News Briefs Archive June 6, 2022
General News
Renters face bidding wars in competitive market
In the recent competitive real estate market, home buyers have often found themselves in bidding wars for limited supply. But demand for rentals is strong, too, and prospective tenants are facing bidding wars of their own, especially at the lower priced end of the market. Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com, said she was surprised when she started hearing last fall about bidding for rentals. But in the Philadelphia region and nationwide, the low supply of available rentals sets the scene for desperate acts. The rental vacancy rate in the Philadelphia metropolitan area in the first quarter of 2022 was 4.2%, according to Realtor.com. That’s down from 6.3% at the same time last year. “In a market that’s competitive, people are looking for any way they can to stand out and increase their chances of being the one to get the rental, just like we’re seeing in the for-sale market,” Hale said. As rents continue to rise, struggling tenants are stretching their budgets looking for homes. They don’t have the money to offer higher monthly payments — if they can even find a place. Read the full article here.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 5/31/2022
State offers guide to help seniors find resources and stay in their homes
Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Robert Torres announced the release of the 2022 edition of “Benefits and Rights for Older Pennsylvanians,” the commonwealth’s guide for resources serving older adults at the state and local levels. “Many older Pennsylvanians, their family members or caregivers may be unaware of the supports available to them or how they could go about applying for them. This book is a compilation of state services to help them pinpoint the programs that are particular to their needs or interests,” Torres said. “The Department of Aging is pleased to offer this year’s free guide as a way to assist older Pennsylvanians so they can age in their home and community with appropriate services that may be needed.” This year’s book also features an expanded section on housing programs with details on Shared Housing and Resource Exchange (SHARE) and Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity (ECHO). It provides information on the Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight program, known as PA MEDI, which offers free and objective counseling on Medicare insurance.
Source: Daily Local; 5/29/2022
Bucks County
Hearings to begin on proposed Hilltown development
A hearing related to zoning issues on a proposed age-restricted residential community in Hilltown Township is scheduled for Tuesday, June 7. Developer Lennar Construction has proposed The Venue, a 174-unit 55-and-older community in the area of Swartley Road and Route 309. According to township officials, the developer needs more time to prepare, so the hearing will open and then immediately be continued. Current zoning on the tract of land does not support the type of development Lennar wants to build, so the developer needs zoning changes or relief from township supervisors. A group of residents is opposed to the development, saying it could lead to more traffic, stormwater runoff that causes flooding, environmental hazards, intrusive lighting, the need to hire more police officers, and decreased property values for nearby residents. The continued hearing is expected to be held on Wednesday, July 6, and the township planning commission may hear about the project on Wednesday, June 20.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 5/26/2022
Golf is big business for some Bucks towns
Golf is government business in Bucks County, with the county and five of its municipalities owning their own golf courses and country clubs. Much of the revenue from the golf courses comes from the sale of food and alcohol. Successful courses in the county include those in Bensalem, Northampton and Warminster, which bring in millions of dollars in revenue every year, with the profits going back into the municipalities’ coffers. Some are losing money — Middletown's golf course has operated in the negative each year since 2017 and Bucks County can't say whether its Oxford Valley Golf Course generates income. Officials say the most important aspect of having a course is to preserve the space from housing, which can lead to additional traffic, increase demand for more municipal services, and add children to the schools. Visit Bucks County, the county tourism board, maintains a list of places to golf in the county.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 5/26/2022
Lower Makefield approves middle school renovation project
Lower Makefield Township supervisors recently approved a $30 million renovation and addition at Pennsbury School District’s Charles Boehm Middle School. The work will include a 7,845-square-foot addition with enlarged spaces for music, choral and drama classes, renovation of the cafeteria, renovation of bathrooms geared toward accessibility, and a new HVAC system including, for the first time, air conditioning throughout the school. Parts of Boehm will be elevated to prevent flooding, and there will also be extensive exterior work. The project is expected to start in the summer of 2023 and be completed in two years. Students and staff will remain at the school during the work except for the sixth grade, which will be temporarily relocated to Pennsbury High School in Falls Township.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 5/26/2022
Council Rock names new superintendent
The Council Rock School Board introduced Dr. Andrew J. Sanko as the district’s next superintendent. Sanko is a 33-year employee of Council Rock School District, beginning his career as a classroom teacher. He has served as a principal and currently holds the position of director of K-12 education.?His appointment follows a national executive search for qualified candidates facilitated by the Bucks County Intermediate Unit.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 5/26/2022
Ribbon-cutting ceremonies were recently held for the Sellersville Senior Residences, a government-subsidized affordable apartment complex constructed after seven years of work. Rents will be determined by income and limited to seniors ages 55 and older who earn between 20% and 60% of the median family income for the region. For example, a single person with an income of $14,670 per year would pay just $328 per month. A couple earning $42,200 annually would pay $790 for a one-bedroom unit or $946 for a two-bedroom apartment. The average Bucks County resident age 60 and older receives about $23,500 in Social Security income. Developers have struggled to construct affordable housing in Bucks County and have met resistance for affordable housing projects, even those involving senior citizens.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 5/27/2022
Chester County
East Whiteland leads PA population growth
East Whiteland Township saw the most growth in Pennsylvania between July 2020 and July 2021. It had the largest number of new residents in that one-year period — 866 people — and one of the highest rates of growth — 5.9% — in the state, according to the Pennsylvania State Data Center (PSDC). Township supervisor Richard Orlow, who is also an attorney and accountant, cited a number of factors behind the growth. Places like the 800-plus unit Atwater development on Route 29, luxury apartments like The Yards along Route 30, and the massive Worthington development off Route 202 were ready for occupancy just at the right time, he said. According to the Census statistics cited by the PSDC, East Whiteland now has an estimated population of 14,768, making it the eighth-largest-populated municipality in the county. (Tredyffrin tops that list with a population of 31,798.) Of Chester County’s 72 municipalities, 42 saw population increases, while 30 — including Tredyffrin, East Goshen, Uwchlan and Coatesville — lost population. The county itself continued overall growth in faster numbers than other counties in the state, leading the way with just over 4,000 new residents, a growth rate of 0.7%. Its population of about 534,400 make it the seventh-largest county in the state, behind Philadelphia, Allegheny, Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware and Lancaster.
Source: Daily Local; 5/30/2022
Town Tours and Village Walks kick off June 16
For its upcoming 28th season, the 2022 Town Tours & Village Walks program offers an opportunity for residents and visitors to learn about the “Founding Mothers and Fathers” who played a significant role in Chester County’s history. The series of summer strolls through historic neighborhoods, hamlets, villages and sites are back to in-person this year, instead of virtual, and will be held on Thursday evenings from June 9 through Aug. 18. The program will kick off with a celebration and Humphry Marshall Birthday Bash at the Chester County History Center, located at 225 N. High St., West Chester, on Thursday, June 9, at 5:30 p.m. Presentations will be followed by a tour of the northeast quadrant of West Chester and light refreshments. Each tour is designed to inform, entertain and educate about Chester County’s rich heritage and historic landscape. The tours are free to attend and begin at 5:30 p.m., lasting about 50 minutes, with the last tour leaving at 7 p.m.
Source: Daily Local; 5/27/2022
Proposed OJR $137M budget calls for 1.98% tax hike
The average Owen J. Roberts School District property owner would see a $121 increase in their annual tax bill under the $137.4 million proposed final budget adopted unanimously by the school board on April 19. The proposed budget, which is scheduled for final adoption in June, carries a 1.98% tax hike, raising the millage by 0.6587 mills, from 33.2712 to 33.9299. According to the budget summary prepared by the district, the average property assessment in the school district is about $184,000, meaning the 1.98% tax hike would increase that tax bill by $121. That figure does not include earned income tax or real estate transfer tax costs, which, combined, are up by $1 million over the previous year. Local taxes comprise roughly 78% of all the school district’s income with the state’s share getting smaller every year. Pennsylvania’s “Act 1 Index,” or tax cap, would have allowed the board to raise taxes by as much as 3.4% without going to the voters for approval. Spending is up 8.55% compared to the previous budget, while revenues are up by 4.83%. The budget closes the gap through a combination of the tax hike and more than $2 million taken from the district reserve fund.
Source: Daily Local; 5/26/2022
Uwchlan Township to consider chicken ordinance amendments
The Uwchlan Township Board of Supervisors will consider amending an ordinance pertaining to the raising and keeping of chickens. Sections of Chapter 265 will be updated and replaced with a new definition of “agricultural use” that exempts chickens, poultry or fowl, from the lot line setback. The proposed ordinance also updates Section 8 to add definitions for domestic chicken, chicken run or pen, and henhouse or chicken coop. The proposed ordinance requires that chickens be in an enclosed structure at all times, and limits the number of chickens as follows: 2 acre lots = 10 chickens; 1 acre lots = 8 chickens; 30,000 sq. ft. lots = 6 chickens; 22,000 sq. ft. lots = 4 chickens; 18,000 sq. ft. lots = 3 chickens. Structures must be set back 50 feet from adjacent residences, and 10 feet from the residence, and in the rear of a residence. Roosters are prohibited. A public hearing on the proposed ordinance will take place on Monday, June 13, at 7:30 p.m. at the township building, located at 715 N. Ship Road, Exton.
Source: Daily Local; 5/31/2022
Delaware County
Radnor school board approves property tax rebate program for some low-income residents
The Radnor Township School District Board of Directors unanimously approved a program that could give some residents a break on their local school property taxes. Radnor’s proposal goes with a state program that allows some residents, such as seniors, widows or widowers, and others, to qualify for a property tax rebate based on their income. During a presentation at a recent board finance committee meeting in early May, Brian Pawling, business administrator for the school district, said the state program is designed for homeowners earning under $35,000 per year or renters earning under $15,000. Other criteria include people over the age of 65, widows or widowers over 50, and anyone with a disability over the age of 18. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue’s website, the state’s program is one of five that are paid for through proceeds from the Pennsylvania Lottery. The amount of the state’s rebates depends on the income level. Homeowners earning up to $8,000 can qualify for a rebate of $650. At the higher end, property owners earning up to $35,000 could be eligible for a $250 rebate. Renters are also eligible for the state program since the property taxes are added into their rents. According to district data, 101 homeowners and 36 renters were in the state program. The total rebate for all residents added up to about $66,600.
Source: Main Line Suburban Life; 5/31/2022
Upper Darby council may have violated Home Rule Charter, solicitor claims
According to Upper Darby Township’s solicitor, some members of the township council may have violated Home Rule Charter regulations in their efforts to investigate alleged misappropriation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money. The township’s chief administrator, Vincent Rongione, put out a statement noting the legal conclusion of solicitor, the Law Offices of Sean Kilkenny, who said the Home rule Charter contains an express separation of powers that limits the council to legislative authority. The release named Council President Brian Burke and Vice-President Laura Wentz as having overstepped that authority, interfered in township administration and damaged the community. Violation of the Home Rule Charter could result in loss of office. The legal opinion from Kilkenny follows the release of an independent forensic investigation into the handling of the ARPA funds, which stated that there was no misuse of the federal money. The council also has an investigation into the standing of the funds, but it has not released any conclusions. Read more here.
Source: Daily Times; 5/27/2022
Haverford Township Planning Commission to review draft comp plan
The Haverford Township Planning Commission will hold a public meeting on Thursday, June 9, at 7 p.m. during which the draft comprehensive plan will be discussed. In Pennsylvania, a comprehensive plan establishes a vision for future growth and development in a municipality. Among other things, it outlines challenges facing the community, identifies potential solutions, and provides guidance to appointed and elected officials on community planning-related decisions. The planning commission must hold at least one public meeting prior to forwarding the proposed plan to the township board of commissioners for review and approval. Upon receipt of the comprehensive plan document, the commissioners submit the proposed plan to the Delaware County Planning Department for recommendations. At the same time, the township must forward copies of the proposed plan to all contiguous municipalities and to Haverford Township School District for their review and comment. The public comment period must remain open for at least 45 days, after which the board of commissioners must hold at least one public hearing prior to adoption.
Source: Haverford Township; 5/31/2022
The Ridley School Board recently approved full-day kindergarten at all elementary schools in the district, effective for the 2022-2023 school year. Until now, full-day kindergarten was offered in the Eddystone and Woodlyn elementary schools. It will now be in effect at all seven elementary schools. Kindergarten is not mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (DOE). “Students will be better prepared, especially for English language arts,” Ridley Superintendent Lee Ann Wentzel said. She noted that the DOE has set Sept. 1 as the cutoff for age requirements. Those students entering kindergarten must be 5 years old by that date, and first-graders must be 6 years old. Wentzel also presented the proposed final budget for 2022-2023 of $120.1 million, which represents a $4.7 million increase over the current budget. There will be a proposed millage rate increase in the school tax rate of 1.065 mills, for a new total of 24.749 mills. Wentzel cited underestimated collections of tax revenue due to pending tax appeals and the potential sale of Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park that would return the hospital to nonprofit status, removing the property from the tax rolls.
Source: Daily Times; 5/27/2022
Montgomery County
SRA rolls out public education campaign in Norristown
A campaign from the Suburban Realtors Alliance (SRA) aims to inform Norristown residents about the long list of costly inspections their municipality requires of anyone selling a home. The campaign — called Norristown's Costly Home Inspections Don't Add Up — includes targeted print mailers and digital advertising, all pointing to the campaign website. Norristown’s mandates are the most burdensome of any municipality in the Philadelphia suburbs and often come as a shock to residents. They bog down the settlement process and slice into homeowners’ equity. The list of requirements includes: interior and exterior property inspections; lead paint testing; heater and chimney certificates; and a sewer lateral inspection. The inspections themselves cost hundreds of dollars, and repairs can easily reach five figures. The SRA partnered with the consulting firm Real Strategies to conduct the campaign, which is rolling out now. In addition to making residents aware of the onerous mandates, the campaign materials encourage residents to enlist the services of real estate professionals to navigate the process and to contact their members of council about improving the situation. Read more about the campaign on the SRA blog.
Towamencin supervisors vote to sell sewer system
Towamencin Township supervisors voted 4-1 to sell the township’s entire sanitary sewer system, the sewer plant and all sewer amenities, and transfer all sewer easements to NextEra Energy for $115 million. The proceeds from the sale will wipe out Towamencin’s outstanding debt entirely, raise new revenue for parks and recreation, fire services and other programs, increase the homestead exemption amount to $76,000, decrease taxpayers’ property tax bills, and improve the intersections of Welsh and Orvilla roads, and Valley Forge/Troxel/Kriebel roads at Sumneytown Pike. Even so, a group of residents vehemently opposed the sale, preferring to keep the system as a township asset. The supervisors who voted to approve the sale outlined their reasons for doing so in an editorial published on NorthPennNow.
Source: North Penn Now; 5/27/2022
Historic North Wales tavern may be preserved after all
The 129-year-old former Colonial Inn/North Wales Hotel is on the agenda for the North Wales Township Zoning Hearing Board meeting on Tuesday, July 5. The last use of the property was McKeever’s Tavern, which closed in 2014 after 27 years in business. The property has been vacant since then. Two proposed uses for the building were previously denied by the borough — a four-story apartment building plan in 2014, and in 2017 a plan for 10 townhomes. This time, preservation and reuse of the original historic building is being proposed by applicant GPC Management LLC of Merchantville, New Jersey. The proposal includes a conversion of the original building into 11 apartments, the creation of new parking spaces and a garage, the construction of a 10,000-square-foot, three-story apartment building on the current parking lot site, the creation of commercial and café space, and a new alley to access parking.
Source: North Penn Now; 5/31/2022
Proposed development worries some in Narberth
A proposal to redevelop 11 older commercial properties in Narberth as part of a larger residential project, plus the prospect of three new apartment buildings, has some residents worried that the borough could lose its distinctive identity. Similar to other inner-ring suburban areas surrounding Philadelphia, Narberth is facing pressure to build more housing, especially apartments. While some people worry about the loss of character, others think it would be good for business. Officials in the borough have been creating development regulations — Narberth has new zoning requirements that limit the height of buildings along Haverford Avenue to two stories, and last fall the borough established a Historic Architectural Review Board that will examine any proposed changes to or demolition of properties. Read more here.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 6/1/2022
Worcester to amend a variety of items
The Worcester Township Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, June 15, at 7:30 p.m. at Community Hall, 1031 Valley Forge Road, Fairview Village, to consider enactment of Proposed Ordinance 2022-290. The proposed ordinance will amend the township code to: (1) prohibit tobacco use in township parks; (2) set background check requirements for solicitation permit applicants; (3) set certain solicitation permit terms; (4) prohibit stand-alone in-law suite structures; (5) establish setbacks for parking areas and driveways for medium-density, single-family detached dwellings in the R-AG-200 Zoning District; (6) amend fence types allowed in a front yard; and (7) set permitted hours for construction activity. The full text of the ordinance is available on the Worcester Township website.
Source: Times Herald; 5/27/2022
A third of Philly’s building inspectors have quit since 2019
An inspector shortage in Philadelphia’s Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I) is raising safety concerns. One union official cited a “mass exodus” of L&I inspectors that, combined with the city’s construction boom, has prompted concerns of another looming catastrophe. L&I has lost nearly a third of its inspector force between mid-2019 and the start of this year — about 50 men and women in all. Although many employers lost staff during the pandemic, inspectors left at a rate three times higher than the department as a whole. They are also leaving faster than they can be replaced. Last year, the department did not hire a single new inspector, and scores of vacancies remain. While the department has long struggled with an inspector shortage, officials blamed the lure of more lucrative jobs outside city government for exacerbating the problem. But in resignation letters and interviews with The Inquirer, seven former inspectors cited other factors, including: a crushing workload; disputes over pay and promotions; mismanagement by the current leaders; and suspected political interference resulting in a double standard for inspection work. The biggest losses have been in units that dispatch field inspectors. Excluding supervisors and staffers assigned to review construction plans, L&I employs just 48 code enforcement inspectors citywide today, while an additional 46 are assigned to inspect city construction or demolition sites, the agency says. The latter figure is not far above an all-time low in 2010, when the department employed 31 construction inspectors. Today, subdivisions such as L&I’s West District are down to two housing code enforcement inspectors for tens of thousands of properties across much of West Philadelphia. Read the full article here.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 5/26/2022
Philadelphia to consider creating Department of Aviation
Philadelphia City Council will consider an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to create the Department of Aviation, which would transfer the functions of certain city agencies with respect to the operations of the city’s airports to the newly created department. It would also provide for additional duties of the department, as approved by resolution of city council. The city council will also consider a proposed ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, titled “Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code,” by modifying when notice must be given regarding demolitions.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 5/27/2022
Email grassroots@suburbanrealtorsalliance.com to receive our weekly News Briefs. It's as simple as submitting your contact information so we can create a user profile.