School districts’ lawsuit over state funding heads to trial
In 2014, a group of Pennsylvania school districts, parents and advocacy organizations filed a civil lawsuit against state lawmakers for what they said is a severe underfunding of the public school system. Seven years later, the case is headed to trial starting on Nov. 12, and its result could mean drastic changes to how Pennsylvania funds public education. The case centers on spending disparities among Pennsylvania’s 500 school districts and the comparatively low percentage of K-12 education that is paid for by the state government — the plaintiffs say it is about 38%, compared to 47% nationally. Spending figures and test scores are among a dizzying array of statistics and studies expected as evidence. The trial could last well into January. The plaintiffs, including William Penn School District in Delaware County and five other districts with comparatively low property values and family income, argue the reliance on property taxes and what they consider inadequate state subsidies means richer districts spend much more per student, calling it “a system of haves and have-nots.” The result is that underfunded districts are more likely to have larger class sizes, less qualified faculty, outdated textbooks and other shortcomings, according to the 2014 complaint. But Republican legislative leaders, who are defendants in the case, say Pennsylvania’s educational spending compares favorably to other states and student achievement backs them up.
Source: Daily Times; 11/10/2021

Federal aid registration for Ida assistance extended to Dec. 10
Registration has been extended for residents and businesses affected by Hurricane Ida who wish to receive federal aid. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued the extension on Nov. 5 in a move that allows residents and businesses to register for assistance through Friday, Dec. 10. To apply for federal aid, visit FEMA’s Disaster Assistance website or call 1-800-621-3362.

How the Philadelphia region will benefit from just-passed infrastructure bill
The $1 trillion federal infrastructure spending bill will invest billions in the Philadelphia region and across the United States. One grateful beneficiary is the Delaware River Watershed Restoration Program. The watershed comprises 12,500 square miles of land in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Delaware that ultimately drain into the river directly or through tributaries. About 15 million people depend on the Delaware River for drinking water. The package also sets aside $1 billion for a proposal developed by U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans (D, PA-3) and colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus to reconnect urban neighborhoods around the nation split by highway construction years ago — places like Nicetown and Chinatown. Here are some of ways the region expects to benefit from the infrastructure bill:

• $11.3 billion for highway work and $1.6 billion to replace and repair deficient bridges over five years
• $2.8 billion over five years to improve public transportation statewide, including SEPTA
• $30 billion from an Amtrak Northeast Corridor improvement program could also go toward the massive Gateway Project
• $1 billion for a grant program for planning and construction of projects to reconnect communities
• $26 million in supplemental funding over five years to help with wildlife conservation and environmental programs

Read more details in the full Inquirer article.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 11/9/2021

Taxes steady in East Rockhill
The proposed 2022 budget for East Rockhill Township totals $5.9 million and maintains the current tax rate. If approved without change, it would be the fourth year that the township property tax rate will be 12.235 mills. According to tax information for the 2021 budget, the bill for a home assessed at the township average is $489. Each mill equals $1 of tax per $1,000 of assessed property value. The breakdown of the total millage is: 8.725 mills for the general fund; 1 mill for fire protection; 1.26 mills for building debt for the Pennridge Regional Police headquarters and the East Rockhill Township municipal complex; and 1.25 mills for long-term capital improvements. The board will vote at its Tuesday, Nov. 23, meeting on the proposed budget. Budget and meeting information is available on the East Rockhill Township website.
Source: The Reporter; 11/2/2021

Morrisville names acting superintendent
Morrisville School District superintendent Jason Harris announced in September that he will be leaving his position for the role of business management director in the Council Rock School District. Harris had been superintendent in Morrisville for three years. Sean Haines succeeds Harris as acting superintendent and is expected to remain in that role through June 30, 2022. Haines started in the district as a teacher in 2004 and has been the middle/senior high school principal since the 2017-2018 school year. Morrisville School District will launch a search for a permanent superintendent with a goal of a July 1, 2022, hiring.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 11/4/2021

Developer proposes warehouse to replace old hotel in Bristol Township
A development company has proposed a $10 million project that would raze an old hotel site in Bristol Township and replace it with a 110,000-square-foot warehouse distribution center. Located in the 6200 block of Bristol Pike, the Hammock Hotel was described in a state grant application as a “low-occupancy hotel within an otherwise prime industrial location.” The developer, BCCI Levittown, recently received a $250,000 state Neighborhood Assistance Program grant toward the proposed construction project. The logistics/refrigerated warehouse facility would have 135 parking spaces, six trailer spaces and 12 loading spaces on the 9.5-acre property. In its state grant proposal, BCCI Levittown promised to improve the stormwater management system on the property, which is bounded by Hardy Street, Airport Road and Delaware Canal State Park. The property is located within a federal Qualified Opportunity Zone, a program offering tax incentives for investments in distressed areas. The developer stated the redevelopment project would bring much-needed tax revenue to the township. The current property owner owes back taxes on the property for 2019 and 2020, according to the county. To move forward, the developer will need approval to change the existing commercial zoning, which does not permit warehousing and distribution uses, to one allowing heavy manufacturing, according to the Bucks County Planning Commission. The planners also noted several other zoning variances that would be needed.
Source: Bucks County Courier Time; 11/10/2021

Lower Makefield plans addition to bike trail system
Lower Makefield’s already extensive bike trail system will soon see a 3,400-foot addition along Woodside Road. The new eight-foot-wide paved trail is actually a continuation of a trail that runs from Lindenhurst Road and down Woodside to Merrick Road. The proposed extension will pick up at Merrick Road and continue along Woodside to Taylorsville Road. Once completed, the addition will give bicyclists uninterrupted safe passage from Lindenhurst Road to the Delaware Canal Towpath. The estimated $610,000 cost will be funded mostly with two grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, according to Township Manager Kurt Ferguson. The township hopes to advertise for bids early next year.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 11/2021

DEP extends comment period for Bishop Tube remediation plan 
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has extended the public comment period regarding its plans to remediate environmental contamination at the site of the former Bishop Tube facility in East Whiteland Township. Residents can submit public comments until Jan. 31, 2022, via email to RA-EP-SEROECB@pa.gov with “Bishop Tube Public Comment” in the subject line. DEP is proposing a combination of onsite chemical injections, soil mixing, engineering practices, institutional controls and long-term monitoring to remediate soil, groundwater and surface water contamination, as well as an impacted residential drinking water supply at the 13.7-acre site. Several industrial businesses manufactured stainless steel tubes and seamless stainless-steel products at the site from the 1950s until 1999, using hazardous substances like trichloroethene (TCE). According to DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell, the $8.1 million proposed plan would protect public health and the environment and is more cost-effective than other alternatives. State Sen. Carolyn Comitta (D-19), minority chair of the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, is encouraging residents to review the plan and submit comments.
Source: Daily Local; 11/7/2021

Historic Kennett Square to become Kennett Collaborative
For several decades, Historic Kennett Square has been a driving force behind the borough’s progress through its many events and initiatives, and partnerships with nonprofits and businesses. Its executive director, Bo Wright, recently announced a new name for the organization — Kennett Collaborative. The updated mission statement reads: “Kennett Collaborative makes Kennett thrive. We intentionally create programs and events that help Kennett become a more beautiful and welcoming community where all can belong and prosper.” Wright placed the rebranding into the larger context of the revitalization of Kennett Square that began 30 years ago with the Kennett Square Revitalization Task Force.
Source: Chester County Press; 11/3/2021

Oxford Brough considers fire marshal position
As Oxford Borough Council considers creating a borough fire marshal position, council members heard from Robert Weer, assistant township manager and fire marshal in nearby London Grove Township. As the relatively new fire marshal in that municipality, he is responsible for performing a variety of technical duties in support of the township’s local code enforcement program. “The intention of our program is to maintain life safety issues throughout our commercial and institutional properties,” Weer said. “We check buildings to see how prepared they are for an emergency. Not every property has fire sprinklers if they were built before a certain time. We check to make sure we have accurate contact information, or if the building can be easily accessed.” Weer said the program has decreased the number of false fire alarms and educated people on fire prevention. “Ultimately, we have saved lives,” he said. Council will continue to discuss the position and how it may fit into the Oxford Borough’s code enforcement program.
Source: Chester County Press; 11/1/2021

City council wants to help neighborhoods challenge developers in court
Philadelphia City Council will hold public hearings to explore the possibility of providing financial assistance to “disadvantaged” community groups that can’t afford to fight legal decisions made about development in their neighborhoods. Councilmember Cindy Bass said money shouldn’t stop residents from having a say about what comes into their communities, especially when a ruling made by the city’s Zoning Board of Adjustment stands in opposition to their wishes and the wishes of the district councilmember. The five-appointee commission hears appeals from developers and others seeking to build in ways that don’t comply with city zoning rules, which govern the size, scale and density of buildings, among other things. The body’s decisions are legally binding and can only be overturned in court, requiring community groups to hire lawyers if they want to appeal decisions. Read more here.
Source: PlanPhilly; 11/4/2021

‘Streeteries’ move toward permanence in some Philly neighborhoods
Philadelphia’s pandemic-inspired experiment with expanded outdoor dining is poised to end with “streeteries” becoming permanently legal in certain parts of the city. Philadelphia City Council’s Committee on Streets and Services approved an amended bill that would allow restaurants to serve diners in outdoor structures built over parking spaces in Center City, Old City, University City, East Passyunk and other specified areas. Eateries located outside of those boundaries would need a district councilmember to introduce an ordinance and the full council to approve the measure, keeping intact a longstanding practice known as councilmanic prerogative, which gives lawmakers considerable control over activities in their districts. The amended bill, introduced by Councilmember Allan Domb, represents a compromise — an earlier version would have expanded outdoor dining permanently across the city exclusively through a system of approvals run by the Kenney administration.
Source: WHYY; 11/9/2021