News Briefs for July 10, 2026
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Caln Meeting House is a historic Quaker meeting house constructed in 1726 in Caln Township, Chester County. Elsewhere in the township, a developer is planning a combination of residential, commercial and healthcare uses on a 115-acre site that will be called Legacy at Brandywine Town Center.
Photo: Jack Boucher - Library of Congress
PHFA launches homebuyer education platform
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) has launched a free, bilingual, audio-enabled online homebuyer education course developed in partnership with Framework, a national homeownership education platform. The new course replaces PHFA’s legacy course and integrates directly with its existing mortgage programs. Homebuyers can complete the self-paced course independently or combine it with one-on-one counseling from a participating housing agency. Beyond the core course, Framework offers post-purchase education, a free newsletter and a discount marketplace called HomeServices. PHFA CEO Robin Wiessmann noted the new platform better serves diverse Pennsylvania families — including first-time buyers, veterans and those making accessibility modifications — while also enabling better impact measurement, citing data that Framework course completers see a 28% lower foreclosure rate than the national average.
Source: Central Penn Business Journal; 7/2/2026
NAR issues statement on ROAD to Housing, More Homes on the Market bills
Shannon McGahn, executive vice president and chief advocacy officer of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), issued a statement on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act and the More Homes on the Market Act: “The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will help increase housing supply, improve affordability, expand opportunities for first-time homebuyers, and empower more families to achieve the American Dream of homeownership. After nearly two years of work, we have a historic opportunity to strengthen our housing market, expand access to homeownership, and create lasting economic opportunity by enacting this legislation into law.” The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act was passed by Congress on June 23, but President Donald Trump had not signed it into law as of July 8. Regarding NAR’s support for the More Homes on the Market Act, McGahn said: “Today’s tax code unfairly penalizes many longtime homeowners with an outdated tax on their home equity, making it harder to move when life changes. Updating this policy would unlock more housing inventory, create opportunities for first-time buyers, improve affordability, and help more Americans achieve the dream of homeownership. It’s a commonsense solution that strengthens families, communities and the economy.”
Source: NAR; 7/3/2026
Bill requiring data center info for emergency responders advances
Legislation that would ensure first responders have the tools they need to respond to potential emergencies at large-scale data centers in their communities was reported out of thePennsylvania House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, according to the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Christina Sappey (D-158). House Bill 2535 requires that floor plans and infrastructure inventories be provided annually to local fire officials as a condition of occupancy. Sappey said the legislation balances protecting sensitive facility information while strengthening emergency preparedness and public safety for the communities that house them. The bill also provides for civil penalties or possible occupancy revocation for continued noncompliance, in addition to allowing municipalities to adopt stricter fire safety or reporting requirements.
Source: Daily Local; 7/4/2026
Taxes up in Neshaminy School District
The Neshaminy School Board approved a $228.7 million budget for 2026-2027 that includes a 4.1% property tax increase. The district projects more than $161 million in local tax revenue, nearly $59 million in state funding and $2.7 million in federal funding — the latter reflecting a multi-year decline. Personnel costs remain the district’s largest expense at just over $150 million for salaries, benefits and pensions, driven by ongoing increases in those categories along with pension commitments and supplies.
Source: LevittownNow; 6/29/2026
Bensalem school board uses tax hike and reserves to balance budget
The Bensalem Township School District Board of Directors adopted a $194.6 million operating budget for 2026-2027 in an 8-1 vote. The budget includes a 4.2% tax increase to a millage rate of 188.947 and a $1.9 million drawdown from the district’s fund balance — now down to $4.5 million — to close a deficit that board members blamed on the previous board’s mismanagement and underfunding. The budget follows the board’s unanimous April vote to cut 31 positions, including more than 20 elementary teachers, special education instructors, guidance counselors, librarians and nine administrators.The board also adopted a resolution urging state lawmakers to overhaul outdated special education and charter school funding formulas, with member Rachel Fingles specifically pressing state Rep. Kathleen “K.C.” Tomlinson to cosponsor reform legislation.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 6/30/2026
Sunoco shares remediation plans for jet fuel spill in Upper Makefield
Sunoco Pipeline Limited Partnership has released a 197-page Remedial Action Plan, which outlines how the company will continue cleaning up a jet fuel spill that has contaminated groundwater, private wells and soil in the Upper Makefield Township’s Mount Eyre neighborhood. The company also scheduled a July 8 public meeting to discuss the remediation plan. The plan, required by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, addresses the leak from Sunoco’s 70-year-old Twin Oaks Pipeline — which carries jet fuel from refineries south of Philadelphia through Bucks County to Newark, New Jersey — after a crack in a pipe sleeve was discovered in Mount Eyre in late January 2025. Neighbors had complained of a gasoline odor in their drinking water dating back to September 2023. Information on the remediation plan is available on the Upper Makefield Township website.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 7/1/2026
Upper Southampton Municipal Authority bought board member’s land for nearly $1M
The Upper Southampton Municipal Authority voted to purchase two homes and two garages for $915,000 (below appraised value, per authority solicitor Bryce McGuigan) from sitting board member Paul Angermeier and his estranged wife. The authority then began renting the homes and leasing garage space back to Angermeier for his plumbing business — an arrangement in which he has paid no cash rent, instead trading used plumbing equipment for a $6,325 rent credit — despite the authority’s annual expenses for the properties projected to exceed the net rental income it receives. Records show authority staff pursued the properties for over a year, upped their offer to $915,000 to beat the market, and finalized the sale in a June 2025 vote that wasn’t listed on the public agenda beforehand. A second appraisal conducted just before the sale valued the property at $1.2 million — a $345,000 jump that outside real estate experts called suspicious and methodologically flawed, raising questions about whether the deal, though technically permitted under Pennsylvania’s ethics law since Angermeier didn’t participate in the vote, was a sound financial decision or properly transparent.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 7/1/2026
Mixed-use development planned for 115 acres spanning hospital campus, farmland in Caln
More than a year after acquiring the shuttered Brandywine Hospital campus, Regal Builders has expanded its redevelopment plans for the Caln Township site. Beth Haynes, Regal's director of marketing, said recent zoning changes allow for the mixed-use development of the 67-acre medical center campus and adjoining land also owned by Regal. The changes, she said, allowed Regal to combine the hospital campus at 201 Reeceville Road east of Coatesville with its 48-acre Fisherville Farm property at 1504 Fisherville Road. Regal is now marketing the combined 115-acre site along the Route 30 corridor as Legacy at Brandywine Town Center. The development will feature a combination of residential, commercial and healthcare uses. The north campus of Legacy at Brandywine Town Center, where the former Brandywine Hospital's 20 buildings stand, will focus on healthcare services complemented by some residential. The currently undeveloped south campus site will have a mix of retail and residential.
Source: Philadelphia Business Journal; 7/6/2026
Pennhurst data center developers appeal denial in East Vincent Township
The developers looking to build a 1.9-million-square-foot data center on 123 acres on the grounds of the former Pennhurst Hospital have appealed the denial of their application by the township board of supervisors. “We did anticipate them appealing to the decision of the board, but we will be extremely aggressive in defending the decision to protect the residents of our community and the precious environmental resources from the owner of Pennhurst,” East Vincent Township Manager Robert Zienkowski said.
Source: Daily Local; 7/2/2026
35 acres of land protected in North Coventry
French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust has finalized two voluntary conservation easements to permanently protect 34.9 acres in North Coventry Township. The newly preserved land includes the 15.1-acre property of the Arena-Fanucci Family and the 19.8-acre property of Alice Sharp. The newly preserved properties complement over 13,700 acres already protected by French and Pickering in northern Chester County.
Source: Daily Local; 7/3/2026
County planning commission offers second Climate Action Plan Survey
The Chester County Planning Commission’s second Climate Action Plan Survey is now open for responses from the public. The action plan outlines ways to protect the community from climate change's impact, reduce emissions and monitor progress.
Source: Chester County Planning; 6/29/2026
Chester County hosts open space summit
In early June, the Chester County Planning Commission and the Department of Parks and Preservation co-hosted a forum called Open Space Innovations: Meeting the Challenges of Today and the Future. The program brought together municipal leaders, conservation professionals, agricultural organizations, housing developers, and housing advocates. Read more about the summit here.
Source: Chester County; 6/22/2026
Media Borough plans for diversified housing options, safer streets and more retail
Media Borough Council recently adopted “Media 2035,” a comprehensive plan designed to shape the next chapter of land use, housing, economic development, traffic planning and environmental decision-making in the 5,900-resident borough. The 166-page plan, built on feedback from around 500 residents, is centered around four guiding principles: preserving Media’s character, fostering inclusivity through housing diversity, preserving the environment, and becoming a more connected and less car-dependent borough. Recommendations outlined in the plan include deepening partnerships with affordable housing agencies, updating the borough’s zoning code to spur housing development in key areas, and promoting nontraditional housing options like in-law suites. Officials said there’s a significant opportunity in converting underutilized office spaces into housing, as many of Media’s vacant offices are already located in former residential properties. Read more in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 7/6/2026
Upper Darby hears from developer, residents on 14-acre parcel
Upper Darby Township Council heard from residents regarding a proposed zoning amendment that would create a new community mixed-use district (CMU) for approximately 14 acres of privately owned open space on State Road in Drexel Hill. The amendment, requested by Rockwell Drexel LLC, would permit a mix of residential and commercial development on the site, where current zoning allows up to 56 single-family homes. Township staff recommended approval, saying the proposal supports transit-oriented development, expands housing options and aligns with long-term planning goals, while the developer said the project would generate more tax revenue, have less impact on schools, and preserve some green space through trails and a pocket park. Residents urged council to preserve the Mozino tract as one of the township's last remaining natural areas, calling for the township to pursue grants or other funding sources rather than allow additional development.
Source: Daily Times; 7/4/2026
Swarthmore College unveils revised Cunningham Field concepts
More than 120 people attended a community discussion about Cunningham Field hosted by Swarthmore College. The college used the session to unveil three revised redevelopment concepts for the field, which they indicated reflected feedback received during earlier rounds of community engagement. Swarthmore College’s vice president of administration and finance, Rob Goldberg, noted that upgrading the athletic facilities is necessary for the college to remain competitive with other Division III schools. In response to criticism of earlier proposals, the college has continued revising its plans. All three concepts presented by the college include a 200-foot-wide arboretum at the north end of the site to provide a buffer between the houses and the athletic facilities. The three concepts differ in how they arrange the grass rugby field and artificial turf practice field at the north end of the site. The latest design concepts can be found here.
Source: The Swarthmorean; 6/19/2026
Delaware County gets millions for compost and hazardous waste centers
Delaware County is planning to spend a nearly $5 million infusion of federal funding to open a countywide composting center in Chester Township and a household hazardous waste collection site in Broomall. At a June meeting, Delaware County Council approved the grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to complete what is being called the Delaware County Transfer Station Reimagined — Composting and Expanded Recycling Services Project. The project aims to build accessible recycling capacity, reduce pollution, and improve localized air quality. It will create a countywide composting facility and a recycling hub drop-off at Transfer Station Number 1 in Chester Township, and a household hazardous waste collection facility at Transfer Station 3 in Marple Township. Read more here.
Source: Daily Times; 7/4/2026
Delco still dealing with aftermath of cyber attack
Phone and internet services have been restored inside the Delaware County Courthouse and Government Center, but there are still headaches from a cyber attack nearly two weeks ago. The county said it responded, "by taking the proactive but necessary step of shutting down our network to continue to protect sensitive information and critical systems." Mark Barone, a real estate broker and appraiser, said his work has been at a standstill because of the network problems. "We use the public records data for our tax assessment, for appraisal work, for sketch plans and a lot of information we use, I can't get to it," Barone said. A county spokesperson indicated there was a lot he couldn't say, including whether ransom demands were made. Read more at CBS Philadelphia.
Source: CBS Philadelphia; 7/7/2026
Tax increase approved in Upper Perkiomen School District
In a 5-4 vote, the Upper Perkiomen School Board approved an $88.17 million budget for 2026-2027 with a 0.75% property tax increase from the existing 28.8081 mills to 29.0242 next year. The budget also requires using $2.2 million from the district's reserve fund to cover the deficit, leaving about $2.8 million in savings. The contentious June 25 meeting drew a packed room of frustrated residents who were denied the chance to ask questions after the district's solicitor ruled that the comment periods had already closed, prompting board members to defend their decisions as difficult but necessary responses to rising costs beyond their control. Read more here.
Source: Town & Country; 7/1/2026
Hatfield Township tables proposed Human Relations Commission ordinance
Hatfield Township commissioners unanimously voted to table a proposed Human Relations Commission ordinance until its July meeting after a lengthy public hearing raised numerous unresolved questions. The proposed ordinance is designed to let the township locally receive, investigate and resolve discrimination complaints in employment, housing and public accommodations under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, covering protected classes, such as race, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity. It has drawn scrutiny from both commissioners and residents over practical details including the commission's adjudicative authority and potential penalties, how members would be appointed, trained and legally protected from liability, how confidentiality would be maintained, how the local body would coordinate with existing state and federal enforcement agencies, and whether the township could recruit enough qualified volunteers and resources to handle the caseload. Commissioners voiced general support for the ordinance's nondiscrimination goals, and they agreed further review is necessary to clarify the commission's powers and procedures before any adoption, sending the proposal back for additional discussion next month.
Source: NorthPennNow; 7/1/2026
Brandywine Realty Trust sells Conshohocken building
Brandywine Realty Trust sold the 116,000-square-foot Six Tower Bridge office building in Conshohocken for $21 million — about $181 per square foot and 70% above its 2024 assessed value — to Legend Realty and the Adjmi family. The sale is part of Brandywine CEO Jerry Sweeney's broader strategy announced earlier this year to sell up to $300 million in lower-performing assets and focus on the firm's highest-return properties across its markets. The building, which was only 42% occupied at the end of 2025, adds to Legend and the Adjmi family's rapid expansion in the Philadelphia suburbs, where the partners have now invested over $300 million since 2023, including Bala Plaza ($185 million, 2023), Plymouth Meeting Executive Campus ($65.5 million, 2024), Eight Tower Bridge ($83.1 million, 2025), and a smaller Plymouth Meeting office purchase, while also pursuing a possible mixed-use redevelopment of Bala Plaza in talks with Lower Merion Township.
Source: Philadelphia Business Journal; 6/25/2026
Norristown announces new superintendent
The Norristown Area School District school board endorsed Dr. Dorrell Green, currently superintendent of Delaware's Red Clay Consolidated School District since 2019 and the 2026 Delaware Superintendent of the Year, to become its next superintendent. Green's selection concludes a five-month, 88-applicant search led by Chicago-based Alma Advisory Group that included community surveys, focus groups and a multi-round interview process involving parents, staff and students. Green will succeed outgoing superintendent Christopher Dormer, whose contract was not renewed by the board, which cited student outcomes. Green, who brings over 25 years of public education experience, including roles as teacher, principal and assistant superintendent, holds a doctorate from Wilmington University and degrees from the University of Delaware. The exact start date for his new role has not yet been announced.
Source: Pottstown Mercury; 6/22/2026 & Norristown Area School District; 6/21/2026
Philadelphia to enforce new permit policy
The Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) began enforcing a new permit policy July 1 that withholds certain building and zoning permits for properties with outstanding real estate taxes, municipal fees or liens until those debts are resolved with the city's Department of Revenue. The policy applies to permits for new construction, additions, site and lot adjustments, and zoning approvals granted through variances or special exceptions. At the same time, contractors with unresolved L&I fines are also barred from obtaining permits, a move city officials say is intended to strengthen code compliance and improve collections. The changes could affect developers, investors and property owners by delaying construction projects until outstanding financial obligations are satisfied.
Source: City of Philadelphia; 7/1/2026
Philly will close 17 schools and modernize 169
Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. has promised “white-glove treatment” for families and schools affected by a facilities master plan that will close 17 schools and modernize 169 over the next decade. And he appointed a Philadelphia School District veteran to lead the charge. Shakeera Warthen-Canty, formerly assistant superintendent of school operations and management, was recently named head of the new School Transition Office, tasked with implementing the $3 billion plan remaking schools across the city. Initially, the office will focus on schools closing, merging and undergoing major renovations in the 2027-2028 school year. Though much emphasis has been placed on the 17 closures, much of the office’s work will center on modernization projects, ranging from additions to painting projects and handicap accessibility work. The district will allocate $1 billion of its capital budget over the next 10 years to complete some of the projects, but it’s also banking on $2 billion from philanthropic and state sources — money that’s not guaranteed.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 7/5/2026
New University City District CEO embraces challenge of a neighborhood in transition
As Sarah Steltz steps into her new role as CEO of the University City District, among her priorities is helping the area adjust to how it has changed in the past five years. Steltz is focused on how the economic development nonprofit can use the area's growth to create more opportunity. The organization operates in the stretch bounded by 50th Street and the Schuylkill River and from Spring Garden Street to Woodland Avenue. University City had fewer than 5,000 multifamily housing units in 2020. Six years later, that figure has risen to nearly 9,000 and is expected to grow to more than 10,000 within the next two years, according to the district’s recently released State of University City report. Last year alone, 1.4 million square feet of new development valued at $790 million was completed. The neighborhood’s pipeline has another 1,700 multifamily housing units and 2.7 million square feet of new construction.
Source: Philadelphia Business Journal; 7/5/2026
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