News Briefs for April 5, 2024
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Upper Makefield Township supervisors have taken steps to get the 119-year-old Washington Crossing Bridge on the National Register of Historic Places. The move came about after township officials learned of a plan from the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission to replace the bridge.
Photo: Michael Stokes (CC BY 2.0 DEED)
NAR and MBA urge GSEs and regulators to confirm support for buyer financing
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) along with the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) sent a letter to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the Federal Housing Authority, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac seeking confirmation that homebuyers will continue to have access to mortgage credit after the proposed settlement in the Burnett et al and Moehrl et al cases is complete. Specifically, NAR and MBA asked the regulators and GSEs to confirm that the custom of excluding seller’s payment of commissions for buyer’s agents will continue to be excluded from the limits on Interested Party Contributions. The confirmation is a critical piece of the post-settlement puzzle. The letter continues NAR’s efforts to engage the GSEs and regulators to provide near-term clarity to the market and members. The effort is one of several focused on supporting mortgage finance for buyers in the post-settlement environment.
Source: Nar.realtor; 3/27/2024
Philly area ranks 14th for office conversions nationwide
2024 has seen a record high planned office-to-apartment conversions nationwide, and the Philadelphia metro area ranks 14th for most conversions, according to a report by RentCafe. With more people working from home post-pandemic, employers continue to ditch office space. Since 2021, office-to-apartment conversions have more than quadrupled from 12,100 to 55,339 units. Office conversions now account for 38% of the 147,000 apartments in future adaptive reuse projects nationwide. In comparison, hotels (24%), factories (13%) and healthcare buildings (6%) are also being converted into living spaces. Most of the offices that are being converted are newer spaces, with the average age of office buildings to be transformed this year being 72 years old, which is 20 years younger than those previously converted. This year, Philly plans on converting 975 apartment units from office spaces, which is 19.1% of the region’s conversions and a significant increase of 136% over last year. Notably, of the top 20 metro areas making conversions this year, Philly has the greatest year-over-year change, with Phoenix, Arizona, coming in second at 114%.
Source: PARJustListed; 3/29/2024
Solar eclipse will occur on April 8
A solar eclipse will be viewable on Monday, April 8, across portions of the United States. The moon will travel along the path of totality in North America starting in northern Mexico. The shadow of the moon will pass into Texas a little before 1:30 p.m. local time, and then cover portions of the Midwest and East Coast and touch southeast Canada before it moves out to sea, according to NASA. Philadelphia is not in the path of totality but will experience about a 90% eclipse. Visit NASA’s eclipse website for more information.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 3/22/2024
Groundbreaking announced for 55-plus community in Bristol Township
Bristol Township officials announced a groundbreaking ceremony for the Villas at Greenbrook on April 5. The complex will take over much of the Firefighters and EMT Park at the site, which will be reduced to about one acre. Developer DeLuca Homes and Bristol Township officials worked out a land swap — the developer will install new park equipment at the small park and is giving the township 17 acres at the site of the old Washington Elementary School. The township plans to work with residents to design a park at the former school site. As for the Villas at Greenbrook, it will be a 55-and-up community comprised of three 24-unit apartment buildings, 15 four-unit quad buildings, two eight-unit flat buildings, two 10-unit flat buildings, and one 12-unit flat building with a clubhouse, pool and associated parking. DeLuca expects to market residences in the development between $370,000 to $499,000.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 4/2/2024
Upper Makefield looks to preserve Washington Crossing Bridge
Upper Makefield Township supervisors approved an expenditure to have a historical and preservation expert study and determine the eligibility of the 119-year-old Washington Crossing Bridge for placement on the National Register of Historic Places. Placement on the prestigious historic list would severely restrict changes to the roadway. The move came about after Upper Makefield Township authorities and residents learned of a plan from the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission to replace the bridge. Supervisors approved the study and a resolution stating they want to be “provided all information regarding the need for a bridge replacement” and should be consulted in advance about related decisions. The resolution also said replacing the current bridge with a wider and newer-looking span would be hurtful to the quiet, quaint village of Washington Crossing.
Source: The Advance; 4/2/2024
Bensalem activates red light cameras
Red light photo enforcement is now in effect at two busy intersections in Bensalem Township. Red light photo enforcement cameras are installed and active in all directions at Street Road and Knights Road, and the northbound and southbound lanes of Route 1 and Old Lincoln Highway. A 60-day warning window began on Monday, April 1. After that, a violation will mean a $100 civil penalty. Find out more from the Bensalem Township Police Department. Township officials could consider adding additional intersections if the pilot program successfully reduces accidents.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 4/1/2024
Hilltown Township manager retires
Longtime Hilltown Township Manager Lorraine Leslie has announced her retirement. Leslie has been with the township for nearly 32 years, as finance director and then township manager-treasurer. Officials noted that Leslie was a key part of a township leadership team whose acumen is a big reason that Hilltown has not increased the local municipal property tax rate for 13 straight years. The township is actively searching for a replacement, but no time frame has been announced.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 4/1/2024
Kennett supervisors give ‘OK’ to Parkside preliminary land development plan
The Kennett Township Board of Supervisors gave approval at a March 20 meeting to the preliminary-final land development plan for the Parkside real estate project in the township, with six conditions. The project, which will be developed by North Walnut Holding Company L.P. will be 16 acres and located on Walnut Road just to the south of Route 1. The proposed development will include seven single-family dwelling units, 76 multi-family attached dwelling units, 100 apartment units, 11 detached garages, and two parcels that will be developed for retail and commercial use. Of the 183 total dwelling units, 58 will be age-restricted. Access to the site will be provided through two entrances located along North Walnut Road, and the site is also proposed to include a crosswalk from the development to the entrance across the road to Anson B. Nixon Park.
Source: Chester County Press; 3/27/2024
Oxford Borough Council focuses on water department’s capital improvement plan
There are 22.3 miles of water mains and 140 hydrants in Oxford Borough. Maintaining the mains, treating water and supplying water to the homes of the residents of the borough is a huge job, and Oxford Borough Council is moving forward with a water department capital improvement plan. At the March 4 council meeting, Terry Funk, a project manager from the engineering firm Gannett Fleming, gave an update on the plan, which will be completed in two-year increments. Much of the first year could involve engineering, and one of the first projects will be a treatment plant. “We are focused on additional supplies of water due to the continued growth of Oxford,” Funk said. Water customers will see meter system upgrades, partially funded through a grant. Future regulations from the state and federal environmental protection agencies are also a concern. The mixing of water from Chester Water Authority with the borough’s wells will be studied, as the mixing might affect the chemistry of the water.
Source: Chester County Press; 3/13/2024
Willistown to make changes to peddling and soliciting ordinance
The Willistown Township Board of Supervisors will consider amendments to the peddling and soliciting ordinance. The changes will eliminate the curfew for peddling and soliciting and amend the rules of conduct. The amendments will be considered at a public hearing on Monday, April 8, at 7 p.m. at Sugartown Elementary School, 611 Sugartown Road, Malvern.
Source: Daily Local; 3/28/2024
Report details findings of air quality study in New Garden and London Grove
An overflow audience of area residents, elected officials and state experts in the areas of health, agriculture and the environment gathered at the New Garden Township Building on March 21 for a 2.5-hour forum on air quality. A recent report based on a study conducted by the state department of health evaluated the levels of hydrogen sulfide in New Garden and London Grove townships. The study was requested by state Rep. Christina Sappey (D-158) in response to complaints from several constituents who have reported persistent health conditions from the hydrogen sulfide odors in their neighborhoods and said the gas is corroding their appliances. Air quality monitors were set up in three areas — Avon Grove Charter School, the New Garden airport, and the New Garden Township building. There is evidence supporting the idea that hydrogen sulfide is emanating from nearby mushroom growing facilities. Read more here.
Source: Chester County Press; 3/27/2024
West Whiteland Township to hold open house
In honor of local government week, West Whiteland Township is hosting an open house on Wednesday, April 10, from 4 to 6 p.m. All ages are welcome to stop by and learn more about township government. As always, the public is invited to the board of supervisors meeting afterward at 6:30 pm. Learn more here.
Source: West Whiteland Township; 3/7/2024
Don Guanella property renamed Delco Woods, plans unveiled for mental health facility
At the April 3 meeting of Delaware County Council, the council renamed the 213-acre Don Guanella property in Marple Township to Delco Woods and county officials spoke about plans to use existing buildings at the site as a mental health facility. Two days earlier, the county filed an application for use permit with Marple Township to preserve its rights to use some of the buildings for office and residential services, according to county Executive Director Barbara O’Malley. “The county strives to provide quality health and human services for our residents, and one of the most needed services is residential support for those with mental illness so that they can transition back into the community from facilities that have a high level of care,” O’Malley said. Before being acquired by the county in 2021, Don Guanella Village was operated by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia as a residence and work site for developmentally disabled men for nearly 40 years. Councilmember Kevin Madden said the proposed mental health facility would “100% save lives” and no trees would be cut down for it. He said the facility, located along Sproul Road, could be cordoned off from the rest of the property, which will become Delaware County’s largest park. Councilwoman Elaine Paul Schaefer said she strenuously disagreed with the proposal. The county had previously pushed back on unsubstantiated rumors that immigrants would be housed at the Don Guanella site. Read more in the Daily Times, and find the April 3 council meeting video and documents on the county website.
Source: Marple Newtown Patch; 3/22/2024 and 4/1/2024 & Daily Times; 4/4/2024
Chadds Ford supports land purchase for preservation
Chadds Ford Township supervisors voted to contribute $250,000 to North American Land Trust’s (NALT) grant application to buy 17 acres at 1597 Baltimore Pike. Supervisors Chairman Samantha Reiner said the money would come from open space funds. The property is the former home of N.C. Wyeth and, most recently, the Camp family. The Camps sold the property to developer Wayne Megill last year, and now NALT wants to buy the property from him. Reiner said the property would be under a conservation easement held by the township, adding that NALT would operate the site much like it does Brinton Run Preserve. The land trust’s goal is preserving the site, adding trails that would connect with Walkable Chadds Ford, and providing a habitat for pollinators. In addition to the money, the township will also write a letter of support that NALT will use in its grant application with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Township Manager Lacey Faber said NALT must pay a $500,000 nonrefundable deposit with the application. The American Battlefield Trust would put up an equal amount, but they would forfeit the deposit if NALT fails to acquire the property. The asking price is $3.7 million, Faber added. The anticipated date of acquisition is sometime in 2025.
Source: Chadds Ford Live; 3/28/2024
Walking path opens to public at Rap Curry Athletic Complex in Yeadon
The William Penn School District has opened a new walking path for public use at the Rap Curry Athletic Complex at Kerr Field. The path is open daily from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. through the end of August, and until 5 p.m. from September through February. The $14.6 million Rap Curry Athletic Facility, located at 1100-1112 Baily Road in Yeadon, opened in November 2023.
Source: Yeadon Borough; 3/1/2024
Delaware County Controller’s office earns award
The Delaware County Controller’s office, under the leadership of County Controller Joanne Phillips, has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2022. Delaware County was one of just 14 Pennsylvania counties to achieve the honor. A copy of the comprehensive financial report, along with other financial reports and audits, are available on the controller’s office website.
Source: Daily Times; 4/2/2024
Markley Street Bridge in Norristown to close for one year
The Markley Street Bridge in Norristown will close on April 15 for a $7.8 million construction project. The stone arch bridge over Stoney Creek carries about 25,000 vehicles per day, according to PennDOT estimates. The 123-foot-wide structure will see its stone barriers replaced with concrete barriers, as well as other foundational improvements that will not impact the bridge's historic character. The structure, built in 1878, is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The closure will be in place on Markley Street between Marshall and Spruce streets. Elm Street will also be closed from Astor to Swede streets. See more from Norristown Patch.
Source: Norristown Patch; 4/1/2024
MCPC introduces web portal for proposed subdivision and land development reviews
The Montgomery County Planning Commission (MCPC) has debuted a proposed subdivision and land development reviews portal. The portal showcases all subdivision and land development proposals submitted under Act 247 from 2008 to present. It features an interactive map to explore past and current projects in any area of Montgomery County. Information about each proposal, including project details, plan documents and MCPC's review letter, are included. The map offers the ability to sort and filter by a range of categories, while also allowing users to explore the project site with aerial images dating back to 2005. MCPC believes the resource can foster greater collaboration and understanding between developers and municipalities, ultimately contributing to more informed decision-making and sustainable growth.
Source: MCPC; 4/2024
Riverfront project in Royersford gets a boost from the state
Riverfront at Royersford LLC aims to build a four-story housing, retail and entertainment development along the riverfront in Royersford Borough. The mixed-use project would be on a nearly 25-acre former industrial site along the Schuylkill River in Royersford, where 188 apartments, a 25,000-square-foot entertainment venue, restaurant and bar, and nearly 25,000 square feet of retail space were first proposed in 2019. Royersford LLC recently received $335,000 in funding from the Multimodal Transportation Fund, according to state Rep. Joe Ciresi (D-146). The latest grant will pay for Phase II construction of an eight-foot-wide trail along the Schuylkill River in Royersford Borough and Limerick Township, accommodating both pedestrian and bicycle traffic. The Riverfront project has received more than $4 million in state funding, including $1.4 million over two years to restore the former railroad trestle and an additional $1 million for infrastructure and site preparation.
Source: Pottstown Mercury; 3/29/2024
Proposed Wissahickon School District budget includes 5.3% tax increase
The proposed 2024-2025 budget for the Wissahickon School District is balanced — with the help of a proposed 5.3% tax increase. The school board voted to approve posting the proposed final $127.5 million budget that currently includes a tax rate of 24.42 mills. Board members emphasized that it is a proposed budget, and not final, despite the “proposed final” label. The board noted that the tax increase is the maximum increase allowed under the state’s Act 1 Index and it can be reduced prior to adoption of the final budget. The district has hosted budget workshops already on Feb. 21 and March 12, with a third scheduled for April 16 (and one May 13, if needed).
Source: The Reporter; 4/2/2024
‘Robot Dog’ joins Montco Sheriff’s office
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department announced the purchase of Spot, a robotic dog that will be used to assist in crime-fighting. Spot can climb stairs, open doors and "manipulate" various objects. It has a 360-degree camera system. The robot is strictly designed for searching and identifying, and officials noted that Spot has no "fixed lethal weapon system," nor does it have any facial recognition software, in accordance with Montgomery County sheriff's office policy and the charter of its creators, Boston Dynamics. The sheriff's office was supported by all three Montgomery County commissioners in purchasing Spot. See Spot run on the Boston Dynamics YouTube page.
Source: Norristown Patch; 4/1/2024
PPA is planning a crackdown on sidewalk parking and blocked curb ramps
The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) will target people who park on the sidewalk or block curb cuts or ramps at the corner. Both practices impact the mobility of people with disabilities. The agency will hire 30 new parking enforcement officers to focus on vehicles blocking sidewalks and ADA-accessible curbs, especially in neighborhoods beyond Center City, said executive director Rich Lazer. The new focus is in line with PPA’s emphasis on tackling quality-of-life problems in the city, an expansion of its traditional mission. The agency has a patrol unit looking for vehicles that are blocking bicycle lanes, and launched a popular program to tow abandoned vehicles. It also operates citywide red-light cameras and camera-speed enforcement along Roosevelt Boulevard. Fines for parking on a sidewalk or blocking access to curb ramps are $76 in Center City and $51 in other neighborhoods.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 3/27/2024
Studies intended to guide the city’s decision on a new Sixers arena are months overdue
The release of key analyses intended to help Philadelphia officials decide whether to let the Sixers build a $1.55 billion downtown arena is three months behind schedule. And none of the principal agencies involved could say when the studies might be complete. In the meantime, any city government action around the future of a massive Center City development remains in limbo. Councilmember Mark Squilla, a main actor in the contentious debate over the project, said he’s becoming concerned about the delay of the studies. The latest information he received was in mid-February, he said, when representatives of the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corp., which is overseeing the study process, told him the studies would be done by the end of March. The Sixers have received no update on the publication of the reports, and “the city is in full control of the studies and the timing of their release,” according to Mark Nicastre, a spokesperson for the team on arena matters.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 4/1/2024
Wagner course explores architecture and history of West Philadelphia
For well over a century, the Wagner Free Institute of Science has offered evening courses to curious Philadelphians at no charge. The Wagner is currently offering a six-week course on the history and architecture of West Philadelphia. “The story of West Philadelphia is the story of Philadelphia — both for good and for bad,” said Bruce Laverty, the teacher. The course covers more than 300 years of the neighborhood’s history — from its days as a separate municipality only accessible by ferry to the ongoing ripple effects of urban renewal. Participants will also learn how the railroads and the Great Migration shaped West Philadelphia, the seven years that “American Bandstand” was nationally broadcast out of a neighborhood studio, and how higher education institutions have influenced communities. The course will cover the impact of architects like Samuel Sloan, whose residential designs can still be seen throughout the neighborhood, and the rise of the “working man’s rowhome” following the Civil War. Laverty’s course is being held at the Parkway Central Library on Vine Street. The Monday classes began March 25 and run through April 29.
Source: PlanPhilly; 3/29/2024
Philly’s street sweeping season begins
Philadelphia’s annual street sweeping season is underway. Cars in certain neighborhoods must move once a week for the next several months. Pay attention to “No Parking” signs that emphasize Philadelphia’s street sweeping schedule, which runs from April through November. View more details and the cleaning schedule on the city website.
Source: 6abc; 4/1/2024
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