News Briefs Archive Dec. 19, 2022

General News

Here are NAR’s principles for flood insurance reform
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is essential to completing a half-million property sales each year, according to research by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). However, the NFIP as currently structured is unsustainable for policyholders and taxpayers alike. For these reasons, NAR supports a strengthened NFIP coupled with a robust private market to offer consumer choices and maintain access to flood insurance. NAR believes that:

NFIP reauthorization should be long-term.
To keep rates affordable, the federal government should offer pre-disaster risk mitigation options — including guaranteed loans, grants and buyouts for property owners to build stronger or relocate to higher ground.
Private flood insurance barriers should be removed so consumers can choose lower-cost options that meet federal coverage requirements.
Premiums should continue to align with the specific flood risk of each building while gradually phasing in full-risk rates for older properties.
Flood mapping should be modernized and completed throughout the nation.
Real estate disclosures should be improved at the state level but buyers and renters should have direct access to NFIP claims and disaster aid data.
The Office of the Flood Insurance Advocate should be fully supported in order to directly assist policyholders with flood insurance-related disputes.

Read the full position paper here.
Source: Nar.realtor; 12/8/2022

NAR advocates for commercial real estate
Learn about the National Association of Realtors’ advocacy efforts on the commercial real estate front in this new video. The impact of Realtors’ advocacy on protecting rights and advancing favorable policies has been critical in keeping the commercial real estate industry running.
Source: Nar.Realtor; 12/2/2022

Bucks County

Bucks Recorder of Deeds’ office clears up misinformation on death deeds
Bucks County Recorder of Deeds Dan McPhillips’ office recently put out a statement to clear up misinformation circulating on social media about transfer on death deeds: “The post circulating states, that to avoid probate on real estate, the heirs of an estate just need to bring an ID and death certificate into the Recorder of Deeds office. By doing this, the deed will then be signed over without probate. While there are some states in which this is valid, Pennsylvania is not one of those states. If you have questions about real estate transfers after the death of a loved one, our office suggests contacting a lawyer.”
Source: LevittownNow; 12/12/2022

Bucks, Montco and Philadelphia added to Department of Aging shared housing program
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging has announced that its Shared Housing and Resource Exchange Program, also known as SHARE, has expanded into five additional counties: Bucks, Lackawanna, Montgomery, Northumberland and Philadelphia. The program began five years ago as a pilot in Pike, Wayne and Monroe counties, and is also currently available in Carbon, Crawford, Adams, Union and Snyder counties. SHARE is an affordable housing choice that brings together home hosts who have extra room in their home with home-seekers who are looking for housing, in exchange for rent, help around the house or a combination of both. Program participants must be at least 18 years old and one of the individuals in the match must be over 60. To learn more about the SHARE program, visit the Department of Aging's website. Individuals can also call 888-801-7427.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 12/9/2022

Commissioners allocate $5.5M for county’s nonprofit EMS squads
The Bucks County Board of Commissioners unanimously allocated $5.47 million in federal COVID relief dollars to the county’s nonprofit emergency medical services providers. The allocation is from the money Bucks County received through the American Rescue Plan Act. The funding can be used to support payroll, provide recruitment and retention incentives, and to bolster staff education efforts. According to county emergency services director Audrey Kenny, EMS agencies saw a 5% decrease in calls early in the pandemic, leading to a loss of revenue.
Source: Bucks County; 12/9/2022

PFAS study test results come in; study is expanded
In the past month, 450 participants in an ongoing study of the impact of PFAS on human health have received the results of their blood testing. PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a class of several thousand different chemicals that are often referred to as "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in the human body. The study looks at PFAS contamination and blood levels in at-risk populations at seven sites in the United States. Eleven municipalities in Bucks and Montgomery counties near three former military bases make up Pennsylvania's only study area. They include: Horsham, Ivyland, Warminster, Warrington, Abington, Hatboro, Northampton, Upper Dublin, Upper Moreland, Upper Southampton and Warwick. The ongoing multi-site study will help researchers to better understand the full effects of the chemicals on human health and inform legislation on PFAS contamination in the future. The original study was approved for 1,000 adults and 300 children. Due to high interest, researchers have added an additional 500 testing slots. Anyone interested in the study can visit the PA PFAS website or call the hotline at 877-267-2890. Researchers have not published overall statistics or other findings yet, but the Bucks County Courier Times interviewed some residents whose results indicated high levels of the chemicals, including former state Rep. Todd Stephens, who called for the nationwide study back in 2015.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 12/14/2022

Quakertown superintendent to retire at end of school year
Quakertown Community School District Superintendent Dr. William E. Harner recently announced he will retire at the end of the school year. Harner has served in the district for nearly 10 years, helping transform it into a leading K-12 educational institution both in academics and the technology fields — including moving from unranked to being ranked seven years in a row with the U.S. News & World Report America’s Best High School Silver Award. Harner “created a culture of trust through transparency and communication,” according to a district statement, and his accomplishments include adding pre-k, full-day kindergarten, gifted curriculum, expansion of world language opportunities, more than doubling the number of AP course offerings, increased SAT scores, and increased student participation in technical education by 20%. Read more here.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 12/1/2022

Chester County

Emergency rental aid program relaunches
On Dec. 12, Chester County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) relaunched with new eligibility guidelines to support individuals and families facing court-ordered eviction, a utility shutoff, or a need for security deposits to secure permanent affordable housing. Since the start of ERAP, Chester County has allocated more than $30.5 million for nearly 3,000 households in need of assistance. Approximately $13 million remains to help those who meet the new guidelines. Read the county’s announcement here. To access Chester County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

Dial 211 or 866-964-7922 and follow prompts 2, 2, 2
Text your ZIP code to 898-211
Email info@211sepa.org
Chat with an agent at 211sepa website

Source: Daily Local; 12/12/2022

Kennett Township provides update on community sewer system
Currently, there are 20 families living on Ashford Drive, Red Oak Lane and Spruce Lane in Kennett Township whose homes are connected to the Ashford Sewer System, a community-based sewer configuration. Originally constructed in 1995 by Sumser/Sun Tech Associates, the system had issues right from the start that involved the need for nitrate removal and warranted citations and fines from the state Department of Environmental Protection. In 2006, Kennett Township took over the system. A new report lays out what’s required “in order to provide a common ground for the residents of Ashford and the township to move forward in a constructive manner.” The township’s director of finance and human resources, Amy Heinrich, said that the township’s goal is to provide a more regulated routine oversight process over the next 15 years that will include: inspecting and testing pump stations and tanks; checking wet wells for grease; conducting electric flow meter readings; providing clean-outs and pump-and-haul of the system; collecting effluent samples and coordinating laboratory testing; and providing the township with a monthly report. The current quarterly sewer rates stand at $541 per household — $2,164 a year — which Heinrich proposed will remain the same. Read more here.
Source: Chester County Press; 12/13/2022

Chester County seeks volunteers for authorities, boards and commissions
The Chester County commissioners invite residents to consider volunteering on the county authorities, boards and commissions. Descriptions for each of the open positions can be found here. To express interest in volunteering, complete and submit the interest survey.
Source: Chester County; 12/2022

Rents nearly double suddenly for residents of Union Court in West Chester
Several tenants at Union Court on Bolmar Street in West Chester Borough are in danger of losing their homes after their rents almost doubled. Some tenants received notices giving them days to decide whether to pay the increased rates or move out. Many of the 68 units built in 1965 are subsidized through the Chester County Housing Authority, and those renters would see smaller rent jumps. Longtime renters were told to pay or move out within 30 days. Borough Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste said that the condominium units house a tight-knit community. The owners of the Union Court property responded with an unsigned email noting that 30 days’ notice was what was required in the existing leases. The email read, in part, “In an effort to improve the complex with modern amenities and improve the standard and quality of living, the rental amounts needed to be increased.” Read more in the Daily Local News.
Source: Daily Local; 12/12/2022

Delaware County

East Lansdowne announces lead certification ordinance
East Lansdowne, the Lead-Free Promise project and a coalition of more than 60 organizations across the state announced a new lead certification ordinance in a continued effort to end lead paint poisoning in Pennsylvania. The ordinance requires rental property owners and child care facilities on older properties to test for lead paint hazards and certify that their properties are lead safe. In addition, when residents sell their older properties, they will also need to get their homes tested for lead.
Source: Daily Times; 12/14/2022

Habitat breaks ground on four Lansdowne houses
Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery and Delaware Counties broke ground at 40 Dudley Ave., Lansdowne, where four homes will be built. The group said the work is being done through a partnership with the Delaware County Veteran Affairs Office, and two of the four homes will be reserved for veterans and their families. Habitat said it is building 1,420-square-foot, two-story homes that will have four bedrooms, two baths, an open layout and a yard. The homes will be built to Energy Star standards and will be accessible. “Habitat MontDelco has always served the Delaware County community through our Critical Home Repair Program, but this is different. This project will provide four local families a home and an opportunity to build generational wealth,” said Rebecca Cain, CEO. The application to be a Habitat homeowner will be open from Jan. 10 to Feb. 10, 2023, at the Habitat website.
Source: Daily Times; 12/11/2022

No county-level tax hike likely in 2023, but all bets off after that
Delaware County might be able to hold the line on property taxes again in 2023, but that might be the end of an era. “The county over the longer run may not be able to meet its long-term needs without increasing revenues,” Delaware County Executive Director Howard Lazarus said while presenting a $361 million budget for 2023. Those revenue could include higher taxes as well as grant funding, he noted. With the passage of the 2023 budget that includes a tax levy of 2.999 mills, Delaware County has had nine years of tax stabilization. Read the full budget on the county website.
Source: Daily Times; 12/10/2022

Concordville Inn in line to become a rehabilitation hospital
The 245-year-old Concordville Inn is likely to give way to a 50-bed rehabilitation hospital. In November, Encompass Health Corp., owner and operator of 152 rehabilitation hospitals in 38 states, received approval from Concord Township for the inpatient facility. The new development does not include the adjoining 115-room Best Western Plus Hotel. The Concordville Inn website states the historic 1777 Inn at 780 Baltimore Pike sits on 20 acres.
Source: Daily Times; 12/13/2022

Delco’s DEI officer delivers first year-end update
During Delaware County Council’s Dec. 7 public meeting, the county's diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) officer, Lauren Footman, presented the 2022 Impact Report, detailing progress being made toward the county's goals. Footman joined the county in the spring. The DEI office has a broad mandate to review current government operations, including at the new health department. "In the last nine months, Delaware County has begun the long-overdue process of ensuring that every community has equal access to opportunity and that county services are being delivered in an equitable and accountable way," Footman said. In its first year, the office has focused on improving the diversity of the county workforce, expanding opportunities for purchasing and vending, and expanding awareness of the county’s goals across every agency. For more information on the DEI office, visit the county website.
Source: Delaware County; 12/9/2022

Montgomery County

Towamencin proposes 25% property tax increase
Towamencin Township taxpayers may face a 25% increase in property taxes after supervisors unanimously voted to advertise the 2023 budget for adoption. The proposed tax increase — 1.1315 mills — would make the total tax rate 5.6895 mills and generate an additional $900,000 in revenue for the township. A property assessed at $157,000 would see about $120 more in taxes, creating a total bill of about $600 for next year. A property assessed around $200,000 would see about an $800 property tax bill next year, per the report. Township Supervisor Joyce Snyder said if prior boards had been raising taxes gradually, the township would not be in this situation. The full article from NorthPennNow includes a few options for tax relief, including the Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion for primary residences, the PA-1000 Property Tax/Rent Rebate from the state and a similar one from the North Penn School District for eligible homeowners.
Source: NorthPennNow; 12/12/2022

Norristown council authorizes 6.25% property tax increase
Norristown Municipal County unanimously authorized a $40.39 million budget for 2023 that includes a tax increase to help close a nearly $2 million budget shortfall. The millage rate will increase 6.25% from 16 to 17 mills. The average taxpayer will pay an additional $70 per year in real estate taxes, which is expected to generate $889,000 more in revenue. Finance director Kathy Pfister also suggested the municipality redistribute $943,000 in municipal proceeds from the American Rescue Plan Act funds to help close the budget gap. Pfister pointed out to the council that the federal COVID-19 relief monies are “a short-term solution” that does not address the growing gap between expenses and expected revenue. There are several large-scale development projects in the future, including the Main and DeKalb property, the former Kennedy-Kenrick Catholic High School site, and the recently conveyed 68 acres of the Norristown State Hospital grounds. “Getting that 68 acres on the tax rolls is going to be the most consequential development that’s happened in Norristown in decades,” said municipal administrator Crandall Jones.
Source: Times Herald; 12/9/2022

Bucks, Montco and Philadelphia added to Department of Aging shared housing program
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging has announced that its Shared Housing and Resource Exchange Program, known as SHARE, has expanded into five additional counties: Bucks, Lackawanna, Montgomery, Northumberland and Philadelphia. The program began five years ago as a pilot in Pike, Wayne and Monroe counties, and is also currently available in Carbon, Crawford, Adams, Union and Snyder counties. SHARE is an affordable housing choice that brings together home hosts who have extra room in their home with home-seekers who are looking for housing, in exchange for rent, help around the house or a combination of both. Program participants must be at least 18 years old and one of the individuals in the match must be over 60. To learn more about the SHARE program, visit the Department of Aging's website. Individuals can also call 888-801-7427.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 12/9/2022

Collegeville tax increase attributed to trash removal and ambulance service costs
Collegeville Borough Council adopted a 2023 budget that adds a 0.35-mill ambulance tax and a 1-mill addition to the real estate tax, for a total millage of 7.55. The tax increase will cover additional costs of trash removal and ambulance services. The borough was in the last year of a five-year contract for resident trash and recycling at $224,000 per year. The lowest bidder for comparable trash service heading into 2023 was $482,000 — an increase of $258,000. Click here for new trash and recycling information. The ambulance tax will be dedicated to supporting the borough’s EMS services.
Source: Collegeville Borough; 12/2022

Philadelphia

Philly’s eviction diversion program is popular, but some changes might be coming
Philadelphia’s mandatory Eviction Diversion Program has brought renters facing eviction and property owners to the negotiation table with attorneys for a legal aid group. Agreements brokered have meant 7,000 people will be able to stay in their homes. Another 3,000 landlord-tenant pairs participated in mediation sessions facilitated by a neutral party. Nearly 80% of those disputes were resolved with an agreement outside of court, according to the city. Established by city ordinance, the pandemic-inspired program is guided by one goal: to settle disagreements between landlords and tenants outside of court and without an eviction filing, which can make it harder for tenants to secure safe and affordable housing in the future, even if a judge rules in their favor. At first, the acclaimed program dealt exclusively with disputes over back rent. Many of those cases were resolved with the help of state and federal dollars dispersed through a rental assistance program the city operated. The latest iteration of the diversion program requires landlords and tenants to spend 30 days trying to settle any rental disagreement, including ones involving property damage. Originally slated to expire at the end of 2022, the program is now poised to operate through the first half of 2024. Greg Wertman, head of HAPCO Philadelphia, the city’s largest advocacy group for landlords and property managers, said the diversion program lacks teeth, particularly when it comes to financial agreements to repay back rent. In landlord-tenant court, there’s a judge to enforce the agreement. The diversion program doesn’t have a similar enforcement mechanism. Changes could be coming to the program, including the possibility that the current version of the program becomes voluntary. But for now, it remains in place as a free, but mandatory process.
Source: WHYY; 12/14/2022

Philly landlord faces discrimination lawsuit over treatment of residents with housing vouchers
Amid an ongoing affordable housing crisis, a large Philadelphia landlord is facing a federal lawsuit for allegedly discriminating against prospective tenants with housing vouchers. Filed Thursday, the complaint alleges that ProManaged Inc. violated federal housing laws by openly barring voucher-holders from renting apartments in majority-white neighborhoods, while accepting them at properties in majority-Black neighborhoods. The vast majority of voucher holders in Philadelphia — about 80% — are Black, according to federal data. “So essentially what you have is a landlord that is limiting a majority Black group of renters to housing in majority Black neighborhoods. And when you limit a class of renters to specific neighborhoods like that, you see this starts to look like modern day redlining,” said Sari Bernstein, a staff attorney with the Public Interest Law Center, which is representing the Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania. Since at least July 2020, the company has advertised that they do not accept vouchers at certain properties in the Northeast, while accepting them at properties in Southwest Philadelphia. Some listings “unequivocally and unlawfully advertise ‘no Section 8,’” according to the complaint. Section 8 is a reference for the Housing Choice Voucher Program operated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The shorthand often carries a stigma rooted in hostility toward renters living in poverty. Nearly 20,000 Philadelphia households have vouchers, with the majority earning less than $20,000 a year.
Source: WHYY; 12/9/2022

Future of Center City discussion calls for better office design, more attractions
The future of Philadelphia’s downtown area could include an expansion of Center City’s residential footprint. A recent forum for city business leaders centered around the use of downtown office space and increased residential space. Paul Levy of the Center City District said while office workers aren’t completely returned in full force, the residential population has grown. “Tourists, conventioneers and regional shoppers are at 72% of pre-pandemic levels,” Levy said. “Office and other workers are at 57%, but residents are at 126%. There are many more residents living here now than in 2019.” Levy said many ideas were talked about at the event, including expanding the performance and event areas. Currently, Dilworth Plaza and Sister Cities Plaza hold events like the Holiday Village. Levy said bringing more events to plazas and office areas could make people feel more secure and increase their desire to come into the office, at least a few days a week.
Source: WHYY; 12/13/2022

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