News Briefs for August 8, 2025
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A SEPTA notice posted at a bus stop on West Chester Pike in Newtown Square alerts transit riders that Bus 120 will be discontinued in August. SEPTA needs new state funding by Aug. 14 to prevent the first round of service cuts.
SEPTA cuts will happen if state money isn’t secured by Aug. 14
SEPTA needs new state funding by Aug. 14 to prevent a planned round of deep service cuts from taking effect near the end of the month, transit agency officials said. The agency plans to post online new fall schedules that reflect a 20% overall cut in transit service. If the state money doesn’t come through, 32 bus routes will be eliminated and 16 others shortened beginning Aug. 24, along with reductions in the frequency of bus, trolley, subway and Regional Rail trips. The deadline, in theory, might spur progress in state budget negotiations in Harrisburg, but SEPTA officials said their motivation was to provide clarity to thousands of riders now looking to make travel plans. “We just want to be transparent,” said Jody Holton, chief planning and strategy officer at SEPTA. “People might assume Aug. 24 is our deadline, but it’s not. It takes at least 10 days … to implement the systems.” Fares would also rise by 21.5% on Sept. 1. A second round of service cuts would take place on Jan. 1, 2026, if needed.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 8/6/2025
PEMA announces updates to flood warning system
Flooding is the most common natural disaster in Pennsylvania, and with continued growth in development and increased precipitation due to climate change, that is not expected to change. Recently, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) announced updates to the Pennsylvania Integrated Flood Warning and Observation System (IFLOWS 2.0), which provides real-time weather information and alerting tools to emergency managers, meteorologists and the public at sites across the commonwealth. Known as the Pennsylvania Environmental Monitoring Network, the 30 new weather stations will tie into Penn State’s recently installed weather network of 20 stations. A denser network of weather stations will provide the National Weather Service with more accurate data that could prove lifesaving in issuing weather warnings and alerts. Read more here.
Source: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; 7/30/2025
PECO is offering $500 grants to help customers pay overdue bills
PECO customers struggling to pay their electricity bills can find help in the utility’s new Customer Relief Fund, which is supported by a one-time donation of $10 million from Exelon, PECO’s parent company. PECO customers’ electricity bills continue to rise, due in part to the regional grid operator’s soaring costs to ensure there will be enough electricity in the future as demand surges and suppliers struggle to keep up. The new program is geared toward limited- and middle-income customers who don’t qualify for existing programs. It’s available to households earning between 151% and 300% the federal poverty level, or between $48,547 and $96,450 annually for a family of four. Read more on the PECO website.
Source: WHYY; 7/30/2025
Proposed toll hike could hit Bucks drivers in 2026
Drivers in Bucks County could soon pay more to cross the Delaware River under a proposed toll increase by the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission. The proposal would raise E-ZPass rates for passenger vehicles by 50 cents and toll-by-plate rates by $2 starting in 2026. Larger vehicles would see increases of $2 to $3 per axle, depending on the payment method. Several key bridges used by Bucks County commuters, including the Scudder Falls (I-295) and New Hope-Lambertville (Route 202) bridges, are among the eight tolled crossings affected by the proposal. More information, including dates for virtual public hearings, will be available at the commission website.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 8/1/2025
Congressman asks EPA to weigh in on Lower Makefield development
Bucks County Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R, PA-1) has sent a letter to the head of the nation's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Lee Zeldin, expressing concern over a proposed development in Lower Makefield and its impact on stormwater and the environment. "As the EPA has jurisdiction over the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) and other stormwater management-related issues, the 3.55-acre parcel located at 136 Old Oxford Valley Road has — as has been explained to me — the potential to further exacerbate stormwater and other related matters in the area," Fitzpatrick wrote. The parcel is currently under contract for $2 million by Trinity Realty Companies, with plans to construct 16 townhomes in partnership with D.R. Horton. "Importantly, the parcel borders a five-acre township walking path and has been listed as a priority acquisition target for open space by Lower Makefield since 2009," Fitzpatrick wrote to the EPA director.
Source: Yardley Patch; 7/30/2025
Bucks parks department launches volunteer program
The Bucks County Department of Parks and Recreation announces the launch of the Bucks County Parks Volunteer Alliance, which offers opportunities for volunteers to spend time in and around nature while helping to sustain and improve community assets. Bucks County is home to the third-largest county park system in the state. Volunteer opportunities are available at all parks across the county’s 9,000-acre parks system, at all skill and ability levels. More information is available at the county website.
Source: Bucks County; 7/7/2025
Online poll asks about housing in Neshaminy Mall renovation
Bensalem Patch is running a poll asking readers whether housing should be a part of Neshaminy Mall’s future. The relatively empty mall in Bensalem Township was sold last summer to Paramount Realty, which currently owns several other malls, including the neighboring Woodhaven Mall. The entire property, excluding the former Macy’s, was included in the sale and features a high-performing Boscov’s, a Barnes & Noble, and a 24-screen AMC Theatre in addition to On The Border and UNO Chicago Grill, which are located outside the mall.
Source: Bensalem Patch; 7/23/2025
ChristianaCare to open neighborhood hospital in Penn Township
ChristianaCare will open a new 24/7 emergency care facility in mid-August at the former site of Jennersville Regional Hospital in Penn Township, marking the return of localized emergency services to southern Chester County for the first time since 2021. The new ChristianaCare Hospital – West Grove Campus, a $21.6 million investment, will offer a state-of-the-art, 20,000-square-foot neighborhood hospital with 10 inpatient beds, advanced virtual specialty consults, and emergency services for conditions including strokes, heart attacks and serious injuries. Officials say the reopening will benefit residents in Penn Township and surrounding communities like Oxford, West Grove, Avondale and Landenberg.
Source: Daily Local; 8/1/2025
Chesco commissioners approve $5M in revitalization grants
Chester County commissioners unanimously approved $5 million in 2025-2026 Community Revitalization Program (CRP) grants at a recent meeting. The CRP grants will fund 12 projects in urban centers. The largest grant recipients include:
- $600,000 to the Borough of Spring City for improvements to Boat Launch Park
- $550,000 to the Borough of Phoenixville for the installation of a solar panel array at Phoenixville Recreation Center
- $540,000 to the Borough of Atglen for pedestrian safety and roadway improvements to the downtown
View the full list of grants on the county website. Several project types are eligible for CRP funding, including activities that support the county’s climate action plan, those that make improvements to streetscapes, parking facilities, parks and trails, as well as those aimed at curbing urban blight, and those related to sewer and water mains or stormwater drainage. “More recently, we added bonus points in the application process for any projects submitted … that promote affordable housing infrastructure, such as sewer and stormwater improvements, utility hookups, and the construction of streets and sidewalks,” said Dolores Colligan, director of the Chester County Department of Community Development.
Source: Chester County Press; 7/30/2025
East Nottingham warehouse plan raises traffic concerns
Plans for a warehouse in East Nottingham Township are drawing questions from bordering municipalities and residents concerned with possible increased truck traffic. Oxford Borough Manager Pauline Garcia-Allen said officials in the borough and nearby West Nottingham Township have concerns. Oxford’s engineer, Pennoni, performed a traffic impact study. “I believe the developer has contended that all truck traffic coming out of the property would go south toward West Nottingham Township. The Borough of Oxford is concerned about that assumption,” Garcia-Allan said. The Borough of Oxford, an urban center serving five townships, is concerned about the possibility of more traffic, especially truck traffic, causing congestion, more wear-and-tear on borough streets, and continued damage to the streets. According to the East Nottingham zoning officer, the Herr’s Farm Preliminary Land Development Plan proposes three industrial warehouse distribution buildings on 123 acres located in the I1 (Industrial) District. The three warehouses will total 940,640 square feet and include 941 parking spaces. Read more at Chester County Press.
Source: Chester County Press; 7/30/2025
New Garden to install air monitor near Landenberg Hunt
In response to the results of an air quality study that measured exceedingly high levels of hydrogen sulfide near mushroom composting businesses along Starr and Penn Green roads in Landenberg, New Garden Township supervisors voted in favor of placing a long-term air quality monitoring facility in the vicinity. The state Department of Environmental protection and township staff agreed that the new Landenberg monitor should be located in a lower-lying area to address concerns that the previous temporary monitor was at a higher elevation and further away from Landenberg Hunt, where many air quality complaints are originating.
Source: Chester County Press; 7/30/2025
County approves $2.3M for open space and parks
Chester County commissioners approved the awarding of more than $2.3 million in open space preservation and park improvement grants. The grants are made available through Chester County’s Preservation Partnership Program, which offers funding to municipalities and nonprofit land preservation organizations. A total of 15 grants were awarded to support open space easements or acquisitions in Elk, West Vincent, East Brandywine, Avondale, Schuylkill and Newlin. The funding will also support projects in East Bradford, West Bradford, Caln, London Britain, Spring City, Oxford, North Coventry, Uwchlan, and West Caln. Read more about the grants here.
Source: Chester County; 7/30/2025
Upper Darby says U&O improvements are coming
After hearing numerous complaints about the difficulty of conducting real estate transactions in Upper Darby Township, the Suburban Realtors Alliance (SRA) conducted a survey asking Realtors to share their specific experiences. In late June, SRA staff and local Realtors met in person with Upper Darby officials to convey these concerns and discuss solutions. The Upper Darby officials received the feedback and said they are in the process of making significant improvements to their U&O system that should be in place later this year. The SRA will keep watching, and will share any updates and announcements in the weekly news briefs. In the meantime, Realtors can contact us with questions and concerns about U&O issues in Upper Darby or anywhere else in the Philadelphia suburbs.
Judge allows Prospect to abandon hospitals; Delco raises alarm
A federal bankruptcy judge has granted Prospect Medical Holdings permission to abandon Delaware County Memorial Hospital and Taylor Hospital, despite objections from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Delaware County, Upper Darby Township and Ridley Park Borough related to potential public safety issues, lack of transparency, and abandonment of millions in local tax obligations. The ruling clears the way for California-based Prospect to relinquish ownership of the shuttered hospitals, citing that the properties have “no apparent value” and are burdens on its bankrupt estate. The decision could pave the way for quick sales, with the Upper Darby School District expected to acquire the Delaware County Memorial Hospital (DCMH) property for $1.2 million as soon as Aug. 13. The order requires Prospect to maintain fire suppression systems and “reasonable security” at both sites until any sale is finalized or the bankruptcy plan is completed. Municipalities and taxing authorities may still pursue unsecured claims for back taxes, though recovery is uncertain. The tax obligation for DCMH is estimated at $19.7 million, while Taylor Hospital’s is $7.6 million. The court also approved $15 million in emergency funding for Prospect to continue bankruptcy operations. The next hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 20.
Source: Daily Times; 8/4/2025
Preliminary plan approved for 29 homes in Radnor
Radnor Township commissioners approved a preliminary land development plan to construct 29 new, single-family homes on a portion of the former Hamilton estate along Eagle Road, Grant Lane and Strafford Avenue in Wayne. An attorney representing the developer, George Broseman, noted that the development plan that was brought forward came after meetings with neighbors and the township. Originally plans had called for 41 townhomes on the property. Other changes to the plan included adding stormwater management upfront and doubling the density of the landscaping along the fence line on Grant and Forrest lanes.
Source: Daily Times; 8/5/2025
Chester’s retiree committee pushes back in CWA dispute
The committee representing Chester’s retired employees is pushing back against the city's state-appointed receiver, claiming the current process to sell the city’s water assets is flawed and too limited. The Official Committee of Retired Employees reiterated its June complaint, which calls for opening the sale process to both public and private bidders. The group argues that maximizing the value of Chester’s water, wastewater and stormwater systems — regardless of the buyer — could bring in hundreds of millions of dollars to revitalize the city and reduce taxes. In contrast, receiver Vijay Kapoor has maintained that any sale must keep the assets in public hands. Kapoor has strongly denied claims — including those from the Chester Water Authority (CWA) — that he has sought to privatize the assets, calling such allegations “completely and blatantly false.” The outcome may ultimately hinge on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, which is deciding who holds legal control over the water authority’s assets: the city or the authority’s independent board.
Source: Daily Times; 7/31/2025
Media-area municipalities see modest population gains; Middletown leads growth
Population growth remained modest across the Media area between July 2023 and July 2024, with most municipalities seeing increases of less than 1%, according to new U.S. Census Bureau estimates. The exception was Middletown Township, which added 344 residents — a 2% increase — bringing its population to 17,317. Experts attribute Middletown Township’s relatively rapid growth to the completion of two large housing developments: Pond’s Edge, with 197 townhomes, and Franklin Station at the former Franklin Mint site, which added 38 single-family homes and 229 townhomes. Nether Providence added 104 residents, bringing it to 14,559. Upper Providence added 73 residents, bringing it to 10,937. Swarthmore gained 37 residents, bringing it to 6,596; Media gained 48 residents, bringing it to 5,938; and Rose Valley added five residents, bringing it to 1,020, census estimates show. Delaware County overall remains one of the Philadelphia region’s slower-growing counties due to limited housing supply. In 2022, the county issued just 371 new residential building permits — far fewer than neighboring counties. Experts say demand in the Media area is likely to rise as housing affordability declines in other suburban hubs.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 7/31/2025
West Conshohocken considers rental ordinance and zoning amendments
West Conshohocken Borough Council is considering a draft ordinance that would revise the borough's Rental Registration Code and Zoning Code, including:
- Updating the definition of “family” and adding terms such as “emergency repair” and “non-emergency repair”
- Requiring rental registration certificates and establishing new application procedures and standards
- Setting regulations for the use and operation of residential rental properties
- Amending the zoning code to require rental properties to comply with the updated rental registration regulations
- Establishing that all leases or rental agreements must be for a term of no less than 30 days
A public hearing to consider the draft ordinance will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 12, at 7 p.m. at Borough Hall, 112 Ford St.
Source: Times Herald; 7/29/2025
Horsham to update building codes
Horsham Township Council will consider adopting two ordinances that would bring the township in line with updated international building and fire safety standards. The council will consider adopting the 2021 editions of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) and the International Fire Code (IFC), repealing older ordinances that conflict with the new standards.
- The property maintenance code ordinance would amend Chapter 164 and repeal Ordinance 2022-01. It would update responsibilities of code officials, provide remedies for property violations, and establish a revised appeal process. The ordinance also reenacts Article II, requiring property sellers to obtain a certificate of compliance regarding sidewalks, smoke alarms, curbs and house numbering before transfer.
- The proposed fire code ordinance would amend Chapter 109 of the township code and replace Ordinance 2022-02. It includes changes to inspection frequencies, penalties and reinspection processes. The ordinance would also prohibit open burning in accordance with Pennsylvania Act 101, require all fire hydrants to be painted red, regulate the placement of liquid fuel tanks, and allow for civil enforcement of violations.
The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 13, at 7:45 p.m. at the township’s administrative offices at 1025 Horsham Road. Both ordinances would take effect 30 days after passage.
Source: Times Herald; 7/30/2025
Montgomery County releases annual construction reports
The Montgomery County Planning Commission released its annual reports on residential and nonresidential construction for 2024. On the residential side, the county experienced a decline in total housing units built with 1,782 units completed in 2024, down from 2,419 in 2023. Multifamily units were behind the decrease despite having been the largest source of residential development over each of the past 10 years. Commercial construction also saw a decline in 2024. Just over 1 million square feet of nonresidential development was completed, with commercial and institutional uses constituting almost 80% of the construction. Last year, the largest single project was the new Lower Moreland High School, built just south of the original one.
Source: Montco Monthly; 7/2025
Developer moves to clear paper streets from ‘movie lots’ parcel in Hatfield
Pulte Homes has filed a lawsuit involving over 100 nearby property owners to clear up old "paper streets" from a 1922 development plan. The lawsuit is a legal formality to remove the streets that still appear legally on maps but were never built. The "movie lots" were originally distributed as prizes by movie theaters in the 1920s, with each parcel measuring about 100 feet by 20 feet. North Penn School District acquired the lots over the years due to unpaid taxes and in 2024 agreed to sell them to Pulte for $15 million. Pulte and the school district have extended the due diligence period for the sale multiple times. Pulte is hoping to combine the 56-acre movie lots parcel with the adjacent “Beach property” as one combined project rather than two separate ones. Pulte’s plans include 85 homes on the movie lots and 78 additional on the Beach site. No formal land development plans have been submitted to Hatfield Township.
Source: The Reporter; 8/1/2025
Major changes for small businesses coming to Philly’s tax code
A major change to Philadelphia’s tax code will soon impact thousands of small businesses, including many real estate professionals operating as LLCs or independent firms. The city has eliminated a longstanding tax break that excluded the first $100,000 in revenue from the Business Income and Receipts Tax (BIRT), making all firms — regardless of size — liable for the tax starting in 2026. Firms that previously earned under $100,000 annually and were exempt from the BIRT will now be treated as new filers. That means their first BIRT payment, due April 15, 2026, will only cover income from 2025. In 2027, they will owe taxes on 2026 income and an estimate for 2027. The BIRT includes a 0.141% tax on gross receipts and a 5.81% tax on net income, with gradual reductions planned through 2039. To ease the transition, the city is offering tax assistance through the Commerce Department and Revenue Department. Businesses can contact the Mayor’s Business Action Team at business@phila.gov or (215) 683-2100. Realtors and brokers earning under $250,000 may also qualify for free accounting services and small business grants of up to $50,000 through the city’s Small Business Catalyst Fund. Read more in the Inquirer (gift link).
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 8/5/2025
Philadelphia preservation regulations face legal pushback
The Washington Square West historic district was approved last September at the behest of the local community group and with the support of preservationists across Philadelphia. However, a group of homeowners are challenging the historic district designation in Common Pleas Court and have crowdfunded almost $20,000 to help pay for a lawyer. They aren’t alone — the last three historic districts approved by the commission are facing legal challenges. For preservationists, the increase in historical commission activity is a hard-won victory in the midst of Philadelphia’s recent development boom and an accompanying spate of demolitions, such as the Toll Brothers destruction of a chunk of Jewelers Row. Critics say regulatory hurdles and often expensive material requirements can burden the average homeowner.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 7/30/2025
Philly school district leaders are identifying schools to close
Nearly half of Philadelphia public school buildings are in poor condition. Twenty are mostly empty, or less than 30% occupied, but 25 are at more than 100% of their capacity, including nearly every school in the Northeast. As Philadelphia School District officials prepare to make decisions about the fate of its 200-plus schools — which ones will close, which ones will share buildings, which might get new construction or upgrades — the data that will drive those decisions have been opaque. In recent weeks, the district has begun sharing that data at public meetings about the facilities planning process, but only via limited paper copies. Of the 215 school buildings included in the school system’s learning networks, 64 are using less than half of their capacity. Five are more than 80% empty. Building conditions are generally poor systemwide. Forty schools were given the district’s lowest rating, “unsatisfactory,” and 47 more were judged in “poor” condition. Those 87 buildings account for 40% of the district’s inventory — not including district-owned buildings that are used by charters. Decisions over which schools will close and which will be spared, spruced up or built new are expected this year. A draft plan is due in the fall, with final school board votes promised by December.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 8/4/2025
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