Flood risk increasing in Philly region
Flood risks have increased in the Philadelphia region, whether from coastal storm surge, sunny-day flooding along tidal rivers or flash flooding on inland roads. People in Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey are frequently trapped and rescued by boat during floods, and several floods in the region have been deadly. Take warnings seriously and evacuate if advised to do so, and avoid driving or walking through water. Emergency management officials say it’s important to make a plan for your household before flooding hits. Find out more here.
Source: WHYY; 6/3/2024

Freddie Mac is looking to boost cash-out refinancing via second mortgages
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced in April a new product proposal for government-sponsored enterprise Freddie Mac that would allow the agency to purchase certain single-family, closed-end second mortgages. The plan would offer borrowers an alternative way to access their home equity without surrendering a first mortgage with a more favorable interest rate than is currently available. “[A] traditional cash-out refinance today may pose a significant financial burden, as it requires a refinancing of the entire outstanding loan balance at a new, and likely much higher, interest rate,” FHFA said in its proposal. “Homeowners may also use second mortgages to access the equity in their homes, [where] only the smaller, second mortgage would be subject to the current market rate, as the original terms of the first mortgage would remain intact.” The 30-day public comment period for the proposal ended May 16. Read more in HousingWire.
Source: HousingWire; 4/17/2024

Housing Equality Center debuts new website
The Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania (HECP) has launched a new website. Since 1956, HECP has been working to ensure that all Pennsylvanians have equal access to the housing of their choice regardless of their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status or disability. They assist housing professionals and consumers in understanding their rights and responsibilities under fair housing laws and help consumers to obtain redress when they experience housing discrimination. HECP is a private, nonprofit, full-service fair housing organization, offering a variety of programs and services to ensure equal access to housing for members of the Fair Housing Act’s protected classes.
Source: Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania

PA changes tourism brand with ‘Great American Getaway’ campaign
Gov. Josh Shapiro, accompanied by other state government and tourism officials in an event at PNC Field in Lackawanna County, announced a rebranding of the state’s tourism marketing. “Pursue Your Happiness” has been rebranded to “The Great American Getaway.” Tourism generates over $76 billion for the state’s economy annually and supports more than 486,000 jobs statewide, according to the Pennsylvania Office of Tourism, commonly known as Visit PA. Read more from LevittownNow.
Source: LevittownNow; 5/21/2024 

Hilltown views sketch plan for 24 townhomes
Representatives for Heritage Properties appeared before the Hilltown Township Board of Supervisors to discuss a sketch plan for a 24-unit townhouse development. The proposed project is off East Walnut Street near the subdivisions of Orchard Hill and County Road, and the township border with Perkasie Borough. The smallest townhome would be about 3,490 square feet, and all of the townhomes would have a small rear deck, a driveway that will fit two vehicles and a garage. The proposed project is “by-right,” meaning it meets the parameters allowed within the current zoning code. Supervisors did not raise any objection, and no residents had comments on the project. Heritage Properties must now submit a formal development plan, allow public comment from residents, and obtain approval for that from supervisors before any construction begins.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 6/10/2024

Neighbors appeal zoning decision on proposed Doylestown hotel
Last month, Doylestown Borough’s zoning hearing board voted unanimously to allow a developer to exceed current zoning in the central commercial district to build a fourth floor on a proposed “boutique hotel.” At the same time, the board rejected developer Larry Thompson’s application for a parking variance that would allow 61 spaces, rather than the required 72. Residents near the property met with the developer and his attorney to discuss “alternative designs” for the project, but no agreement was reached to reduce the scope of the project. The neighbors have since appealed the zoning board’s partial approval of the project, and a judge could hear the appeal within the next weeks or months. “If we didn’t appeal, we would have no input” going forward, said Mike Carr, attorney for the residents.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 6/4/2024

Council Rock to increase tax rebate program
The Council Rock School District tax rebate program will see a maximum rebate increase from $650 to $1,000. The program will also reach more people, because the state increased the maximum income to qualify from $35,000 to $45,000. The school district is considering a budget proposal that would increase taxes by 2.6% and explore a move to full-day kindergarten. The budget is slated to be finalized by June 20.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 5/21/2024

Petrecco tapped for Pennsbury vacancy
Donna Petrecco was unanimously approved by the Pennsbury School Board to fill a vacancy on the board. The seat was vacated by James Prokopiak, who is now serving as state representative for the 140th Legislative District. Petrecco graduated from Bishop Conwell, is raising her family in the area, and is a licensed Realtor in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, based out of New Hope. She has held board positions or leadership roles in many agencies, including the Bucks County Housing Authority. Petrecco will hold the seat by appointment until Dec. 1, 2025. Pennsbury is currently planning to build a new high school over the next several years — the largest project undertaken by the district in recent years. “My commitment to education is deeply rooted in both personal and professional experiences,” Petrecco said. “As a parent of two children, one currently enrolled in Pennsbury High School and one who has graduated, I have a firsthand understanding of the needs and challenges faced by students, teachers and parents within our district.”
Source: Bucks County Herald; 6/10/2024

New Target store in Doylestown to open in July
Opening day is just weeks away for a new Target store in the Doylestown Shopping Center. The new Target takes the place of the Bon-Ton Department store that closed its doors in 2018. The 74,500-square-foot Target is scheduled to open during the week of July 20. It will house a CVS Pharmacy and a Starbucks in addition to its retail operations. The shopping center is also home to more than 20 other businesses, including Acme Market, Planet Fitness, Staples, Famous Footwear, Bacco Italian Bistro, Starbucks, Wendy’s and Turning Point.
Source: Doylestown Patch; 6/11/2024 

Open space referendum will be on East Whiteland ballot in November
East Whiteland Township supervisors, after a public hearing on May 8, approved an ordinance placing a referendum question on the November ballot. The question asks residents if they favor the imposition of a tax on earned income at a rate not to exceed 0.05% and an increase in the real property tax at a rate not to exceed 0.45 mills ($0.45 per $1,000 assessed valuation) for the purpose of “acquisition of real property for natural resource protection, open space preservation, and public recreation.” If the referendum passes, the local earned income tax rate would increase from 0.75% to 0.80% and the township real estate tax rate would increase from 0.445 mills to 0.895 mills. Read more on the East Whiteland Township website.
Source: East Whiteland Township; 6/2024

Willistown Township commissions sewerage study
The Willistown Township Board of Supervisors at a May 6 meeting contracted with ARRO Consulting Inc. to perform a sewer system management study. The goal of the study is to provide township supervisors with a report that presents prioritized options with respect to the ownership, management and operation of the Willistown Township sewerage systems. Resident sewer users and other interested members of the public are invited to share their thoughts regarding present and future management of the Willistown Township sewer system with the consultants via email to sewer-study@willistown.pa.us. Learn more at the Willistown Township website. 
Source: Willistown Township; 6/2024

Annual PIT count shows drop in Chesco homeless population
Overnight from Jan. 24 to 25, the Chester County Department of Community Development conducted its annual Point-in-Time Count of homeless people. The department just released the results, which revealed that 213 people were experiencing homelessness in Chester County that night — a significant reduction compared to the 2023 figure of 436. Several factors impacted the decrease: milder weather meant fewer people were in Code Blue emergency shelters, and two transitional housing organizations closed their programs in 2023, so the 2024 count did not include them.
Source: Chester County; 6/6/2024

Downingtown schools ask stakeholders to weigh in on development
After a builder ended plans to build 1.96 million square feet of warehouse space in Uwchlan Township at Lionville Station Farm, the Downingtown Area School District is looking at several options for what to do with the property. More than 200 people voiced their opinions during a community conversation at Downingtown West High School. Superintendent Robert O’Donnell talked about the farm property, the future of which the district has been “grappling” with. Three potential uses were presented to the public for comment. A distribution use, with warehouses, truck bays and parking lots was suggested. The use matches current zoning, and a developer would be required to make some improvements to roadways and traffic. The second suggested use was for flex industrial, or a business park, with possible open space/recreational opportunities. It also matches current zoning and the developer would make some roadway improvements. The third suggested use was for an active adult 55-plus community, with homes. Open space might be a part of the development, the developer would be required to address roadway improvements, and it would require a township zoning change.
Source: Daily Local; 5/31/2024

Kennett Square considers zoning changes to improve housing affordability
Encouraging the development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) could improve housing affordability in Kennett Square Borough, according to a presentation the planning commission chair, Andy Froning, delivered to borough council. The council had asked the commission for ideas on improving housing affordability. Froning defined ADUs as independent housing units, typically created on single-family lots through remodeling or expanding the existing home or constructed as a detached dwelling. He explained that ADUs have been a part of the history of the borough since its founding, as they were a common form of rental housing until the early to mid-1900s. Chester County supports ADUs, highlighting such benefits as affordability, aging population support, open space protection, existing infrastructure efficiencies and neighborhood character. The planning commission proposed the following definition to establish ADUs in the borough code as "a residential living unit on the same parcel as a single-family detached or attached primary residential structure.” Following a borough council discussion, Mayor Matt Fetick said he would like to see a sample ordinance for discussion. He noted there are multiple ways to restrict ADUs and feels the borough should move forward
Source: Kennett Square; 6/7/2024