set on proposed water rate increase for Richland

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will hold a public hearing on April 26 at 6 p.m. in the Quakertown Municipal Building, 35 North Third St., Quakertown, PA 18951. The hearing will allow for public input regarding the proposed 100 percent water rate increase for Richland residents by the Borough of Quakertown. The proposal by Quakertown would increase the average bill for a Richland customer from $237 to $474 per year. Quakertown has not increased the rates for Richland customers since 2004 and say the increase is needed to pay for several infrastructure improvements, including a $2 million arsenic remediation project for three Richland wells. The increase would bring Richland customers more in line with the rates paid by Quakertown Borough residents, who pay $511 annually (which includes a $192 debt service fee) for the average usage of 6,000 gallons per month. A Richland customer that uses the same 6,000 gallons per month pays $325 per year for water. The PUC is the state agency that is investigating the proposed rate increase and will make the final determination as to what increase, if any, is just and reasonable. The PUC recommends that residents who plan to testify write out a statement beforehand and bring copies for the judge, court reporter and other participants as evidence.

Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 4/16/2012

Pennridge approves redistricting plan and proposed budget

The Pennridge school board recently approved a controversial redistricting plan that will move about 90 students over the next three years from Diebler Elementary to Guth Elementary and 56 students from North Middle to South Middle School. The board also approved the proposed 2012-13 budget with no tax increase, against the recommendation of the administration that the district budget the 1.7 percent maximum increase allowed by the state. The recommended increase would have added $63 to the average property tax bill in the school district. The budget is set for final approval on May 21.

Source: PhillyBurbs.com; 4/17/2012

Chester County

Tredyffrin hires consultants to review zoning ordinances

The Tredyffrin Board of Supervisors approved hiring a consulting team to conduct an 18-month, $100,000 analysis of the township’s zoning ordinances. The study will concentrate on the township’s commercial corridors, according to Township Manager Mimi Gleason, particularly along the heavily traveled Route 202, which encompasses the Gateway, Valley Fair and Chesterbrook shopping centers, and equally hectic Route 30 in downtown Paoli as well as in Devon and Strafford. Gleason noted that 70 percent of the analysis’ cost will be funded by grants: a Transportation and Community Development Initiative grant by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission and a Chester County Planning Commission grant. The township will be reimbursed after the revised ordinances are adopted. Although the township’s zoning ordinances have been amended over the decades, it has been a while since the commercial centers as a whole have been updated. Gleason remarked that the township’s Comprehensive Plan recommends updating the ordinances regulating the commercial districts, including how they are incorporated with the transportation infrastructure.

Source: Main Line Suburban Life; 4/18/2012

Malvern residents overwhelmingly say keep police department

Malvern Borough residents crowded the First Baptist Church beyond capacity to voice their opinions to borough council as it considers eliminating the Malvern Police Department and replacing it by contracting with a neighboring municipality. Council president Woody Van Sciver told local residents that the borough was considering the replacement of the police department to ensure that the borough government is providing the most comprehensive complement of police services within the framework of Malvern borough’s historical budgets. Van Sciver said that borough’s budget sits around $2.7 million annually, and that the police budget is by far the largest segment. Borough officials said the decision would depend on whether or not a neighboring department could add resources and services to the borough’s residents, including providing a patrol unit in the borough at all times.

Source: Main Line Suburban Life; 4/18/2012

West Chester Council eliminates student housing from Town Center zoning

West Chester Borough Council has approved the draft ordinance that would eliminate student housing as a permitted use in Town Center zoning. The Town Center district runs roughly from Franklin Street on the east to Wayne Street on the west and from Chestnut Street in the north to Cedar Alley in the south. The district extends at High Street, jutting south until it reaches Price Street. Under the Fair Housing Act, students are not considered a protected class of citizens, so council may restrict housing available to them. At the meeting, council members stated the decision was a density issue as the result of recent studies that revealed the borough could benefit from higher quality housing in the downtown area. Though landlords who currently rent to students will continue to be allowed to do so, there is no certainty that right may be forfeited should a landlord choose to rent that space to a non-student at some point. Despite concerns, councilmembers and residents said there is no shortage of tenants since the properties in the borough are in high demand.

Source: Daily Local; 4/19/2012

State will aid Phoenixville, Kennett Square housing

The Pennsylvania House Finance Agency (PHFA) recently announced funding that will aid 32 developments across the state, including Fairview Village in Phoenixville. In a news release April 12, the agency announced it would provide $11.8 million in funding and $28.5 million in tax credits for 1,579 multifamily developments statewide. Fairview Village, a subsidized complex, is slated to have 36 homes remodeled or added to it by Pennrose G.P. LLC and it will receive $737,418 in tax credits after being chosen as one of the winning proposals. “The project has been a long time coming and it is good to see how well (Chester) County did in such a competitive market,” according to E. Jean Krack, Phoenixville’s borough manager. In addition to the Phoenixville project, Limestone Ridge in Kennett Square was chosen to receive more than $1.2 million in tax credits. Brian A. Hudson Sr., executive director and CEO PHFA called the funding “vital to the housing needs of the state’s residents.” The funding is not culled through taxes but through security sales.

Source: Daily Local; 4/18/2012

County may get new House seat, again

The Legislative Reapportionment Commission has approved a new set of legislative maps for the Pennsylvania House and Senate, and it appears as though Chester County may receive a new House seat. The commission approved maps in December, but they were ruled unconstitutional by the state Supreme Court. The commission has approved new preliminary maps that will now go through a 30-day public-review period. In Chester County, a House seat from the 74th District in Clearfield County will be moved to the corridor along Route 30 between Downingtown and Coatesville. One of the groups that challenged the first set of maps in the Supreme Court was from Chester County and they argued that West Chester and Phoenixville should not be split up. In the recently approved preliminary plans, West Chester was not split and will remain part of the 156th District, where it is currently. Phoenixville, however, is once again split under this preliminary plan. The East, Middle and West wards of the borough will remain in the 157th District. The North Ward will move into the 155th District. The maps, if approved, would go into effect for the 2014 elections. A public hearing on the proposed maps will be held on May 2.

Source: Daily Local; 4/13/2012

Delaware County

Rose Valley approves sewer later inspections

Rose Valley Borough Council adopted an ordinance regulating sanitary sewer lateral connections. The decision came in response to a study completed by DELCORA which indicated one cause of excessive flow into its systems is the infiltration and inflow from main pipelines and building laterals. Prior to receiving a certificate of occupancy at point of sale, homeowners must have their sewer laterals tested for illegal stormwater inflow connections and any necessary repairs will be performed at their expense. The tests may be completed by video, air or smoke methods. Laterals more than 30 years old must be televised the entire length, unless tested within the previous five years and found to be in satisfactory condition.

Source: Daily Times; 4/17/2012

Springfield to amend zoning relating to garages

Towering and oversized garages will come under new standards once Springfield Township completes action on a zoning amendment. Commissioners approved the first reading of an ordinance which will amend a section of the zoning code pertaining to accessory structures, specifically garages and carports. The amendment language states the maximum height of any such structure shall be 12 feet. The height in excess of 12 feet may be permitted as a special exception, but no more than 18 feet. While the height standards have not changed, the process has. The functional result of this amendment is to require a special exception which goes before the Zoning Hearing Board and, therefore, provide an opportunity for comment by adjacent property owners. Township Manager Lee Fulton said there are a number of variables which would factor into construction, such as lot size, proximity to neighboring structures, and the existence of power lines. The board announced a May 8 public hearing on the ordinance as required to amend the zoning code.

Source: Daily Times; 4/17/2012

Radnor school board approves preliminary budget

The Radnor Township Board of School Directors heard a good deal of criticism concerning its intent to approve a preliminary budget in the amount of $82,685,691, which would represent a real estate tax increase of 3.28 percent. Seventeen Radnor taxpayers addressed the board prior to a discussion and vote. Most were not in favor of the budget. Concerns were voiced about the size of the fund balance ($15 million plus $6 million in capital reserves), the board’s handling of past surpluses along with a lack of transparency, the impact on residents, especially those on with fixed incomes, and ineffective communications with the public. The approved preliminary budget can still change as committee meetings are to be held May 8. There was also a request from more than one board member for an additional public budget workshop before the adoption of the budget, which is planned for May 22.

Source: Main Line Media News; 4/18/2012

Refinery use eyed by county

Delaware County Council unanimously adopted a resolution, stating that the future use of Conocophillips refinery should be a refinery — not a natural gas terminal. County Council Chairman Tom Mcgarrigle, who introduced the resolution, said it would be in the best interest of the oil workers and residents of Delaware County to keep the site operating as a refinery because it would save more jobs. “Delaware County Council deems the creation of jobs to be paramount to the health of the economy and the well-being of the residents, both in Delaware County and throughout southeast Pennsylvania,” the resolution stated. “Delaware County Council deems operation of the Conocophillips site in Trainer Borough as a refinery to be in the best interest of the welfare of its residents and supports that use.” The resolution points to news reports that indicate a handful of buyers are bidding to purchase the refinery. Of those potential buyers, only one has indicated it would operate the refinery for the purpose of refining oil, while the others want to use it as a terminal only.

Source: Daily Times; 3/19/2012

Paper Mill Road causing flap in Newtown

The Newtown Board of Supervisors addressed an issue with a pathway on Paper Mill Road that runs through a Newtown Square neighborhood to Radnor. The road has been closed to traffic, and neighbors have enjoyed using the roadway as a walking path to Darby Creek and other trails into Radnor Township. Recently, a homeowner, whose property is adjacent to Paper Mill Road has taken steps to block residents from walking through. Township Solicitor Richard Sokorai explained that an investigation into the history of the road has found no dedications or easements indicating whether the road is public or private. Chairman Joseph Catania said Paper Mill Road will stay open to the public until the township announces otherwise.

Source: Daily Times; 4/16/2012

Montgomery County

Lower Merion planners move on City Ave. and O’Neill plan

Lower Merion planners took a step toward completion of two of the longest-running land-use decisions in the township. The planning commission voted to make recommendations to the board of commissioners on a preliminary land-development plan for a proposed 580-unit apartment complex and also on City Avenue rezoning ordinances. The O’Neill Properties Group plan for the proposed apartments on the former Connelly Container parcel has been on hold while a neighboring property owner has pushed to be included in a three-party settlement with the township and O’Neill. With a draft three-party agreement coming close to fruition, the planners focused on the preliminary land-development plan and recommendations to the board. The planners also discussed City Avenue rezoning issues, specifically whether there should be a separation requirement between uses (commercial/residential) for only residentially zoned areas, or should the separation requirement include any existing residential use at the time the ordinance goes into effect. The planners all agreed that including existing residential uses regardless of their zoning was too restrictive. Traffic impact was also a major amendment discussion and it was determined that traffic improvements in the area would be an option for developers and not mandated. A public hearing on the City Avenue ordinance will be held on April 25 at 6 p.m. in the Lower Merion Township Building.

Visit www.lowermerion.org for more information.

Source: Main Line Times; 4/12/2012

Whitpain adopts billboard ordinance; moves forward with West Ambler revitalization plan

The Whitpain Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance establishing billboard regulations and locations. The ordinance creates an Off-Premise Advertising Sign Overlay District on the township zoning map that establishes specific spots where billboards may be erected. Billboard regulations are outlined in the ordinance for content, lighting, landscaping and other factors. The supervisors also accepted a proposal from Simone Collins to offer professional community planning and engineering services to aid the West Ambler Development Committee. The committee will be tasked with planning for the revitalization of the flood-prone West Ambler neighborhood.

Source: Times Herald; 4/11/2012

Pottsgrove School Board to enforce existing public comment policies

The Pottsgrove Board of School Directors recently announced that they will begin enforcing existing public comment policies at future meetings. The action was taken after arguments and rancor dominated recent public meetings regarding the school district’s proposal to create grade-level educational centers. The school district policy titled “Public Participation in Board Meetings”, was adopted in Nov. 2009, and outlines when and how public comment will be taken. Click here for the full policy.

Source: Pottstown Mercury; 4/14/2012

Norristown Area School District sees revenue increase

Anne Marie Rohricht, the chief financial officer of the Norristown Area School District, reports district revenues are up $460,000 for the current fiscal year budget. The district cites an increase in interim real estate taxes, real estate transfer taxes, and delinquent earned income taxes. The Norristown Area School board is expected to consider a second adoption of the preliminary 2012-13 budget in May. The district has reduced a proposed 6.78 percent tax increase down to 2.19 percent. Final adoption of the budget will occur in late June. Click here to visit the district website.

Source: Times Herald; 4/17/2012

Philadelphia

Tax-delinquency crackdown falls short of goals

Two years ago, the City of Philadelphia set a goal to increase the number of tax-delinquent properties available for sheriff’s sale each month. Although the number of properties for sale by the sheriff has doubled since that time, it is nowhere near the 600 a month goal set by the city. An investigation by the Inquirer and PlanPhilly last August revealed that there are more than 100,000 tax-delinquent properties in the city. At the current sheriff’s sale rate of 202 properties per month, it would take 45 years to bring all of the currently listed delinquent properties to auction. In April 2011, the city’s unpaid property taxes, penalties and interest totaled $472 million. On why the city is not yet offering 600 properties per month, City Revenue Commissioner Keith Richardson stated that the city has become more adept at collecting delinquent accounts. The number of new delinquents has dropped from 16,000 last year to 9,000, which has reduced the need for sheriff’s sale. National experts have said that delinquent real estate spreads blight, depresses neighboring property values and can create hazardous situations.

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 4/13/2012

Plan for a casino in old newspaper property

The owner of the Inquirer/Daily News building, developer Bart Blatstein, envisions grand plans for the building after newspaper operations move to new offices at 801 Market Street. Blatstein is proposing to build a $500 million casino and entertainment complex. The casino would front Callowhill Street between 15th and 17th, keeping the white tower of the news building for a hotel. The rest of the news building would be demolished and rebuilt as mixed-use space and parking. Pennsylvania gaming law provides the city with two casino licenses, with one currently in use at SugarHouse Casino in Fishtown. The second license was meant for the proposed Foxwoods project, but it was revoked. Some state legislators want to see the Foxwoods license bidding opened up to places other than Philadelphia. Blatstein has successfully redeveloped areas of Northern Liberties and around Temple University. Click here for the full article.

Source: Philadephia Inquirer; 4/13/2012

Call for stricter vacant-property penalties

In many areas of Philadelphia problems created by vacant properties are evident. The recent tragedy involving the deaths of two firefighters has amplified calls for the city to step up enforcement against tax delinquent property owners who fail to maintain their properties. Overpowering forces—the loss of manufacturing jobs, poverty, decades of failure by multiple administrations to enforce building codes and collect taxes—have created the problem. The city is now exploring several options, including a “land-bank” concept to help solve the problem. Moreover, the city must find more efficient ways to deal with its estimated 40,000 vacant properties, 10,000 of which are owned by government entities. Under Managing Director Negrin and Deputy Managing Director Bridget Collins-Greenwald, the city is in the process of revamping property sales, with a new system slated to start at the end of May. The new program would centralize the process into one city agency. It would also list properties with real estate agents, offer discounts, and eliminate frustrating policies.

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 4/16/2012

News briefs for the week of April 16, 2012

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Register for the REALTOR Rally

The registration deadline for the REALTOR Rally has been extended. Stand with your fellow REALTORS in support of housing at the "Rally to Protect the American Dream" at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, May 17. This rally will show our elected officials that no one cares more about revitalizing the economy and real estate market than REALTORS! Click here to learn more about registration and travel options. If you would like to take advantage of the FREE transportation options available leaving from the greater Philadelphia area on the morning of the rally, you must indicate that you need transportation when you register.

FHA reconsiders new rule on lending to those with debt

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has delayed, and will likely revamp, a rule that says consumers with more than $1,000 in “collections debt” cannot qualify for a federally-backed mortgage. The FHA is weighing changes to the rule and has postponed implementing the rule until July. The FHA will gather guidance from the real estate and home construction industry, as well as the debt collections industry, before anything becomes official.

Source: Daily Local; 4/11/2012

Bucks County

East Rockhill targets off-site real estate signs

Earlier this year, East Rockhill supervisor David Nyman suggested that the township change its rules when dealing with off-site real estate signs. Nyman wanted a way to deal with the off-site real estate signs that are being put up each weekend by developers trying to sell new homes in neighboring towns creating a “weekend billboard” along Route 313 in the township. At the April 10 board meeting, Nyman stated that although the existing ordinance does not specifically disallow the temporary developer signs, it does not include the signs as ones that are permitted either. The township will begin notifying companies that the off-site signage is illegal and must be removed. Realtors doing business in East Rockhill should be mindful of the sign ordinance regulations set by the township. Click here to access the updated municipal information for East Rockhill Township. Please contact the Suburban REALTORS Alliance if your office receives notification from the township.

Source: Perkasie News Herald; 4/11/2012

Bucks sees 67 percent increase in business, industry projects

A quarterly report released by the Bucks County Planning Commission shows a significant increase in the number and scope of commercial, industrial and residential projects this year. Plans submitted by developers this year include 402,510 square feet of new commercial and industrial space, a 67 percent increase over the same period last year. The bulk of the development plans are focused on the municipalities of Milford, Bedminster and Warwick. Residential plans are also up, but only slightly. Developers have submitted plans for 199 new homes, which is 12 more than the total for all of 2011. The proposed plans include 115 homes in Warrington, 49 in Upper Southampton and 17 in Lower Makefield.

Source: Courier Times; 4/9/2012

Bristol Borough schools eye program cuts

The Bristol Borough School District is considering program cuts as they try to cover an $800,000 deficit in the 2012-13 budget. The possible program cuts could lead to employee layoffs. In Pennsylvania, school districts are not allowed to furlough staff for economic reasons. Instead, the district can cut programs with the approval of the school board and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), which may lead to programs and staff being downsized. The Bristol School board is preparing a letter to the PDE that will detail proposed program cuts. The letter is expected to be completed by the April 19 school board meeting. Click here for the Bristol Borough School District website.

Source: PhillyBurbs.com; 4/10/2012

Newtown Township saves $685,000 on bond refinance

Newtown Township will save $685,000 by refinancing the $10 million bond used to pay for the new administration building, public works building and police department renovations. The initial bond had a 4.4 percent average annual interest rate in 2008. Now the remaining $9.5 million will be paid off over 22 years at an average annual interest rate of 3.07 percent. The deal is structured so the township will realize all of the savings in the first two years of the bond. The $134,236 budget surplus expected in 2012 is the first in four years. The township has not raised property taxes in 15 years.

Source: Courier Times; 4/9/2012

Chester County

Sadsbury investigating how sewer billing went wrong

The Sadsbury Board of Supervisors is conducting its own internal investigation into why sewer bills were improperly calculated for the past 10 years. The township has a flat fee and usage fee for its public sewer customers, but the flat fee should have been billed per equivalent dwelling unit, as opposed to per customer. Businesses and multiple dwellings received a lump sum bill for fees dating back to 2007 due to a billing error. Chairwoman Stephanie Silvernail said the board, township auditors and the township’s accountant are conducting an investigation to discover how the problem occurred. Township engineer Jamie MacCombie discovered that the error existed after reading a copy of the township ordinance.

Source: Daily Local; 4/11/2012

Chester County’s growth continues, but slower

Newly released figures from the U.S. Census show the rate of population growth in Chester County has leveled off since the development boom of the past two decades. Economic and demographic factors have combined to slow considerably the rate of growth in suburban and ex-urban areas – those ring suburbs outside the traditional metropolitan areas in Pennsylvania. Chester County is still growing at a fast pace compared with other counties across the commonwealth. Ronald Baily, executive director of the county planning commission, noted that “ changes in the economy, the recession, and changes in the character of households over the decade have created more demand for people to live in urban centers of the county like Phoenixville, Downingtown, and Malvern. That’s a good thing. That’s what (the county’s planning model) urges.” Over the past year, the county’s growth was one percent, tying it with Lehigh and Tioga counties for the second-fastest growing county during that period.

Source: Daily Local; 4/8/2012

Concerns raised over DASD Sixth Grade Center

Parents and residents of Uwchlan Township had the opportunity to voice their concerns about the Sixth Grade Center at a conditional use hearing. Downingtown Area School District’s Sixth Grade Center and its affiliated traffic impact studies were presented to township supervisors, continuing from a hearing held Feb. 2. The Downingtown Area School Board hopes the project, which will include a facility large enough to educate the entire sixth grade population in the district, will be constructed next to Shamona Creek Elementary School. According to Guy Donatelli, solicitor for the school district, the land at that site was purchased with the intention of building more than one school. Residents are concerned about increased traffic from buses. Plans for the site will be made available for public input on May 1.

Source: Daily Local; 4/12/2012

Trail access point draws opposition

A proposed access path across the Chester Valley Trail is generating diverging views from neighbors near its entrance. Signatures from 48 residents opposing the access were collected from the Chester Valley Knoll development, along with 24 residents from along Deer Run Lane. Approximately 80 residents attended the East Whiteland Township Supervisors’ meeting to express support or opposition to the access path. The Chester Valley Trail is one of a series of nature trails being developed in the county and throughout the region. The Chester Valley Trail will eventually connect to the Downingtown area. To the east, it will connect with trails to Philadelphia.

Source: Daily Local; 4/8/2012

Delaware County

Collingdale seeks to eradicate blight

Collingdale Borough officials are considering the adoption of an ordinance aimed at fighting blight. The ordinance under consideration is the result of a new statewide law – the Neighborhood Blight Reclamation and Revitalization Act – approved in 2010. The act gives municipalities new tools to enforce ordinances aimed at reducing blight. Under the act, the borough can bring the owner of a property with code violations to court if the owner has failed to fix major property maintenance violations within six months. The act gives the borough power to put liens on property owners’ assets and to extradite an owner from another state if the owner does not repay the money even after a court judgment. Also, the borough could deny municipal permits to an owner with unpaid local water, sewer or trash taxes or code violations. There was no vote on an ordinance at the latest meeting, but Council has been exploring the possibility in hopes of eradicating blight in the community.

Source: Daily Times; 4/6/2012

Chester Township to seek uncollected fees

Chester Township Commissioners voted to begin the process of collecting outstanding trash fees. Commissioner Robert May estimated that the borough is owed about $47,000 in uncollected fees. He noted that “a lot of people are several years delinquent.”

Source: Daily Times; 4/8/2012

Concord supervisors adopt storm water ordinance revision

Concord Township Supervisors adopted a revision to the storm water ordinance regarding portions of the township beyond the Chester Creek Watershed. The change was requested by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), according to township Engineer Nate Cline. In 2004, Concord adopted the Chester Creek Storm Water Management Plan which governed all areas within the watershed, about 95 percent of the township. The section prohibiting discharges had previously not been adopted for the portion of the township outside the watershed. The revision, concerning prohibited discharges, prohibited connections and roof drains will correct the deficiency.

Source: Daily Times; 4/8/2012

Metal-shredding facility not coming to Eddystone

The controversial Camdon Iron and Metal indoor metal shredding plant will no longer be coming to Eddystone Borough. According to published reports, CIM will now take its mountain of scrap metal at the foot of the Platt Bridge in Philadelphia across the Delaware River to Camden instead of the Eddystone side of the river where the old Foamex plant is located. The Corbett administration rescinded a $31.1 million pledge by the Rendell administration that would have funded the construction of a pier at the old Foamex site. The borough stood to gain revenue from the proposed facility. Borough Manager Francie Howat estimated the fees for building permits alone would have been approximately $1.5 million. She said the borough stood to collect $420,000 in real estate revenue, while the Ridley School District would have received $2.4 million annually in tax revenue.

Source: Daily Times; 4/11/2012

Montgomery County

Limerick supervisors discuss nuisance properties

Limerick Township supervisors recently discussed enforcement strategies for dealing with nuisance properties in the township. Supervisor Thomas J. Neafcy Jr. is concerned that the junk-laden properties will contribute to a decline in surrounding property values, stating that residents “have a right to collect what they want, but they don’t have a right to devalue their neighbors’ property.” Township manager Daniel E. Kerr stated that Limerick’s policy is to work with the property owner to clean up the violations, however enforcement on several identified properties will be stepped up because of the length of time they have been a problem.

Source: Springford Reporter; 4/11/2012

Narberth zoning open house scheduled

Narberth Borough has been rewriting its zoning code with community input, utilizing a non-traditional method that considers neighborhood characteristics and building forms. Form-based zoning is an alternative to traditional zoning that focuses less on separation of uses (residential, commercial) and instead uses physical forms to address the relationship of buildings to each other and public spaces. The option has been available for about 10 years and is in use in a limited capacity in several Montgomery County municipalities. Narberth is the first to look at form-based zoning for every zoning district. An open house has been scheduled for May 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the large meeting room at Borough Hall, 100 Conway Ave., to bring residents up-to-date on the zoning code initiative and allow for more public input. Click here for the Narberth Borough website.

Source: Main Line Times; 4/4/2012

Norristown revitalization a high priority

Montgomery County Commissioner Leslie S. Richards recently directed the county Planning Commission to make Norristown revitalization efforts a high priority in its discussion and design planning. Efforts to transform Norristown’s blighted areas and spur economic development have languished for years, and Richards wants to keep the revitalization a continuous topic with the planning commission. Norristown has several projects in the works, including the Bell Telephone Arts Venue project and landscaping a vacant lot at DeKalb and Main streets. In addition, the first phase of the Lafayette Street corridor has been approved, with construction set to begin within six months. Click here to visit the Norristown website for community activities and news.

Source: Times Herald; 4/12/2012

Limerick to challenge DEP moratorium on new development

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has placed a land development moratorium on roughly two-thirds of Limerick Township. DEP placed the moratorium on land that drains into a township pumping station near the Limerick Crossing shopping center after three heavy rainfalls in 2011 caused the activation of a second pump to handle the storm water. The activation of the second pump occurs only when the draining capacity of the first pump has been reached. Limerick officials plan to appeal the moratorium because they maintain that the first pump had a variable speed setting that was set lower than its maximum capacity. If the first pump had been set to maximum speed, it would have been able to handle the influx of storm water without the second pump. Two building projects, the Primrose School of Royersford and Lewis Square, cannot gain land development approval until the appeal of the DEP ruling is settled.

Source: Springford Reporter; 4/5/2012

Perkiomen Valley seeks state OK to reduce staff

The Perkiomen Valley School District voted to authorize the administration to seek permission from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to institute staff furloughs that would be needed if proposed changes were made to the elementary Spanish, third-grade strings, classroom driver’s and family consumer sciences programs. The district is facing a total gross budget shortfall of $4.67 million for 2012-13. The school board will be acting on the proposed preliminary budget at a May 7 meeting, with final budget approval scheduled for June 11. Click here to visit the school district website for the April 9 budget presentation.

Source: Times Herald; 4/11/2012

Philadelphia

Welcome to our new Philadelphia section! Moving forward, we will be including more frequent real estate-related news from Philadelphia in recognition of our many members that do business in the city.

Reforms key to Philadelphia revival

There is an emerging is optimism in Philadelphia about economic recovery and a new narrative about real estate development in the city: transparent, consistent, predictable, fair and supportive of sustainability and good design. Philadelphia has used the downturn to put into place a series of reforms that should position the city well for the next round of real estate development. Alan Greenberger, deputy mayor for planning and economic development lists the key accomplishments affecting development as “the new zoning code; Philadelphia 2035,the new citywide comprehensive plan; reforms at the Department of Licenses and Inspections; advances in stormwater management and waterfront planning.” Click here to read more.

Source: Metropolis; 4/8/2012

Philadelphia embarks on managing stormwater the green way

Philadelphia’s $2 billion plan to manage its storm water with green methods – porous pavement, green roofs, and shade trees – got recognition from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The plan, which has been described as one of the most innovative and ambitious in the nation, will transform how the city both how the city looks and how shift how storm water is treated from waste product to resource. Philadelphia’s current problem is that about 60 percent of the city’s sewers are a combined system that carries both sewage and stormwater. During heavy rainfall, the system often overflows. Rather than undergo the massive expense of replacing the entire system, the city is instead looking to control the amount of runoff entering into the system.

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 4/11/2012

News briefs for the week of April 9, 2012

Register for the REALTOR Rally

Stand with your fellow REALTORS in support of housing. The National Association of REALTORS is organizing a "Rally To Protect the American Dream" at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, May 17. This rally will show our elected officials that no one cares more about revitalizing the economy and real estate market than REALTORS! Registration is required through the National Association of REALTORS before Tuesday, April 10. If you would like to take advantage of the FREE transportation options available leaving from the greater Philadelphia area on the morning of the rally, you must indicate that you need transportation when you register before this April 10th deadline. Learn more here.

 

Alliance office closed Friday, April 6

The office will be closed on Friday, April 6 in observance of Good Friday. We will reopen on Monday, April 9 at 8:30 am. Please remember www.suburbanrealtorsalliance.com is always available as a resource.

Bucks County

Nockamixon, Yardley sue state over gas drilling law

Nockamixon, Yardley and the Delaware Riverkeeper Network have joined a lawsuit aimed at stopping Pennsylvania’s Marcellus Shale gas drilling law, also known as Act 13, or House Bill 1950. The law eliminates a municipality’s authority to use zoning to determine where gas companies may drill within their boundary and provides an impact fee for unconventional wells drilled within the Marcellus Shale region. The lawsuit objects to provisions of Act 13 that will allow drilling, waste pits and pipelines in every zoning district of a municipality, including residential areas. The lawsuit further claims that the state’s “attempt to supersede local regulation of oil and gas operations” have pushed aside the “health, safety and welfare, community development objectives, zoning districts and concerns regarding property values” of Pennsylvania residents in order to aid out-of-state oil and gas companies. The filing of the lawsuit is aimed at keeping Act 13’s zoning provision from going into effect on April 14.

Source: PhillyBurbs.com; 3/30/2012

Lawmakers, environmentalists schedule gas drilling forums

State lawmakers and environmentalists will host separate gas drilling forums this month to discuss Act 13 and take questions from the public. State Sens. Bob Mensch and Chuck McIlhinney, and Reps. Marguerite Quinn and Paul Clymer, have scheduled an educational forum on April 12 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the cafeteria of Palisades High School, 39 Thomas Free Drive, Kintnersville, PA 18930. The lawmakers’ forum will also include state Rep. Kathy Watson and officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (EPA), Public Utility Commission, PennEnvironment, Renew Growing Greener Coalition and Penn State Marcellus Shale Center for Outreach and Research. The Gallows Run Watershed Association will host a drilling forum on April 19 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Palisades Middle School. The presentation will include Nockamixon attorney Jordan Yeager, representatives from PennEnvironment and the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, and residents from Dimock, Susquehannah County who will share the impact natural gas drilling has had on their community.

Source: PhillyBurbs.com; 4/3/2012

County workforce falls by 160 employees

Bucks County commissioners instituted a hiring freeze in December 2011 that has resulted in a reduction of the county staff by 160 employees. The hiring freeze was put in place instead of layoffs, to reduce the size of the county workforce. It is estimated that the staff reduction will save the county about $10 million this year. Bucks County had about 2,600 employees at the start of the year and commissioners set a goal to reduce staff by 240 employees.

Source: Courier Times; 4/1/2012

Landmark Towns unveils bike trail plan

Landmark Towns of Bucks County recently unveiled a draft plan aimed at enhancing and expanding bicycle amenities in the four Landmark Town boroughs and the surrounding region of Bucks County. Landmark Towns is a subsidiary of the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor and seeks to preserve the four boroughs along the Delaware River and Canal in Bucks County – Bristol, Morrisville, New Hope and Yardley. The bicycle plan objectives include an inventory of existing bike trails, a plan to interconnect existing bike trails, and the stimulation of economic development along the trails. The study was paid for through a Transportation Community Development Initiative Grant (TCDI) awarded to Landmark Towns by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC). Visit www.landmarktowns.com for more information.

Source: Yardley News; 4/3/2012

Bensalem School District approves full-day kindergarten

The Bensalem School Board has approved a universal full-day kindergarten for all six elementary schools in the Bensalem School District. The full-day offering will begin at the start of the 2012-13 school year. Bensalem currently has one full-day kindergarten class at each elementary school and utilized a lottery system for children looking to get into the full-day class. The move to all full-day kindergarten is expected to add $500,000 to $600,000 to the school district budget, which is currently poised to increase taxes by about $89 for the average property next school year. Visit the Bensalem Township School District website for more information.

Source: PhillyBurbs.com; 3/29/2012

Chester County

East Goshen set to advertise parks and rec ordinance

East Goshen Township’s Board of Supervisors is considering an ordinance that would create a new parks and recreation commission. The ordinance re-establishes the commission which was dissolved in January because of the excessive pressure the board saw the previous ordinance put on volunteers. The new ordinance reflects a mission statement which is more in line with the township’s intent. In it, the board sets broad guidelines for the commission, such as encouraging the use of the township park and developing programs and partnerships to enhance the experience for its guests. The entire ordinance can be reviewed on the township’s website at www.eastgoshen.org. The ordinance will be advertised and voted upon at the next supervisors’ meeting at 7 p.m. April 17.

Source: Daily Local; 4/3/2012

Chester County’s economic outlook brightening

While there are still concerns, the outlook for the local economy in Chester County is turning positive, according to an analyst for the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. The analyst, Elif Sen, shared that GDP (gross domestic product) growth has picked up nationally and regionally. He added that foreclosure activity in Pennsylvania is “tacking with the nation.”

Source: Daily Local; 4/2/2012

East Whiteland to host energy forum on April 18

East Whiteland Township and State Rep. Duane Milne will host a green energy forum for homeowners and small businesses on April 18. The forum will feature speakers and panel discussions on how residential consumers and small business owners can leverage geothermal, wind and solar energy strategies to reduce the environmental impact of traditional fuel sources. The event will be held at the East Whiteland Township Building from 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. Because seating is limited, anyone who wishes to attend is asked to inform Helen Hammerschmidt by calling 610-251-1070 or through email at hhammers@pahousegop.com.

Source: Daily Local; 4/5/2012

Study addresses ways to enhance business in West Chester

A recent study conducted by the Urban Land Institute has identified several existing challenges West Chester should address in order to enhance the downtown area. Key challenges the study identified are gaps and vacancies in the downtown retail mix, lack of high-quality residential property downtown, and inefficient use and perception of parking. The study concluded the borough should focus on variety in order to enhance the downtown experience. The full report can be viewed on the Business Improvement District’s website at www.westchesterbid.com.

Source: Daily Local; 4/5/2012

Delaware County

Chester Heights to make updates to comprehensive plan and developer requirements

According to Chester Heights Borough Solicitor Gerald Montella, a new ordinance that would create a fee schedule that developers can pay in lieu of donating recreational open space on new construction sites is now being reviewed by both borough and county planners. A public hearing for Ordinance No. 191 has been slated for borough council’s next regular meeting on May 7. Both borough and county planners have finished their review and critique of the borough’s updated comprehensive plan. The revised document, which lays out the most desirable scenarios for future development within the borough, will soon be presented for public review.

Source: Daily Times; 4/3/2012

Garnet Valley School District proposes budget with tax increase

The bottom line to the proposed preliminary 2012-13 Garnet Valley School District budget is a 2.7 percent increase for Concord and Chester Heights and a 2.6 percent increase for Bethel. The .1 percent differential is due to Bethel’s non-participation to Delaware County Community College. Revenue challenges for the school district include a current stagnation of tax-base growth, and a large six-figure tax loss following assessment appeals by the Maris Grove community and commercial entities, including Allied Card. Investment income is declining for the third consecutive year. Another revenue decrease is due to the number of taxpayers receiving a discount through early payment.

Source: Daily Local; 4/4/2012

Delta Air Lines making bid for ConocoPhillips' Trainer refinery

Delta Air Lines has expressed an interest in purchasing ConocoPhillips’ Trainer refinery. In September, ConocoPhillips idled the refinery due to product imports, weakness in motor fuel demand, and costly regulatory requirements. The closure led to the termination of 700 employees in January. A purchase of the site by Delta would make it the first airline to own a refinery. Experts believe that the facility could be up and running as early as July, but more likely the fall, if the deal moves forward.

Source: Daily Times; 4/3/2012

No decision reached in CUSD funding talk

Representatives from the Chester Upland School District and the Pennsylvania Department of Education continued to search for a funding solution that would keep Chester Upland schools open through June. The two sides participated in a conference call Wednesday, but no decision was finalized, though one was not expected. The conference call was set in place by federal Judge Michael M. Baylson, who has presided over the district’s lawsuit against the state. Chester Upland spokesman Joel Avery confirmed the conference call included talks about vendor payments.

Source: Daily Times; 4/4/2012

Montgomery County

2012 Housing Fair – Montgomery County Partners for Homeownership

The Montgomery County Partners for Homeownership will hold its 2012 Housing Fair on Sat., April 14, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School in Plymouth Meeting, PA. The annual Housing Fair is an opportunity to meet with Realtors®, lenders, non-profit and government agencies to learn about mortgages, reverse mortgages, foreclosure prevention, government programs and more. There is free admission to the public and no registration is required to attend. Click here for more information, including workshop topics and a fair flyer.

Pottstown investigates making problem property owners pay for police calls

The Pottstown Borough Safety Committee has followed through with a promise to reinvestigate the borough’s police charge-back ordinance. The law allows Pottstown to charge a property owner for repeated police services at a problem location. The existing ordinance requires that property owners pay for police services that exceed one call every 30 days, but exempts charge back calls that are domestic in nature, misdemeanors, felonies, crimes or disturbances by those not living at the address. The exemptions disqualify many of the incidents. Pottstown officials have said they agree with community members who want the borough to close the exemption “loopholes,” and make rental property owners responsible for the financial burden the tenants put on community services. Pottstown police will soon be able to cross-reference registered tenant lists in the borough codes database when responding to a call. If necessary, the code enforcement office can be notified in order to pursue compliance with the year-old rental registration ordinance.

Source: The Pottstown Mercury; 4/1/2012

Valley Forge Casino Resort is open for business

The $150 million Valley Forge Casino Resort has officially opened for business in King of Prussia. The casino has 600 slot machines and 50 table games. Gambling is restricted to people attending a convention, meeting or private function at the facility; people who spend a minimum of $10 in one of the resort’s dining, nightlife or retail outlets; or anyone who purchases a resort membership. The casino is the smallest in Pennsylvania. The resort boasts over 100,000 square feet of meeting space, close to 500 hotel rooms, seven restaurants and a nightclub.

Source: King of Prussia Courier; 4/1/2012

Providence Town Center closing in on leasing goal

After three tough years, Providence Town Center in Collegeville is making progress toward having the center fully leased. The initial goal of the developer, Brandolini Cos., was to have the center fully leased by October 2009. But the recession took a toll and the center, located off Routes 422 and 29, had leased only 277,000 of the available 760,000 square-feet, mainly to big box tenants such as Wegmans, Raymour & Flanigan, Dick’s Sporting Goods and L.A. Fitness. Movie Tavern opened last year to great success. Brandolini also shifted an initial leasing strategy of concentrating on national names to seeking out more regional and local tenants. The idea apparently worked, with the Town Center now close to 80 percent leased and occupied.

Source: Philadelphia Business Journal; 4/5/2012

Lower Merion manager has tax-windfall recommendations

Lower Merion Manager Douglas Cleland has released preliminary recommendations for the use of last year’s $6.9 million business tax windfall. The recommendations include: making unbudgeted contributions to the Equipment and Insurance Trust Funds; using the revenue to offset any potential real-estate tax increase for 2013; and delaying or reducing the next new money bond issue. The recommendations will go before the Finance Committee on April 4.

Source: Main Line Times; 3/29/2012

Philadelphia

Welcome to our new Philadelphia section! Moving forward, we will be including more frequent real estate-related news from Philadelphia in recognition of our many members that do business in the city.

Housing office warns of funding cut

Officials from the Philadelphia Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) warned City Council that they would be working with a lot less in the coming fiscal year. The proposed $188 million budget for the office, which administers programs that aid low- and moderate-income homeowners and the homeless, is 11 percent less than last year because of federal cuts and changes in revenue, OHCD director Deborah McColloch told City Council. Office Spokesman Paul Chrystie said the grants "fund a whole host of housing and community development programs," such as home repairs for the poor and ensuring affordable housing options for residents with special needs, including the disabled, homeless, veterans, and people affected by HIV/AIDS. OHCD has helped save thousands of homes from foreclosure and has maintained and greened thousands of city lots though its Vacant Land Stabilization Program. Last fiscal year, the office also funded 285 new affordable-housing units.

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 4/3/2012

Tax ruling may cost Philadelphia and school district $41 million

Right in the middle of budget season, a state board dealt the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia School District a blow that could cost them as much as $41 million in combined revenue. The ruling from the State Tax Equalization Board (STEB) comes amid a long saga surrounding efforts to fix the city's broken property-assessment system. For decades, Philadelphia has assessed properties purportedly at 32 percent of value, meaning a house worth $100,000 was supposed to be assessed at $32,000 for tax purposes. STEB has been charged with checking the city's numbers to ensure fairness, by looking at submitted sales figures each year and calculating whether properties are being taxed at close to 32 percent of their worth. In July, STEB said the number was more like 18.1 percent. That figure, set by STEB, is known as the "common level ratio." STEB's July pronouncement opened the door for appeals from property owners saying, for example, that a $100,000 house should be assessed at $18,100 for tax purposes. About 2,000 of those appeals were filed and remain pending. The city, meanwhile, supplied STEB with more data in the hope of a more favorable finding. STEB recently notified the city that the ratio had been reset to 24.8. At that level, the appeals could cost the city $18 million and the schools $23 million, or a combined $41 million. The Nutter administration, however, has filed cross appeals in each of the 2,000 cases. Last month, Budget Director Rebecca Rhynhart asked City Council to appropriate $1.8 million to hire an army of private assessors to help fight the appeals.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 4/4/2012