GENERAL INFORMATION
FHA key to housing rebound
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is a primary source of mortgage financing for millions of America ’s families and plays a key role in helping bring stability to the housing market. This is the message that the National Association of Realtors® recently delivered to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee. “Without FHA financing, families would be unable to purchase homes and communities would suffer from continued foreclosures and blight,” said Lennox Scott, a member of NAR’s Real Estate Advisory Board and CEO of John L. Scott Real Estate in Bellevue , Washington . In his testimony, Scott shared NAR’s belief in the importance of FHA and concern for the safety and soundness of its programs due to its dramatic growth over a short period of time. NAR suggests a number of FHA improvements that will help maintain safe and affordable FHA loan products. These improvements include investment in staff and technology improvements; increased oversight and risk management; technical correction to help implement FHA programs; and monetizing the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit to allow buyers to apply it toward down payment requirements. NAR pledged to continue to work for FHA reforms that will ensure the continued success, availability and safety of FHA mortgage insurance programs.
Source: Realtor.org; 4/2/09
U.S. crackdown targets mortgage scams
Federal and state officials are cracking down on mortgage-modification scams, accusing “criminal actors” of preying upon desperate borrowers caught up in the nation’s housing crisis. The FBI is investigating about 2,100 mortgage-fraud cases, a 400 percent increase from five years ago. Government officials say scammers are seeking to take advantage of homeowners who are in danger of default by charging them up-front fees of $1,000 to $3,000 for help with mortgage modifications that rarely, if ever, pay off. The frauds often involve companies with official-sounding names designed to make borrowers think they are using the Obama administration’s efforts to help modify or refinance 7 to 9 million mortgages. Officials say such operations are almost always fraudulent and that help is available for free from government approved housing counselors. Homeowners do not have to pay to participate in the administration’s Making Home Affordable program, which seeks to prevent foreclosures by making mortgages affordable through refinancing or modified terms.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 4/7/09
Code Enforcement Officers must be certified
As of Friday, April 10, 2009 Municipal code enforcement officers assigned to inspect residential dwellings must hold a PA Uniform Construction Code (UCC) certification in each category of work that they perform. Persons who hold Department–issued registration cards (i.e., were “grandfathered” and temporarily relieved of certification requirements) may no longer engage in any aspect of UCC enforcement. Click here for more.
BUCKS COUNTY
Centennial plans to close two elementary schools
Centennial School District will need to close two or even three of its elementary schools in the near future, according to the district’s operating committee. The committee concluded that closing two of the schools is the only way to provide a quality education to all of the district’s 2,600 K-5 students. The district will likely maintain Willow Dale, McDonald and Stackpole elementary schools, which means that no student would be more than 2 miles from their elementary school. Maintaining fewer schools would save up to $2.5 million annually. The committee will revisit K-5 school options at it next meeting. Details of the plans and the meeting time will be posted on the district’s website: www.centennialsd.org
Source: The Intelligencer; 4/08/09
Bucks planning commission will distribute stimulus funds
The Bucks County Planning Commission was briefed Wednesday about $5.5 million coming to the county as part of the stimulus spending by the federal government. Up to $3.9 million will be utilized to make the county facilities more energy efficient, which has been made a priority by the commission. Bucks County will also receive $1 million for the Homeless Prevention Program, as well as a $650,000 Community Block Grant.
Source: The Intelligencer; 4/04/09
Developer appeals to County judge to overturn Tinicum zoning
Main Street Development has filed an appeal stating that Tinicum’s zoning does not adhere to state law, which requires that zoning ordinances be designed to accommodate reasonable overall community growth. Main Street asked a Bucks County judge last week to overturn a township ruling against Ottsville Square , a proposed 192-acre garden apartment complex on 25 acres at the intersection of Durham Road and Route 611. Also called the Carr tract, the project would be the first of several planned developments in the mostly rural community. If successful, Main Street ’s appeal would pave the way for four more projects on 214-acres in Tinicum.
Source: The Intelligencer; 4/06/09
Pennridge looks to trim more from the budget
Pennridge School District administrators have already trimmed $1.3 million from the draft budget, but that could still translate into a 3.5 percent tax increase for district residents. The current $109.8 million draft budget would increase taxes by 4.08 mills from 116.60 mills to 120.68 mills. The average homeowner in the district with a home assessed at $29,200 would pay about $3,524 – about $119 more in property taxes. The finance committee will meet on April 23 to discuss ways to further trim figures before passing the preliminary budget.
Source: The Intelligencer; 4/07/09
Stimulus dollars could go to flood prevention at Pennypack Creek
Local environmental organizations hope to turn federal stimulus dollars into flood prevention funding for some areas in the Pennypack Creek watershed. Pennsylvania Environmental Council and Temple University Center for Sustainable Communities representatives outlined Tuesday about $1.4 million in top-priority Upper Moreland storm water remediation projects to township officials and residents. Proposals target the areas of Boileau Park , the Butternut Drive basin, Fair Oaks Park , open space on Surrey Lane and Terwood Park . Most of those projects involve excavating land and drawing storm water into the ground, away from flood-prone residential areas. Ideas for the future include remediation work around the Sam's Club parking lot and open space on Turnpike Drive . The experts said they'd be heading to Hatboro and Horsham within the next week with similar project proposals.
Source: Courier Times; 4/9/09
CHESTER COUNTY
Chester County fares well on lists measuring wealth
Chester County has found itself in rather prestigious company, ranking among the top 50 counties across the country in three categories: wages and salaries, dividend income and adjusted gross income. The report, complied by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University , looked at individual and joint federal tax returns filed in 3,140 counties nationwide in 2007. In Adjusted Gross Income, or AGI, Chester County ranked 21 at $96,578. On the Wages and Salaries list, Chester County ranked 15 at $70,404. Top employers include Vanguard, QVC and Sungard, which offer top wages. Chester County is home to a number of biotechnology companies as well. On the education front, Chester County has four universities and graduate campus Penn State Great Valley . In addition, the county has an excellent public and private high-school system within its borders. In Chester County , 42.5 percent of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree or higher compared to 22.4 percent in the rest of the commonwealth, he noted. For the complete list, visit www.trac.syr.edu.
Source: Main Line Suburban Life; 4/8/09
Easttown cuts pay, work week for municipal employees 20%
Most township employees are taking 20 percent pay cuts for the rest of the year because of declines in real estate transfer taxes (RTT) and other revenue. "Non-essential" employees, excluding patrol police officers and sewer crew workers, will work four-day weeks until the end of the year or until revenues improve. Workers in the police and the clerical and public works employees unions are participating in the cuts. And with 34 full-time staff members, the 8.2-square-mile municipality is closing its office on Fridays, starting immediately, due to the budget. The township's real estate transfer tax accounts for about 18 percent of its budgeted revenue. For 2009, the township budgeted $750,000 in revenue from this tax, which is levied when a property is sold. But in the first quarter, the tax generated only $126,000. Easttown collects no revenue from its commercial base. It does not impose a business privilege tax, earned-income tax, municipal services tax or gross revenue tax.
Source: Daily Local; 4/8/09
Consultant: Vahalla Brandywine Resort plans incomplete
A developer's plans for a mega-resort in Wallace Township are incomplete, according to a consultant for citizen group Guardians of the Brandywine . The group hired land planner Thomas Comitta to testify at conditional-use hearings regarding developer Albert M. Greenfield III's plan for Valhalla Brandywine. The plan calls for residences, a boutique-spa hotel, private and public guest suites, and private and public dining facilities with a private country club and golf course. Guardians of the Brandywine ’s greatest concerns are focused on the scope of the proposal and its location within the township. In his report, Comitta notes the constraints to development on the site are unique and include being bounded by and adjacent to the Upper East Branch of the Brandywine Creek, which has been designated a high-quality waterway by the state Department of Environmental Protection. The next hearing on the plan is slated for 7:30 p.m. April 14.
Source: Daily Local; 4/8/09
OJR preliminary school budget raises taxes
The Owen J. Roberts School Board got its first look at a preliminary 2009-10 budget. By law, the board does not need to vote on a final budget until June and some board members appeared to want to continue looking for additional savings. The preliminary budget totals $79.2 million, and represents a 3.4 percent increase over the 2008-09 budget. If approved as is, it will require a millage rate hike of 0.64 mills, bringing the overall millage rate up from 24.9 to 25.53 mills. For the average homeowner with a property assessed at $163,625, that will translate into an additional $97 in real estate taxes from the district.
Source: Daily Local; 4/3/09
West Chester Officials recommend condo plans
A local developer's proposal to build 58 townhouse-style condos on the former Bishop Shanahan site got a favorable recommendation from West Chester Borough's Planning Commission on Tuesday. The planning commission recommended that borough council give McCool Properties' proposal preliminary approval. Should borough council grant this approval, McCool would have to make minor adjustments to the project and seek final approval. Chris McCool, of McCool properties, said he hopes to get final approval by June, to begin marketing the townhomes by late summer, and to break ground by late fall 2009 or early spring 2010. According to current plans, the townhouses will be three stories with a two-car garage underneath; they will have three to four bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and two additional parking spaces in back. The site, which contains the former Bishop Shanahan High School, is at West Gay and Everhart streets. The high school building, which most recently housed the Collegium Charter School, will be demolished.
Source: Daily Local; 4/6/09
DELAWARE COUNTY
Sharon Hill investigates misplaced files
While searching for some old documents, two Democratic borough council members stumbled upon a treasure trove of Republican party files going back to at least 1951 in Sharon Hill’s Borough Hall. Among the files — which are current to 2003 — are canceled donation checks, political literature, election returns, nominating petitions, party-related correspondence and other records. On the third floor of the building are also lawn signs for the Sharon Hill Republican Party Golf Tournament, blank pages of Republican Party letterhead and envelopes bearing the classic Republican Party insignia of an elephant, which appear to have been there for some time. G. Terry Madonna, professor of public affairs at Franklin & Marshall College , said simply storing the files on borough property likely wouldn’t be enough to prop up an argument that any major violation had occurred. The files will likely be removed.
Source: Daily Times; 4/7/09
Chester Heights raises rates for water usage
The Chester Water Authority (CWA) is planning to raise the water usage rates paid by Chester Heights customers on July 1. According to a CWA memo sent to borough officials, the pending rate increases are needed "to sustain a capital construction program that will allow for the proper treatment and delivery of water in strict accordance with all regulatory requirements." Chester Heights customers are designated as either the Village Green East or West Service Area. The amount of the rate increase varies between east and west, and between different types of water service. For all Village Green East residential, commercial, industrial and municipal customers, the rate charged per thousand gallons for the first 25,000 gallons used in a month will rise by 25 cents to $4.27. For Village Green West customers, the usage rate will increase 44 cents to $5.38 per thousand gallons. Monthly base charges for all Chester Heights customers are also set to go up on July 1. The amount of these rate hikes is determined by the size of the water meter or the service line diameter, if unmetered. For more information, contact the CWA at 610-876-8181.
Source: Garnet Valley Press; 4/8/09
Delaware County Council approves revitalization project
No member of the public commented Tuesday on the proposed 2009 housing and community development annual plan, which equals about $5.6 million in projects and other actions. The plan includes Community Development Block Grant, HOME, ESG, and ADDI funds. County council is expected to adopt a final plan May 5, following revisions.
Source: Daily Times; 4/9/09
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Souderton will enforce sidewalk repairs
Broken or damaged sidewalks in Souderton will have to be repaired or replaced within 180 days, in accordance with Souderton’s revised sidewalk ordinance. Borough council adopted the new regulations, which require property owners notified by the borough to repair sidewalks and curbs that front a borough street. If the property owner fails to do so within 180 days, the borough reserves the right to do the work and charge the property owner. The property owner would also be subject to a fine as much as $1,000 per offense.
Source: The Intelligencer; 4/08/09
Upper Moreland approves tax guidelines to encourage Willow Grove development
Upper Moreland Township ’s board unanimously approved tax incremental financing (TIF) guidelines that will help generate funds for projects by freezing taxes for developers, and boosting development in downtown Willow Grove . Although the County has yet to approve the guidelines, Upper Moreland officials have already received a verbal commitment from County officials. If passed, the school district and county agreed to offer developers 50 to 75 percent of the next tax dollars TIF would generate, and the township would put up 85 percent to 100 percent.
Source: The Willow Grove Guide; 4/07/09
Subdivision planned for Hatfield Township scaled-down from original plans
Morwood Associates scaled down its 52-home cluster development plans to just 20 homes, a garden center and a church complex on 40 acres at Township Line and Cowpath Roads. Township commissioners voted to reject Morwood’s original request, but the new, lower-density plan would still require a zoning change, according to Hatfield manager Andrew Haines.
Source: The Intelligencer; 4/05/09
Horsham Valley Golf Course will survive another season
According to Horsham Valley Golf Course owner Harry Barbin, the agreement of sale with the David Cutler Group to build a 55-and-over community at the location of the golf course has been pushed back. The golf course was sold to Cutler in April 2007, but because of the current economy, both parties have agreed to push back the sale to 2010. Cutler continues to clear zoning changes and other approvals before moving forward with plans for the 230-unit development.
Source: The Intelligencer; 4/07/09
Flood prevention funds funneled through stimulus
Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) and Temple University Center for Sustainable Communities representatives outlined about $1.4 million in top-priority storm water remediation projects in Upper Moreland . Proposals target Boileau Park, the Butternut Drive basin, Fair Oaks Park, and open space on Surrey Lane and Terwood Park. Federal stimulus money for water-related projects in Pennsylvania will be distributed by PENNVEST, the state infrastructure investment authority. Upper Moreland and PEC officials have high hopes for securing funding, as the township has many factors working in its favor. Among them is the Pennypack Creek watershed study released by Temple University in 2006.
Source: The Intelligencer; 4/08/09
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Companywide Home Buyers Seminar on April 16, 2009
Weichert, Realtors will host a free home buyers seminar in every office on Thursday, April 16, at 7:00 p.m. The seminar will provide prospective buyers with useful information about the current market and the advantages of homeownership.
Now is a great time to buy! Invite everyone you know to attend this free, no-obligation seminar!
To register with Weichert, Realtors - Spring House, PA, please contact Tim Haines, Gold Services Manager at 215.643.7776 or e-mail Lisa A. Novakoski at lnovakoski@weichert.com or by calling 215.527.0739.
Now is a great time to buy! Invite everyone you know to attend this free, no-obligation seminar!
To register with Weichert, Realtors - Spring House, PA, please contact Tim Haines, Gold Services Manager at 215.643.7776 or e-mail Lisa A. Novakoski at lnovakoski@weichert.com or by calling 215.527.0739.
Foreclosures Listed on Weichert.Com
Weichert.com Adds Foreclosure Data Through Agreement with RealtyTrac
Weichert recently entered into a new agreement with RealtyTrac. As a result, RealtyTrac's database of foreclosed properties will be made available to homebuyers conducting searches on Weichert.com.
"We are glad to be working with a leader in the foreclosure business like RealtyTrac," said Mike Montsko, president of the Weichert Lead Network. "This agreement gives us the ability to incorporate a comprehensive database of foreclosed properties with the more than 2 million listings already available for consumers to search on our site."
Realty News Update: Week of April 6, 2009
GENERAL INFORMATION
Route 422 corridor proposals revisited
The daily traffic volume crossing the Schuylkill River on Route 422 is 100,000 vehicles. As such, 45-minute traffic delays during the morning and afternoon commute on Route 422 are routine. Local officials and organizations are working out ways to fund and improve the corridor that keeps life moving in the tri-county area. Montgomery County planners and a coalition from Chester and Bucks counties, SEPTA, the state Department of Transportation, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, Norfolk Southern Railroad and Greater Valley Forge Transportation are exploring alternative funding for Route 422 traffic improvements and presented their ideas again last week. Click here to read more.
Source: Daily Local; 3/30/09
Regional leaders meet to discuss stimulus strategy
Officials from Montgomery , Bucks, Delaware and Chester Counties joined Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter in Philadelphia last week to discuss regional cooperation in spending federal stimulus money. The meeting focused on the region’s anticipated economic recovery and on developing regional strategies to leverage federal dollars appropriated for the region. Mayor Nutter made several suggestions on how to foster cooperation, including combining federal dollars for regional projects. County officials attending the meeting included: Montgomery County Commissioners Joe Hoeffel, James Matthews and Bruce Castor; Bucks County Commissioners Charles Martin, James Cawley and Diane Marseglia; Chester OCunty Commissioners Terence Farrell, Carol Aichele and Kathi Cozzone; and Delaware County Councilors Linda A. Cartisano and John Whelan.
Source: The Times Herald; 3/30/09
State expects 2nd tax cut from slots revenue
Pennsylvania officials have announced that they expect property tax reductions from slots revenue to be about the same this year as it was last year. Approximately $613 million in property tax relief from gambling money will be disbursed in 2009-2010, according to Susan Hooper in the Governor’s Budget Office. The final figure will be certified on April 15, and school districts should know by May how much money to expect. Statewide, last year’s reductions ranged from $54 in the Dallas School District near Wilkes-Barre to $623 in the Chester-Upland School District . Currently, there are seven gambling facilities open across the state with an additional seven in various planning stages.
Source: The Intelligencer; 4/3/09
BUCKS COUNTY
Bucks to get $1M in stimulus for homeless
The Department of Community and Business Development in Bucks County will receive almost $1 million in federal stimulus money for homelessness prevention. A plan for how the money will be allocated must be finalized by September. In response to the tight deadline, a hearing will be held on April 23 to take public comment about how the money could help local residents at risk of losing their homes. The hearing is set for 1:00 p.m. at the planning commission’s Almshouse building in Doylestown Township . According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the money can be used for financial assistance, housing relocation, financial counseling and data collection. Most of the money – 60 percent – must be used in the first two years, with the remaining 40 percent by year three.
Source: The Intelligencer; 4/3/09
Lower real estate taxes in store for Trumbauersville residents
Trumbauserville Borough officials expect real estate taxes to drop as much as 23 percent next year because of money saved by paying off a 20-year loan six years early. The real estate rate would drop from 3.25 mills to 2.5 mills, saving the average homeowner $22.50. By paying off the loan early, the borough saved $50,000 in interest for the 1,100 residents of the 0.4-square mile borough.
Source: The Intelligencer; 4/3/09
Pennsbury welcomes residents to public budget meetings
Pennsbury School Board officials are encouraging residents to participate in at least one of three open forum discussions on next year’s district budget. The district seeks input from residents and stakeholders on how to save money in a difficult budget year. Meeting information is as follows:
April 7 at Pennwood Middle School , 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
May 7 at Afton Elementary School , 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
June 4 at Walt Disney Elementary School , 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 4/3/09
CHESTER COUNTY
$4.6 million in federal money announced for Chester County
The U.S. Department of Energy on Thursday announced Chester County will receive $4.6 million in federal economic stimulus money for programs that reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency. According to the Department of Energy, this money will support a wide range of environmentally friendly activities, such as the installation of energy-saving features in residential and commercial buildings and the development of building codes that promote energy efficiency. The Department of Energy said it will provide guidance to funding recipients on how the money can be used. It said it will also require recipients to send back reports on the environmental benefits and jobs that the money helps to create or retain. Individual municipalities in southeastern Pennsylvania and across the state are also receiving their own disbursements, but none of these are in Chester County .
Source: Daily Local; 3/30/09
Panel meets with federal officials to discuss company's plan to expand pipeline
Landowners facing property condemnation proceedings confronted Federal Energy Regulatory Commission representatives during Friday's meeting of the Chester County Pipeline Task Force. According to one landowner, 71 out of 167 landowners have indicated they would rather go through eminent domain proceedings than sign easement agreements for the project. Transco-Williams has already started eminent domain proceedings to seize additional rights of way from 36 landowners. While no homes are subject to eminent domain, the company is attempting to seize strips of land along an existing right of way. Williams officials said they have been negotiating for more than a year and have reached agreements with about half of the affected landowners. U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach (R-6th) formed the Chester County Pipeline Task Force last year after hearing from constituents who have complained about several pipeline projects in the county.
Source: Daily Local; 3/28/09
County nonprofit group seeks homes to repair for free
Kennett Square-based Good Neighbors, a nonprofit organization which does everything from replacing water heaters to near-complete renovations, is looking for a few folks to help out. When the Kennett Square -based home repair ministry moved out from under the umbrella of its sister organization last summer, the directors thought they would be inundated with applications. Instead, they're dealing with the exact opposite. Since forming their new independent entity the nonprofit organization has only five or so projects in the works. Good Neighbors only asks that its clients meet four criteria: they must own their homes; they must be current on their property taxes; they must meet county-established guidelines for "low income," and the work must be designed to make the home warmer, safer, drier and healthier. To contact Good Neighbors Inc., call 610-444-1860.
Source: Daily Local; 4/2/09
Residents divided over sewage plan in West Pikeland
A professional engineer hired by West Pikeland presented information about a draft of the Township's sewage facilities plan to residents. His discussion focused on the Windolph Knoll Sewer District, which includes homes south of Route 401 and east of Route 113. While some residents complained about a new sewer management plan, others said their systems are in dire need of an upgrade. Some residents living in the township's southwestern section were having problems with failing and aged on-lot sewage systems. The homes having problems lack space for suitable replacements because the building lots are two acres or less. To handle these issues, a public sewage system is being proposed for each of the 250 homes in the sewer district. Homeowners in the Windolph Knoll district will pay $10,000 to the township for tapping fees and an additional $5,000 toward the system equipment and installation. Residents will also pay $850 in annual user fees.
Source: Daily Local; 3/30/09
London Grove mushroom hearing frustrates residents
Approximately 100 people attended the fourth conditional-use hearing last Thursday for Superior Growers LP, a company that wants to grow mushrooms at White Horse Farm off West London Grove Road . The plan is to construct a mushroom facility and composting operation. Residents complained about the lack of details provided at the hearing. The hearing is slated to continue on April 16.
Source: Avon Grove Sun; 4/1/09
East Vincent Township may get Pennhurst land
East Vincent Township’s open space may soon triple if members of the PA House of Representatives follow the footsteps of their Senate colleagues. Roughly 96 acres that are now part of the former Pennhurst property would ultimately be conveyed to the township under legislation recently passed in the Senate and sponsored by Senator Dinnniman of Chester County . The township’s only existing open space includes 23 acres behind the township building. Township supervisors have already voted to accept the property, although it may be sometime before a master plan for the property is put together.
Source: Daily Times; 4/2/09
DELAWARE COUNTY
Morton to consider CO detector requirement for all buildings
Morton Borough will consider a proposed ordinance that would require every owner of property within the borough to install and maintain at least one carbon monoxide detector on every floor used for human habitation by no later than July 1, 2009. The ordinance is scheduled for adoption on April 8, 2009. Click here to read the proposed ordinance. Please contact Suburban Realtors Alliance staff at esmist@suburbanrealtorsalliance.com with any questions or comments.
Upper Darby community’s revitalization efforts
Five years into its latest renewal effort dedicated to improving the 69th Street corridor, Upper Darby has spruced up the streetscape. Local leaders hope the recent work to add new lighting, trees and traffic islands attract more of the 109,000 people who pass through the transit hub to walk out of the terminal and shop. Theodore Hershberg, director of the Center for Greater Philadelphia at the University of Pennsylvania , noted that it is important for the region to keep places like 69th Street Terminal going. Click here to read more.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 3/31/09
Newtown eases requirement on mandatory sewer hookups
Newtown Township supervisors have unanimously approved an amendment to the sewer ordinance that relaxes the mandatory connection requirement for functioning, on-lot septic system owners. The move was prompted by public reaction to the proposed costs involved with sewer connections in the Echo Valley neighborhood. Even in this upper-middle class neighborhood, not everyone is presently ready and able to spend upward of $14,000 to connect. Meanwhile, the township is poised to extend public sewers to its western end and complete an improvement project that has been discussed for 20 years. Under the amended ordinance, residents with homes that sit within 150 feet of a sewer lateral can connect voluntarily. If such a property has a failing on-site system, however, connection to public sewer will be mandatory.
Source: Daily Times; 3/30/09
Rose Tree Media awaits tax appeal ruling
The Rose Tree Media School District stands to lose tax revenue in excess of $500,000 per year if the owners of Granite Run Mall are successful in waging an appeal of property taxes levied in the years 2007, 2008 and 2009. Even if the district is successful in fighting the appeal, it still stands to lose some $100,000 on an annual basis This change is due to the fact that the ratio between assessed property value and fair market value keeps dropping.
Source: Daily Times; 3/31/09
Court OKs deal on Ellis Preserve plans in Newtown
A five-year quest by Berwind Properties Group to build the mixed-use “Ellis Preserve” has taken another step forward, but the legal progress could be short-lived. On March 26, the findings of an earlier evidentiary hearing in Delaware County Common Pleas Court were handed down by Judge James F. Proud. The ruling approved the town center settlement agreement negotiated last year between BPG and Newtown supervisors. The court’s approval of the 60-page settlement had been opposed by rival developer Claude deBotton. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the entire 219-acre Ellis Preserve would be zoned for mixed use. A central town center, where a theater, hotel and retail stores would co-mingle with second-floor offices and apartments, would be one component of BPG’s mixed-use plan. Other Ellis components would include another multi-story office building and 14-acre park on the “front lawn” area, and 98 townhouses in the northwest corner. The settlement agreement also locks BPG into a promised $8.6 million contribution to Newtown traffic improvements, according to BPG attorney Marc Kaplin. Kaplin says BPG’s next step will be to come before township supervisors in April or May, seeking adoption of a Planned Residential Development ordinance.
Source: Daily Times; 3/30/09
MONTOGMERY COUNTY
Spring House Village Shopping Center plans move forward after 5-year delay
A tentative settlement has been reached between Lower Gwynedd Township and the owner of the Spring House Village Shopping Center , Penn Florida Realty, LLC. If approved, the settlement would end the five-year legal battle between the two parties over the development of the center, and allow it to be modernized and improved. The centerpiece of the agreement is a park, to be constructed by Penn Florida at an estimated cost of $660,000. The park would occupy a portion of the shopping center and extend into township property, and will include trails, two ponds with fountains, and dedicated green areas. A public hearing is scheduled for April 16 at 7 p.m. at the township building, after which the board of supervisors will vote on approving the settlement.
Source: The Times Herald; 3/27/09
Whitemarsh Township to borrow $15M
Whitemarsh Township supervisors unanimously approved a proposal to incur $15 million of non-electoral debt. The money will be borrowed from the Delaware Valley Finance Authority and will fund a wide variety of projects, including $8.5 million to be used toward the acquisition of the Angus tract of Erdenheim Farm. Storm water projects, park and building improvements and computer software acquisition were among other items being funded. Residents urged supervisors to be frugal.
Source: The Times Herald; 3/29/09
Proposed East Norriton hospital plans adjusted and refined
The final site plans for the Albert Einstein Healthcare Network’s proposed hospital on the grounds of Wood’s Golf Center on Germantown Pike in East Norriton are being reviewed by the East Norriton Planning Commission. Notable changes to the preliminary plans include relocation of the emergency room entrance, and moving the medical office building and helipad away a neighborhood on Whitehall Road . If all approvals are obtained, construction could begin in early 2010. The next meeting of the East Norriton Planning Commission will be held at the East Norriton Middle School on April 8 at 7 p.m.
Source: The Times Herald; 3/29/09
Wissahickon unveils new strategic plan
At the latest school board meeting, Wissahickon School District officials approved four major goals in the district’s new strategic plan, scheduled for 2008 through 2014. A 25-member steering committee helped form the four major goals: student achievement; eliminating the achievement gap; district efficiency; and effectiveness and communication. The plan provides strategies and specific activities designed to accomplish the goals, which will be reviewed on an annual basis.
Source: The Times Herald; 3/28/09
Route 422 corridor proposals revisited
The daily traffic volume crossing the Schuylkill River on Route 422 is 100,000 vehicles. As such, 45-minute traffic delays during the morning and afternoon commute on Route 422 are routine. Local officials and organizations are working out ways to fund and improve the corridor that keeps life moving in the tri-county area. Montgomery County planners and a coalition from Chester and Bucks counties, SEPTA, the state Department of Transportation, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, Norfolk Southern Railroad and Greater Valley Forge Transportation are exploring alternative funding for Route 422 traffic improvements and presented their ideas again last week. Click here to read more.
Source: Daily Local; 3/30/09
Regional leaders meet to discuss stimulus strategy
Officials from Montgomery , Bucks, Delaware and Chester Counties joined Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter in Philadelphia last week to discuss regional cooperation in spending federal stimulus money. The meeting focused on the region’s anticipated economic recovery and on developing regional strategies to leverage federal dollars appropriated for the region. Mayor Nutter made several suggestions on how to foster cooperation, including combining federal dollars for regional projects. County officials attending the meeting included: Montgomery County Commissioners Joe Hoeffel, James Matthews and Bruce Castor; Bucks County Commissioners Charles Martin, James Cawley and Diane Marseglia; Chester OCunty Commissioners Terence Farrell, Carol Aichele and Kathi Cozzone; and Delaware County Councilors Linda A. Cartisano and John Whelan.
Source: The Times Herald; 3/30/09
State expects 2nd tax cut from slots revenue
Pennsylvania officials have announced that they expect property tax reductions from slots revenue to be about the same this year as it was last year. Approximately $613 million in property tax relief from gambling money will be disbursed in 2009-2010, according to Susan Hooper in the Governor’s Budget Office. The final figure will be certified on April 15, and school districts should know by May how much money to expect. Statewide, last year’s reductions ranged from $54 in the Dallas School District near Wilkes-Barre to $623 in the Chester-Upland School District . Currently, there are seven gambling facilities open across the state with an additional seven in various planning stages.
Source: The Intelligencer; 4/3/09
BUCKS COUNTY
Bucks to get $1M in stimulus for homeless
The Department of Community and Business Development in Bucks County will receive almost $1 million in federal stimulus money for homelessness prevention. A plan for how the money will be allocated must be finalized by September. In response to the tight deadline, a hearing will be held on April 23 to take public comment about how the money could help local residents at risk of losing their homes. The hearing is set for 1:00 p.m. at the planning commission’s Almshouse building in Doylestown Township . According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the money can be used for financial assistance, housing relocation, financial counseling and data collection. Most of the money – 60 percent – must be used in the first two years, with the remaining 40 percent by year three.
Source: The Intelligencer; 4/3/09
Lower real estate taxes in store for Trumbauersville residents
Trumbauserville Borough officials expect real estate taxes to drop as much as 23 percent next year because of money saved by paying off a 20-year loan six years early. The real estate rate would drop from 3.25 mills to 2.5 mills, saving the average homeowner $22.50. By paying off the loan early, the borough saved $50,000 in interest for the 1,100 residents of the 0.4-square mile borough.
Source: The Intelligencer; 4/3/09
Pennsbury welcomes residents to public budget meetings
Pennsbury School Board officials are encouraging residents to participate in at least one of three open forum discussions on next year’s district budget. The district seeks input from residents and stakeholders on how to save money in a difficult budget year. Meeting information is as follows:
April 7 at Pennwood Middle School , 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
May 7 at Afton Elementary School , 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
June 4 at Walt Disney Elementary School , 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 4/3/09
CHESTER COUNTY
$4.6 million in federal money announced for Chester County
The U.S. Department of Energy on Thursday announced Chester County will receive $4.6 million in federal economic stimulus money for programs that reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency. According to the Department of Energy, this money will support a wide range of environmentally friendly activities, such as the installation of energy-saving features in residential and commercial buildings and the development of building codes that promote energy efficiency. The Department of Energy said it will provide guidance to funding recipients on how the money can be used. It said it will also require recipients to send back reports on the environmental benefits and jobs that the money helps to create or retain. Individual municipalities in southeastern Pennsylvania and across the state are also receiving their own disbursements, but none of these are in Chester County .
Source: Daily Local; 3/30/09
Panel meets with federal officials to discuss company's plan to expand pipeline
Landowners facing property condemnation proceedings confronted Federal Energy Regulatory Commission representatives during Friday's meeting of the Chester County Pipeline Task Force. According to one landowner, 71 out of 167 landowners have indicated they would rather go through eminent domain proceedings than sign easement agreements for the project. Transco-Williams has already started eminent domain proceedings to seize additional rights of way from 36 landowners. While no homes are subject to eminent domain, the company is attempting to seize strips of land along an existing right of way. Williams officials said they have been negotiating for more than a year and have reached agreements with about half of the affected landowners. U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach (R-6th) formed the Chester County Pipeline Task Force last year after hearing from constituents who have complained about several pipeline projects in the county.
Source: Daily Local; 3/28/09
County nonprofit group seeks homes to repair for free
Kennett Square-based Good Neighbors, a nonprofit organization which does everything from replacing water heaters to near-complete renovations, is looking for a few folks to help out. When the Kennett Square -based home repair ministry moved out from under the umbrella of its sister organization last summer, the directors thought they would be inundated with applications. Instead, they're dealing with the exact opposite. Since forming their new independent entity the nonprofit organization has only five or so projects in the works. Good Neighbors only asks that its clients meet four criteria: they must own their homes; they must be current on their property taxes; they must meet county-established guidelines for "low income," and the work must be designed to make the home warmer, safer, drier and healthier. To contact Good Neighbors Inc., call 610-444-1860.
Source: Daily Local; 4/2/09
Residents divided over sewage plan in West Pikeland
A professional engineer hired by West Pikeland presented information about a draft of the Township's sewage facilities plan to residents. His discussion focused on the Windolph Knoll Sewer District, which includes homes south of Route 401 and east of Route 113. While some residents complained about a new sewer management plan, others said their systems are in dire need of an upgrade. Some residents living in the township's southwestern section were having problems with failing and aged on-lot sewage systems. The homes having problems lack space for suitable replacements because the building lots are two acres or less. To handle these issues, a public sewage system is being proposed for each of the 250 homes in the sewer district. Homeowners in the Windolph Knoll district will pay $10,000 to the township for tapping fees and an additional $5,000 toward the system equipment and installation. Residents will also pay $850 in annual user fees.
Source: Daily Local; 3/30/09
London Grove mushroom hearing frustrates residents
Approximately 100 people attended the fourth conditional-use hearing last Thursday for Superior Growers LP, a company that wants to grow mushrooms at White Horse Farm off West London Grove Road . The plan is to construct a mushroom facility and composting operation. Residents complained about the lack of details provided at the hearing. The hearing is slated to continue on April 16.
Source: Avon Grove Sun; 4/1/09
East Vincent Township may get Pennhurst land
East Vincent Township’s open space may soon triple if members of the PA House of Representatives follow the footsteps of their Senate colleagues. Roughly 96 acres that are now part of the former Pennhurst property would ultimately be conveyed to the township under legislation recently passed in the Senate and sponsored by Senator Dinnniman of Chester County . The township’s only existing open space includes 23 acres behind the township building. Township supervisors have already voted to accept the property, although it may be sometime before a master plan for the property is put together.
Source: Daily Times; 4/2/09
DELAWARE COUNTY
Morton to consider CO detector requirement for all buildings
Morton Borough will consider a proposed ordinance that would require every owner of property within the borough to install and maintain at least one carbon monoxide detector on every floor used for human habitation by no later than July 1, 2009. The ordinance is scheduled for adoption on April 8, 2009. Click here to read the proposed ordinance. Please contact Suburban Realtors Alliance staff at esmist@suburbanrealtorsalliance.com with any questions or comments.
Upper Darby community’s revitalization efforts
Five years into its latest renewal effort dedicated to improving the 69th Street corridor, Upper Darby has spruced up the streetscape. Local leaders hope the recent work to add new lighting, trees and traffic islands attract more of the 109,000 people who pass through the transit hub to walk out of the terminal and shop. Theodore Hershberg, director of the Center for Greater Philadelphia at the University of Pennsylvania , noted that it is important for the region to keep places like 69th Street Terminal going. Click here to read more.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 3/31/09
Newtown eases requirement on mandatory sewer hookups
Newtown Township supervisors have unanimously approved an amendment to the sewer ordinance that relaxes the mandatory connection requirement for functioning, on-lot septic system owners. The move was prompted by public reaction to the proposed costs involved with sewer connections in the Echo Valley neighborhood. Even in this upper-middle class neighborhood, not everyone is presently ready and able to spend upward of $14,000 to connect. Meanwhile, the township is poised to extend public sewers to its western end and complete an improvement project that has been discussed for 20 years. Under the amended ordinance, residents with homes that sit within 150 feet of a sewer lateral can connect voluntarily. If such a property has a failing on-site system, however, connection to public sewer will be mandatory.
Source: Daily Times; 3/30/09
Rose Tree Media awaits tax appeal ruling
The Rose Tree Media School District stands to lose tax revenue in excess of $500,000 per year if the owners of Granite Run Mall are successful in waging an appeal of property taxes levied in the years 2007, 2008 and 2009. Even if the district is successful in fighting the appeal, it still stands to lose some $100,000 on an annual basis This change is due to the fact that the ratio between assessed property value and fair market value keeps dropping.
Source: Daily Times; 3/31/09
Court OKs deal on Ellis Preserve plans in Newtown
A five-year quest by Berwind Properties Group to build the mixed-use “Ellis Preserve” has taken another step forward, but the legal progress could be short-lived. On March 26, the findings of an earlier evidentiary hearing in Delaware County Common Pleas Court were handed down by Judge James F. Proud. The ruling approved the town center settlement agreement negotiated last year between BPG and Newtown supervisors. The court’s approval of the 60-page settlement had been opposed by rival developer Claude deBotton. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the entire 219-acre Ellis Preserve would be zoned for mixed use. A central town center, where a theater, hotel and retail stores would co-mingle with second-floor offices and apartments, would be one component of BPG’s mixed-use plan. Other Ellis components would include another multi-story office building and 14-acre park on the “front lawn” area, and 98 townhouses in the northwest corner. The settlement agreement also locks BPG into a promised $8.6 million contribution to Newtown traffic improvements, according to BPG attorney Marc Kaplin. Kaplin says BPG’s next step will be to come before township supervisors in April or May, seeking adoption of a Planned Residential Development ordinance.
Source: Daily Times; 3/30/09
MONTOGMERY COUNTY
Spring House Village Shopping Center plans move forward after 5-year delay
A tentative settlement has been reached between Lower Gwynedd Township and the owner of the Spring House Village Shopping Center , Penn Florida Realty, LLC. If approved, the settlement would end the five-year legal battle between the two parties over the development of the center, and allow it to be modernized and improved. The centerpiece of the agreement is a park, to be constructed by Penn Florida at an estimated cost of $660,000. The park would occupy a portion of the shopping center and extend into township property, and will include trails, two ponds with fountains, and dedicated green areas. A public hearing is scheduled for April 16 at 7 p.m. at the township building, after which the board of supervisors will vote on approving the settlement.
Source: The Times Herald; 3/27/09
Whitemarsh Township to borrow $15M
Whitemarsh Township supervisors unanimously approved a proposal to incur $15 million of non-electoral debt. The money will be borrowed from the Delaware Valley Finance Authority and will fund a wide variety of projects, including $8.5 million to be used toward the acquisition of the Angus tract of Erdenheim Farm. Storm water projects, park and building improvements and computer software acquisition were among other items being funded. Residents urged supervisors to be frugal.
Source: The Times Herald; 3/29/09
Proposed East Norriton hospital plans adjusted and refined
The final site plans for the Albert Einstein Healthcare Network’s proposed hospital on the grounds of Wood’s Golf Center on Germantown Pike in East Norriton are being reviewed by the East Norriton Planning Commission. Notable changes to the preliminary plans include relocation of the emergency room entrance, and moving the medical office building and helipad away a neighborhood on Whitehall Road . If all approvals are obtained, construction could begin in early 2010. The next meeting of the East Norriton Planning Commission will be held at the East Norriton Middle School on April 8 at 7 p.m.
Source: The Times Herald; 3/29/09
Wissahickon unveils new strategic plan
At the latest school board meeting, Wissahickon School District officials approved four major goals in the district’s new strategic plan, scheduled for 2008 through 2014. A 25-member steering committee helped form the four major goals: student achievement; eliminating the achievement gap; district efficiency; and effectiveness and communication. The plan provides strategies and specific activities designed to accomplish the goals, which will be reviewed on an annual basis.
Source: The Times Herald; 3/28/09
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