Tariffs could slash regional homebuilding, new report warns
A new report warns the potential impact of tariffs on construction costs could trigger a decline in homebuilding and homeownership across Greater Philadelphia. Proposed tariffs could decrease the number of homes built in the region by nearly 1,600 units per year and drop the homeownership rate below 50%, according to a report from Kevin Gillen, senior research fellow at Drexel University's Lindy Institute for Urban Innovation. Gillen presented his findings to Realtors in a June 26 webinar for the Suburban Realtors Alliance. View a recording here and the slide deck here. Where rates will ultimately land is still uncertain, as President Trump continues to change the growing list of tariffs. Tariffs most likely to impact homebuilding include a 25% tax on steel and aluminum that was doubled in early June to 50%, along with a likely increase in tariffs on Canadian lumber, which currently sits at 14.5%. These expenses on imported materials would drive up the cost of building a new home in Greater Philadelphia by $20,000, or about 4%, Gillen's report finds. The higher costs may render many residential projects unprofitable, leading to less development. Homebuilders could also pass increased costs along to homebuyers, further exacerbating the issue of affordability in the region. "I would characterize my outlook as cautiously pessimistic, not in panic mode," Gillen said.
Source: Philadelphia Business Journal; 7/9/2025 

New PA law aims to chip away at the accountant shortage
In the midst of a talent shortage at Pennsylvania accounting firms, a recently passed state law creates a new path to becoming a certified public accountant, allowing candidates to get more work experience in lieu of extra college credits. Previously, in addition to passing a four-part exam, CPA candidates were required to have 150 credit hours of education and one year of professional experience. Act 27 of 2025 allows candidates with 120 credit hours and two years of professional experience to become CPAs if they pass the exam. CPA licensure is required to complete certain accounting services, including auditing public companies and submitting reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission. The law also gives CPA candidates more time to pass the CPA exam.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 7/3/2025 

Lawsuit seeks to end closed primary system in PA
Four Pennsylvania voters have filed a “King’s Bench” petition to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court arguing that state law restricting participation in partisan primaries to only registered Republicans and Democrats violates the rights of unaffiliated voters. About 1.4 million Pennsylvanians are unaffiliated, roughly 15% of the electorate, according to data from the Pennsylvania Department of State. In many Pennsylvania counties, one party is so dominant that local and statehouse elections are functionally decided in the primary rather than the general election. Pennsylvania is one of 10 states with a completely closed primary system. Read more in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 7/15/2025

PSU study finds 18% of private wells have forever chemicals
A study from Pennsylvania State University reports that about 18% of private wells in Pennsylvania are contaminated with toxic PFAS chemicals. Researchers tested 167 private wells over a three-year period and found “forever chemicals” above the new federal limits. PFAS chemicals were widely used in consumer products, such as nonstick cookware and waterproof clothing, as well as in firefighting foam, and have been linked to serious health problems. The highest concentrations of PFAS were detected in the most developed parts of the state, particularly in Montgomery County and other parts of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Read more from WHYY.
Source: WHYY; 7/7/2025

PFAS is in bloodstream of nearly all adults and children tested near PA military bases
A widely anticipated national study of thousands of people across eight states found 99% of adults and children who lived near drinking water contaminated by PFAS had levels of the “forever chemicals” in their blood. Study participants who lived in Bucks and Montgomery counties near military bases drank from private wells that contained PFAS in amounts that were thousands of times over the limits for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) drinking water standards. Virtually all tested positive for detectable concentrations of five different PFAS compounds.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 7/15/2025 

Middletown grants preliminary approval for Farms Edge at Shady Brook
Middletown Township supervisors granted preliminary plan approval for Farms Edge at Shady Brook after developer Fox Lane Homes reduced the density of the project. The latest plan for the age-qualified neighborhood has 129 total homes — 42 single-family detached homes expected to sell for about $1.1 million each, 14 twin homes to be priced around $950,000, and 73 carriage houses priced at $880,000. The change in zoning of the parcel to AQC (Age-Qualified Community) instead of R1 (Residential) will allow for the higher density. The R1 zoning would have only accommodated 32 single-family homes and would have generated about $274,500 in annual tax revenue for the township, county and school district. The AQC zoning is estimated to generate more than $1.8 million in annual tax revenue. About 40% of the land will be open space.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 7/15/2025

Bucks residents hear from PA DEP on pipeline leak response
A recent meeting coordinated by Upper Makefield Township officials had representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on hand to update residents on the status of a jet fuel leak in a Sunoco pipeline in their neighborhood. DEP representatives offered updates to residents on their coordination of corrective actions and enforcement with pipeline operator Energy Transfer over the past few months. According to DEP officials, about 260 gallons of jet fuel have been recovered, but they believe much more was released. Residents pushed for more action from the state. David Fennimore, a geologist hired by Upper Makefield as a project coordinator, said things are moving in a positive direction, and that “there is progress being made.” Read more at 6ABC.
Source: 6ABC; 7/16/2025

Tinicum to invoke eminent domain to keep Headquarters Road bridge project on schedule
A top priority for Tinicum Township officials is the reopening of Headquarters Road bridge — a historic structure closed since 2011. The township sees the span as crucial for reconnecting communities and improving local infrastructure. It took ownership of the bridge from PennDOT and has secured the necessary financing to get the project on track, but difficult negotiations with a local landowner to secure the required temporary easements threatened to jeopardize the project’s progress. Citing the township’s legal authority under the Pennsylvania Eminent Domain Code, Tinicum supervisors unanimously voted to temporarily condemn a portion of the landowner’s property to allow for bridge reconstruction. The township will provide compensation for temporary use of the property, and the property will be returned to the landowner upon completion of the project. The property owner vowed to fight the action. Supervisors hope to award the contract for the job at their Aug. 5 meeting.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 7/9/2025

Doylestown Township Planning Commission reviews proposal for ‘significant historic’ building
An unassuming Victorian-era home in Doylestown Township was the topic of discussion at a recent planning commission meeting. The historic structure, built in 1880, sits on nearly four acres of land at 651 N. Shady Retreat Road. Newtown-based Triumph Building Group presented a preliminary sketch plan to build townhomes on the property while maintaining the historic structure and incorporating it into the rest of the project's design. The proposed townhome project utilizes the township's B-15 zoning use, which includes the use of a historic property in connection with a new development project. The developer’s plan preserves the historic home by transforming it into the neighborhood’s first townhouse unit, which will be attached to two other units. Nine other townhomes would loop around a cul-de-sac at the end of the entryway from Shady Retreat Road, and the rear of the property would be surrounded by trees, maintaining the natural buffer neighbors say has become a wildlife refuge. Some commission members commended the attempt at preservation, at the same time expressing concern about attaching two townhomes to the structure.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 7/14/2025 

Sadsbury Township to begin rental registration and inspections
Sadsbury Township supervisors at their May 6 meeting approved an ordinance creating a registration and inspection program for rental properties. The cost of an inspection is $100, and a reinspection is $50. The ordinance was scheduled to take effect at the beginning of July. Information relating to the application, as well as a checklist of inspection items, will be available on the township website, but it has not yet been posted.
Source: Sadsbury Township; 5/6/2025

Herr's to sell 123 acres in East Nottingham to developer
Chip maker Herr's is under agreement to sell nearly 123 acres in East Nottingham Township to a Malvern developer planning 940,640 square feet of industrial space. Eli Kahn of E Kahn Development Corp. is looking to build three warehouses on vacant land near the intersection of Baltimore Pike and Graves Road. The preliminary land development plan, dubbed "Herr's Farm," shows that the buildings will span 440,640 square feet, 330,000 square feet and 170,000 square feet. The plan also calls for the creation of 941 parking spaces.
Source: Philadelphia Business Journal; 7/13/2025

Coatesville issues reminder on code requirements for pool installation
The City of Coatesville requires a construction permit for any swimming pool that holds over 24 inches in depth, including inflatable ones. Before installing a pool, a resident must visit City Hall, fill out a construction permit application, submit a plot plan showing all setbacks, and meet all electrical and fencing requirements. To learn more and read the full swimming pool requirements, visit Coatesville’s website.
Source: City of Coatesville; 7/2/2025

Willistown to adopt 2024 IPMC
Willistown Township supervisors are considering a proposed ordinance to adopt the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code. A public hearing is scheduled for Monday, July 21, at the township building, 688 Sugartown Road, Malvern. The draft ordinance adopts the code “with supplements and amendments concerning fees, penalties, board of appeals and board of appeals procedure, stop work orders, weeds and plant growth,” and various definitions. If passed, it would take effect in five days.
Source: Daily Local News; 7/8/2025

Chester County Farm Guide now available
Chester County has released the 2025 Chester County Farm Guide. Developed by the county’s Agricultural Development Council, the guide highlights the people, places and products of the local agriculture industry. It also includes recipes, lists of farm markets, and a chart showing what’s in season each month of the year. The guide is available on the council’s website, along with an interactive map of local farms.
Source: Daily Local; 7/11/2025