SEPTA cuts begin to impact the region
Commuters in the Philadelphia area have faced crowded buses and skipped stops this week, following the first round of cuts to SEPTA. The nation’s sixth-largest public transit system, SEPTA is facing a $213 million operating deficit for the 2026 fiscal year, which began July 1. State legislators remain at a stalemate over funding. SEPTA recently eliminated 32 bus lines and shortened 16 other routes, and frequency to Regional Rail midday service will be cut next week. The Inquirer recently created an interactive tool — How will the SEPTA cuts impact you? (gift link) — showing how the transit cuts will affect different areas.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 8/26/2025

Lawsuit claims SEPTA cuts are unconstitutional
Consumer advocates and two SEPTA riders sued the transit agency in Common Pleas Court seeking to stop service reductions, arguing that the cuts unlawfully place a greater burden on people of color and low-income communities. The plaintiffs are asking for the court to order SEPTA to reverse the service cuts, which began Aug. 24. Facing a $213 million deficit in its operations budget, the transit agency chose to eliminate 32 bus routes and shorten 16 others, with a second round of cuts scheduled for Jan. 1, if needed. The lawsuit argues the approach violates the equal protection clause of the Pennsylvania constitution and civil rights statutes. “The result is a stark inequity: minority and low-income bus users bear the heaviest cuts while wealthier regional rail riders are protected,” it says.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 8/27/2025

Pennsylvanians to elect local tax collectors, auditors in November
When Pennsylvanians head to the polls on Nov. 4, many will vote on local offices like tax collector, auditor and controller — positions that shape municipal finances but often draw little attention. Nearly all of the state’s 2,560 municipalities elect tax collectors, who are responsible for gathering local property taxes and other taxes. The role requires minimal training but is considered lucrative, with an average salary around $50,000, according to Kutztown University professor Paula Holoviak. Fewer than half of municipalities elect auditors, who review government accounts but are not required to have accounting expertise. Read Spotlight PA’s full explanation of the local positions on the ballot here.
Source: Spotlight PA; 8/25/2025

Realtors support more broadband access
The term “broadband” is used to describe high-speed internet access provided by various telecommunications technologies, including cable, telephone wire and wireless. Broadband gives users the ability to send and receive data at volumes and speeds far greater than “dial-up” internet access provided over traditional telephone lines. A 2021 report from the FCC estimated that 14.5 million Americans still lack access to broadband internet service. Several international rankings indicate that the U.S. is lagging behind other nations in broadband accessibility, speed and cost. Americans pay more and get less for broadband service than many countries across the globe. Realtors support a comprehensive national policy to stimulate the deployment of broadband in underserved areas of the country, increase data capabilities and provide affordable broadband prices. Learn more about legislation on the issue.
Source: NAR; 8/2025

Homebuilder explains the high cost of building in PA
A recent article in the Philadelphia Inquirer noted that Pennsylvania is one of two states where a typical newly constructed home costs more than twice as much as an existing home. Andrew Kaye, a board member at the National Association of Home Builders and a past president of both the Home Builders Association of Bucks & Montgomery Counties and the Pennsylvania Builders Association, said a variety of factors are impacting the cost of home building in the state — high material and development costs that are magnified by volatile tariffs, delays caused by regulatory and local code and zoning inflexibility, a critical undersupply of housing, and financing challenges for developers. A recent conference with legislators brought some optimism to developers, who hope for meaningful reforms, including streamlined zoning, reduced fees, stormwater regulation adjustments and faster approval timelines.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 8/26/2025

Doylestown Township officials approve subdivision of mansion property
Doylestown Township officials approved plans to subdivide a property at 405 Edison Furlong Road. Approximately 50 acres will be divided into 11 large residential lots ranging in size from two acres to just over eight acres, and the existing 14,000-square-foot residence will remain on a 17-acre lot. The lots will be sold individually, with the buyer being responsible for the construction of the home. The project includes a conservation easement designed to protect woodlands on the property that will restrict future homeowners’ ability to raze or disturb natural features on their lots.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 8/21/2025

Middletown establishes stormwater advisory committee
Middletown Township supervisors recently established a permanent stormwater advisory committee to oversee stormwater issues and appeals related to the township’s new stormwater fee. Five new members replace an ad-hoc committee that assisted with the implementation of the stormwater impact fee that took effect earlier this year. The fee is $60 annually for single-family properties, with other residential and commercial properties assessed on a scale tied to impervious area. Assistant Township Manager Nick Valla said the new committee will also provide “long-term oversight and guidance for future stormwater improvements.”
Source: LevittownNow; 8/1/2025

Landmark at Dublin to hold September grand opening
Landmark at Dublin, a mixed-use project on Main Street (Route 313) in Dublin, will celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting in September. The project includes 78 studio, one- and two-bedroom luxury apartments, a gym, co-working space and 15,000 square feet of retail space. Rents start at $1,995 for a studio unit and range up to $3,160 for a two-bedroom apartment. The project was developed locally, led by Milex Construction, and joined by Suburban City Group and Keystone Partners Group. The developers state they have several letters of intent for some of the retail spaces.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 8/20/2025

Bucks planning commission warns of scam
The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office has issued a notice about a scam that is specifically targeting property owners currently working with the Bucks County Planning Commission. Scammers are sending fraudulent emails that ask for payment for an application approval fee. The fraudulent emails appear to come from the Bucks County Planning Commission’s board chair. The county clarifies that neither the board chair nor the board members send official correspondence regarding application approvals or fees. Similar scams have been reported in other parts of the country, indicating a broader trend of criminals targeting individuals and businesses involved in real estate transactions. Find out more at CrimeWatch Bucks County.
Source: The Reporter; 8/25/2025

Doylestown updates new resident packet
Doylestown Township has updated its new resident packet. The packet is a helpful resource to anyone new to the township or who wants to find out more about township services, parks and more.
Source: Doylestown Township 

West Chester addresses stormwater, Goose Creek flooding
West Chester Borough wants to hear from the public about the stormwater system and how to best protect the water quality and prevent high water levels during flooding, primarily at Goose Creek. In accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulations, the borough is updating its strategies to reduce phosphorus and sediment — two leading contributors to water quality issues in Goose Creek. The updated plans propose a series of techniques and projects designed to reduce quantities of the pollutants before they reach local streams. The Goose Creek watershed encompasses about 350 acres in the borough. Read more at the borough’s stormwater management page, which includes an interactive survey.
Source: Daily Local; 8/20/2025

‘Visioning’ session set for Honey Brook Township, Borough joint comp plan
The Honey Brook Township and Borough Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan update project was launched in July and will be completed over the course of 18 months. There will be a community visioning open house on Wednesday, Sept. 10, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Honey Brook Township Building, 500 Suplee Road. A webpage on the Brandywine Conservancy website will be used to share relevant project updates, meeting dates and materials throughout the process.
Source: Brandywine Conservancy; 8/2025 

East Goshen schedules 2026 budget meetings
East Goshen Township will hold a series of hybrid meetings to discuss the 2026 budget. All meetings will be held on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at the township building and via Zoom. The meeting dates and topics are: 

• Sept. 2 – Capital Budget, 5-Year Outlook & Other Funds
• Sept. 16 – 2026 General Fund Discussion
• Oct. 7 – Q&A: Ask about any remaining budget questions
• Oct. 21 – Reserved (if additional discussion is needed)
• Nov. 18 – Possible Adoption of Preliminary 2026 Budget
• Dec. 16 – Possible Adoption of Final 2026 Budget

Source: East Goshen Township; 8/2025

Nonresidents may now address West Chester Borough Council
West Chester Borough Council voted unanimously to allow everyone, regardless of their municipality or status, to speak at its meetings. Agendas for council meetings had previously called for “comments, suggestions, petitions by residents in attendance regarding items that are not on the agenda,” with a five-minute time limit. Council voted to change the agenda wording to include, “residents, taxpayers and visitors.” Borough solicitor Kristin Camp and the council grappled with interpreting the word “citizen” in the borough’s Home Rule Charter. Camp chose to interpret the word broadly to include more than just residents of the borough.
Source: Daily Local; 8/25/2025