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
Sunday, March 29, 2009
NEWS UPDATE: Week of Monday, March 30, 2009
GENERAL INFORMATION
REALTORS® Hit the Hill in Harrisburg
On Wednesday morning, nearly 100 REALTORS® visited Capitol Hill to discuss legislative issues with their elected officials. The hill visits, nearly 70 in all, were conducted as part of the annual Government Affairs Seminar, and allowed REALTORS® to talk about issues that are important to the industry. Members discussed Senate Bill 241 (Tomlinson, R-Bucks) which would allow escrow funds to be disbursed after a certain amount of time following termination of an agreement of sale, and asked legislators to support the bill when it is considered in committee next week. Also discussed was PAR support for a statewide housing trust fund to develop programs to build, rehab and preserve homes specifically for low to moderate income individuals and families, seniors, and people with disabilities. House Bill 60 (Daley, D-Washington) and Senate Bill 599 (Yaw, R-Bradford) would implement the fund. The hill visits followed a successful legislative reception held the evening before, which was attended by 85 members of the General Assembly.
Source: Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS Capital Briefs; 3/27/09
BUCKS COUNTY
Bipartisan Task Force rallies to save Washington Crossing Visitors Center
The current economic crisis is taking its toll on history. The Washington Crossing Visitors Center located in Upper Makefield Township is facing a budget cut from the state of about 20 percent. Add to that the need for renovations to correct a leaking roof and mold and the center may be forced to shut down. A bi-partisan task force was announced by Congressman Patrick Murphy, D-8, and Upper Makefield Supervisors Chairman Dan Rattigan and includes PA State Reps. Steve Santarsiero (D-31), Scott Petri (R-178), Bucks County Commissioners and local residents. The Washington Crossing Task Force is seeking non-profit status for fundraising purposes and will continue searching for solutions for the state-run center to recover and remain viable. Possible solutions run the gamut between local grassroots efforts to keep the center open, to the possibility of having the site added to the National Park System. All task force members agree the center represents a significant part of history that cannot be ignored or allowed to shut down.
Source: BucksLocalNews.com 3/17/09 & The Intelligencer 3/18/09
Bucks County Technical High sends off $22.4M budget for approval
The 2009-10 proposed $22.4 million budget for Bucks County Technical High School is about $700,000 greater than the previous year with the budget increase being attributed to operating expenses. A joint committee made up of members of the six participating school systems, voted 10-4 to forward the budget to the feeder boards for consideration. Approval by four of the six participating school systems and at least 28 board members is needed before final approval is attained.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times 3/24/09
Newtown Borough Council reviews Traffic Committee’s Comprehensive Plan
The Newtown Borough Traffic Committee recently presented a comprehensive plan to Borough Council. The plan consists of short-term and long-term goals to improve pedestrian safety, establish a community awareness campaign aimed at traffic safety and decrease dangerous driving on borough roads. Funding options include a proposed $30,000 PennDOT Smart Transportation grant. The borough will begin to consider some short-term ideas with further discussion to follow.
Source: BucksLocalNews.com 3/19/09
Proposed village-style shopping in Hilltown Township
Wally Rosenthal, owner of the Hilltown Pub, proposed a village-style shopping center for 40 acres he owns along Route 309 and Swartley Road . The “Hilltown Promenade” would require rezoning for shops, restaurants, a hotel and possibly age-restricted apartments. Supervisors reacted positively to the concept and recommended Rosenthal go through the normal land development process.
Source: The Intelligencer 3/24/09
CHESTER COUNTY
Survey: Chester County residents like what they have
Life is good - except in traffic. In a nutshell, that is the message Chester County residents gave to researchers surveying their opinions for county commissioners, who plan to use the responses while developing a long-range strategic plan to deliver county services. The survey found that a significant majority of respondents say the county is a better or as good a place to live as it was five years ago. It remains an excellent place to raise a family and a good place to get an education and buy a home, respondents said. The respondents liked the county’s open space and its convenient location. They found county workers to be courteous and knowledgeable, and they would be willing to pay higher taxes if it meant children were not abused and criminals were imprisoned. But they did not like the county’s roads, traffic, taxes and cost of living, and they said land-use planning is a concern. Respondents were concerned about overdevelopment and had little time or inclination for a property reassessment. Key indicators show 75 percent of residents believe Chester County is a good place to live, and more than half (55 percent) say it is an excellent place to raise a family. One in three citizens responded that open space is the best thing about Chester County life.
Source: Main Line Suburban Life; 3/25/09
Districts react to declining land value: Officials warn that as property values fall, tax rates will rise
The recent decline in real estate value has prompted droves of local land owners to seek reassessments to lower their property taxes. In 2004, the Chester County Board of Assessment Appeals received 824 reassessment requests. That number rose to 1,342 in 2005 and stayed about the same in 2006 and 2007. In 2008, however, nearly 2,000 requests were filed through the county’s Department of Assessments. In turn, this has strained the budgets of public school districts, which rely on local property taxes for much of their funding. Not all of Chester County 's school districts have been equally affected. While finance directors of the West Chester Area and the Downingtown Area school districts said reassessments have caused substantial declines in property tax income, the finance directors of Coatesville Area, Great Valley , and Tredyffrin/Easttown school districts said they've seen little change. Property owners in Chester County can file reassessment appeals from May 1 to Aug. 1. The board of assessment appeals — not local school districts or municipalities — is responsible for reassessing properties.
Source: Daily Local; 3/23/09
Breaking ground: Wegman’s starts constructions at Uptown Worthington complex in East Whiteland
Wegman’s has broken ground and started construction of its new supermarket at Uptown Worthington, a $520 million O’Neill Properties Group Project. The grocery store will be the first retailer to open in the spring of 2010 in Uptown Worthington. When complete, Uptown Worthington will be home to a 1.6 million-square-foot development with 753 residences and 745,000 square feet of retail space, 490,000 square feet of office space and a 240 room hotel. The project will also feature green-friendly infrastructure with a LEED-designated office building, a connection to and extension of the Chester County Rails-to-Trails bike path and the reopening of Little Valley Creek, which had previously been enclosed in a pipe under asphalt paving.
Source Daily Local; 3/25/09
Chester County adds $1 million to Schuylkill River Trail project
Chester County Commissioners approved a $1 million grant for the Schuylkill River Trail, officials with the Schuylkill River Heritage Area announced March 18. The funds are the first step in closing a key missing link in the trail, which when complete will allow hikers and bikers to travel from Philadelphia to Reading — a distance of nearly 60 miles. The trail's construction has been under way since the 1980s. The goal is a 130-mile trail along the Schuylkill River from Philadelphia to Pottsville . The commissioners' $1 million grant will partially fund a 3.5-mile section of the missing link that runs through Chester County . In all, the nonprofit will need $1.8 million to construct this section, and the county has applied to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the balance of funds. Once the funding is in place, construction will happen in three phases and will likely start next spring, planners say.
Source: Daily Local; 3/25/09
DELAWARE COUNTY
Upper Darby seeking comments on new zoning map
Planners and township officials continue to accept comments from residents about changes to the new zoning map. Three meetings were held last week to give residents from across the Township an opportunity to attend. Chief Administrative officer Thomas Judge Jr. and Councilman/zoning Chairman Donald Bonnett provided information on the process to those in attendance. The goals and objectives of the comprehensive plan were to give the Township areas of focus for economic development, neighborhood preservations, transportation efficiency, environmental protection and design quality. The entire proposal can be viewed on the Township’s website at www.upperdarby.org. Comments or questions can be directed to the mayor’s office at 610-734-4103, or by email to the Director of License and Inspection Jeff Gentil at jgentile@upperdarby.org.
Source: Daily Times; 3/24/09
Hearing set for suspended Radnor manager
Suspended Township Manager David A. Bashore will address the issues that led to his removal at a public meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. April 13 at the township building, his lawyer said Tuesday. The board of commissioners is expected to pass a resolution to fire him at the board’s regularly scheduled township meeting at 7 p.m.
Source: Daily Times; 3/25/09
Jobless rate in Delco hits 6.4 percent
Delaware County’s unemployment rate jumped nearly 1 percent between December and January, according to data collected by the Pennsylvania Labor Department. Though the county’s jobless rate edged up from 5.7 percent to 6.4 percent in a mere month, it is still well below statewide and national rates, which stand at 7.5 percent and 8.1 percent, respectively.
Source: Daily Times; 3/24/09
Tinicum still fearful of Philly Airport plan
Tinicum Township officials are keeping a close eye on Philadelphia International Airport plans to expand by displacing 82 homes and businesses in the 2nd Ward. Officials are also monitoring the failure to reach an agreement with the city that previously provided revenue to the township. When the acquisition or demolition of township property is expected to occur is in limbo. Either one of two runway expansion alternatives, with a projected cost between $5.2 billion and $5.4 billion, could take 12 years to build. The alternatives would allow a fifth runway to be built, in addition to the extension of present runways. The object is to decrease airport delays between 5.2 and 4.7 minutes by 2020. The time reduction would be down from a projected 19.3 minutes with no expansion, according to a draft environmental statement released by the Federal Aviation Administration in September.
Source: Daily Times; 3/23/09
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Federal grant eases sewer connection burden for some Salford residents
Salford Sewer Advisory Board Chairperson and Township Supervisor Barb Lynch announced that the township was awarded federal grant money totaling $350,000 through Congressman Charles Dent’s office. Approximately 100 homes in the Tylersport area slated for water and sewer hookups will benefit through $3,500 in savings from the grant. The total cost of the project has been estimated between $1.7 and $2.1 million.
Source: Souderton Independent 3/18/09
Lower Providence adds 23 acres of open space
Lower Providence Supervisors unanimously approved the purchase of two parcels of land totaling 23 acres to be used for open space. The first tract is located at Crawford Road and consists of 9.13 acres. The second tract of 13.76 acres is located at the end of Yerkes Road running along the Perkiomen Creek. The purchase of both parcels was subsidized by the Montgomery County Green Field/Green Towns Program.
Source: The Times Herald 3/21/09
Spring-Ford Area High School construction bids come in nearly $6M under projections
Expecting a price tag of $28 million, the Spring-Ford Area School Board was excited when bids for the construction of a 106,000 square foot addition to the high school came in close to $6 million below projections. Approximately $3 million of the savings will be used for upgrades to the project, but it is not clear what the school board will decide to do with the remaining $3 million which can be returned to the bond holders or used for other capital projects. Faced with falling revenue and a proposed 4.94 percent property tax hike for the 2009-10 budget, there are some hard choices ahead for board members who did not comment on when a decision will be made.
Source: The Times Herald 3/21/09
Lower Merion moves another step toward Ardmore Station revitalization
Lower Merion Township took another vital step forward in the their quest to revitalize the Ardmore Train Station by selecting Urban Engineers as the architectural and engineering partner. Urban Engineers will work hand in hand with development partner Dranoff Properties. Carl Dranoff presented the township with its first update since November and announced that the initial $5.8 million federal grant for transit improvements was secured, and additional public funding of $6 million from the state and $10 million in commitment from SEPTA have been acquired. Dranoff’s firm recently launched a website dedicated to the project www.ArdmoreStation.com and hopes to begin Phase 1 before the end of 2010.
Source: Main Line Times 3/19/09
REALTORS® Hit the Hill in Harrisburg
On Wednesday morning, nearly 100 REALTORS® visited Capitol Hill to discuss legislative issues with their elected officials. The hill visits, nearly 70 in all, were conducted as part of the annual Government Affairs Seminar, and allowed REALTORS® to talk about issues that are important to the industry. Members discussed Senate Bill 241 (Tomlinson, R-Bucks) which would allow escrow funds to be disbursed after a certain amount of time following termination of an agreement of sale, and asked legislators to support the bill when it is considered in committee next week. Also discussed was PAR support for a statewide housing trust fund to develop programs to build, rehab and preserve homes specifically for low to moderate income individuals and families, seniors, and people with disabilities. House Bill 60 (Daley, D-Washington) and Senate Bill 599 (Yaw, R-Bradford) would implement the fund. The hill visits followed a successful legislative reception held the evening before, which was attended by 85 members of the General Assembly.
Source: Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS Capital Briefs; 3/27/09
BUCKS COUNTY
Bipartisan Task Force rallies to save Washington Crossing Visitors Center
The current economic crisis is taking its toll on history. The Washington Crossing Visitors Center located in Upper Makefield Township is facing a budget cut from the state of about 20 percent. Add to that the need for renovations to correct a leaking roof and mold and the center may be forced to shut down. A bi-partisan task force was announced by Congressman Patrick Murphy, D-8, and Upper Makefield Supervisors Chairman Dan Rattigan and includes PA State Reps. Steve Santarsiero (D-31), Scott Petri (R-178), Bucks County Commissioners and local residents. The Washington Crossing Task Force is seeking non-profit status for fundraising purposes and will continue searching for solutions for the state-run center to recover and remain viable. Possible solutions run the gamut between local grassroots efforts to keep the center open, to the possibility of having the site added to the National Park System. All task force members agree the center represents a significant part of history that cannot be ignored or allowed to shut down.
Source: BucksLocalNews.com 3/17/09 & The Intelligencer 3/18/09
Bucks County Technical High sends off $22.4M budget for approval
The 2009-10 proposed $22.4 million budget for Bucks County Technical High School is about $700,000 greater than the previous year with the budget increase being attributed to operating expenses. A joint committee made up of members of the six participating school systems, voted 10-4 to forward the budget to the feeder boards for consideration. Approval by four of the six participating school systems and at least 28 board members is needed before final approval is attained.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times 3/24/09
Newtown Borough Council reviews Traffic Committee’s Comprehensive Plan
The Newtown Borough Traffic Committee recently presented a comprehensive plan to Borough Council. The plan consists of short-term and long-term goals to improve pedestrian safety, establish a community awareness campaign aimed at traffic safety and decrease dangerous driving on borough roads. Funding options include a proposed $30,000 PennDOT Smart Transportation grant. The borough will begin to consider some short-term ideas with further discussion to follow.
Source: BucksLocalNews.com 3/19/09
Proposed village-style shopping in Hilltown Township
Wally Rosenthal, owner of the Hilltown Pub, proposed a village-style shopping center for 40 acres he owns along Route 309 and Swartley Road . The “Hilltown Promenade” would require rezoning for shops, restaurants, a hotel and possibly age-restricted apartments. Supervisors reacted positively to the concept and recommended Rosenthal go through the normal land development process.
Source: The Intelligencer 3/24/09
CHESTER COUNTY
Survey: Chester County residents like what they have
Life is good - except in traffic. In a nutshell, that is the message Chester County residents gave to researchers surveying their opinions for county commissioners, who plan to use the responses while developing a long-range strategic plan to deliver county services. The survey found that a significant majority of respondents say the county is a better or as good a place to live as it was five years ago. It remains an excellent place to raise a family and a good place to get an education and buy a home, respondents said. The respondents liked the county’s open space and its convenient location. They found county workers to be courteous and knowledgeable, and they would be willing to pay higher taxes if it meant children were not abused and criminals were imprisoned. But they did not like the county’s roads, traffic, taxes and cost of living, and they said land-use planning is a concern. Respondents were concerned about overdevelopment and had little time or inclination for a property reassessment. Key indicators show 75 percent of residents believe Chester County is a good place to live, and more than half (55 percent) say it is an excellent place to raise a family. One in three citizens responded that open space is the best thing about Chester County life.
Source: Main Line Suburban Life; 3/25/09
Districts react to declining land value: Officials warn that as property values fall, tax rates will rise
The recent decline in real estate value has prompted droves of local land owners to seek reassessments to lower their property taxes. In 2004, the Chester County Board of Assessment Appeals received 824 reassessment requests. That number rose to 1,342 in 2005 and stayed about the same in 2006 and 2007. In 2008, however, nearly 2,000 requests were filed through the county’s Department of Assessments. In turn, this has strained the budgets of public school districts, which rely on local property taxes for much of their funding. Not all of Chester County 's school districts have been equally affected. While finance directors of the West Chester Area and the Downingtown Area school districts said reassessments have caused substantial declines in property tax income, the finance directors of Coatesville Area, Great Valley , and Tredyffrin/Easttown school districts said they've seen little change. Property owners in Chester County can file reassessment appeals from May 1 to Aug. 1. The board of assessment appeals — not local school districts or municipalities — is responsible for reassessing properties.
Source: Daily Local; 3/23/09
Breaking ground: Wegman’s starts constructions at Uptown Worthington complex in East Whiteland
Wegman’s has broken ground and started construction of its new supermarket at Uptown Worthington, a $520 million O’Neill Properties Group Project. The grocery store will be the first retailer to open in the spring of 2010 in Uptown Worthington. When complete, Uptown Worthington will be home to a 1.6 million-square-foot development with 753 residences and 745,000 square feet of retail space, 490,000 square feet of office space and a 240 room hotel. The project will also feature green-friendly infrastructure with a LEED-designated office building, a connection to and extension of the Chester County Rails-to-Trails bike path and the reopening of Little Valley Creek, which had previously been enclosed in a pipe under asphalt paving.
Source Daily Local; 3/25/09
Chester County adds $1 million to Schuylkill River Trail project
Chester County Commissioners approved a $1 million grant for the Schuylkill River Trail, officials with the Schuylkill River Heritage Area announced March 18. The funds are the first step in closing a key missing link in the trail, which when complete will allow hikers and bikers to travel from Philadelphia to Reading — a distance of nearly 60 miles. The trail's construction has been under way since the 1980s. The goal is a 130-mile trail along the Schuylkill River from Philadelphia to Pottsville . The commissioners' $1 million grant will partially fund a 3.5-mile section of the missing link that runs through Chester County . In all, the nonprofit will need $1.8 million to construct this section, and the county has applied to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the balance of funds. Once the funding is in place, construction will happen in three phases and will likely start next spring, planners say.
Source: Daily Local; 3/25/09
DELAWARE COUNTY
Upper Darby seeking comments on new zoning map
Planners and township officials continue to accept comments from residents about changes to the new zoning map. Three meetings were held last week to give residents from across the Township an opportunity to attend. Chief Administrative officer Thomas Judge Jr. and Councilman/zoning Chairman Donald Bonnett provided information on the process to those in attendance. The goals and objectives of the comprehensive plan were to give the Township areas of focus for economic development, neighborhood preservations, transportation efficiency, environmental protection and design quality. The entire proposal can be viewed on the Township’s website at www.upperdarby.org. Comments or questions can be directed to the mayor’s office at 610-734-4103, or by email to the Director of License and Inspection Jeff Gentil at jgentile@upperdarby.org.
Source: Daily Times; 3/24/09
Hearing set for suspended Radnor manager
Suspended Township Manager David A. Bashore will address the issues that led to his removal at a public meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. April 13 at the township building, his lawyer said Tuesday. The board of commissioners is expected to pass a resolution to fire him at the board’s regularly scheduled township meeting at 7 p.m.
Source: Daily Times; 3/25/09
Jobless rate in Delco hits 6.4 percent
Delaware County’s unemployment rate jumped nearly 1 percent between December and January, according to data collected by the Pennsylvania Labor Department. Though the county’s jobless rate edged up from 5.7 percent to 6.4 percent in a mere month, it is still well below statewide and national rates, which stand at 7.5 percent and 8.1 percent, respectively.
Source: Daily Times; 3/24/09
Tinicum still fearful of Philly Airport plan
Tinicum Township officials are keeping a close eye on Philadelphia International Airport plans to expand by displacing 82 homes and businesses in the 2nd Ward. Officials are also monitoring the failure to reach an agreement with the city that previously provided revenue to the township. When the acquisition or demolition of township property is expected to occur is in limbo. Either one of two runway expansion alternatives, with a projected cost between $5.2 billion and $5.4 billion, could take 12 years to build. The alternatives would allow a fifth runway to be built, in addition to the extension of present runways. The object is to decrease airport delays between 5.2 and 4.7 minutes by 2020. The time reduction would be down from a projected 19.3 minutes with no expansion, according to a draft environmental statement released by the Federal Aviation Administration in September.
Source: Daily Times; 3/23/09
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Federal grant eases sewer connection burden for some Salford residents
Salford Sewer Advisory Board Chairperson and Township Supervisor Barb Lynch announced that the township was awarded federal grant money totaling $350,000 through Congressman Charles Dent’s office. Approximately 100 homes in the Tylersport area slated for water and sewer hookups will benefit through $3,500 in savings from the grant. The total cost of the project has been estimated between $1.7 and $2.1 million.
Source: Souderton Independent 3/18/09
Lower Providence adds 23 acres of open space
Lower Providence Supervisors unanimously approved the purchase of two parcels of land totaling 23 acres to be used for open space. The first tract is located at Crawford Road and consists of 9.13 acres. The second tract of 13.76 acres is located at the end of Yerkes Road running along the Perkiomen Creek. The purchase of both parcels was subsidized by the Montgomery County Green Field/Green Towns Program.
Source: The Times Herald 3/21/09
Spring-Ford Area High School construction bids come in nearly $6M under projections
Expecting a price tag of $28 million, the Spring-Ford Area School Board was excited when bids for the construction of a 106,000 square foot addition to the high school came in close to $6 million below projections. Approximately $3 million of the savings will be used for upgrades to the project, but it is not clear what the school board will decide to do with the remaining $3 million which can be returned to the bond holders or used for other capital projects. Faced with falling revenue and a proposed 4.94 percent property tax hike for the 2009-10 budget, there are some hard choices ahead for board members who did not comment on when a decision will be made.
Source: The Times Herald 3/21/09
Lower Merion moves another step toward Ardmore Station revitalization
Lower Merion Township took another vital step forward in the their quest to revitalize the Ardmore Train Station by selecting Urban Engineers as the architectural and engineering partner. Urban Engineers will work hand in hand with development partner Dranoff Properties. Carl Dranoff presented the township with its first update since November and announced that the initial $5.8 million federal grant for transit improvements was secured, and additional public funding of $6 million from the state and $10 million in commitment from SEPTA have been acquired. Dranoff’s firm recently launched a website dedicated to the project www.ArdmoreStation.com and hopes to begin Phase 1 before the end of 2010.
Source: Main Line Times 3/19/09
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
REALTY UPDATE: Week of March 16, 2007
GENERAL INFORMATION
Education stimulus spending outlined
Under Gov. Rendell's proposal for spending federal education stimulus money, Philadelphia schools would stand to get $361 million in additional funding next school year, and suburban districts would get a total of $88 million in new funding. That money is part of $1.1 billion in stimulus money that Pennsylvania would spend on assorted education programs starting in July, according to a plan released by the state Department of Education. About a third of that money would go directly to a handful of programs targeted to low-income students and special education. Rendell wants to designate the rest of the money - totaling $728 million - to two broad programs. One would supplement the state's regular education funding, which otherwise could face cuts reflecting the poor state of economy. The other would represent new money that districts could use on a variety of programs, including classroom instruction, school renovations, and technology upgrades. It could also be used to make up for any lost school-tax revenue. Many districts around Philadelphia would not be in line to receive sizable funding increases from the infusion of stimulus money, however. Because most stimulus allocations would be weighted toward poorer districts, prosperous ones would not get much. About half of the 64 suburban districts, for example, would get less than $1 million. Click here to see the level of stimulus spending for local school districts.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 3/12/09
Galloway, Melio, Petri propose school tax convention
Legislation proposed by Rep. John Galloway, D-141, Rep. Tony Melio, D-140 and Rep. Scott Petri, R-178 takes aim at Pennsylvania ’s “ineffective and unfair” system of school taxes. The bill was introduced on Feb. 27 and proposes a constitutional convention in 2010 with the objective to “develop a statewide education funding system that supports the principles of equity, adequacy, efficiency, accountability and predictability” according to Galloway .
Source: The Intelligencer; 3/11/09
BUCKS COUNTY
Current economy yields more open space in Bucks
Bucks County planners have noted that the current state of the economy has resulted in more opportunities for open space preservation for municipalities throughout the county. As the economy has slowed, so has the demand for development rights, opening up possibilities for more open space. Plumstead Township recently purchased 59 acres for preservation for $796,500. With help from Bucks County and state preservation grants, the township has another 50-acre horse farm under agreement. Buckingham Township has preserved more than 1,000 acres in the past decade and has taken a proactive approach to open space preservation: the agricultural preservation committee sent out letters to landowners with 20 or more acres, inviting them to a meeting to learn more about land preservation. About 15 landowners responded, and nine attended the meeting. Countywide, the demand for new construction decreased 54 percent from 2007 to 2008, with just 826 housing units reviewed by the Bucks County Planning Commission in 2008, the lowest level since 1970.
Source: The Intelligencer; 3/10/09
Quakertown looks to cut athletic budget
In an attempt to decrease a $3.5 million budget deficit in the 2009-2010 preliminary budget, an Athletics Committee at Quakertown School District was commissioned to find ways to cut athletic expenses by 20 percent. The current athletic budget stands at about $650,000 and the committee, made up of administrators, teachers, coaches and parents will weigh all possibilities while striving to maintain opportunities for middle and high school students and ensuring their safety on the field. In February, the school board approved an $86.9 million preliminary budget that would increase taxes by 5.8 percent, or $211 for the average homeowner.
Source: The Intelligencer 3/13/09
Police in 14 municipalities to get over $457,000 in federal grants
Fourteen Bucks County municipalities are slated to receive grant money provided by the recently-passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, through the Department of Justice’s Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant for state and local law enforcement. Overall, the Recovery Act contains more than $4 billion for law enforcement and criminal justice activities. Bensalem will receive the largest grant in Bucks County - $77,549. Most police forces will use the grants for more officers, gang and drug crime prevention, technology upgrades and communications.
Source: The Intelligencer; 3/8/09
CHESTER COUNTY
Gas company pursues eminent domain for pipeline
Williams Transco, the natural gas giant who has a project to replace a seven-mile section of their pipeline in the county, has started condemnation proceedings against 36 property owners who have not accepted offers made for their land. The company will be filing a joint motion expressing its need for immediate access. The action was criticized by legislators who have sought to help residents whose property is being severely affected by the natural gas company's desire for additional right-of-way for the project. The county is crisscrossed with existing pipelines by eight different companies that bring natural gas, liquid gas or other petroleum products through 62 of Chester County 's 73 municipalities. Currently, at least three natural gas companies have new pipeline or pipeline expansion projects going on in the county.
Source: Daily Local; 3/11/09
East Vincent looking to keep growth in check
Due to an unforeseen zoning flaw, residential development was gravitating toward the areas most desirable for preservation, according to township officials. Last month, residents listened to a presentation on East Vincent's open space design option. Township Planner Ray Ott explained that this ordinance — updated in 2002 — was actually steering builders to areas zoned rural conservation and agricultural preservation.
The basic premise of transferable development rights, or TDRs, is to steer higher density development to targeted, desirable areas, while preserving farmland and open space in other areas. While several Chester County townships use TDRs as a planning tool, only New Hanover in Montgomery County has a current policy.
Source: Pottsmerc; 3/9/09
PASD's 'tightest budget' to get tighter
The school board voted for even deeper cuts in the budget. Dr. Terry Mancini, Acting Superintendent of the Phoenixville Area School District , had proposed a 2009-2010 total budget of $73,992,000, a 2.60 percent increase over this current year. That would have translated into a 2.36 percent budget-to-budget property tax increase (compared to 7.30 percent increase last year) and a proposed millage increase of 0.61 (compared to last year's increase of 1.45 mils), for a total proposed millage of 26.50. A mil represents an amount of property tax for every $1,000 of that property's assessed valuation.
Source: The Phoenix ; 3/11/09
East Vincent to purchase part of Pennhurst site
For the price of $1, the township will likely purchase 72 to 74 acres of the former Pennhurst property for future use as open space. Future use will involve both active and passive open space, said Supervisor Christine McNeil. Buildings are not part of the township's purchase, she said. This agreement comes just over one year after a private group purchased a 111-acre portion of Pennhurst State School and Hospital from Pennsylvania . The commercial partnership, headed by Richard Chakejian, has not yet brought development plans to East Vincent.
Source: Daily Local; 3/10/09
DELAWARE COUNTY
Discounted flood insurance is available in Parkside
Borough Engineer Lisa Catania is urging all residents who live near Chester Creek or its tributaries to update their flood-insurance coverage, before new state-drawn flood plain maps go into effect. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) will be adopting a new Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) this spring. Flood-insurance rates based on this map will then be adjusted accordingly. At-risk property owners would need to inspect the new map to determine whether a given lot will be inside or outside the designated flood plain. An enlarged copy of the revised FIRM will be hung in the hallway of the municipal building ( 22 E. Elbon Road ) for public inspection.
Source: Daily Times; 03/12/09
Rose Tree Media lowers proposed tax increase
The revised millage rate increase for Rose Tree Media now is 4.81 percent, which equates to an increase of $239.62 for a property assessed at an average $236,106. The preliminary budget adopted by the board Jan. 22 called for a 6.33 percent millage hike to balance. This meant $315.53 more in school taxes for the coming year. District Superintendent Denise Kerr indicated the millage increase could be reduced even more. She said town meetings on the budget will take place at Springton Lake Middle School and Penncrest High School , as well as in various retirement communities. There also will be a budget work session 7:30 p.m. March 23, which is open to the public. If a second session is necessary, it would be 7 p.m. April 16. A final budget won’t be put to a vote of the board until its June meeting.
Source: Daily Times; 3/11/09
Middletown residents express displeasure with new Mint plan
Middletown Council and the public got their first look at a conceptual plan for development of the former 150-acre Franklin Mint property Monday night. Victor Dover, of Dover, Kohl & Partners, the facilitator for the charrette planning process — a week of community discussions that took place in August 2008 — reported on the charrette and the plan that arose from it to a standing-room-only audience that overflowed into the township building vestibule and out into the parking lot. It drew mixed response. The concept for development has been scaled back from a previous Franklin Town Center plan presented by the development team in 2006. That plan showed 1,300 residential units, 230,000 square feet of office space, 1.4 million square feet of commercial space and a 300-room hotel. It was soundly rejected by council. The new concept is roughly two-thirds this size. It calls for 980 housing units, 230,000 square feet of office space, 798,000 square feet of commercial space and a 225-room hotel. Most people who spoke raised concerns about the impact of a modified town center on existing traffic and businesses in the township, including the nearby already struggling Granite Run Mall. Density was a concern as well. “There are many more meetings ahead before a plan is filed with the township. Councilman Mark Kirchgasser urged residents to contact their council representative with any questions.
Source: Daily Times; 3/10/09
Vacancy on Marcus Hook Borough Council
A vacancy exists for a council person at large in the Borough of Marcus Hook. Residents of the Borough interested in serving on the Borough Council should submit their letter of interest to Bruce A. Dorbian, Borough Manager/Secretary, 10th & Green Streets, Marcus Hook, PA 19061. This information must be received no later than the close of business on March 24, 2009.
Source: Daily Times; 03/12/2009
MONTOGMERY COUNTY
Upper Merion approved for highway grant
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, the agency that distributes the federal stimulus funds for the region, has approved Upper Merion Townships Expressway ramps to receive a grant for $14.5 million. The project, which cost the township $2 million in preparation, could begin construction as early as this summer.
Source: Times Herald; 3/8/09
Upper Moreland eyes $11 million in stimulus funding for roadway improvements
Township Commissioners approved moving forward with an application for three road projects on Upper Moreland ’s wish list at a tune of $11 million. A $3 million project would add an extra lane onto the turnpike entrance ramp from southbound Route 611, which would require re-construction of the bridge over the ramp. A second proposal would widen and add a lane on Welsh Road between Twining and Blair Mill Roads at an estimated cost of $5 million. The third proposed project would widen the Terwood Road-Davisville Road intersection with an expected cost of $3 million.
Source: The Intelligencer; 3/10/09
Montgomery Township wants land appraisal for 13.7 acres slated for parkway
Officials in Montgomery Township are wary of recent offers from the state Department of Transportation for two parcels within the township slated for construction of the Route 202 parkway. PennDOT has offered Montgomery Township $137,000 for a 13.7-acre tract along Horsham Road , but township officials have ordered an appraisal to determine the land’s worth in today’s market. PennDOT has also offered the township $850,000 for six acres on County Line Road between Upper State and Stump Roads, a tract less than half the size of the Horsham Road parcel. In February, Montgomery sold two small parcels to PennDOT for $31,500, bringing the total right-of-way sales for the parkway to $257,000 since December 2007. The approximately nine-mile, $200 million parkway will connect Route 63 in Montgomery Township with Route 611 in Doylestown Township . The entire road is expected to be completed in 2011.
Source: The Intelligencer; 3/13/09
Education stimulus spending outlined
Under Gov. Rendell's proposal for spending federal education stimulus money, Philadelphia schools would stand to get $361 million in additional funding next school year, and suburban districts would get a total of $88 million in new funding. That money is part of $1.1 billion in stimulus money that Pennsylvania would spend on assorted education programs starting in July, according to a plan released by the state Department of Education. About a third of that money would go directly to a handful of programs targeted to low-income students and special education. Rendell wants to designate the rest of the money - totaling $728 million - to two broad programs. One would supplement the state's regular education funding, which otherwise could face cuts reflecting the poor state of economy. The other would represent new money that districts could use on a variety of programs, including classroom instruction, school renovations, and technology upgrades. It could also be used to make up for any lost school-tax revenue. Many districts around Philadelphia would not be in line to receive sizable funding increases from the infusion of stimulus money, however. Because most stimulus allocations would be weighted toward poorer districts, prosperous ones would not get much. About half of the 64 suburban districts, for example, would get less than $1 million. Click here to see the level of stimulus spending for local school districts.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 3/12/09
Galloway, Melio, Petri propose school tax convention
Legislation proposed by Rep. John Galloway, D-141, Rep. Tony Melio, D-140 and Rep. Scott Petri, R-178 takes aim at Pennsylvania ’s “ineffective and unfair” system of school taxes. The bill was introduced on Feb. 27 and proposes a constitutional convention in 2010 with the objective to “develop a statewide education funding system that supports the principles of equity, adequacy, efficiency, accountability and predictability” according to Galloway .
Source: The Intelligencer; 3/11/09
BUCKS COUNTY
Current economy yields more open space in Bucks
Bucks County planners have noted that the current state of the economy has resulted in more opportunities for open space preservation for municipalities throughout the county. As the economy has slowed, so has the demand for development rights, opening up possibilities for more open space. Plumstead Township recently purchased 59 acres for preservation for $796,500. With help from Bucks County and state preservation grants, the township has another 50-acre horse farm under agreement. Buckingham Township has preserved more than 1,000 acres in the past decade and has taken a proactive approach to open space preservation: the agricultural preservation committee sent out letters to landowners with 20 or more acres, inviting them to a meeting to learn more about land preservation. About 15 landowners responded, and nine attended the meeting. Countywide, the demand for new construction decreased 54 percent from 2007 to 2008, with just 826 housing units reviewed by the Bucks County Planning Commission in 2008, the lowest level since 1970.
Source: The Intelligencer; 3/10/09
Quakertown looks to cut athletic budget
In an attempt to decrease a $3.5 million budget deficit in the 2009-2010 preliminary budget, an Athletics Committee at Quakertown School District was commissioned to find ways to cut athletic expenses by 20 percent. The current athletic budget stands at about $650,000 and the committee, made up of administrators, teachers, coaches and parents will weigh all possibilities while striving to maintain opportunities for middle and high school students and ensuring their safety on the field. In February, the school board approved an $86.9 million preliminary budget that would increase taxes by 5.8 percent, or $211 for the average homeowner.
Source: The Intelligencer 3/13/09
Police in 14 municipalities to get over $457,000 in federal grants
Fourteen Bucks County municipalities are slated to receive grant money provided by the recently-passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, through the Department of Justice’s Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant for state and local law enforcement. Overall, the Recovery Act contains more than $4 billion for law enforcement and criminal justice activities. Bensalem will receive the largest grant in Bucks County - $77,549. Most police forces will use the grants for more officers, gang and drug crime prevention, technology upgrades and communications.
Source: The Intelligencer; 3/8/09
CHESTER COUNTY
Gas company pursues eminent domain for pipeline
Williams Transco, the natural gas giant who has a project to replace a seven-mile section of their pipeline in the county, has started condemnation proceedings against 36 property owners who have not accepted offers made for their land. The company will be filing a joint motion expressing its need for immediate access. The action was criticized by legislators who have sought to help residents whose property is being severely affected by the natural gas company's desire for additional right-of-way for the project. The county is crisscrossed with existing pipelines by eight different companies that bring natural gas, liquid gas or other petroleum products through 62 of Chester County 's 73 municipalities. Currently, at least three natural gas companies have new pipeline or pipeline expansion projects going on in the county.
Source: Daily Local; 3/11/09
East Vincent looking to keep growth in check
Due to an unforeseen zoning flaw, residential development was gravitating toward the areas most desirable for preservation, according to township officials. Last month, residents listened to a presentation on East Vincent's open space design option. Township Planner Ray Ott explained that this ordinance — updated in 2002 — was actually steering builders to areas zoned rural conservation and agricultural preservation.
The basic premise of transferable development rights, or TDRs, is to steer higher density development to targeted, desirable areas, while preserving farmland and open space in other areas. While several Chester County townships use TDRs as a planning tool, only New Hanover in Montgomery County has a current policy.
Source: Pottsmerc; 3/9/09
PASD's 'tightest budget' to get tighter
The school board voted for even deeper cuts in the budget. Dr. Terry Mancini, Acting Superintendent of the Phoenixville Area School District , had proposed a 2009-2010 total budget of $73,992,000, a 2.60 percent increase over this current year. That would have translated into a 2.36 percent budget-to-budget property tax increase (compared to 7.30 percent increase last year) and a proposed millage increase of 0.61 (compared to last year's increase of 1.45 mils), for a total proposed millage of 26.50. A mil represents an amount of property tax for every $1,000 of that property's assessed valuation.
Source: The Phoenix ; 3/11/09
East Vincent to purchase part of Pennhurst site
For the price of $1, the township will likely purchase 72 to 74 acres of the former Pennhurst property for future use as open space. Future use will involve both active and passive open space, said Supervisor Christine McNeil. Buildings are not part of the township's purchase, she said. This agreement comes just over one year after a private group purchased a 111-acre portion of Pennhurst State School and Hospital from Pennsylvania . The commercial partnership, headed by Richard Chakejian, has not yet brought development plans to East Vincent.
Source: Daily Local; 3/10/09
DELAWARE COUNTY
Discounted flood insurance is available in Parkside
Borough Engineer Lisa Catania is urging all residents who live near Chester Creek or its tributaries to update their flood-insurance coverage, before new state-drawn flood plain maps go into effect. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) will be adopting a new Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) this spring. Flood-insurance rates based on this map will then be adjusted accordingly. At-risk property owners would need to inspect the new map to determine whether a given lot will be inside or outside the designated flood plain. An enlarged copy of the revised FIRM will be hung in the hallway of the municipal building ( 22 E. Elbon Road ) for public inspection.
Source: Daily Times; 03/12/09
Rose Tree Media lowers proposed tax increase
The revised millage rate increase for Rose Tree Media now is 4.81 percent, which equates to an increase of $239.62 for a property assessed at an average $236,106. The preliminary budget adopted by the board Jan. 22 called for a 6.33 percent millage hike to balance. This meant $315.53 more in school taxes for the coming year. District Superintendent Denise Kerr indicated the millage increase could be reduced even more. She said town meetings on the budget will take place at Springton Lake Middle School and Penncrest High School , as well as in various retirement communities. There also will be a budget work session 7:30 p.m. March 23, which is open to the public. If a second session is necessary, it would be 7 p.m. April 16. A final budget won’t be put to a vote of the board until its June meeting.
Source: Daily Times; 3/11/09
Middletown residents express displeasure with new Mint plan
Middletown Council and the public got their first look at a conceptual plan for development of the former 150-acre Franklin Mint property Monday night. Victor Dover, of Dover, Kohl & Partners, the facilitator for the charrette planning process — a week of community discussions that took place in August 2008 — reported on the charrette and the plan that arose from it to a standing-room-only audience that overflowed into the township building vestibule and out into the parking lot. It drew mixed response. The concept for development has been scaled back from a previous Franklin Town Center plan presented by the development team in 2006. That plan showed 1,300 residential units, 230,000 square feet of office space, 1.4 million square feet of commercial space and a 300-room hotel. It was soundly rejected by council. The new concept is roughly two-thirds this size. It calls for 980 housing units, 230,000 square feet of office space, 798,000 square feet of commercial space and a 225-room hotel. Most people who spoke raised concerns about the impact of a modified town center on existing traffic and businesses in the township, including the nearby already struggling Granite Run Mall. Density was a concern as well. “There are many more meetings ahead before a plan is filed with the township. Councilman Mark Kirchgasser urged residents to contact their council representative with any questions.
Source: Daily Times; 3/10/09
Vacancy on Marcus Hook Borough Council
A vacancy exists for a council person at large in the Borough of Marcus Hook. Residents of the Borough interested in serving on the Borough Council should submit their letter of interest to Bruce A. Dorbian, Borough Manager/Secretary, 10th & Green Streets, Marcus Hook, PA 19061. This information must be received no later than the close of business on March 24, 2009.
Source: Daily Times; 03/12/2009
MONTOGMERY COUNTY
Upper Merion approved for highway grant
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, the agency that distributes the federal stimulus funds for the region, has approved Upper Merion Townships Expressway ramps to receive a grant for $14.5 million. The project, which cost the township $2 million in preparation, could begin construction as early as this summer.
Source: Times Herald; 3/8/09
Upper Moreland eyes $11 million in stimulus funding for roadway improvements
Township Commissioners approved moving forward with an application for three road projects on Upper Moreland ’s wish list at a tune of $11 million. A $3 million project would add an extra lane onto the turnpike entrance ramp from southbound Route 611, which would require re-construction of the bridge over the ramp. A second proposal would widen and add a lane on Welsh Road between Twining and Blair Mill Roads at an estimated cost of $5 million. The third proposed project would widen the Terwood Road-Davisville Road intersection with an expected cost of $3 million.
Source: The Intelligencer; 3/10/09
Montgomery Township wants land appraisal for 13.7 acres slated for parkway
Officials in Montgomery Township are wary of recent offers from the state Department of Transportation for two parcels within the township slated for construction of the Route 202 parkway. PennDOT has offered Montgomery Township $137,000 for a 13.7-acre tract along Horsham Road , but township officials have ordered an appraisal to determine the land’s worth in today’s market. PennDOT has also offered the township $850,000 for six acres on County Line Road between Upper State and Stump Roads, a tract less than half the size of the Horsham Road parcel. In February, Montgomery sold two small parcels to PennDOT for $31,500, bringing the total right-of-way sales for the parkway to $257,000 since December 2007. The approximately nine-mile, $200 million parkway will connect Route 63 in Montgomery Township with Route 611 in Doylestown Township . The entire road is expected to be completed in 2011.
Source: The Intelligencer; 3/13/09
Friday, March 6, 2009
UPDATE: Week of March 9, 2009
GENERAL INFORMATION
Stimulus plan to impact housing in the region
Two major economic stimulus plans that will have a direct impact on housing affordability and mortgage foreclosure prevention in southeastern Pennsylvania have recently been enacted by President Obama and Congress. Following is a summary of the elements of these plans that may have the most positive impact on home buyers, homeowners and the real estate industry in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties. Click here for more.
A home-building ban in an economic crisis?
Amid an economic disaster that has brought the home-building industry to its knees, Pennsylvania lawmaker Robert Freeman of Northampton County intends to resume his push for building moratoriums. He wants to ensure that when the orders for new houses start pouring in again, communities have a way to temporarily stop the bulldozers if they do not have adequate growth plans and ordinances in place. Municipalities currently have the right to reject a development proposal if it does not meet local land-use requirements. But they cannot simply declare that no building can occur if in fact there is room to accommodate it. Freeman wants to give them the temporary right to do so - but only if a town determines that it is overwhelmed by development and that its growth plans, ordinances, and zoning are inadequate to address that crush. A bill he sponsored last session would have allowed communities to impose building bans of up to two years if they were rewriting zoning, comprehensive plans, and subdivision and land-development ordinances. The ban could be no more than a year if only one of those land-use documents was being reworked. The bill never made it to a vote. Click here for more.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 3/1/09
BUCKS COUNTY
Commissioner Marseglia proposes ‘ Bucks County Stimulus Incentive’
Bucks County Commissioner Diane Marseglia recently suggested a stimulus plan for the county that would protect residents from higher tax bills and encourage homeowners to hire contractors for renovation projects. Marseglia suggests a temporary freeze on property tax reassessments would allow homeowners to pursue home improvement projects. Commissioner Charley Martin is waiting for feedback on the proposal from county solicitor Glann Hains as to whether the proposal is legally feasible. If approved, the freeze could be limited in time and scope: Reassessments could kick in after six months and the freeze could not apply to improvements in excess of $100,000.
Source: The Intelligencer; 3/4/09
Central Bucks struggles to fill budget gap
A $3.8 million gap in the 2009-2010 school district budget is posing a challenge to Central Bucks School District officials. Over $2.1 million in expenses has already been cut from the $279.7 million preliminary budget that was approved in January, but district officials may have to use approximately $3 million of the district’s reserves to make the budget work. The district has already frozen any hiring of new teachers for the year, cut spending on curriculum and athletics, halted borrowing and discretionary spending at each of its schools, and eliminated 10 education assistant positions. The district is also considering proposals to reduce transportation costs, increase class sizes, and institute “pay-to-play” participation in extracurricular activities to ease the strain on the budget.
Source: The Intelligencer; 3/2/09
Centennial officials debate K-5 building options
Plans for the six elementary schools in the Centennial School District have been examined by district officials, with 13 options presented to the public at a meeting earlier this week. The plans ranged from $55.6 million in individual renovations to a $100 million consolidation project for all 2,600 K-5 students. The six existing elementary schools are nearly 50 years old and require renovations to bring them up to modern standards. Details of the 13 options are posted on the district web site at: www.centennialsd.org.
Source: The Intelligencer; 3/5/09
CHESTER COUNTY
Tredyffrin’s plans are official
The Tredyffrin Township Board of Supervisors has adopted new “Township Comprehensive” and “Historic Preservation” plans. The Comprehensive Plan is used to guide future redevelopment and growth in the township, while the Historic Preservation Plan provides assistance in long-term planning and decision making with respect to historic preservation and community character. Tredyffrin has been working on both plans for the past two years. Visit the Township’s website at www.tredyffrin.org for more.
Source: Main Line Suburban Life; 3/4/09
Slowed growth in East Coventry presents problems for developers
East Coventry’s growth has slowed considerably in the past year. Below is a status update of several East Coventry residential projects:
Blossom Meadows II (Halteman and Kulp roads): In a "holding pattern." Total build out is 27 units.
Meadowbrooke Hunt ( Maack Road ): Nine of the 11 units are built and public improvements are completed.
Whispering Woods: No recent activity.
Painter Tract II: Has received sketch plan approval and will be before the planning commission in the near future.
Bentley Communities LP, of West Chester: Proposing a 112-unit development adjacent to Coventry Glen — off Ellis Woods and East Cedarville roads.
Green Acres: A subdivision on Bethel Church Road , has seen some changes due to a soil conservation plan required by Chester County . The owners are Joseph and Patricia Kandler.
Hidden Acre Estates: A 6-unit development on Grubb Road , Hidden Acres has received final approval, but AMCC Properties III has not proceeded or performed public improvements.
Neuman subdivision, aka Ridgefield Estates: A 6-unit subdivision on Ridge Road , has been extended and is still in the planning phases.
Bittersweet on Schuylkill LLC: A 5-lot subdivision, has been pushed back, or extended.
Source: Potts Mercury; 3/4/09
Brandywine Valley water improvement initiative receives funding
A major initiative to improve water quality in the Brandywine Valley has received more than $236,000 in Department of Environmental Protection Growing Greener grants. About three years ago, the Brandywine Valley and Red Clay Valley associations started work on the program “Red Streams Blue” to improve streams identified by the state as impaired. In an assessment done in the lates 1990s, the state listed about 21 percent, or 127 stream miles, in the Brandywine Creek watershed as impaired. On a state map, impaired streams are shown in red and healthy streams are shown in blue. "Impaired" means a stream's water quality has degraded below standards for its designated use, such as recreation. The Brandywine Valley Association spent more than a year developing restoration plans for four sub-watersheds: Radley Run, Plum Run, Valley Run and Little Buck Run. With funding now in place, the first two major projects for Red Streams Blue can begin. The Brandywine Valley Association will launch a Radley Run stream bank restoration near a subdivision off Leadline Lane , near routes 926 and 202 in Thornbury. A section of Radley Run that flows through the homeowners' association's open space has eroded a 5-foot-deep ravine in residents' back yards. The restoration plan for the stream banks includes creating a new floodplain. In all, the project will cost about $128,000. Some financing is being provided by the homeowners' association. Another project in the Plum Run watershed will use a $141,000 grant received by the Chester County Conservation District to correct severe streambank erosion at Strode's Mill in East Bradford .
Source: Potts Mercury; 3/3/09
DELAWARE COUNTY
Delaware County school districts prep for piece of stimulus pie
Delaware County school district officials are hoping that the same funding formulas that boosted spending in several local school districts last year will bring benefits from the federal stimulus plan this year. Under the current state formula, which officials hope will be used to distribute this year’s stimulus funding, Upper Darby received a 22.42 percent boost, the largest in the commonwealth. Chester Upland, William Penn and Southeast Delco also received multi-million dollar state funding increases under the formula.
Source: Daily Times; 3/4/09
Sharon Hill official tenders resignation
Sharon Hill Council recently accepted the resignation of Vice President Joseph White, who is leaving the position for personal reasons after serving 10 years on council. White was council representative for the police and fire departments and never missed a caucus or council meeting during his years of service. White has 10 months left on his term, and council will seek to fill it with an interim appointment until the November election.
Source: Daily Times; 3/6/09
Radnor Township suspends manager over compensation
The Radnor Township Board of Commissioners took steps Thursday night to start the process of removing its township manager of eight years, David Bashore. The six board members in attendance voted to approve resolutions to request his resignation and to suspend him because of allegations that he misrepresented his compensation to them, altered business records and failed to disclose annual lump-sum bonus payments to himself. Bashore did not attend the special meeting, instead asserting in a statement that the board was in violation of his employment agreement. Bashore’s base salary averaged $163,548 in 2008.
Source: Daily Times; 3/6/09
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
East Norriton gets “best” nod from Business Week
East Norriton topped the list of Pennsylvania towns and placed fifth nation-wide on a list of best affordable suburban towns in America . Affordable housing, a low instance of violent crimes, and a median household income of $73,773 are a few of the factors that attributed to the township’s designation. For the complete article, go to: http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/feb2009/bw20090219_228108.htm
Source: Montgomery Life; 3/5/09
Springfield School District considers budget cuts
The Springfield Township School Board will have to make some difficult decisions to fill a revenue shortfall of over $1.75 million in the 2009-2010 budget. To eliminate the shortfall, the district will have to either raise taxes by 5.32 percent or pare the $45 million budget by over $1 million. The district has approximately $6.5 million in its two reserve funds, with an additional $8 million designated for current projects.
Source: Springfield Sun; 3/4/09
Waste water treatment 5-year plan examined by Ambler
Ambler Borough Council held a special meeting to discuss the borough’s five-year plan for the waste water treatment plant. Over the next five years, the plant may need to spend up to $5 million in upgrades mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. By 2011, Ambler would need to be prepared to pay for 20 percent of the total cost. Borough Council will hold another meeting on March 17 to further discuss the five-year plan.
Source: The Ambler Gazette; 3/3/09
Development extension granted to Ridgewood
Upper Providence Supervisors have granted a land development extension for Ridgewood , an active adult community which originally included plans for 450 units. The new deadline of Sept. 24 will give Upper Providence time to re-evaluate the progress of the development. The development is located on the 300 block of Linfield-Trappe Road near Township Line Road . Ultimately, the plan will likely reduce the number of units and shorten the buildings, leaving more open space within the development. According to the Ridgewood web site, the community will consist of 80 percent age-restricted town-homes with no permanent resident under the age of 19 allowed.
Source: Spring-Ford Reporter; 3/5/09
Stimulus plan to impact housing in the region
Two major economic stimulus plans that will have a direct impact on housing affordability and mortgage foreclosure prevention in southeastern Pennsylvania have recently been enacted by President Obama and Congress. Following is a summary of the elements of these plans that may have the most positive impact on home buyers, homeowners and the real estate industry in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties. Click here for more.
A home-building ban in an economic crisis?
Amid an economic disaster that has brought the home-building industry to its knees, Pennsylvania lawmaker Robert Freeman of Northampton County intends to resume his push for building moratoriums. He wants to ensure that when the orders for new houses start pouring in again, communities have a way to temporarily stop the bulldozers if they do not have adequate growth plans and ordinances in place. Municipalities currently have the right to reject a development proposal if it does not meet local land-use requirements. But they cannot simply declare that no building can occur if in fact there is room to accommodate it. Freeman wants to give them the temporary right to do so - but only if a town determines that it is overwhelmed by development and that its growth plans, ordinances, and zoning are inadequate to address that crush. A bill he sponsored last session would have allowed communities to impose building bans of up to two years if they were rewriting zoning, comprehensive plans, and subdivision and land-development ordinances. The ban could be no more than a year if only one of those land-use documents was being reworked. The bill never made it to a vote. Click here for more.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 3/1/09
BUCKS COUNTY
Commissioner Marseglia proposes ‘ Bucks County Stimulus Incentive’
Bucks County Commissioner Diane Marseglia recently suggested a stimulus plan for the county that would protect residents from higher tax bills and encourage homeowners to hire contractors for renovation projects. Marseglia suggests a temporary freeze on property tax reassessments would allow homeowners to pursue home improvement projects. Commissioner Charley Martin is waiting for feedback on the proposal from county solicitor Glann Hains as to whether the proposal is legally feasible. If approved, the freeze could be limited in time and scope: Reassessments could kick in after six months and the freeze could not apply to improvements in excess of $100,000.
Source: The Intelligencer; 3/4/09
Central Bucks struggles to fill budget gap
A $3.8 million gap in the 2009-2010 school district budget is posing a challenge to Central Bucks School District officials. Over $2.1 million in expenses has already been cut from the $279.7 million preliminary budget that was approved in January, but district officials may have to use approximately $3 million of the district’s reserves to make the budget work. The district has already frozen any hiring of new teachers for the year, cut spending on curriculum and athletics, halted borrowing and discretionary spending at each of its schools, and eliminated 10 education assistant positions. The district is also considering proposals to reduce transportation costs, increase class sizes, and institute “pay-to-play” participation in extracurricular activities to ease the strain on the budget.
Source: The Intelligencer; 3/2/09
Centennial officials debate K-5 building options
Plans for the six elementary schools in the Centennial School District have been examined by district officials, with 13 options presented to the public at a meeting earlier this week. The plans ranged from $55.6 million in individual renovations to a $100 million consolidation project for all 2,600 K-5 students. The six existing elementary schools are nearly 50 years old and require renovations to bring them up to modern standards. Details of the 13 options are posted on the district web site at: www.centennialsd.org.
Source: The Intelligencer; 3/5/09
CHESTER COUNTY
Tredyffrin’s plans are official
The Tredyffrin Township Board of Supervisors has adopted new “Township Comprehensive” and “Historic Preservation” plans. The Comprehensive Plan is used to guide future redevelopment and growth in the township, while the Historic Preservation Plan provides assistance in long-term planning and decision making with respect to historic preservation and community character. Tredyffrin has been working on both plans for the past two years. Visit the Township’s website at www.tredyffrin.org for more.
Source: Main Line Suburban Life; 3/4/09
Slowed growth in East Coventry presents problems for developers
East Coventry’s growth has slowed considerably in the past year. Below is a status update of several East Coventry residential projects:
Blossom Meadows II (Halteman and Kulp roads): In a "holding pattern." Total build out is 27 units.
Meadowbrooke Hunt ( Maack Road ): Nine of the 11 units are built and public improvements are completed.
Whispering Woods: No recent activity.
Painter Tract II: Has received sketch plan approval and will be before the planning commission in the near future.
Bentley Communities LP, of West Chester: Proposing a 112-unit development adjacent to Coventry Glen — off Ellis Woods and East Cedarville roads.
Green Acres: A subdivision on Bethel Church Road , has seen some changes due to a soil conservation plan required by Chester County . The owners are Joseph and Patricia Kandler.
Hidden Acre Estates: A 6-unit development on Grubb Road , Hidden Acres has received final approval, but AMCC Properties III has not proceeded or performed public improvements.
Neuman subdivision, aka Ridgefield Estates: A 6-unit subdivision on Ridge Road , has been extended and is still in the planning phases.
Bittersweet on Schuylkill LLC: A 5-lot subdivision, has been pushed back, or extended.
Source: Potts Mercury; 3/4/09
Brandywine Valley water improvement initiative receives funding
A major initiative to improve water quality in the Brandywine Valley has received more than $236,000 in Department of Environmental Protection Growing Greener grants. About three years ago, the Brandywine Valley and Red Clay Valley associations started work on the program “Red Streams Blue” to improve streams identified by the state as impaired. In an assessment done in the lates 1990s, the state listed about 21 percent, or 127 stream miles, in the Brandywine Creek watershed as impaired. On a state map, impaired streams are shown in red and healthy streams are shown in blue. "Impaired" means a stream's water quality has degraded below standards for its designated use, such as recreation. The Brandywine Valley Association spent more than a year developing restoration plans for four sub-watersheds: Radley Run, Plum Run, Valley Run and Little Buck Run. With funding now in place, the first two major projects for Red Streams Blue can begin. The Brandywine Valley Association will launch a Radley Run stream bank restoration near a subdivision off Leadline Lane , near routes 926 and 202 in Thornbury. A section of Radley Run that flows through the homeowners' association's open space has eroded a 5-foot-deep ravine in residents' back yards. The restoration plan for the stream banks includes creating a new floodplain. In all, the project will cost about $128,000. Some financing is being provided by the homeowners' association. Another project in the Plum Run watershed will use a $141,000 grant received by the Chester County Conservation District to correct severe streambank erosion at Strode's Mill in East Bradford .
Source: Potts Mercury; 3/3/09
DELAWARE COUNTY
Delaware County school districts prep for piece of stimulus pie
Delaware County school district officials are hoping that the same funding formulas that boosted spending in several local school districts last year will bring benefits from the federal stimulus plan this year. Under the current state formula, which officials hope will be used to distribute this year’s stimulus funding, Upper Darby received a 22.42 percent boost, the largest in the commonwealth. Chester Upland, William Penn and Southeast Delco also received multi-million dollar state funding increases under the formula.
Source: Daily Times; 3/4/09
Sharon Hill official tenders resignation
Sharon Hill Council recently accepted the resignation of Vice President Joseph White, who is leaving the position for personal reasons after serving 10 years on council. White was council representative for the police and fire departments and never missed a caucus or council meeting during his years of service. White has 10 months left on his term, and council will seek to fill it with an interim appointment until the November election.
Source: Daily Times; 3/6/09
Radnor Township suspends manager over compensation
The Radnor Township Board of Commissioners took steps Thursday night to start the process of removing its township manager of eight years, David Bashore. The six board members in attendance voted to approve resolutions to request his resignation and to suspend him because of allegations that he misrepresented his compensation to them, altered business records and failed to disclose annual lump-sum bonus payments to himself. Bashore did not attend the special meeting, instead asserting in a statement that the board was in violation of his employment agreement. Bashore’s base salary averaged $163,548 in 2008.
Source: Daily Times; 3/6/09
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
East Norriton gets “best” nod from Business Week
East Norriton topped the list of Pennsylvania towns and placed fifth nation-wide on a list of best affordable suburban towns in America . Affordable housing, a low instance of violent crimes, and a median household income of $73,773 are a few of the factors that attributed to the township’s designation. For the complete article, go to: http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/feb2009/bw20090219_228108.htm
Source: Montgomery Life; 3/5/09
Springfield School District considers budget cuts
The Springfield Township School Board will have to make some difficult decisions to fill a revenue shortfall of over $1.75 million in the 2009-2010 budget. To eliminate the shortfall, the district will have to either raise taxes by 5.32 percent or pare the $45 million budget by over $1 million. The district has approximately $6.5 million in its two reserve funds, with an additional $8 million designated for current projects.
Source: Springfield Sun; 3/4/09
Waste water treatment 5-year plan examined by Ambler
Ambler Borough Council held a special meeting to discuss the borough’s five-year plan for the waste water treatment plant. Over the next five years, the plant may need to spend up to $5 million in upgrades mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. By 2011, Ambler would need to be prepared to pay for 20 percent of the total cost. Borough Council will hold another meeting on March 17 to further discuss the five-year plan.
Source: The Ambler Gazette; 3/3/09
Development extension granted to Ridgewood
Upper Providence Supervisors have granted a land development extension for Ridgewood , an active adult community which originally included plans for 450 units. The new deadline of Sept. 24 will give Upper Providence time to re-evaluate the progress of the development. The development is located on the 300 block of Linfield-Trappe Road near Township Line Road . Ultimately, the plan will likely reduce the number of units and shorten the buildings, leaving more open space within the development. According to the Ridgewood web site, the community will consist of 80 percent age-restricted town-homes with no permanent resident under the age of 19 allowed.
Source: Spring-Ford Reporter; 3/5/09
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