Court says real estate license not required to manage short-term rentals
The Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court issued a decision essentially ruling that a real estate license is not required for individuals who are engaged in short-term vacation property management services. The case has been bouncing around the courts since 2017. Read the full article here.
Source: PAR JustListed; 11/3/2022

How data can power community planning
The latest edition of On Common Ground — a twice-per-year publication from the National Association of Realtors focusing on smart growth — explores the collection and use of big data in many aspects of community planning and management, and end-user experiences. The article covers topics including housing needs assessments, healthy communities, transportation, the financial impacts of land-use laws, parks, sustainability and resilience, and ensuring that all residents benefit equally.
Source: Nar.realtor; 11/2022

Where to find general election results
Full statewide election results can be found at the Pennsylvania Department of State website. For local election results, visit county websites:

• Bucks County Board of Elections
• Chester County Voter Services
• Delaware County Elections
• Montgomery County Voter Services

The Inquirer has created a simple and comprehensive election results tracker, as well, though it does not include results for ballot questions.

Lower Makefield starts public process for possible development of Snipes tract
The Snipes Tract has been a frequent topic of debate in Lower Makefield Township. Several plans have been drawn up since the township acquired the 30-plus acre parcel in 2000. Recently the board of supervisors voted 3-2 to begin the public process for the development of the parcel into a township recreation site. Supervisors Daniel Grenier and John Lewis voted against starting the process, saying the township should first wait until a study of Macclesfield Park is completed before taking any more steps on Snipes. Macclesfield is the township’s busiest recreation complex, and an $88,835 study will tell township officials what improvements are possible at Macclesfield to accommodate more games, and how many fields might be needed at Snipes, if any, to meet the demand of sports leagues. Residents in the area are hoping for a passive recreation plan for the parcel.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 11/3/2022

Talks continue on proposed West Rockhill warehouse
The West Rockhill Township Zoning Hearing Board heard several hours of testimony and questions regarding the Derstine Foodservice Distributor proposal to build a cold storage building near Route 309. The company is seeking a variance from township rules that limit building height to 35 feet in the permitted industrial zone, to instead allow a roughly 298,000-square-foot building that would be built in two phases and have a maximum height of 120 feet. Dozens of residents turned out for the meeting to have their say on the building height, noise levels and traffic. The hearing is slated to continue on Wednesday, Dec. 7, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Tylersport Volunteer Fire Company, 125 Ridge Road. No new advertisement or notices will be made since the hearing is a continuation, said zoning board solicitor Christen Pionzio. For more information visit the West Rockhill Township website.
Source: The Reporter; 11/3/2022

Tinicum supervisors and planners challenge warehouse land development project
A real estate lawyer and civil engineer recently pressed Tinicum Township supervisors for final land development approvals for a four-warehouse land development venture in Ottsville. Property owner Chris Spinieo is seeking approvals so he can begin the marketing phase for occupants of the development site. The board and the planning commission raised concerns about how the plans had changed over time for the four warehouses, and sought clarity on which uses are “approved” and which uses are “reserved.” In 2019 and again in June 2021, a list of uses was recommended that fell within G3 warehouse zoning parameters. In September 2021, G13 conditional zoning had become a part of the development plan and, at that time, “the currently proposed plan uses conformed,” according to the township’s solicitor. Spinieo’s lawyer maintained they “are following the Tinicum codes as they are written.” Ultimately a waiver was authored by Tinicum’s solicitor, Steve Harris, that was agreed upon and the final land development plans were approved. It states that, prior to approvals of the final build plan, the applicant must reply to all conditions stated in the county engineer’s review, and that the applicant is required to obtain permits for seven uses under G13. If any further uses are requested, they must apply back to the zoning board. Read more here.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 10/27/2022

Durham Springs to reopen under new ownership
Durham Springs, previously known as Cascade Lodge, will open again as a wedding venue. Located on Lehnenberg Road in Durham Township, Durham Springs closed during the COVID-19 pandemic but has since been purchased by Landmark Developers. No formal applications have been made to the township, although Landmark added the property to its website among its portfolio of holdings, describing the property as “exquisite, custom and unique.” The venue can accommodate parties from 70 to almost 300 and boasts proximity to Bethlehem, Philadelphia and New York City.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 11/3/2022

Westtown residents approve tax hike for Crebilly preservation
Voters in Westtown Township overwhelmingly voted in favor of a referendum approving a tax increase to preserve Crebilly Farm, which holds a small piece of American Revolution history. The vote allows the municipality to purchase 206 acres of the 308-acre farm for $20.8 million, which will be paid mostly through grants. But it also triggers the go-ahead for Natural Lands, a nonprofit trust, to raise money to purchase conservation easements on the remaining 102 acres and severely limit building on the property, helping keep most of the 308 acres of the farm intact. The township planned to use a mix of federal, state and county government grants, as well as fundraising, to cover most of the purchase cost. However, it still needed $7.5 million to pay its share and turned to taxpayers in a ballot question. Voters approved the measure, 3,459 to 1,745. The earned income tax will increase from 1% to 1.08% and the real estate tax will go from 3.5 mills to 3.92 mills. According to the township, a household earning $100,000 would pay an additional $80 in local earned income tax. Meanwhile, a home with an assessed value of $250,000 would pay an additional $105 per year. Read more at the Inquirer.
Source: Inquirer; 11/9/2022

Expert to talk about potential of Kennett’s alleyways and courtyards
Urban designer and author Thomas Dougherty will speak at the next How We Build Matters speaker series event on the potential of human-scaled infill development along Kennett Square’s alleyways and inner block spaces. Dougherty, who has written a book called “The American Alley: A Hidden Resource,” says Kennett Square has an underutilized resource in its alleys. Accessory dwelling units are one of the possibilities that alleys provide. The event will be held on Thursday, Nov. 17, at 6:30 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church of Kennett Square, 211 S. Broad St. The event will be interpreted live in Spanish and also live streamed.
Source: Daily Local; 11/5/2022

Coatesville gets $25K grant for outdoor fitness center
The Alliance for Health Equity was presented with a $25,000 grant from the American Water Charitable Foundation for the Greening Coatesville Initiative and Outdoor Fitness Center, as part of the foundation’s 2022 Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program. The fitness center will be in Victor Abdala Sr. Park, a 3-acre park between Olive Street and Lincoln Highway. The park is surrounded by grass and a nearby playground, adjacent to Scott Sixth Grade Center, and it is considered the gateway into the city from east to west.
Source: Daily Local; 11/8/2022

Parkesburg to consider tax to support emergency services
Parkesburg Borough Council will consider imposing a tax of up to 0.5 mills for the purpose of supporting emergency management services. It is estimated that a half-mill of real estate taxes will generate approximately $62,000 in revenue. The new tax will be considered at a meeting on Monday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m. at Parkesburg Borough Hall located at 315 W. First Ave., Building 1.
Source: Daily Local; 10/28/2022

Willistown Conservation Trust adds 12 acres to Kirkwood Preserve
Willistown Conservation Trust (WCT) announced the addition of 12 acres to its Kirkwood Preserve through local, county and state grants. “Kirkwood Preserve is a special place,” said WCT executive director Kate Etherington. “Nestled among privately conserved lands, its protection preserves an important greenway, scenic vistas, important habitat for grassland birds and other species, meadows abundant with pollinators, and a prime section of Crum Creek. Additionally, Kirkwood provides ample recreational activities for the community with miles of pedestrian and equestrian trails.” With the additional 12 acres comes a new trail within the preserve — one that will provide access to many more miles of trails on adjacent conserved lands throughout the Willistown countryside.
Source: Daily Local; 11/7/2022