SEPTA service cuts set to begin on Aug. 24 due to legislative impasse
SEPTA will move ahead with 20% across-the-board service cuts starting Aug. 24 despite a Pennsylvania Senate bill that would temporarily redirect unused transit capital funds to operations. At a state House Rules Committee meeting, SEPTA general manager Scott Sauer said the Senate plan — $1.2 billion over two years from capital funds plus $43 million annually from internet gaming taxes — is not a sustainable fix and would harm long-term infrastructure needs. The Democratic-led House Rules Committee voted along party lines not to advance the Senate proposal, arguing the funding source isn’t viable and could delay critical safety upgrades. SEPTA faces a $213 million operating deficit driven by chronic underfunding, pandemic impacts and rising expenses. Under the Senate bill, SEPTA would get about $26 million annually from gaming taxes; under Gov. Josh Shapiro’s separate plan, it would receive $168 million in the first year. House Minority Leader Jesse Topper questioned why cuts must proceed if the Senate bill’s money could be available soon. Planned cuts include eliminating 32 bus routes, shortening 16 others, ending special event services, lengthening wait times between vehicles, and reducing midday service on rail, trolley and subway lines. Fares are set to rise 21.5% on Sept. 1. If funding arrives after Aug. 24, it would take at least 10 days to restore normal service.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 8/13/2025

NAR secures win for veterans with VA Home Loan Reform Act
President Trump has signed into law H.R. 1815, the VA Home Loan Reform Act, which aims to make permanent the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' temporary policy allowing veterans to directly compensate their real estate agents, ensuring they can participate in the housing market on equal footing with other homebuyers. The National Association of Realtors has championed efforts to ensure veterans can access professional real estate representation, securing a 2024 temporary suspension of a VA policy that barred them from paying for such services.
Source: NAR; 7/31/2025

How to contact the SRA
The Suburban Realtors Alliance (SRA) can best be contacted via our online Contact Us page, by phone (610-981-9000) or by email (sra@suburbanrealtorsalliance.com). These channels ensure the quickest response for our members. We encourage members of our two shareholder associations — the Bucks County Association of Realtors and Tri-County Suburban Realtors — to reach out to us with questions or concerns about municipal regulations, use-and-occupancy inspections, and other issues related to real estate and local government. The Alliance does not provide legal counseling, but staff can provide guidance on navigating local ordinances, understanding inspection requirements, and addressing other municipal matters that can impact real estate transactions. The SRA, which serves real estate professionals across the Philadelphia suburbs, also welcomes general inquiries through these channels. “These resources are here to help our members work more efficiently and stay compliant with local rules,” Jamie Ridge, SRA president and CEO, said. “Whether it’s a complex municipal issue or a quick question, we want to make sure our members know exactly how to reach us.” 

Amazon data center in Falls gets on the fast track
Gov. Josh Shapiro visited the Keystone Trade Center in Bucks County to promote the PA Permit Fast Track Program. The program speeds up permitting processes for high-impact economic development projects in the commonwealth and is helping Amazon Web Services rapidly move forward with a data center in Falls Township at the Keystone Trade Center. The $20 billion data center to support AI is the largest private investment in Pennsylvania's history. It is expected to create thousands of jobs, from tech to construction and supply chain, and make Pennsylvania a leader in AI and advanced technology. The project is one of six fast-tracked projects statewide.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 8/8/2025

Pulte acquires Eisenhower Elementary property in Levittown
Pulte Homes has purchased the former Eisenhower Elementary property in the Levittown section of Middletown Township from the CIBC Foundation for $4.1 million. Westrum Development Co. secured approval for 66 townhomes on the 14-acre site from Middletown Township, but never acquired the land. Pulte Homes will make good on an original plan to donate $200,000 to Middletown Township to create a trust fund to provide buyers with down payment assistance — an idea first discussed when Westrum was seeking approval for the townhomes. Pulte plans to begin construction in the fall and demolish the former elementary school. The three-story townhomes will have three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and a two-car garage, and be 2,300 to 2,400 square feet in size. Home sales are planned to begin in spring 2026 and are expected to start in the upper $500,000 price range.
Source: Philadelphia Business Journal; 8/11/2025

Joint zoning decision will allow EV charging stations on residential properties
Wrightstown, Upper Makefield and Newtown townships recently passed regulations that permit the setup of charging stations for electric vehicles at single-family and multi-family residences, and manufactured homes. The three municipalities regulate zoning matters through a jointure. The ordinance also addresses the use of charging stations at nonresidential properties like commercial, industrial and institutional sites, and allows the stations to be open to the public, and a fee charged. There are three levels of electric vehicle chargers differentiated by equipment type, power level and charging speed — Level 1 is a common 120-volt household outlet charge, while Level 2 and Level 3 require upgraded electrical equipment and professional installation. According to the Bucks County Planning Commission, there are 64 Level 2 and six Level 3 stations totalling 171 individual charging posts in the county.
Source: The Reporter; 8/3/2025

Lower Makefield ZHB splits decision on townhome project
A 3.55-acre parcel in Lower Makefield Township that has received attention from Bucks County Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R, PA-1) has received partial approval of two requested variances from the township’s zoning hearing board. The board approved a housing type variance that means all of the townhomes can be connected to at least one other home. The board declined to approve a second variance seeking to build 16 townhomes instead of 15, a decision Zoning Hearing Board Chair James Dougherty said was a compromise with neighboring residents. The next step for the developers will be to present their revised plan to the planning commission as they continue with the land development process.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 8/7/2025

Pennsbury to hold public meeting for high school project
Pennsbury School District officials have scheduled a public Act 34 hearing on a proposed new high school. The hearing will be held on Thursday, Sept. 4, at 7 p.m. at Fallsington Elementary School. A requirement of the Pennsylvania Public School Code, the hearing will allow residents and district employees “to review all relevant matters related to the planning, designing, constructing, furnishing and equipping of the new high school,” according to district spokeswoman Jennifer Neill. The total cost for the project is estimated to be capped at about $269.5 million with the building construction cost set at $212.4 million — but if the building expenditure increases by about $4.7 million, a voter referendum will be required. District officials will not know if the construction project will need voter approval until it is put out to bid. Find out more on the Pennsbury School District project information page.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 8/11/2025 

Parkesburg Borough to consider ordinances impacting rentals
Parkesburg Borough Council is set to consider two proposed ordinances later this month that could affect rental properties and landlords. The first measure would replace the borough’s existing rental ordinance, No. 492, and establish annual licensing and biannual inspections of rental units. It also outlines application requirements, inspection procedures, fees, penalties for noncompliance and an appeals process. Borough meeting minutes have mentioned a new rental inspection program, but details have not yet been made public. The second ordinance would create a “crime free residential rental housing” program. It includes a provision that three disruptive conduct incidents within 12 months would result in eviction — a requirement that appears similar to language already found in the current rental ordinance under Section 8-D. The proposal also addresses landlord and tenant duties, permit suspension and reinstatement, and enforcement procedures. Borough council will consider both ordinances at its Thursday, Aug. 21, meeting at 7 p.m. at the Parkesburg Municipal Building, 315 W. First Ave. The Suburban Realtors Alliance has requested copies of both proposals to better understand their potential impact.
Source: Daily Local; 8/9/2025

Kennett Township shares results of meeting with PECO
Kennett Township officials met with PECO representatives to address ongoing concerns about power reliability, following sharp criticism from Supervisor Geoffrey Gamble earlier in the month. Township Manager Alison Dobbins called the meeting productive, saying PECO provided updates on work affecting five of the township’s circuits and acknowledged 2024’s storm-related challenges. She said the utility is increasing vegetation management in Chester County. Gamble, who previously accused PECO of inadequate service and called for possible legal action, described the session as “enlightening” but said the township will track performance before filing any formal complaint with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
Source: Chester County Press; 8/13/2025

East Goshen reminds residents about solicitation rules
East Goshen Township officials are reminding residents that solicitation without a permit is prohibited under the township’s peddling and solicitation ordinance. According to Ordinance 169, a township-issued permit is required for anyone selling goods or services, soliciting donations, or distributing printed materials. Permitted solicitors receive a photo ID badge that must be worn and visible at all times. Religious or noncommercial canvassing does not require a permit if no sales or donations are involved. Solicitors are barred from entering a residence without an invitation and must follow permitted hours — 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Residents can opt out of solicitation by joining the township’s “Do Not Call/Knock” list, available along with the full ordinance and current permit holders at the East Goshen Township website. Unauthorized solicitation or safety concerns should be reported to 911 in emergencies or to the Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police non-emergency line at 610-692-5100.
Source: East Goshen Township; 8/8/2025 

Oxford is working on a comeback
Nearly two years after a devastating fire destroyed four buildings and displaced 90 people, Oxford Borough is pressing ahead with major redevelopment projects aimed at restoring and improving its downtown. The September 2023 fire leveled nearly half a block, including the historic Oxford Theater. That theater is now slated for a comeback. Oxford Mainstreet Inc. is leading the renovation effort, with the borough serving as the public grantee. The borough has secured funding for other improvements, including the Niblock Alley Redevelopment Project, a public-private partnership that will create a borough-owned road with dedicated parking, sidewalks, lighting, benches, trash receptacles, stormwater upgrades, and a decorative fence along the railroad embankment. Read more at the Chester County Press.
Source: Chester County Press; 8/6/2025

Chesco Partnership to End Homelessness seeks partners
The Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness is looking for partners to support its mission. Becoming a partner is free and open to any organizations, businesses, landlords, housing developers and individuals committed to ending homelessness. There are three types of partners: organizational, individual and housing solution. Learn more here.
Source: Chester County; 8/7/2025