Resilience of Philly’s real estate market is ‘impressive’
Home buyers in the Philadelphia area have been resilient, continuing to purchase homes even as prices rise and buying has become less affordable. Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist at listing service Bright MLS, called the local market’s resiliency “impressive” in the face of elevated mortgage interest rates. In November, the National Association of Realtors released its annual report detailing who is buying and selling homes and how they’re going about it. The national data give some insight into consumer behavior and what the industry can expect from the market. The association has been publishing its analysis since 1981. This year’s report examines real estate transactions of primary residences between July 2022 and June 2023.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 11/29/2023

PA will change ballot envelopes to reduce voter errors
After years of uncertainty about what counties should do with undated or incorrectly dated mail ballots, Pennsylvania has simplified the mail voting process in an effort to reduce voter errors. The Pennsylvania Department of State rolled out new envelope language and a new format for the 2024 primary for all 67 counties in the hope of decreasing common voter errors that can end up disqualifying votes. Rejected mail ballots make up a small percentage of votes — only about 3% of the 597,000 total mail ballots cast in the 2023 primary — but mean that thousands of citizens’ choices aren’t counted due to small errors. The new mail ballot envelopes will include simpler language, shading for where a person must sign and date the envelope, and will prompt voters to write in the date with a pre-filled “20” at the start of the year. Counties will be encouraged to change the color of the secrecy envelope — the envelope the voters use to seal their ballots before putting it into the mailing envelope — and add a watermark to help differentiate it. Counties are also allowed to mark with a hole-punch before sending them out to easier identify “naked” ballots as they come in.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 11/29/2023

NAR panel discusses multigenerational housing as a remedy for supply shortages
At the National Association of Realtors “NXT: The Realtor Experience” conference held earlier this month in Boston, industry experts discussed the benefits of intergenerational housing. At a forum titled “Addressing Housing Affordability and Supply – The Case for Intergenerational Housing,” a panel of speakers explored how the multigenerational model can help address housing supply shortages and growing homeownership gaps that persist among many ethnic groups, as homeownership affordability remains a top concern and challenge for millennial and Gen Z buyers. Read more here.
Source: Nar.realtor; 11/14/2023 

Doylestown Township reviews affordable housing on Tilley site
Doylestown Township supervisors considered a developer’s plan to turn the former Tilley Fire Solutions site into housing that would include 60 age-restricted, affordable apartments and 13 market-rate townhouses. The proposed development is on a 3.8-acre site at 280 N. Broad St. that includes three acres in Doylestown Township and less than an acre in Doylestown Borough. The former Tilley building is on the 0.8-acre parcel that is in Doylestown Borough, and developer Arcadia Land Co. is proposing to repurpose the building into a craft brewery, fitness center or other commercial business. All the supervisors spoke in favor of adding affordable housing in the township and said the site would be ideal because of its location within walking distance of stores and other facilities. Doylestown Borough, however, is asking the township for more time to review details of the proposed plan. The borough has concerns about a light industrial zone turning residential. In consideration of their neighbor’s request, the supervisors pushed a review and possible vote to December. Read more here.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 11/22/2023

Cornwells Heights train station in Bensalem getting major upgrades
A $61 million refurbishment of the Cornwells Heights Train Station at 799 Station Ave. in Bensalem Township is expected to begin in 2026. Plans include the installation of 600-foot-long, high-level platforms and a pedestrian overpass with elevators to make the site safer and more accessible. Project funding includes $30.5 million from the Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration, an investment made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Other funding sources include $244,000 from Amtrak and $13.1 million from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R, PA-1) called the project “a significant investment” to the SEPTA line that makes stops in Levittown, Croydon and Eddington, among other places. Fitzpatrick said the overall Northeast Corridor improvements will make “the infrastructure, economy and workforce” stronger.
Source: The Advance of Bucks County; 11/16/2023

Newtown to vote Dec. 6 on single-use plastics ordinance
Newtown Township supervisors voted to advertise a single-use plastics ordinance hearing on Wednesday, Dec. 6. The ordinance would ban the use of single-use plastic bags and other items in the township, including Styrofoam food containers, single-use plastic straws and plastic utensils, except when required for food safety. There would be some exceptions, including the allowance of plastic bags to pack perishable items including fruits, vegetables and candy. If the proposed ordinance is approved, there will be a 120-day grace period before it goes into effect.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 11/28/2023

Newtown Borough to vote on large mixed-use development
The largest redevelopment project ever in Newtown Borough could see a long-awaited final vote on plans for a mixed-use community. The Steeple View project faces a review on Monday, Dec. 4, by the borough planning commission, followed two days later by borough council at its work session, with a final council vote tentatively set for Tuesday, Dec. 12. If approved, the long-envisioned venture by developer Allan Smith means redevelopment of a 9-acre area from Centre Avenue behind Starbucks south to the former Stockburger property off South State Street.
Source: The Advance of Bucks County; 11/26/2023

BCCC cited as top two-year institution for supporting transfer success
A recent U.S. Department of Education report highlighting the top two- and four-year colleges and universities supporting student transfer was released earlier this month. Bucks County Community College was cited as having the highest transfer-out rate (44%) of Title IV students among Pennsylvania community colleges. Title IV funding refers to federal financial aid, such as Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Pell Grants. In addition, the Bucks County Community College and Temple University transfer partnership was recognized as having the best completion rate in the state.
Source: The Advance of Bucks County; 11/26/2023

Pennridge School Board terminates Vermilion Education contract
The Pennridge School Board terminated its consulting contract with Vermilion Education LLC, seven months after hiring the controversial firm to “review and develop” the district’s K-12 social studies curriculum. The reversal comes one week before the board’s reorganization meeting, where newly elected board members will be seated. The incoming board will have a new Democratic majority, who swept the November election on a campaign to reverse some of the board’s recent actions, including the hiring of Vermilion. The contract’s termination caps off months of public outcry and explosive board meetings over the board’s decision to hire the fledgling consulting firm.
Source: The Reporter; 11/28/2023 

Chesco commissioners to hold public hearing on Watersheds 2045
The Chester County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Watersheds 2045, the county's revised integrated water resources plan. The Watersheds 2045 plan includes assessments of existing natural watershed characteristics, land uses, projected trends in population growth, climate change, and alternative land development patterns that could impact future water quantity and quality. The plan is available for review on the Chester County website, and the public hearing will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 10 a.m. in the Chester County Commissioners' Board Room at 313 W. Market St., 6th Floor, West Chester.
Source: Daily Local; 11/24/2023

Unfunded mandates and tough decisions: budget time in Oxford Borough
Oxford Borough officials are grappling with a perfect storm of financial challenges that include rising costs, lingering impacts from the pandemic, and unfunded mandates from the state and federal government. Budget discussions are ongoing, but Oxford Borough Manager Pauline Garcia-Allen told the public at a finance committee meeting that there are no police or staff cuts in the 2024 budget. The borough is currently looking at a roughly $252,000 deficit, and the council is looking at a 1.5% increase in the municipal taxes. According to Councilmember Peggy Russell, who chairs the finance committee, a 1.5% increase would result in a yearly tax increase of $225 for a household with a home with an assessed value of $150,000.
Source: Chester County Press; 11/29/2023

Phoenixville Borough Council to consider reapportionment ordinance
Phoenixville Borough Council will consider an ordinance to reapportion the borough’s wards by altering the boundaries to comply with the Pennsylvania Municipal Apportionment Act and Chapter 6 of the Pennsylvania Borough Code. The proposed reapportioned wards were found to be contiguous and equally populous as practicable. The ordinance will be considered for adoption on Tuesday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m.
Source: The Mercury; 11/27/2023

Schuylkill River passenger train project on track for approval
The Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority is on track to receive grant funding from the Federal Railroad Administration to restore passenger rail service in the Reading to Philadelphia corridor. Thomas E. Frawley, the authority’s executive director, said Monday the application to participate in the Federal Railroad Administration Corridor Identification and Development Program is expected to be approved soon. Officials said the earliest the service will start is in 2027. The rail service is expected to reduce vehicle congestion and create new property development. The application is for an intercity passenger rail with stops in Reading, Pottstown, Phoenixville, Philadelphia and New York. The authority consists of representatives from Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties working to secure federal funding and other contracts to restore passenger train service.
Source: Phoenixville Patch; 11/27/2023

Chester County joins Sustainable Energy Partnership of Southeast PA
Chester County commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding between Chester, Bucks, Delaware and Montgomery counties to create and participate in the Sustainable Energy Partnership of Southeast PA. Together, the group will take a wholesale market approach to purchasing low, transparent and stable electricity for county operations. The Chester County commissioners said it’s a win-win scenario that will help achieve climate action plan goals, provide flexibility in purchasing electricity and allow purchasing from local renewable energy projects. It is expected to reduce the cost of electricity. The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission will serve as coordinator of the group, with ongoing support and guidance from a consultant, Enel X. The Sustainable Energy Board's first meeting was held on Nov. 13, when the board approved its program operating procedures and an RFP for an electricity supplier. The board will soon develop a renewable energy strategy, as well as a strategy for onboarding new members. Read more here.
Source: Chester County; 11/2023