FAQ: National Flood Insurance Program expires March 11
The National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP’s) authority to provide flood insurance is currently set to expire at midnight on Friday, March 11. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) is making every effort to secure a long-term reauthorization of the program. NAR has provided answers to frequently asked questions about what this means for upcoming closings and several proactive steps your clients can take in the meantime. Congress is expected to attach a longer NFIP extension to a broader spending package being negotiated in coming weeks. NAR is urging the longest extension possible while Congress continues working toward a five-year NFIP reauthorization and reform measure. NAR is in regular communication with Congressional leaders and the White House about the NFIP.  NAR is coordinating with a broad coalition of industry groups to support a long-term reauthorization. Read more here.
Source: NAR.realtor; 2/18/2022

PA Supreme Court approves new congressional map
The PA Supreme Court, via a 4-3 vote, selected a new congressional map submitted by the Carter petitioners, a group of Pennsylvania voters who brought a lawsuit asking the state courts to take over congressional redistricting. The map has been described as the “least change” option among the proposals under consideration, with nearly 90% of residents staying in the same district. An interactive version of the Carter map can be found in an Inquirer article from January. The court also announced it will not move the date of the May 17 primary, opting instead to adjust some of the earlier deadlines for candidates.
Source: Spotlight PA; 2/23/2022 and Inquirer; 1/27/2022

Mariner 2 status: Completed, or still under construction
News of the completion of the controversial multibillion-dollar Mariner East pipeline system that connects the vast Marcellus Shale gas field in western Pennsylvania to an export terminal near Philadelphia is misleading, according to a Chester County activist and a state lawmaker. Last week the Associated Press reported that Energy Transfer said that construction work on its Mariner East pipeline network was completed this month. The announcement was included in the company’s fourth-quarter earnings report. The Texas-based company, which faces criminal charges that it befouled waterways and residential water supplies during pipeline construction, said it was preparing to put the newest pipeline into service. The Mariner East 1, Mariner East 2 and Mariner East 2X pipelines are designed to carry propane, ethane and butane from the Marcellus Shale and Utica Shale gas fields to a refinery processing center and export terminal in Marcus Hook. The pipeline passes through Berks, Chester and Delaware counties. State Rep. Danielle Friel-Otten (D-155), of Uwchlan, said that work continues on a portion of the 16-inch Mariner East 2X pipeline in Delaware County — the last leg of the project that runs across the state. Moreover, Friel-Otten and activist Ginny Kerslake said that Energy Transfer still must continue working on the restoration of worksites that were damaged during the construction process, and complete the cleanup of Marsh Creek Lake following a spill of drilling fluid there. Sunoco Pipeline, Energy Transfer’s subsidiary, is expected to dredge part of the contaminated lake and pay more than $4 million in fines for the 2020 spill.
Source: Daily Local; 2/20/2022

America's racial homeownership gaps
America's racial homeownership gap is perhaps the best living example of the consequences of a long history of widespread, pervasive discrimination. The 43% homeownership rate for Black Americans significantly lags the national average (65%). Compare that to the rate for White Americans (72%) and the contrast is even more stark. A recent letter to the editor from National Association of Realtors (NAR) CEO Bob Goldberg notes this as the most consequential civil rights issue of our day. Alongside a steering committee of representatives from the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, the National Fair Housing Alliance, the Mortgage Bankers Association and the Urban Institute, among others, NAR recently helped launch the Black Homeownership Collaborative — a coalition intent on creating 3 million net new Black homeowners in America by 2030. The initiative, known as "3by30," identifies seven programs and policy areas for action, including broadening of access to mortgage credit, a nationwide increase in housing supply, and a targeted down payment assistance program. An NAR study from earlier this month  — The Double Trouble of the Housing Market — shows these factors have made circumstances particularly bleak for Black Americans. The research examines the impact of rapidly escalating home prices and diminishing inventory on housing affordability in America.
Source: NAR.realtor; 2/16/2022

PA’s Broadband Development Authority forms
Gov. Tom Wolf recently announced the creation of Pennsylvania’s Broadband Development Authority. In December, Wolf signed House Bill 2071 to create the authority as a one-stop shop for all things broadband. The authority will manage at least $100 million in federal aid to coordinate broadband access across the state. “Broadband is as essential today as electricity and water. But there is a digital divide in Pennsylvania,” Wolf said. “This Broadband Authority will close the divide and ensure consistent, affordable, quality statewide broadband to keep children learning, businesses growing and opportunities abounding for all Pennsylvanians.”
Source: Lower Bucks Times; 2/16/2022

Plans moving ahead for former Drexel shrine property
In 2018, Aquinas Realty Partners was selected from 300 bidders as the firm tasked with the redevelopment of the former Shrine of St. Katharine Drexel in Bensalem. The property is special to Aquinas president Len Poncia, who grew up in Bensalem and had wedding photos taken on the tree-lined grounds. When bidding on the property, Poncia knew he wanted to keep some of the buildings intact while redeveloping the rest of the property. The project — AQ Katharine Drexel Estates — will include 90 market-rate townhomes, 260 active-adult rentals for people over the age of 55, and a 300-bed capacity senior living facility with both assisted living and memory units. The developer has received preliminary and final land development approvals, and subdivision approval, but the pandemic slowed construction work throughout the region. Poncia said despite the pandemic, he hopes to begin construction at the site within the next year.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 2/22/2022

Springfield’s financial outlook improving
Springfield Township Manager Jason Wagner reported that the township’s financial picture has gone from “bleak to better.” The township was forced to borrow from the capital reserve fund last year to cover a deficit. According to Wagner’s fiscal year review, a boost in real estate transfer and earned income tax revenues, as well as the local services tax and cable tv franchise revenues, allowed the township to exceed its budget by $352,300 — making the transfer from the capital reserve fund unnecessary. Despite the township’s improved outlook, major questions remain about the long-term financial viability of its fire department and the township’s ability to attract businesses that would generate a reliable tax base. Discussions on a tax to fund the fire department and the Upper Bucks EMS are planned for the spring.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 2/17/2022

Doylestown Borough tax collector aims to help residents
Doylestown Borough tax collector Michelle Crunkleton maintains a website for information on borough property taxes. Crunkleton has added information about programs and opportunities that can help reduce property tax payments, including paying during the discount period and applying for the homestead/farmstead exemption. Click here for more information.
Source: Doylestown Borough; 2/2022

Quakertown announces water/wastewater assistance program
The Borough of Quakertown has announced a partnership with the Department of Human Services to assist households with their home water bills. The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is an emergency water assistance program created by the federal government due to the COVID-19 pandemic to assist families experiencing hardship with their water and wastewater bills. LIHWAP will assist Pennsylvania families who are behind on their bills to ensure their services remain active. Click here for more information.
Source: Quakertown Borough; 12/2021

Reminder: Bristol Township drops resale inspection, permit still required
As of Jan. 4, Bristol Township no longer requires any inspections or certifications for residential resales. A Residential Change of Occupancy Permit is required, so that the township can update its database and make sure all existing permits have been closed out prior to the sale of a home. All certifications, including chimney, heater and electrical, are no longer necessary, nor is a resale use and occupancy permit. The sewer lateral inspection is still required for all resales in the Croydon Wastewater Treatment Plant Service Area. The Residential Resale Change of Occupancy Permit Application can be downloaded here.
Source: Bristol Township; 1/2022

Construction of townhouse development begins in Kennett
Construction has commenced on a 53-unit townhouse development with a mixed-use building — called Kennett Pointe — on a 13-acre site near the intersection of East Cypress Street and Ways Lane in Kennett Township. Work is currently being done on the building that will house apartments and ground-floor retail space, with the construction of the townhomes expected to start soon. Once completed, the property will feature green spaces, walking paths, several public squares and an art studio. The project was brought to life through local developer Don Robitzer’s collaboration with the community. Its consideration — and the possibility of more projects like it — resulted from a 2015 Kennett Region Economic Development Study undertaken by Kennett Square Borough, Kennett Township and Kennett Collaborative. The proposed development was thought-provoking and the first of its kind for the township, according to Diane Hicks, director of planning and zoning for Kennett Township. Kennett Pointe’s first townhomes are expected to be ready in late summer, while the mixed-use building will be completed in early 2023.
Source: Daily Local; 2/19/2022

Chester County committee starts work on pandemic funding
A committee of volunteers has begun work to create a system that requests, reviews and prioritizes proposals for Chester County’s share of funds from the federal American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA). The county has received $102 million from the legislation — $51 million a year for two years — and must spend the money by the end of 2024. The 36-member committee is evenly split between county government employees and nongovernmental county residents. “The ARPA funds provide us with a unique opportunity to make strategic investments to ensure all of our industries and communities impacted by COVID-19 can be restored, and even strengthened,” County Commissioners Chairwoman Marian Moskowitz said. The ARPA funds will be put toward behavioral health, areas of negative economic impact, premium pay for essential workers, and water, sewer and broadband infrastructure. The county’s goal is to focus on services to disproportionately impacted communities.
Source: Daily Local; 2/21/2022

West Chester Borough considers pitch for new banners for downtown
West Chester Borough Council is considering a proposal that would add at least 25 color banners downtown, at no cost to the borough. A minimum of 25 full-color graphic vinyl banners would be paid for by sponsors at $700 to $800 each per year, said Public Arts Commission Chair Jimmer Breen. The number of banners would be determined by the number of sponsoring participants. CGI Communications, the firm behind the idea, said the 30-inch by 72-inch banners could hang for up to three years and would “brighten and invigorate our downtown and drive traffic to our official government website, www.west-chester.com.” A small percentage of each banner will contain advertising, with local artists contributing their work with no financial compensation. Councilwoman Sheila Vaccaro said that, while she fully supports the arts commission, as a product designer she wondered if the artists might be compensated financially for their work. Artists were not paid for previous banner projects that hang above High and Gay streets. Councilman Bernie Flynn told Hudson that the borough’s public works department does not have the time available to perform installation. Action on this item was tabled by council.
Source: Daily Local; 2/22/2022

Downingtown school board vacancy to be filled
A long-standing vacancy on the Downingtown Area School Board that resulted from a 2021 election dispute will finally be filled. Republican Margie Miller, an elementary school teacher making her first run for elected office, will be sworn in as a school director representing Region 4 after the state Supreme Court on Thursday formally declined to hear an appeal of the election results filed by her opponent, incumbent Democrat Rebecca Britton. The state’s Commonwealth Court in January issued a ruling in which it found itself unable to reconcile which of six disputed mail-in ballots should be counted. With the Supreme Court declining to take up the case, Miller’s four-vote lead — 1,187 to 1,183 — remains in effect. Region 4 comprises a large portion of Uwchlan Township. Miller is expected to be sworn in at the board’s March 2 meeting.
Source: Daily Local; 2/21/2022 and 2/24/2022

Coventry Mall mulling options as its business model evolves
Coventry Mall may soon see better days as “The Shoppes at Coventry.” In December 2020, the Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust, which owns and manages six Pennsylvania mall properties, including Exton Square Mall, Plymouth Meeting Mall, Willow Grove Park Mall and Springfield Mall, emerged from bankruptcy. The company had voluntarily filed a Chapter 11 petition just one month before, calling the filing the “next step” in executing its financial restructuring plan. But this month the New York Stock Exchange warned the company it may de-list its stock due to its common stock failing to maintain a minimum average closing price of $1 per share over a consecutive 30-trading day period. The company issued a statement saying it planned to regain compliance, but the mall’s property manager isn’t so sure the big picture paints a bright future for mall owners. Plymouth Meeting-based Pennmark Management Co. has been working to reorient the retail spaces in Coventry to be outward-facing. Multiple options are being considered for the interior of the mall, including self-storage and demolition to create green space. Leases for current anchor tenants may impact decisions for the structure. Local zoning may not allow for some of the uses being contemplated. North Coventry Township Manager Erica Batdorf said no formal plans have been submitted to the township, either for zoning changes or otherwise. “We would welcome an overall master plan of the mall site to discuss opportunities with Pennmark further,” she wrote.
Source: Daily Local; 2/20/2022

Philly is poised to become the first U.S. city to run its own bank
Philadelphia is moving closer to becoming the nation’s first city to charter a public bank, with city council scheduled to vote March 2 on creating a Philadelphia Public Financial Authority (PPFA). Proponents believe it would help Black and brown entrepreneurs and provide much-needed financial services to disadvantaged residents. Critics worry about set-up costs, and question whether funds deployed by a public bank would truly be independent from political influence. The PPFA wouldn’t be a place for personal banking — yet. That would take a few more steps, said Councilmember Derek Green, who’s spearheading the initiative. But it would be able to provide loans for entrepreneurs and other financial services in economically distressed neighborhoods, with a goal to “enhance access to credit” for small businesses run by Black and brown residents, Green said. Loan discrimination has long existed in the U.S. private banking system. Philadelphia sued Wells Fargo for discriminatory lending practices as recently as 2017, eventually receiving a $10 million settlement. African American-owned businesses with employees only amount to 6% of similar firms in the city, while Latino-owned businesses make up 4%. That’s just one-tenth of all Philly businesses with employees, while those demographics make up nearly 60% of city residents. That’s one reason the PPFA will have “a preferential directive to serve the financial needs of underserved residents, small businesses and economically distressed areas,” per the pending legislation. The financial help will allow businesses to complete contracts, developers to secure projects without having to sell off properties to meet equity requirements, and entrepreneurs to be more prepared to handle the cash flow concerns that come with doing business, Green said. Pennsylvania law doesn’t allow cities to directly charter a bank, so the PPFA is part of a legal route around the prohibition. Read more here.
Source: Billy Penn; 2/22/2022

Researchers cite widespread lead contamination in water at Philadelphia schools
A group of researchers and advocates is calling on the School District of Philadelphia to do more to address lead in water in its schools, after releasing an analysis of the district’s own testing data that suggests widespread contamination. The district calls the analysis a “mischaracterization.” The analysis by PennEnvironment and PennPIRG crunched publicly available data collected by the school district over the past few years, and found nearly all schools tested had at least one outlet — like a water fountain or sink — that tested positive for lead. PennPIRG’s study uses a threshold of just one part per billion (ppb) to indicate the presence of lead, while the district uses an acceptable limit of 10 ppb — already below the state’s action level. The organizations counted 307 of the 1,932 samples taken above the district’s standard. The district says outlets that exceed its standard are immediately shut down. More than 60% of all outlets across 65 Philly public schools tested positive for lead, according to the analysis. It’s unclear how many of the outlets included in the advocates’ study are accessible to students.  
Source: WHYY; 2/16/2022