News Briefs for February 9, 2024
Jump to:
[ General ] [ Bucks ] [Chester] [ Delaware ] [ Montgomery ] [ Philadelphia ]
A monument in Chester City marks the site (map) of the first landing of William Penn on the territory of Pennsylvania in October 1682.
Photo: smallbones
Here's what's included in Gov. Shapiro's proposed 2024-2025 PA budget
Gov. Josh Shapiro's proposed 2024-2025 budget includes more funding for public transit, economic development and education. It also calls for an increase in the state's minimum wage to $15 and legalizing the sale of recreational-use cannabis to adults beginning in 2025. "We're facing real challenges in education, and with our workforce that will hold us back in the future if we don't take action right now," Shapiro said during his budget address. After a relatively modest first-year budget proposal, Shapiro returned in his second year with an admittedly “ambitious” $48.3 billion plan that marshals billions more for underfunded public schools, public transit, higher education, and major industrial and high-tech projects to invigorate a slow-growing economy. Shapiro’s spending request would increase total authorized spending by 7% through the state’s main bank account, while tax collections are projected to increase by $1 billion, or 2%. The budget proposal holds the line on taxes, and instead uses about $3 billion in reserve cash to balance. The proposal would shrink the state’s cash reserve from $14 billion to $11 billion, while public schools, higher education and human services would absorb much of the increase in spending. Watch the full budget address here.
Source: Philadelphia Business Journal; 2/6/2024 and WHYY; 2/7/2024
Area home builders confident about 2024
Because of many years of underbuilding and homeowners with low mortgage rates deciding not to sell, not enough properties are available for sale to meet demand from buyers. Single-family home builders looking to fill the need are optimistic for 2024 — thanks to lower mortgage interest rates, which are “a promising sign” for new home sales in 2024 because they help buyers afford homes, said Danushka Nanayakkara-Skillington, assistant vice president for forecasting and analysis at the National Association of Home Builders. Peter Rotelle, owner of the Chester County-based Rotelle Development Company, also expects big things this year. Last year “was really strong,” he said, “which is kind of a weird dynamic” since mortgage rates last year rose above 7%. With homeowners staying put because they don’t want to give up their lower rates, “new construction is one of the only options out there,” he said. Read more here.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 2/1/2024
How many office-to-apartment conversions will become a reality?
Office conversions to other property types, especially residential, are being eyed in cities across the country where loss of property tax revenue due to reduced building valuations are motivation to find alternative uses for obsolete office buildings. From 2021 to 2024, the number of residential units being converted from office space has grown from 12,000 to 55,339, according to RentCafe. Only about 23%, or 12,822, of the residential units being added in former offices are expected to be under construction this year. The rest are in the planned stage, with permitting and development work being submitted, or in the prospective stage, with no formal documentation or design started. Cities with older office towers are leading the way with office-to-residential conversions, including Washington, D.C., followed by New York, Dallas, Chicago and Los Angeles. Whether the units in the planned or prospective stages turn into projects under construction likely will hinge on broader economic forces, including what happens with interest rates and the cost of capital, what local and state governments may offer in the way of incentives to make those projects feasible, and a softening apartment market in some areas.
Source: Philadelphia Business Journal; 1/24/2024
Legislators weigh options for boosting education funding after court ruling
Pennsylvania likely needs billions of dollars to shore up its public schools following a landmark Commonwealth Court ruling last year, but lawmakers are entering a new state budget cycle with few concrete proposals. A bipartisan legislative commission approved a report — without support from its Republican members — that proposed pouring billions of new dollars, many of them recurring, into the state’s K-12 education system. That includes a minimum of $5.4 billion in new money for underfunded districts and $955 million in aid to ease property tax burdens in high-tax districts, plus at least $900 million more to fund school construction and infrastructure upgrades, reimburse districts for charter school payments, and expand mental health resources, among other priorities. Gov. Shapiro’s budget proposal, through a mix of new funding and changes to charter school financing, would provide almost $1.86 billion in new money for preschool and K-12 education. The answer could involve sales or income tax increases, or “sin taxes” on liquor, gambling or marijuana. Republican legislators say any increase in sales or income taxes would need to be combined with property tax relief. The deadline to deliver a completed spending plan is June 30. Read more here.
Source: Spotlight PA; 2/5/2024
Special election for 140th district set for Feb. 13
A special election to select a new state representative for parts of Lower Bucks will be held Tuesday, Feb. 13, and has statewide implications in who controls the Pennsylvania legislature. The balance of the Pennsylvania House, currently tied at 101-101, is on the line for a fourth time in less than a year. Pennsylvania’s 140th Legislative District encompasses Morrisville and Tullytown boroughs, Falls Township, and a section of Middletown Township. Two candidates are running to replace longtime Democratic Rep. John Galloway, who resigned to become a magisterial district judge. The candidates — Republican Candace Cabanas and Democrat Jim Prokopiak — are running to serve the final year of Galloway’s term, and are also trying to get on the ballot for the forthcoming primary election. A two-year term representing the district will be up for grabs again in November. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Find out more about the special election here.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 2/5/2024; Bucks County Herald; 2/6/2024 & Bucks County Courier Times; 2/7/2024
Bucks secures $2M for Levittown trail project
The Bucks County Planning Commission recently announced that a Levittown trail project has received a $2 million grant through PennDOT’s Transportation Alternatives Set Aside Program. The trail will be just under a mile and will run along Levittown Parkway, Mill Creek Parkway and Lakeside Drive in Bristol Township, Falls Township and Tullytown Borough. The trail, which is broken into four sections, will tie together sections of existing trail that don’t presently connect. Read more about the trail here.
Source: LevittownNow.com; 2/5/2024
Neshaminy Mall is put up for sale
The Neshaminy Mall, located in Bensalem Township, has struggled to retain tenants following the 2017 departure of Macy’s department store. Over half of the stores in the mall are currently vacant. The mall’s current owner, Brookfield Properties, has placed the property for sale “as is,” according to a real estate listing. The 1 million-square-foot mall sits on 91-acres of prime real estate at the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Route 1 near the Bucks County-Philadelphia border. A Boscov’s department store and an AMC multi-screen movie theater currently anchor the mall. Both intend to stay.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 2/2/2024 & Bucks County Courier Times; 2/5/2024
Langhorne calls on residents to craft new borough motto
Langhorne Borough is asking its creative residents to help craft the borough’s new motto. The borough is encouraging participants to draw inspiration from memorable events, landmarks or personal experiences that symbolize the borough. Submissions should be original and no longer than 15 words. The motto contest is open to all borough residents and allows for multiple entries per participant to ensure a wide range of creative ideas. The deadline is Feb. 29.
Source: LevittownNow.com; 2/5/2024
North Coventry authority holding up East Coventry’s sewer sale
East Coventry’s plan to sell its sewer system has prompted opposition from North Coventry Municipal Authority. In August 2023, the East Coventry Board of Supervisors voted to sell the sewer collections system to Pennsylvania American Water for $7 million. The decision was prompted by the urging of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for the township to undertake a $27 million project to provide public sewers to the Parker Ford area of the township, where many on-lot septic systems are malfunctioning. The new sewer collection system is planned for 384 dwelling units with a capacity for an additional 70 to accommodate growth. Rather than build a new sewer plant ($31 million) or send the flow to East Vincent ($29.3 million), the option chosen by the township as the least expensive is to send the flow to the sewer treatment plant in North Coventry, where the current system, which serves 1,100 customers, flows under a longstanding agreement among the North Coventry Municipal Authority and East and North Coventry townships. However, the North Coventry Municipal Authority, which owns and operates the treatment plant, is not on board with the sale of the system and is refusing to transfer the treatment agreement from East Coventry to Pennsylvania American. Gregory Phillips, the municipal authority’s solicitor, indicated that the authority has no desire to be regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission. In a letter sent to East Coventry in December 2023, Phillips suggested that East Coventry “cancel” the agreement to sell to Pennsylvania American and work with the authority to get sewers to Parker Ford.
Source: Daily Local; 2/3/2024
Oxford Borough Council receives update on fire debris clean-up
Oxford Borough Manager Pauline Garcia-Allen told borough council that the fire debris clean-up has been completed following the large fire that ravaged the downtown in September 2023. “Our immediate concern is opening up the sidewalk. We are hoping that will happen by the first or second week in February,” Garcia-Allen said.
Source: Chester County Press; 1/31/2024
Plan to restore passenger rail between Reading and Philadelphia differs from past attempts
Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties formed the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority (SRPRA) in 2022 to establish the groundwork to restore passenger rail service between Reading and Philadelphia. The plan differs from past attempts in two essential ways. The main difference is that the SRPRA is cooperating with Amtrak, according to Katherine Hetherington Cunfer, director of government and community relations for the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance. “Amtrak is the only entity that has the statutory authority to require passenger rail on freight lines,” Cunfer said. “By working with Amtrak, we have the ability to get much further with the freight operators than we would if we were just begging.” The other difference, she said, is a change in federal law that allows the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to identify corridors for rail service. That opened the way for the SRPRA’s acceptance into the FRA’s Corridor Identification and Development Program, which will provide a critical boost to the effort. Development of a preliminary service plan for the Reading-to-Philadelphia run could start in spring and be completed in early 2025.
Source: Daily Times; 2/6/2024
Chesco commissioners approve new water resources plan, Watersheds 2045
Chester County commissioners approved the Chester County Water Resources Authority’s (CCWRA) Watersheds 2045, a plan that addresses the county’s water resource issues, such as stormwater and flooding, pollution mitigation and prevention, recreational access, and sustainable water supplies. Commissioners Chair Josh Maxwell said, “Ever since Chester County adopted the original Watersheds plan in 2002, it has guided us in protecting and restoring streams, lakes and groundwater in Chester County. The original 20-year investment has improved water quality in our streams, and expanded flood planning and preparedness efforts.” The planning process for Watersheds 2045 involved a thorough review of current conditions in the county’s watersheds, including land use, stream health, water availability, and projected future climate and population changes. The new Watersheds 2045 plan will also serve as the county’s Rivers Conservation Plan and the Act 167 Stormwater Management Plan, adopted by all Chester County municipalities.
Source: Chester County; 1/25/2024
Chester County 911 call center sees major upgrade
The Chester County Department of Emergency Services is transitioning its emergency communications center to Next Generation 911, which is the state Emergency Management Agency’s statewide emergency services internet protocol network. Next Generation 911 is a faster and more efficient way for the county’s public safety answering point — the 911 call center — to receive emergency calls and associated caller information, and when needed, transfer calls to other 911 call centers in the commonwealth.
Source: Daily Local; 2/4/2024
Court affirms Chester City receiver’s powers in a fiscal ‘emergency’
In a ruling that is a game changer in the City of Chester’s historic bankruptcy — and that may have impacts on economically struggling towns elsewhere — the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has affirmed the state-appointed receiver’s plans to rescue one of the nation’s most-distressed cities from “financial doom.” The majority opinion affirmed a Commonwealth Court decision that the city had appealed and said Chester has suffered “from a municipal government that is internally dysfunctional.” Among its provisions, the ruling gives receiver Michael Doweary the power to review all hiring decisions in the administration of newly inaugurated Mayor Stefan Roots, who has been working with the receiver’s office for months. He also helped develop a reorganization plan and has invited the receiver’s staff to move back to City Hall, from which they had been evicted. Of potentially broader significance, the justices held that the state has “sovereign” power over municipal governments in “emergency fiscal conditions.” Read more here.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 2/4/2024
Brookhaven moves forward on potential purchase of church property for open space
Brookhaven Borough officials voted unanimously to move forward on the possible purchase of 7.4 acres of the Our Lady of Charity Catholic Church property in the 200 block of Upland Road. “The main purpose is green space, but ultimately the public will decide what goes there,” said Council President Terry Heller. The church, which is still active, and the rectory and parking area behind the church are not included in the sale. The purchase would include the old school and the convent straight back to the property line and includes about four acres of fields and some woods. The possibilities range from demolishing the structure at a cost of $300,000 to refurbishment, which would run into the $2.8 million range, Heller said. To pay for the property, the borough has received a $500,000 greenspace grant from Delaware County and is applying for a $1.5 million state grant, which requires a 50% match on the local level. Council can use the county grant as part of the matching requirement. The borough will hold a special meeting on the topic on Saturday, Feb. 24, at noon at the municipal building. During the week of March 4 to 8, residents will be able to participate in a nonbinding vote on the purchase. Watch the borough website for more information.
Source: Daily Times; 2/6/2024
2024 budget clerical errors continue in Upper Darby; council cuts ‘cents’
Upper Darby Township Council held a special council meeting to correct a typographical error in the tax rate for 2024, but residents quickly pointed out some of the math on the ordinance turned tax bills of thousands into pennies. The confusion involved the use of thousands of dollars in one column and “cents” in another column of the ordinance. Acting chief administrative officer Alison Dobbins said using the term “cents” as opposed to dollars in the calculations was confusing. She and township finance director Diane Scutti recommended striking the column that said cents on each hundred dollars of assessed valuation as well as language in earlier paragraphs that used cents. Township solicitor Sean Kilkenny said that was lawful. Council then amended the ordinance removing the language and the column that used “cents.” At least one resident vowed to take the ordinance to court as a violation of the home rule charter.
Source: Daily Times; 2/1/2024
Podcast series invites listeners into historically Black neighborhood of Swarthmore
Swarthmore Borough Council and the Swarthmore Human Relations Commission (HRC) invites residents to mark Black History Month with the three-part podcast series, “Making a Homeplace: The Historically Black Neighborhood of Swarthmore.” The series was produced in partnership with the Philadelphia Folklore Project. “There are real lessons we can take away from the past about our diversity and inclusion choices that have implications for today,” said Francie Halderman, chair of the HRC.
Source: Swarthmorean; 2/2/2024
Chester LNG project promises return, despite Biden’s pause and other hurdles
Prospects for a controversial natural gas liquids export terminal on the Chester waterfront appear in limbo, if not completely dead. President Joe Biden recently put a pause on all pending LNG export terminals. But the Chester project was already derailed before the announcement. Penn America Energy CEO Franc James told WHYY News that he “pumped the brakes” on the LNG project last summer after a tense public meeting, where then mayoral candidate and now Chester Mayor Stefan Roots opposed the project, saying it could bring more environmental damage to a bankrupt city overburdened by its legacy of industrial pollution. “We want to get away from our industrial base, particularly with the polluting industry,” Roots said. While James said he hasn’t abandoned his plans, he has yet to file any federal permit applications. But he reiterated that the project, also known as Penn LNG, is not dead yet. James said Penn America is taking the time to “listen and learn from the recent developments.” He said that while he was surprised by Biden’s action, he believes Penn LNG has set itself apart from other proposals. Mayor Roots called both the disappearance of Penn America’s website and Biden’s move “good news for the city of Chester.”
Source: WHYY; 2/2/2024
Rep. Lawrence wins battle for transparency regarding Chester’s financial plans
After an eight-month battle with the City of Chester to obtain records regarding the city’s perilous financial situation, the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records has ruled in favor of State Rep. John Lawrence’s (R-13) right-to-know request seeking answers. Last spring, state-appointed city receiver Michael Doweary warned city leaders that Chester could face disincorporation after years of fiscal mismanagement. Then Mayor Thaddeus Kirkland responded by telling Doweary that his office “provided the receiver two credible plans” to address the city’s financial woes. To date, those plans remain a mystery. Last spring, Lawrence filed right-to-know requests with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and Chester’s Office of Receiver, seeking copies of the plans, but both denied they existed. Lawrence filed a right-to-know request with the city of Chester in August, after which the city confirmed the existence of the records but blocked their release to the general public. Asserting that the law requires such plans be released, Lawrence appealed his case to the Office of Open Records and won. On Jan. 23, Lawrence sent a letter to the city’s legal council demanding that copies of the “two credible plans” be sent by Jan. 25.
Source: Rep. John Lawrence; 1/23/2024
Court rules Lower Merion School District tax appeals broke state law
A Montgomery County court has ruled that Lower Merion School District violated the Pennsylvania Constitution by disproportionately appealing tax assessments on commercial properties and apartment buildings. The ruling states that single-family homes make up 85% of buildings in the township, yet in 2017 — the assessment year in which the case was centered — the school district only filed appeals on three of them, compared with 26 commercial property appeals. Judge Thomas C. Branca said Lower Merion School District discriminated on its choice of targets for so-called reverse appeals, running afoul of the constitution’s “uniformity” clause, which requires that all classes of property be treated equally for tax purposes. A reverse-appeal happens when a taxing entity seeks to raise a property’s assessment — the basis of tax bills. They are legal and have been common practice in Pennsylvania school districts for decades. The ruling could have a profound impact in school districts across the state. Lower Merion is reviewing the ruling and will “make a determination as to next steps” in the near future. Read more from the Inquirer.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 2/8/2024
Developer eyes 1,200-unit senior facility in Upper Providence
A Maryland-based developer has revived its plans to build a 1,203-unit residential senior care facility on 176 open acres in Upper Providence Township. The land is one of the last big chunks of open space in the Royersford area. Royersford Holdings submitted a plan in 2022 to build the care facility for people 62 and older — a plan that conforms to the applicable zoning overlay. Residents mobilized against the plan, starting a petition and social media sites, saying they fear development will hurt the environment, add to traffic, and burden emergency responders and police. The township solicitor drafted a compromise ordinance in November 2023 that would allow construction of 689 townhouses, far fewer than the original proposal but no longer limited to seniors. Residents turned up against the idea, and the supervisors voted the ordinance down. Township officials report that Royersford Holdings has notified them the original plans for 1,203 units are back on, and the matter is expected to be on the agenda of the supervisors’ Feb. 20 meeting. Natural Lands, a large conservation nonprofit, called the tract “one of the last large undeveloped lands along the Schuylkill River in Montgomery County” and catalogued 65 acres of the land as a “highest priority conservation area,” in a report provided to the township. The land was previously owned by the county, which operated the Parkhouse Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, but was sold for $41 million to Mid-Atlantic Healthcare in 2014. See the Upper Providence Township website for more information on the Parkhouse tract and to subscribe for public meeting notifications.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 2/6/2024
Draft Spring-Ford schools budget includes 6.5% tax increase
The Spring-Ford School Board unanimously adopted a $202 million preliminary budget for the 2024-2025 school year that includes a 6.5% tax increase. The board also voted to allow the administration to apply for exceptions to the 5.4% tax cap imposed by the state. The district will ask permission to raise the tax millage by an additional 1.53% over the Act 1 index to fund special education and retirement obligations. The vote does not mean the tax rate will go that high, but it preserves the option for the administration as it continues to work to reduce the looming tax increase, said James Fink, the district’s chief finance officer.
Source: Pottstown Mercury; 2/2/2024
Low-cost shuttle debuts in Conshohocken
Conshohocken Borough, in partnership with the Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management Agency, is launching a low-cost shuttle with 20 stops throughout Conshohocken and bordering municipalities. The Conshohocken Cab is a yellow, 14-passenger shuttle that will ride in a continuous loop. It is ADA-compliant, equipped with a bike rack and free Wi-Fi. The goal of the shuttle is to ultimately limit traffic by reducing the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road. The Conshohocken Cab will operate Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. On Sunday, the shuttle’s hours will be limited from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The shuttle will not operate on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Source: WHYY; 2/7/2024
Lower Merion single-use plastic bag ban in effect
Last June, Lower Merion Township joined other local communities in passing an ordinance banning single-use plastic bags. Lower Merion’s ban on plastic bags is in full effect as of Jan. 21. Customers are being encouraged to bring their own bags, as stores are now prohibited from giving out single-use plastic bags. Under the new ordinance, retail businesses are allowed to provide compliant paper and reusable bags for a small fee. Find out more about the single-use plastic bag ordinance on the township website.
Source: Main Line Media News; 1/5/2024
Souderton discusses budget cuts and sidewalks
Souderton Borough’s 2024 budget came with a 37% property tax increase. The substantial tax increase prompted new Souderton Borough Council President Tracy W. Burke to propose a 10% cut in borough expenses. Burke asked to put a temporary hold on the hiring of any new staff or capital projects, excluding two new police officer positions, which were previously approved and budgeted. The goal is to “hold the line” on future tax increases. According to Borough Manager Stacy Crandall, the tax increase was needed to help with capital reserves, something the “auditor has been telling us about for years.” Council members also discussed the conditions of borough sidewalks, with descriptions ranging from poor to horrible. Council President Tracy suggested the borough start a list of streets with the worst conditions to have a better understanding of the total impact. In the January 2024 Mayor’s Memo, Mayor Dan Yocum reported that Crandall is looking to formalize a road, alley and sidewalk replacement program.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 2/5/2024
Legislative package seeks to protect Philly renters and homeowners
Philadelphia City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier will introduce a legislative package designed to protect low-income tenants and homeowners against displacement while providing more funding for affordable housing projects. Gauthier, one of the council’s most vocal housing advocates, hopes to help residents trying to rent on the private market through the Housing Choice Voucher Program, homeowners burdened by increased property taxes, and neighborhoods that desperately need affordable housing. The effort comes as the city continues to experience an affordable housing crisis compounded by historically high rents and mortgage rates, a reality Gauthier fears will make Philadelphia unaffordable for its most vulnerable residents if left unchecked. One bill would enable eligible residents to effectively freeze their property tax bills regardless of how much the tax rate or assessed property value increases. Under the measure, a single-person household must earn below $33,500 per year, or $41,500 for a couple, to apply. Gauthier will also introduce legislation that seeks to strengthen the city’s Fair Practices Ordinance, which prohibits landlords and property managers from discriminating against people based on “source of income,” including anyone who would pay with a housing voucher. Read more here.
Source: PlanPhilly; 2/1/2024
DA Krasner announces task force to combat retail and home theft
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner’s office has launched a task force to combat organized retail and home theft. Retail theft increased 27% from 2022 to 2023, according to Philadelphia Police Department data, following a 21% increase between 2017 and 2021. The task force will also prosecute those who steal homes through deed theft. The practice is prevalent in Philadelphia due to a high rate of homeownership. Read more in the Inquirer.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 2/5/2024
Roxborough residents support revised design for Ridge Avenue apartment building
Over a year after receiving criticism from neighborhood groups and city-appointed design experts, developer MGMT Residential has brought forward a new version of a Roxborough apartment building and received positive feedback from the community. Located at 6174 Ridge Ave., the five-story project includes 94 units, 71 underground parking spaces, and 21,700 square feet of commercial space. That makes it a story taller, with 12 more units, 54 more parking spaces, and 14,700 more square feet of commercial space than the earlier version did in 2022. The configuration of the apartment building has also been changed — its horseshoe shape was flipped around to face an existing pocket park in the rear as opposed to the sidewalk. MGMT set the building farther back from Ridge Avenue to potentially allow sidewalk dining if restaurants are established in the vast new commercial space. Read more here.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 2/7/2024
Philly makes traffic-calming request process easier
Philadelphia’s Streets Department has streamlined the process for residents to request traffic calming measures for their block. For years, residents had to send a letter asking the city to conduct a traffic calming study to determine if conditions on their street warranted any devices, including speed cushions. Some requests also came through city council offices on behalf of constituents. But all requests can now be made through Philly311, the city’s customer service center for non-emergency inquiries. Residents can make requests online, through the app or over the phone. At the same time, the city has expanded the program by making more blocks eligible for traffic calming measures. Residents on narrow arterial streets and shorter blocks can now make requests. And they can look up their block online to see if it’s eligible.
Source: PlanPhilly; 2/6/2024
Local labor unions are helping members buy homes
To sell members on the value of a union card, some Philadelphia labor union organizations not only advocate for higher wages and defend workers on the chopping block, but also offer benefits that touch on other aspects of workers’ lives. As homeownership has gotten less affordable in recent years, home-buying help through unions has gained momentum. The city’s largest municipal union — the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees’ District Council 33 — has held home-buying seminars for members on how to improve their credit and fund their purchase. Unions affiliated with AFL-CIO can opt in to a program called Union Plus to get or refinance a mortgage, or get no-interest loans to help pay their mortgage if they are laid off or go on strike. Read more here.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 1/29/2024
Philly has the largest jump in average cost of car insurance nationwide
Drivers in the Philadelphia metro area are spending a larger share of their income on car insurance than many in the nation, according to an annual report released this month from Bankrate, a consumer financial services company. On average, Philly drivers are spending $4,753 on their annual car premium, 5.65% of their household income. According to Bankrate, the average full-coverage premium costs in the Philadelphia metro area — which includes Camden and Wilmington — jumped up 154% from $1,872 last year. It is the largest increase of any of the 26 metros examined by Bankrate. Nationally, the average cost of full-coverage car insurance has increased 26% since last year, according to the report.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 2/7/2024
Email grassroots@suburbanrealtorsalliance.com to receive our weekly News Briefs. It's as simple as submitting your contact information so we can create a user profile.