Mass deportation could affect construction industry
President Donald Trump’s pledge to deport millions of undocumented immigrants has construction-industry watchers concerned about what enforcement operations might mean for the industry’s workforce, laborer working conditions and housing prices. Nationally, foreign-born workers, regardless of legal status, fill an estimated 30% of trade jobs like carpentry, plastering, masonry and electrical roles. According to the Pew Research Center, the U.S. construction industry employs an estimated 1.5 million undocumented workers, about 13% of its total workforce. A 2024 study from the University of Utah showed mass deportations lead to a decline in homebuilding and higher housing costs, while as many as half of the positions vacated by deported employees were not filled by American workers, particularly in lower-skilled occupations. The same study found housing prices for new builds jumped 18% after mass deportations between 2008 and 2013. Prices for existing housing stock climbed by 10%. Read more in the Pottstown Mercury.
Source: Pottstown Mercury; 2/10/2025

How tax reform can boost the American dream
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) hosted a forum that brought together policymakers and national thought leaders to discuss how tax reform in 2025 could create paths to homeownership for more Americans. With a recent NAR study finding that first-time homeowner purchases are at an all-time low, and the age of first-time homebuyers at an all-time high, the forum illuminated how the nation could change the tax law to prioritize homeownership for the positive role it plays in household formation, generational wealth-building and fostering strong communities. Watch the discussion here.
Source: NAR; 2/13/2025

PAR offers advocacy virtual training
Advocacy is a critical part of the Realtor organization. The Pennsylvania Association of Realtors (PAR) advocacy program works to ensure that Realtor interests are protected so members’ businesses are successful. Member participation is essential, and PAR’s advocacy virtual training sessions give members the tools to represent their industry. Members can attend one-hour sessions, each focused on different aspects of the program. Learn more about upcoming sessions here.
Source: PA Realtors; 2/2025

NAR engages on federal housing programs
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) is closely monitoring the ongoing discussions regarding potential budget reductions at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The NAR advocacy team is engaging with the administration to advocate for solutions that address the current housing crisis and support programs that help Americans achieve the dream of homeownership. NAR remains committed to strengthening fair housing programs that promote equal access to housing opportunities for all. As real estate makes up one-fifth of the U.S. economy, ensuring a strong and stable housing market remains critical to the nation’s economic well-being.
Source: NAR; 2/19/2025

Big changes coming to SEPTA
SEPTA is changing the names of six bus routes and its metro rail lines to help riders better navigate the system. Six of SEPTA’s seven lettered bus routes will transition to numeric designations. Metro lines will also formally adopt their new letter-based system. The following bus routes will transition from letters to numbers

• G → 63
• H → 71
• J → 41
• L → 51
• R → 82
• XH → 81
• Route K will transition to a number at a later date as a part of future route changes.

The changes are happening along with SEPTA's Metro wayfinding project, which introduces letters to rail services to make the system more intuitive. The Market-Frankford Line is becoming the L. The Broad Street Line is becoming the B. The Local is the B1, the Express is the B2 and the Spur is the B3. Subway-Surface Trolleys are becoming the T. The 10 is the T1, the 34 is the T2, the 13 is the T3, the 11 is the T4, and the 36 is the T5. The Route 15 Trolley is becoming the G. The Media-Sharon Hill Line is becoming the D. The 101 is the D1, and the 102 is the D2. The Norristown High Speed Line is becoming the M. SEPTA began using new metro designations on its website and app, in addition to Drexel Station at 30th Street, in 2024 to help ease the transition. Historically, SEPTA operated numerous lettered bus routes, but over time, they transitioned to numbers for greater consistency. Read more here.
Source: West Chester Patch; 2/19/2025 

Studies will delay decisions on proposed Newtown Township wastewater plant
The Newtown Bucks County Joint Municipal Authority (NBCJMA) has proposed the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant near the border of Middletown Township at Newtown Bypass and Lower Silver Lake Road, but a decision on whether to move forward with the plan is not expected until all studies and reports are complete later this year. NBCJMA initially proposed the facility as a way to increase local control over wastewater treatment, but the project has ignited controversy due to environmental, financial and procedural concerns. Residents of Newtown and Middletown townships have come out against the project, and for the first time publicly, the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors has expressed disapproval of the plan. The authority is aware of public opposition to the project but stated it was practicing its “due diligence” in reviewing all facets of the plan.
Source: The Reporter; 2/2/2025 & Bucks County Herald; 2/16/2025

More wells in Upper Makefield show contaminants, new meeting announced
Upper Makefield Township residents have reported that two more wells have tested positive for chemical contamination near a recent pipeline leak in Washington Crossing. The wells are outside the boundaries of the area where pipeline operator Sunoco believed an earlier identified leak could have spread. Complaints of strange odors and tastes from well water in the area first started in September 2023 to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, leading to an order to investigate from the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). On Jan. 31, Sunoco “reported a release of 156 barrels of jet fuel” to PHMSA and found a 2.5-inch crack in the Twin Oaks pipe. The pipeline was turned back on two days after the leak was discovered. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R, PA-1), state Sen. Steve Santarsiero (D-10), state Rep. Perry Warren (D-31) and Upper Makefield Township supervisors have all requested that the pipeline be shut down pending further inspection of the pipe. However, Bryan Lethcoe, PHMSA administrator, said that the leak had been repaired and by statutory regulations he could not shut down the 100-plus-mile pipeline without a clear need for more repairs. Pennsylvania Department of Health toxicologist Julie Miller said residents could call her office when they get the results of their water testing to determine if they need to have a filtration system installed or take other safety measures. She said to contact dehe@pa.gov or call 717-787-3350. Another meeting about the leak will take place Thursday, Feb. 27, at 7:30 p.m. at the Sol Feinstone Elementary School.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 2/14/2025 & Bucks County Courier Times; 2/17/2025

Doylestown Borough officials present new comprehensive plan
Doylestown Borough officials are looking to the community’s future with the development of a new comprehensive plan. Comprehensive Plan 2035 will be used to help guide the community’s growth and development over the next decade. The borough’s last comprehensive plan was completed in 1997 and was the first of its kind in Bucks County. Doylestown Borough Manager John Davis has watched the implementation of the 1997 comprehensive plan and other work that has been done to develop and grow the town during his 31-year tenure. Davis noted that plan included a focus on “downtown revitalization, the adaptive reuse of our train station, our gateway corridors and parking.” The new comprehensive plan includes a focus on affordable housing, but with no large areas of land left within the borough’s 1.8-square mile footprint, it will be challenging to make a significant impact on the housing supply. One consideration is to prioritize accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as a way to expand housing stock. ADUs can take the form of in-law suites, converted garages or basement apartments and are considered a more sustainable type of housing. The borough would need to pass a zoning ordinance amendment to legally permit ADUs. The final draft of the comprehensive plan is scheduled to be considered for approval at the Monday, March 17, meeting.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 2/11/2025 & 2/18/2025

Langhorne Borough announces stormwater solutions webinar
Stormwater runoff can cause flooding and water pollution, creating economic and environmental challenges. Property owners and managers should be aware of best practices for stormwater management. Penn State’s Watershed-Friendly Property Certification Program and Stormwater Basics Series offers guidance on how to mitigate the effects of runoff, protect a property’s water resources, and other responsible stormwater management practices. The first webinar in the series — titled Residential Stormwater Solutions: Watershed-Friendly Tips — will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 25, from noon to 1 p.m. The webinar is free, and attendees can register online. For more information on stormwater management, visit the Stormwater Management page on the Langhorne Borough website.
Source: Langhorne Borough 

West Whiteland supervisors limit size of development after a planned demolition of Exton Square
The West Whiteland Township Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an ordinance to limit the number of units per acre, and type of housing units, at the 75-acre Exton Square property. The dilapidated mall is located in a 643-acre Town Center zoning district (TC) around the intersection of routes 30 and 100, at what is known as the Exton Crossroads. The mall is slated for razing by a proposed builder. Equitable owner of the mall property, Peter Abrams, of Abrams Realty and Development, and Exton Square LLC, said plans call for the construction of 375 apartments and 243 multi-family units, along with commercial, restaurants, retail and professional office uses. The new township ordinance forbids the size of such a development. It calls for the construction of apartments only in TC districts, with life care facilities still permitted. The new ordinance caps residential density at just six units per acre. Before the vote, Marc Kaplin, representing the builder, said that with the new ordinance, any use of the property would be “unviable.”
Source: Daily Local; 2/14/2025

Virtual meeting for Downingtown Station project
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has created a virtual open house for the Downingtown Station Project based on an open house held at the borough building on Feb. 5. The purpose of the project is to provide an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible train station in the borough. The current station is not accessible per ADA.
Source: Downingtown Borough; 2/19/2025

$64K awarded to Tredyffrin, Easttown first responders
First responders in Tredyffrin and Easttown townships got cuts of $37.5 million in state grants to bolster their life-saving services. The Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner recently released grant awards for more than 2,500 fire departments and emergency medical services companies across the commonwealth. Fire and EMS companies in Tredyffrin and Easttown were awarded $62,242 total:

• Berwyn Fire Co & Ambulance (Fire Company) — $16,322
• Berwyn Fire Co & Ambulance (EMS) — $15,000
• Paoli Fire Company (Fire Company) — $16,322
• Paoli Fire Company (EMS) — $14,598

Source: Tredyffrin-Easttown Patch; 2/19/2025

Possible changes to the way West Chester collects rubbish
West Chester Borough Council has scheduled a public hearing on Wednesday, March 19, to consider several changes to the way garbage is collected. Currently trash is picked up by borough workers at the curb starting at 6 a.m. during the summer and at 7 a.m. during the rest of the year. Public Works director Don Edwards is in favor of standardizing pickups year-round starting at 6 a.m. Other suggestions include a proposal that a property owner using a private hauler will be allowed to use up to four 96-gallon bins, and when that number is exceeded a dumpster must be used.
Source: Daily Local; 2/19/2025

Oxford Borough Council discusses No Mow May
Oxford Borough is discussing a No Mow May program. Borough Council President Katheryn Cloyd favors the idea, which promotes not mowing grass during the month. “This can take a variety of forms, from reducing mowing frequency to permanently converting your lawn to a more diverse and natural landscape,” she said. “The start of the growing season is a critical time for hungry, newly emerged native bees. Floral resources may be hard to find, especially in urban and suburban landscapes. If lawns are allowed to grow long enough for flowers to bloom, those lawns can provide nectar and pollen to help bees thrive.” More information can be found on the Bee City USA website. It would be up to residents to decide if they want to participate.
Source: Chester County Press; 2/19/2025

Easttown seeks volunteers for media communications advisory board
Easttown Township seeks volunteers for its newly created media communications advisory board (MCAB). The MCAB’s responsibilities include making recommendations to the board of supervisors on matters that improve township outreach and information to residents, property owners, taxpayers and the public. More detailed information and enacting legislation can be found on the township website. Applicants should submit a letter of interest by March 3.
Source: Easttown Township; 2/4/2025