News Briefs Archive Dec. 12, 2022
General News
State broadband authority asks Pennsylvanians to review FCC maps
The state authority tasked with overseeing broadband expansion in Pennsylvania is asking residents to review federal broadband access maps for accuracy. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) maps show all broadband serviceable locations across the United States where fixed broadband internet access service is, or can be, installed. The Pennsylvania Broadband Authority approved a statewide broadband expansion and access plan in November, and said the allocation of funding under the federal infrastructure law is dependent upon the map being accurate. The authority is specifically asking Pennsylvanians to use the maps to search for their home address to determine whether the information listed by the FCC is accurate by Friday, Jan. 13, 2023. The 12-member authority, which is part of the Department of Community and Economic Development, recently released its plan last month for spending more than $100 million in federal funds to expand broadband access in Pennsylvania.
Source: Pennsylvania Capital-Star; 12/5/2022 & 11/30/2022
Pennsylvania panel updates anti-discrimination regulations
A state panel on Thursday narrowly approved new definitions of sex, religious creed and race in Pennsylvania’s anti-discrimination regulations. The Independent Regulatory Review Commission signed off on the set of definitions that concern the types of employment, housing, education and public accommodations discrimination complaints that can be brought before the state Human Relations Commission. Gov. Tom Wolf supported the measure, which formalizes nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people and circumvents the legislature that had ignored his requests to enact such measures legislatively. The regulation defines “sex” as including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, sex assigned at birth, gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation, and differences in sex development. “Race” discrimination includes ancestry, national origin, ethnic characteristics, interracial marriages and association, traits such as hairstyles that are historically associated with race, and national origin or ancestry. The changes are expected to take effect in early 2023. Read more here.
Source: Spotlight PA; 12/7/2022 & AP; 12/8/2022
A look into SEPTA’s new transit systems proposed for the Philadelphia suburbs
SEPTA is proposing an overhaul to bus lines across the Philadelphia region — calling it “Bus Revolution.” The transit agency wants to eliminate some local bus routes that run infrequently to create faster service on major lines. SEPTA officials say the proposal will allow more routes to run every 15 minutes or better, seven days a week between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. SEPTA also wants to do away with bus routes in 10 suburban communities and replace them with a whole new mode of public transit. Microtransit would be mobile, on-demand services that riders can request by phone call or a new SEPTA app that is still in the works. Daniel Nemiroff, manager of planning programs at SEPTA, said the proposed changes will meet the needs in “areas of higher density, higher demand,” weighted with demographic factors like income and race. Read more here.
Source: WHYY; 12/5/2022
New law intended to help attract, retain junior firefighters
Junior firefighters will now have an earlier opportunity to access the training they need to become full firefighters across Pennsylvania. Act 155 of 2022 allows junior firefighters, age 17, to train on live-burn, interior firefighter modules. Currently, only those 18 and older are allowed to do so. The measure helps to ensure that junior firefighters are immediately able to serve as full-fledged firefighters once they turn 18.
Source: Daily Local; 12/5/2022
Bucks County
BCWSA approves sewer connections for two major construction projects, bond issue
The Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority (BCWSA) board of directors approved sewer service for two major construction projects in Lower Bucks County. Sewer service was approved for phases I and II of the Prickett Preserve commercial and residential development in Lower Makefield, and for the St. Katharine Drexel LP project in Bensalem. The Lower Makefield project includes a Wegmans supermarket and 200 apartments. The Bensalem project will redevelop the former Drexel shrine property into a senior housing and nursing complex. The BCWSA board also floated a 25-year, $197.6 million bond issue to finance capital repairs to its aging infrastructure.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 12/1/2022
Resident opposition and court ruling stop Northampton Wawa
The Court of Common Pleas of Bucks County recently ruled that the Northampton Zoning Hearing Board acted incorrectly when it upheld the township zoning officer's determination last May regarding a proposed Wawa store. The zoning officer had determined that allowing Wawa to install more than a dozen fuel pumps shouldn't change the lot's primary use designation as a retail store. The case pitted a group of residents against the township's zoning hearing board and developer Provco Pinegood Northampton LLC. The court found that the zoning hearing board “abused its discretion” and reversed the determination of the zoning officer. The proposed plan would have built a 5,585-square-foot Wawa with more than a dozen fuel pumps at 287 Holland Road.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 12/7/2022
Taxes lowered in Upper Makefield
Upper Makefield Township supervisors approved a municipal budget for 2023 that reduces the millage rate by 0.8 mills to 6.45 mills. A mill is equal to $1 of every $1,000 of a property’s assessed value. A residential property assessed at the township average of $68,745 will pay $443 in township real estate taxes in 2023. Township Manager Dave Nyman reported that “nearly all” of the property tax is for debt payment on open space purchased over a 20-year period and, as that is paid down, the property tax rate can be reduced. Upper Makefield also collects an earned income tax of 0.5%.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 12/1/2022
Nockamixon concludes three-phase tax increase
Concluding a three-phase tax increase it began in 2021, Nockamixon Township is including a one-third mill increase for its 2023 budget, bringing the tax rate to 7 mills. The one-third mill increases in 2021 and 2022, and now for 2023, were cited as needed for increased support for fire service. Supervisors also recently authorized an upgrade for the township website, after officials received numerous complaints about the existing site.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 12/1/2022
Chester County
Rechargeable trains may link West Chester to Philly via Wawa
West Chester Borough Council unanimously passed a resolution in support of SEPTA and Chester County studying a cheaper alternative to connect the borough to downtown Philadelphia by rail. The borough rail committee has pitched plans for a $16 million West Chester Metro that is significantly less expensive than a conventional commuter/regional rail line. The Metro would shuttle between West Chester and Wawa, where SEPTA restored commuter rail service in August, running on existing SEPTA right-of-way where tracks still remain. Direct SEPTA train service from West Chester to Center City ended in 1986 due in part to a lack of riders. Reestablishing conventional rail service would cost at least $380 million. SEPTA representatives have reported that its $12 billion, 12-year capital budget contains a $4.6 billion backlog on critical repair projects, making conventional commuter rail unfeasible. The Metro, alternatively, would use cheaper, battery-powered light rail Class 230 trains built by Pittsburgh-based Railroad Development Corporation. The line would use recycled London Underground cars. The trains, which would have two-car shuttles to carry 194 passengers, would make stops at West Chester, West Chester University, Westtown, Cheyney University and the new Wawa station, where commuters would connect with existing SEPTA trains to reach Center City Philadelphia. The travel time from West Chester to Wawa would be 12 minutes, with plans for 21 round trips daily.
Source: Daily Local; 12/6/2022
Panel discusses transportation issues in Chester County and PA
Transportation in Chester County and across Pennsylvania was the topic of a panel discussion hosted by the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry’s government affairs committee. The meeting was attended by Yassmin Gramian, Pennsylvania secretary of transportation, as well as industry experts. Among the topics discussed were projects being completed in Chester County and across the commonwealth, projects continuing to work through processes of funding and policy, as well as the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, electric vehicles and infrastructure grid demands.
Source: Daily Local; 12/2/2022
123 acres in Westtown to be farmed organically
The Westtown School has a new farmer to oversee the fields that sprawl across a fifth of its 600-acre campus south of West Chester, one with a new mission. Christa Barfield of Philadelphia, who serves marginalized communities through her FarmerJawn Agriculture, said the partnership would allow her to “close the loop” — linking the rural Chester County setting with her current suburban farming operation in Elkins Park. She said FarmerJawn will operate as “one complete food system for the Philadelphia region.” The 123 acres at Westtown School will become 100% organic, she said, though certification is three years off because the fields had been sprayed with nonorganic pesticides. FarmerJawn will farm half of Westtown School’s acreage and run the existing market on Route 926, growing for local businesses, co-ops and chefs. The market, which operated under the name “Pete’s Produce” until the recent retirement of farmer Pete Flynn, will hire at least five employees and eventually include a community-supported agriculture business (CSA), prepared foods, and other locally grown and sourced products.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 12/7/2022
Taxes hold steady in Birmingham
The Birmingham Township Board of Supervisors approved a 2023 budget with no tax increase. Supervisors Chairman Scott Boorse said it’s at least the 14th consecutive year without a tax increase. The budget calls for anticipated revenue and expenses to be $2.33 million with a millage rate of 1.6 mills. Supervisors also voted on a three-year contract with Good Fellowship Ambulance. Good Fellowship will continue to provide ambulance services to the northern part of the township from January 2023 through December 2025. The contract will continue with automatic one-year renewals unless either party terminates the agreement with written notice at least 90 days before the end of the contract or extension year. Payments are based on the percentage of calls per municipality Good Fellowship covers. Birmingham’s portion for 2023 is $7,351.
Source: Chadds Ford Live; 12/6/2022
Tredyffrin Township supervisors will consider an ordinance establishing the 2023 real estate tax rate as 2.682 mills, an increase from the 2022 rate of 2.569 mills. Taxpayers will receive a discount of 2% if they pay within the discount period of Feb. 1 through March 31, and a 10% penalty if they fail to pay by May 31. The ordinance will be considered for adoption at a hearing on Monday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. at the township building, 1100 Duportail Road, Berwyn.
Source: Daily Local; 12/5/2022
Delaware County
Delaware County’s 2023 budget unveiled
Delaware County Council unveiled its $840.8 million 2023 budget proposal, which contains no tax increase. Council intends to continue funding programs and policies found in prior budgets, such as the overhaul of the Human Resources department, while planning and implementing new initiatives. The release highlights a new “no wrong door” program aimed at improving access to government services through a central “wellness line” staffed 24 hours a day, a new “zero waste” initiative to protect natural resources, and the creation of a land bank to reinvest in abandoned properties for new greenspace, residential and commercial development. “The FY2023 budget is the third consecutive budget that includes no new taxes as it makes unprecedented investment in the county’s post-COVID future,” said county spokesperson Adrienne Irving. Visit the county’s budget management webpage for more information. County officials described the budget proposal as a return to normalcy after the disruption of COVID. The council is expected to consider the budget for final passage at its meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 6 p.m.
Source: Daily Times; 12/4/2022 and Delaware County; 12/8/2022
Radnor Township approves 4.5% tax hike
Radnor property owners will see a 4.5% hike in their township taxes next year, according to the budget passed this week. The extra tax revenue is needed to fill a roughly half-million dollar budget deficit. “The bottom line is that the general fund needs about $564,000 to balance for 2023,” Radnor Township Manager Bill White said during a board meeting in November. The tax increase in the 2023 budget hikes the millage rate by 0.1028 mills to 2.3865, equaling about a $68 increase for the average homeowner. Township officials said the millage increase would generate $657,000. According to White, a small surplus from the $657,000 will help offset any decline in business taxes. Pennsylvania state law mandates a discount period of 2% if taxes are paid within 60 days after the bills are mailed. “An overwhelming number of properties in Radnor pay in the discount period,” White said. Radnor Township is one portion of a property’s total taxes. Based on current tax rates, for a home with an assessed value of about $547,000, the school district tax is about $7,800, Delaware County tax is about $1,640, and the township’s portion is $1,250.
Source: MainLine Times and Suburban; 12/2/2022
110 Park project moves to Swarthmore planning commission
The proposed 110 Park Ave. development is a mixed-use development project planned in the heart of Swarthmore Borough. After some opposition to the plan arose, a potential compromise was put forth in July that would change the building’s footprint to an “L” shape with approximately 80 feet of frontage on Park Avenue. The design would allow for the preservation of the green space that exists adjacent to 104 Park Ave. While the building would still be five stories high, setbacks would continue to be employed to minimize its imposition on the streetscape. Notably, the plan now being considered is to maintain the Celia Building in the design — including the building’s façade and existing retail spaces, which may be combined into a single space. The apartments above the retail space would remain, as well. The next step in the process will be for the project to go in front of the Swarthmore Planning Commission during a public meeting at the Park Avenue Community Center at 129 Park Ave. on Thursday, Dec. 15, at 7:30 p.m.
Source: The Swarthmorean; 12/2/2022
DCCC to open a new campus at former Prendy building in Upper Darby
Delaware County Community College (DCCC) is anticipating breaking ground on its new Southeast Campus on the site of the former Archbishop Prendergast High School in Upper Darby, with the goal of serving 2,000 students at the location. “It is going to be wonderful for that community and Delaware County as a whole,” said DCCC president Dr. L. Joy Gates Black. Last month, the community college received $66.5 million from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to open the campus, which will include the Center for Workforce Development and Community Success. The center will be for associate degree and certificate programs in high-priority careers, such as advanced manufacturing, electro-mechanical, machine tool and computer numeric control technologies. The former Archbishop Prendergast High School building was closed in 2012 and sold to the community college in 2019. Construction will begin in spring 2023 and is expected to take two years.
Source: Daily Times; 12/1/2022
State funding for Delaware County projects reaches $47 million
The Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program announced a list of projects approved for state taxpayer grant funding, and more than a dozen Delaware County projects are in line for over $47 million. One of the noteworthy awards will be $2 million for the Upper Darby Community Center. The Sun Centers Studio Corp. was awarded the largest grant in the county at $10 million. The grant will go for the construction of state-of-the-art sound stages and production support spaces and workshops to create an East Coast production hub for major film and television studios. View the full list of Delaware County grant recipients here.
Source: Daily Times; 12/3/2022
The Borough Council of Media will consider for adoption a proposed ordinance fixing the property tax rate at 2 mills for 2023, a 0.2-mill increase from the current rate of 1.8 mills. The proposed ordinance will be considered at a regular public meeting held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 15, at the Borough of Media Building, 301 N. Jackson St.
Source: Daily Times; 12/5/2022
Montgomery County
Towamencin government study commission begins work
Towamencin Township’s new Government Study Commission held its first meeting on Dec. 6. The commission was authorized after being approved by voters on the November ballot. The ballot question was part of the long-running saga of the sale of Towamencin’s sewer system. In 2020, township supervisors began a year of study to see if it was financially feasible to sell Towamencin’s sewer system to a private firm. Fast forward to February 2022 when bid results arrived, then to two public town hall meetings in April, and then to May when supervisors voted to sell the system. During that time a “Towamencin Neighbors Opposing Privatization Efforts” (NOPE) group mobilized residents to speak out against the sale, citing loss of control over local sewer rates and projections of high increases. NOPE members reacted to the sale vote by announcing plans to seek to rewrite the township’s charter to create “home rule provisions” to try to stop the sale, securing placement of the ballot question. The next meeting of the Towamencin Government Study Commission will be on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023. Read the full article here.
Source: The Reporter; 12/5/2022
Montgomery Mall facing an uncertain future
Retailers and shoppers of the Montgomery Mall are awaiting an update on the status of the sale of the shopping center. Kohan Retail Investment Group of Great Neck, New York, purchased the mall for $55 million after two rounds of bidding in a foreclosure sale around November 2021. Currently, the mall is a dilapidated version of its once-popular glory — the escalators have been inoperable for months and vacant retail and food spaces abound. Retailers have not heard any plans to lure holiday shoppers to the mall. Kohan has a history of reinvigorating malls, but it also has a track record of poor management. The 1.1-million-square-foot Montgomery Township property, which sits on 105 acres, was appraised at $57.6 million.
Source: NorthPennNow; 12/7/2022
Purolite opens new manufacturing facility in Montco
Purolite, a global provider of high-end ion exchange resins, has opened a new pharmaceutical manufacturing facility at 3700 Horizon Blvd. in King of Prussia. The new 74,000-square-foot plant initially creates 75 new jobs. The plant is the company’s fifth manufacturing facility globally and will produce ion exchange resins for healthcare development and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Purolite is headquartered in King of Prussia.
Source: Pottstown Mercury; 12/6/2022
Pottstown Borough Council member to resign Jan. 1
Pottstown Borough Councilman Michael Paules, who represents the Sixth Ward, has announced he will resign effective Jan. 1, 2023. Paules has struggled to attend meetings in person due to a changed work schedule and cites the inability to fulfill his obligations as the reason for the resignation. There are two years left on his term. Council will have to select an interim replacement for Paules after his resignation becomes effective. Then the seat will be filled for the remainder of the term by voters during the next election, which will be the primary in spring 2023.
Source: Pottstown Mercury; 12/5/2022
Housing permitting in Philadelphia cratered in 2022 after a surge last year
Philadelphia is on track to see the lowest number of housing units permitted for construction in nearly 10 years by the end of 2022. That slump notably comes after a banner year, with the equivalent of several decades’ worth of new construction projects green-lit just in 2021. The drop-off is the result of local policymaking, especially the curtailing of the city’s 10-year property tax abatement at the close of 2021 and a faltering national economic climate. Read more here.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 12/7/2022
Tower crane operators would get mandatory breaks under a city council bill
Crane operators in Philadelphia often stay in their crane compartments all day. They eat and use the bathroom in the same small space. Dan Mitchell, a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 542 and the State Board of Crane Operators, explained that unpleasant scenario is one that tower crane operators live through during each shift at construction sites across Philadelphia. Council is considering legislation that would require supervisors to give tower crane operators breaks of at least 30 minutes every four hours. Supervisors also would have to allow operators to leave the crane for restroom breaks at any time. Currently, breaks are allowed, but they are not required, and most operators stay in their crane for the majority of their shifts. During breaks, supervisors would be allowed to assign another operator to continue working the crane, according to the bill, which council members moved out of committee last week. How the requirements would be enforced is an open question. And the building industry raised concerns that requiring operators to climb up and down hundreds of steps multiple times per shift presents its own safety hazard. Councilmember Mark Squilla, who introduced the legislation with Councilmember Mike Driscoll, said the bill came about from his visits to construction sites and conversations with workers, who told him about staying up in the cranes all day.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 12/7/2022
New web tool lets users access refinery pollution data
A new website lets users learn about air pollution from refineries across the country — and it’s partially the work of researchers in Philadelphia. The Refinery Air Watch website, which was built by a team at Drexel University, takes data about toxic air pollutants collected at refineries across the country — including the former PES refinery in Philly — and makes it easy to compare and download. It launched earlier this month. Nearly three years after the PES refinery closed following an explosion, levels of cancer-causing benzene found at its property line are still higher than many operating refineries. The site mainly uses data that refineries submit to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about the cancer-causing chemical benzene. Refineries are required to monitor this chemical along their property boundaries and report the data to the EPA quarterly, under the 2015 Petroleum Refinery Sector Rule. The website’s goal is to make the data accessible to communities near refineries and researchers. It identifies weeks of “unhealthy air” measured at the refinery fencelines, using the California Office of Environmental Health and Hazard Assessment’s Reference Exposure Level for non-cancer effects.
Source: PlanPhilly; 12/3/2022
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