Realtors travel to Harrisburg for PAR’s Realtor Day on the Hill
On June 24, more than 200 Pennsylvania Realtors attended more than 120 meetings with legislators at the Capitol in Harrisburg to advocate for the passage of several bills to advance issues important to the real estate industry during PA Realtor Day on the Hill. “It takes a little effort to meet with a legislator and explain our positions on regulation and legislation, but it is far more effective than complaining about unjust laws and regulations,” said Pennsylvania Association of Realtors president Bill Lublin. Among the top bills Realtors discussed were: SB 838 (Private Licensed Schools Act Amendment), which ensures real estate and appraisal education providers are not subject to a duplicative regulatory process; HB 818/SB 803 (First-Time Homebuyer Savings Account); and HB 1048 (Infrastructure Improvement Authorization), which would allow municipalities to use public funds and workers to replace/repair private water and sewer laterals connected to public systems. Read more about the day and other legislative priorities here.
Source: PAR JustListed; 6/25/2025

Reform NFIP, strengthen FEMA, NAR says
National Association of Realtors (NAR) president Kevin Sears sent a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) calling for action on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and other critical FEMA disaster programs. To strengthen long-term outcomes, NAR recommends streamlining federal recovery programs to better bridge the gap between short-term aid and permanent housing, and expanding mitigation grants that help communities rebuild stronger and safer. NAR also voiced support for the NFIP, a program that is critical to real estate markets and the U.S. economy. Key recommendations for reforming NFIP include improving flood-risk mapping, enhancing public risk communication and mitigation efforts, addressing the program’s mounting debt and risk concentration, and encouraging a competitive private flood insurance market. These reforms would not only ensure the program’s solvency but also expand coverage options and affordability for homeowners in flood-prone areas. Read more at the NAR website.
Source: NAR; 6/18/2025

Proposed HUD cuts include reduction in rental assistance programs
President Donald Trump’s recent budget request to Congress for fiscal year 2026 outlines a 44% cut to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), including a 43% reduction in rental assistance programs that support more than 9 million people. The president’s fiscal year 2026 budget request serves as an outline of the administration’s vision for next year’s federal spending, and is not the current One Big Beautiful Bill budget reconciliation package. The Trump administration also wants to consolidate federal housing aid, which includes programs like Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing, into block grants, which are finite amounts of money that states would administer. The proposal also would cap eligibility for many aid recipients at two years, and limit federal oversight over how states dole out housing aid to low-income, disabled and older renters. In testimony to Congress about the proposed fiscal 2026 budget, HUD Sec. Scott Turner said that HUD rental assistance is meant to be temporary. Housing advocates say cuts would disproportionately affect families with children, older adults and individuals with disabilities, many of whom rely on rental subsidies and support to remain stably housed in high-rent markets. Alexandra Alvarado, director of education at the American Apartment Owners Association, said many small landlords are closely following the proposed changes to the voucher program, noting acceptance of housing vouchers is a reliable business model. Read more here.
Source: The Reporter; 6/23/2025

Federal shift toward low-cost internet sparks concern
Sweeping changes are coming to a $42.5 billion program that aims to bring high-speed internet to everyone in the United States. The Trump administration changed how states evaluate proposals, which areas are eligible for funding and how long states have to award the grants. The program originally prioritized fiber projects, but under the new rules, states must select winners based on the lowest cost. Pennsylvania has already completed an initial round of applications, 90% of which proposed fiber projects. Those applications will now be rescored under the new guidelines. Federal officials say the new rules will ensure taxpayers receive the best value for their money, while critics of the change say the shift will short-change rural residents by favoring technologies that are cheaper upfront but will not be able to keep up with future demand for higher speeds. Read more from Spotlight PA.
Source: Spotlight PA; 6/18/2025

PUC offers tips to control summer electricity bill
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has reminded consumers about changes in electric generation prices — known as the Price to Compare (PTC) — for residential and small business customers across Pennsylvania. The new PTCs took effect on June 1, reflecting wholesale energy market conditions and seasonal shifts in electricity demand. The PTC is the price that utilities charge non-shopping customers for electric generation supply. The supply is procured in accordance with commission-approved plans, but the generation portion of the electric bill is not directly set by the PUC and instead is driven by market factors. Typical residential PTC increases among major utilities range between 5% and 16%. Read more on the PUC website.
Source: Daily Local; 6/21/2025 

New Britain looks to make zoning code more ‘business friendly’
New Britain Borough Manager John W. Wolff recently told borough council members that, in his opinion, the borough’s zoning regulations have become outdated and stifle economic growth. “The sustainability of a municipality is based on balance of the commercial, industrial and residential sectors,” Wolff said, “and New Britain Borough’s zoning laws have left us very unbalanced.” Wolff used an example of a business owner opting not to lease an industrial space for pickleball courts because the borough’s zoning code required almost 300 parking spaces. Discussion ensued, with Council Vice President Loren Frasco asking how the council would go about making zoning changes. A rewrite of the zoning code would need to be approved by council. The borough’s engineering firm, Gilmore and Associates Inc., would be tasked with the project, which could take months, according to borough solicitor Michael Peters of Eastburn and Gray P.C.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 6/23/2025

Bridgeton Township to consider short-term rental use
Bridgeton Township supervisors are considering adoption of a zoning amendment ordinance that would add provisions for the establishment of an accessory short-term rental use in the township, establishing regulations related to the use, permit requirements and other regulations. A hearing will be held on Wednesday, July 9, at 7 p.m., at 1370 Bridgeton Hill Road, Upper Black Eddy. The full text of the ordinance is available for inspection at the township office and the Bucks County Law Library.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 6/2025

Perkasie Borough launches economic development survey
Perkasie Borough invites all residents, business owners, property owners and visitors to take part in an important community survey that will help shape the future of the borough’s economy and business districts. The survey is part of the borough’s 2025 Economic Development Plan Update, a comprehensive effort to guide future investment, support local business and preserve the unique character of Perkasie. Public feedback is a central part of the process. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and is open through June 30.
Source: Perkasie Borough; 6/2025

Tax increase approved in Pennridge School District budget
The Pennridge School Board approved a $163.2 million budget for the 2025-2026 school year that includes a 3.65% tax increase. The real estate millage rate will rise from 135.2555 mills to 140.1892 mills. The board also voted to keep the current 1% earned income tax, 0.5% real estate transfer tax and $5 local services tax. Real estate taxes generate about $87.4 million in net revenue, with the district anticipating about $41 million from the state and just over $2 million in federal funding. The 26-page budget document is available on the Pennridge School Board documents website.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 6/18/2025

Perkasie Borough purchases Kratz Garden property
Perkasie Borough has announced the official acquisition of the Kratz family’s garden property, solidifying its place as a permanent part of the borough’s park system. The Kratz family allowed the borough to use the privately owned land for a seasonal community garden since 2007. Managed by the Perkasie Parks and Recreation Department, residents and nonresidents were encouraged to take on a 10′ x 10′ garden plot. Visit the Perkasie Borough website for more information about the community garden and Perkasie’s park programs.
Source: The Reporter; 6/23/2025

Falls Township announces new manager
Falls Township supervisors announced their intention to hire a new township manager, John M. Shepherd, at the June 23 meeting. Shepherd has been a municipal manager for over 25 years, most recently being a township manager in New Jersey — a position he held since 2017. Shepherd will have 180 days from his start date to relocate within 20 miles of Falls Township. The appointment of Shepherd will allow former township manager Matthew Takita to dedicate his focus to code and zoning matters. Takita had served as township manager as well as chief code enforcement officer and zoning officer since 2019.
Source: LevittownNow; 6/20/2025 

Uwchlan holds meeting on plans to develop Lionville Station property
The Uwchlan Township Planning Commission held an informational public meeting on June 17 to discuss the proposed development of 237 acres of land commonly known as the Lionville Station Farm property. According to the township website, in October 2024, Downingtown Area School District (DASD) announced it had entered into a sales agreement with Rockwell Development Group for the land. Rockwell has submitted a zoning amendment proposal to establish a planned residential development (PRD) zoning overlay on the property. A tentative planned residential development plan — which Rockwell has not yet formally submitted — calls for approximately 570 homes, 66 affordable apartments, approximately 100 acres of open space, and a natatorium (swimming pool) and nature trail. DASD purchased the land in 2003 from Siemens Medical Solutions for $22 million, and is looking to sell it to Rockwell for $64 million. “We have in our agreement with the school district that if it becomes housing, it would be 55-plus, age restricted,” Rockwell president Greg Lingo said at the public meeting. View a recording of the meeting and more details about the proposed development on the township website. Downingtown Area School District also has a web page dedicated to the property sale.
Source: Uwchlan Township

WCU receives $4.7M gift in unique East Whiteland land deal
West Chester University has received its largest ever donation through a unique land partnership with East Whiteland Township. In 2024, the university received a donation of 52 acres of farmland in the township from an undisclosed donor. In the recently announced partnership, East Whiteland will pay $4.7 million to the school to acquire the land. West Chester students will assist the township in converting the land, which is known as Ridley Springs, into a public park and nature preserve. “WCU students majoring in or with interests in geographic information systems, health, sustainability, art and design, areas of the sciences, and other fields of study will play active roles in working with East Whiteland Township to develop the preserved farm property for the community’s use and enjoyment,” according to a university statement. The proceeds from the deal will go toward student scholarships.
Source: Philadelphia Business Journal; 6/17/2025 and Daily Local; 6/24/2025

Spring City to consider vacant commercial property registration program
Spring City Borough Council will consider a proposal to regulate vacant commercial properties. According to a public notice, the draft ordinance will “create a regulatory scheme for the registration and inventorying of commercial units and the registration, inventorying, inspection and monitoring of vacant commercial units,” as well as establishing penalties for violations. The draft ordinance is available for public inspection at Borough Hall, 6 S. Church St. The council will hold a public hearing on the proposal on Monday, July 7, at 7 p.m. at Borough Hall.
Source: Mercury; 6/20/2025

Chester County has a pipeline information website
Nearly 600 linear miles of pipeline corridors cross Chester County. Many of the pipelines have been in place for decades, but the construction of new lines and upgrades to existing lines have increased recently. The Chester County Planning Commission created a Pipeline Information Center over a decade ago to provide a central location for all aspects of pipeline issues, including pipeline safety, the pipeline review process, and the latest information on pipeline projects within Chester County and the surrounding area. Regular updates on pipeline activity and related announcements are posted on the site.
Source: Chester County; 6/2025

KACS begins negotiations to move to Kennett Square Borough Hall
Kennett Area Community Services (KACS) is in negotiations with Kennett Square Borough to move out of its cramped location on Cedar Street and into a portion of the new Borough Hall on South Broad Street. The proposed new offices would occupy two-and-a-half floors and allow the organization to consolidate its entire operation under one roof, including its food cupboard and refrigeration space, social services programs, community education workshops and administrative offices. KACS had previously been looking to build a new headquarters on 5.6 acres of land along West Cypress Street. Last fall, borough council approached KACS with a proposal to relocate operations to the new Borough Hall. Read more at Chester County Press.
Source: Chester County Press; 6/18/2025