News Briefs for March 1, 2024
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The Dorrance Mansion is a historic house built circa 1862 along the Delaware River in Bristol Borough, Bucks County. The house represents the lavish life of Bristol's early Victorian industrialists. Bristol Borough has seen an economic revival since winning a national revitalization contest eight years ago.
Photo: Smallbones
Backlogged PA mortgage relief program to reopen in March
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency announced a state mortgage relief program will reopen in March. The Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund has been closed for more than a year to resolve a backlog of applications and a series of internal problems. The assistance program first opened in January 2022 with $350 million in federal funding to help Pennsylvania homeowners with late mortgage payments, utility bills, property taxes and other housing costs. The program will have an estimated $46 million remaining for new applicants. Read more from Spotlight PA.
Source: LevittownNow.com; 2/26/2024
Proposed PA bill would give residents a louder voice on warehouse development
State Rep. Joe Emrick (R-137), of Northampton County, introduced legislation in January that would give voters the final say over whether new high-impact warehouses and distribution centers should be approved in their communities. According to House Bill 1960, approval by voter referendum would be required for a warehouse or distribution center that is a development of regional significance at least 100,000 square feet in size and on three acres of land or more. The bill is in the beginning stages. Emrick is hoping other legislators will co-sponsor the legislation.
Source: Hanover Evening Sun; 2/20/2024
$5.8 billion marked for water infrastructure projects
The Biden administration announced that states will share $5.8 billion in federal funds for water infrastructure projects around the country. The new round of funding will help pay for projects nationwide, bringing the total awarded to states for water infrastructure improvements to $22 billion. The money comes from the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law enacted in 2021. More than $200 million of the new federal funding will go to Pennsylvania. The money will go toward replacing lead pipes and aging water mains and storm drains. According to an infrastructure “report card” created by the American Society of Civil Engineers in 2022, “Most of Pennsylvania’s public drinking water systems are struggling to fund projects to meet their replacement goals as well as new regulations. That’s despite recent investment in main replacement and improvement in identifying vulnerability to failures for prioritization of repairs.” The infrastructure law includes over $50 billion to upgrade America’s water infrastructure and is touted by the Biden administration as the largest investment in clean water in U.S. history.
Source: WHYY; 2/20/2024
National Flood Insurance Program extension deadline is March 8
As Congress continues to negotiate to avoid a government shutdown by March 8, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) is advocating for an on-time extension of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). NAR has prepared a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Sheet on what an NFIP lapse could mean for real estate closings and what options are available for consumers to buy or renew a flood insurance policy before the March 8 deadline. NAR also published a report on Feb. 27 detailing how the shutdown of various government agencies would affect the real estate economy.
Source: Nar.realtor; 2/26/2024
Eight years after winning a revitalization contest, Bristol Borough is booming
A slow and gradual decline in Bristol Borough led to a practically dead main street in 2000. According to Borough Council President Ralph DiGuiseppe, “We had over 50% [storefront] vacancies on Mill Street.” It was around that time borough officials began a concerted effort to repair, renovate and upgrade the town. In 2017, a pair of 250-foot docks opened on the Delaware River at the foot of Mill Street. The $3 million project was 16 years in the making. Around the same time, Bristol Borough won the national Small Business Revolution contest sponsored by the Deluxe Corp. A campaign called “Pick Us,” led by Bill Pezza, president of the nonprofit Raising the Bar, which promotes downtown events and improvements, brought about a pep rally and the win. After Bristol won the contest, Deluxe dispatched a team of marketing and other experts to assist six small businesses in the borough. The company also provided $500,000 to install a waterfront sound system for events, two information kiosks for the center of town, and poles and other infrastructure for display banners across Mill Street. Pezza said locally owned, family-run businesses continue to be the backbone of downtown Bristol’s economy. Read more in the Inquirer.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 2/21/2024
Doylestown zoners approve plan to redevelop old Barn Theater site
The Doylestown Borough Zoning Hearing Board approved a proposal to redevelop portions of the Barn Plaza shopping center. The application outlined plans to demolish the existing Regal Cinema Barn Theater structures, making way for construction of three new buildings, creating spaces for four more restaurants, three additional retail shops, a medical office and additional access to Route 611. Approval for a variety of variances came with a set of conditions to address traffic circulation, landscaping, impervious surfaces, lighting and stormwater management, which are expected to be addressed during the land development process.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 2/23/2024
County plans solar energy farm in Bristol Township
Bucks County plans to build a solar energy farm on land it owns in Bristol Township. The solar energy farm is planned for a piece of open land behind the soon-to-be-constructed, 39,000-square-foot, two-story Lower Bucks County Government Services Center. The solar farm is proposed for an area that was once part of the Morton Thiokol operation at the property. The solar energy farm will not be used directly for the county facility, the energy will be sold to PECO for local use on its grid. It is estimated the project could save the county as much as $2.5 million in energy costs over 30 years. A final cost for the project and timeline were not presented.
Source: LevittownNow.com; 2/22/2024
Parking app a success in Bristol Borough
Bristol Borough introduced the Passport Parking app last fall, and according to Mayor Ralph DiGuiseppe III, it has seen substantial adoption among residents and visitors. The app allows users to pay for parking through their mobile devices and eliminates the need for coins. The digital solution has not only improved the convenience of parking in the borough but also contributed to a 60% increase in parking revenue.
Source: LevittownNow.com; 2/26/2024
Complaints spur action on truck traffic in Bristol Township
Bristol Township Manager Randee Elton said action is being taken to control speeding and truck traffic following the closure of the Randall Avenue bridge. Residents at a town hall meeting on the bridge closure raised concerns about truck traffic and speeding on Radcliffe Street. The township has placed speed signs that will monitor and display the speed of passing vehicles. Bristol Township Police are watching for speeding and planning truck enforcement details. The 169-foot bridge, built in 1919, remains closed, and there is no timeline for reopening.
Source: LevittownNow.com; 2/23/2024
Chesco receives over $2M to address homelessness
The Chester County Department of Community Development was recently awarded more than $2 million in fiscal year 2023 Continuum of Care (CoC) Competition Awards by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The funds are allocated for projects focused on ending homelessness. The Chester County commissioners applauded the funding, saying, “Homelessness is about more than just housing. It’s about trauma and having access to available programs and assistance. The CoC funds will help address all of these issues.” Rob Henry, administrator for the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness, said the county has 12 projects ready to receive the funding, including rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing for individuals with disabilities and chronically homeless individuals. The funds will be distributed between the county’s partner providers — Open Hearth Inc., Human Services Inc., and Holcomb Associates Inc.
Source: Chester County; 2/22/2024
Proposed Tredyffrin/Easttown budget with tax hike to be discussed March 11
On Jan. 22, the Tredyffrin/Easttown School Board voted unanimously to adopt a preliminary budget of $186 million for the 2024-2025 school year. The budget proposal shows an $11.5 million operational deficit. To close the gap, the board is seeking to increase the property tax rate, in addition to reducing expenditures and tapping into reserves. The budget proposal will be the subject of a meeting on Monday, March 11, at 7 p.m. at Conestoga High School, 200 Irish Road in Berwyn. Read more about the budget development on the school district website.
Source: Tredyffrin-Easttown Patch; 2/26/2024
West Goshen to amend peddling and soliciting ordinance
The West Goshen Township Board of Supervisors will consider amendments to the township’s existing peddling and soliciting ordinance. The amendments will modify the sections on the application process, rules of conduct and violations. A public hearing will be conducted on Tuesday, March 5, at 6 p.m. at the West Goshen Municipal Building, 1025 Paoli Pike.
Source: Daily Local; 2/26/2024
Chester County legislators react to fouling at Marsh Creek
Workers for Mariner East pipeline builder Energy Transfer Partners (ETP) are back at Marsh Creek State Park to contain a new leak of what appears to be bentonite clay, a material used in horizontal drilling as part of the underground pipe laying process. A resident reported seeing the whitish material in a tributary of Marsh Creek on Feb. 15, two years after the company completed construction of the 350-mile-long cross-state natural gas liquids pipelines, and three-and-a-half years after construction at the same site caused between 21,000 and 28,000 gallons of drilling mud to enter Marsh Creek Lake. State Sen. Carolyn Comitta (D-19), state Sen. Katie Muth (D-44) and state Rep. Danielle Friel-Otten (D-155) released a statement, saying the new reports of contamination were not surprising: “Given that Sunoco/ETP had so many problems constructing its pipeline in this geologically complex and environmentally sensitive area, it was only a matter of time. Remember, this is the same place where we experienced sinkholes and spills during pipeline construction. It’s the same place where Sunoco/ETP allowed thousands of gallons of drilling fluid to spill into our wetlands and even more to be lost into the ground.”
Source: WHYY; 2/23/2024 & Daily Local; 2/28/2024
ChristianaCare wants to build two micro-hospitals in Delaware County
Two micro-hospitals, each with 10 patient beds and a small emergency department, are coming to Delaware County next year under an expansion announced Tuesday by ChristianaCare, the largest health system in Delaware. The locations for the two hospitals have not been finalized, ChristianaCare said. Its partner in the development is Emerus Holdings Inc., a Texas company that is also collaborating on ChristianaCare’s reopening of Jennersville Hospital in western Chester County as a micro-hospital. The new micro-hospitals will be open 24-7 and offer emergency services for things like heart attacks and strokes, but some of the care will be virtual, ChristianaCare said. The hospitals will also provide diagnostic services, such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT scans), X-rays and laboratory testing. The announcement underscores ChristianaCare’s intent to expand its reach in Delaware County even after deciding not to go through with its proposed acquisition of financially struggling Crozer Health in 2022. Depending on where the new hospitals are located, they could reduce the number of patients who seek care at Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 2/27/2024
Auditor General finds improvement in Chester City pension plans
After evaluating three years of Chester’s pension plans, the Pennsylvania auditor general said there’s been improvement but it remains at a severe distress level. “We realize that the City of Chester’s financial issues have been decades in the making, but it must make funding pensions for those who serve the city in critical roles a priority,” Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor said. “The city did increase its contributions to the pension plans, which is a move in the right direction. However, it continues to ignore the key problems identified by our auditors, which, if not addressed, will only continue the spiral of debt.” DeFoor’s office audited Chester’s 2020, 2021 and 2022 pension plans. Pension obligations have been a crucial part in the challenges facing the city. “The receiver recognizes the severe financial condition of Chester’s pension plans and, since being appointed, has ensured that the city has made its annual pension payments,”said Vijay Kapoor, chief of staff for the city’s state-appointed receiver. “We have reviewed the audits’ findings and intend to address them through the bankruptcy process.” He added that pension payments have been made since 2021, the first full year of receivership, as well as every year since then.
Source: Daily Times; 2/23/2024
COSA to provide property tax/rent rebate help at senior centers
The Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) is partnering with the state revenue department to assist residents in applying for the expanded Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) program and filing their taxes. Six Delaware County senior centers will host state revenue department representatives to help residents with determining their eligibility, completing applications and filing Pennsylvania personal income tax returns (PA-40s). “The enhancement of the PTRR program is a welcome development, offering essential relief for our elderly population,” said COSA director Barbara Nicolardi. “This collaboration with the Department of Revenue exemplifies our collective commitment to the well-being and financial stability of Delaware County's older adults and residents with disabilities.” The deadline to submit applications for the 2023 Property Tax/Rent Rebates is June 30, 2024. Learn more here.
Source: Delaware County; 2/16/2024
Upper Darby’s new chief administrative officer is sworn in
Crandall O. Jones, 64, has been sworn in as chief administrative officer for Upper Darby Township. Jones comes from Norristown, where he was appointed as municipal administrator in 2013. He began his career in municipal government in Savannah, Georgia, and over 30 years has gained experience in economic analysis, project management, cost analysis and budgeting. Jones previously indicated that he has “absolutely zero interest in politics” and was focused on behind-the-scenes operations. He will have an annual salary of $191,000 at Upper Darby.
Source: Daily Times; 2/24/2024
Whole Home Repairs grant program comes to Montco
The application window for Montgomery County’s Whole Home Repairs Program is now open. The program is designed to offer financial relief for low-income property owners to make improvements on their homes. Montgomery County homeowners making less than 80% of the area median income, a figure set at $114,000, are eligible to apply for grants of up to $50,000. Median income is based on household size. The program website states qualifying projects could include plumbing, electrical and foundation repairs, roof or rain gutter replacements, widening sidewalks or doorways, installing hand or guide rails, or repairing a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. Prioritization could be made for aging infrastructure, households with vulnerable populations, and individuals with disabilities. The application window will remain open until April 12. Read more in the press release.
Source: The Reporter; 2/25/2024
Upper Moreland committee discusses rental housing inspections
The Upper Moreland Township Community Development Committee recently discussed implementing a rental inspection program. According to the agenda summary, the objective of the program would be to better ensure that the rental housing within the township meets minimum standards. The idea was first considered last year, but discussion ended after the previous board decided adding one to two more employees was not an option. Following a Feb. 12 discussion, committee members opted to review more information and continue the discussion at the next meeting. The meeting video can be viewed on YouTube. Check the township’s Agenda Center for upcoming meetings.
Source: Upper Moreland Township; 2/12/2024
Lansdale approves traffic study for side streets
Lansdale Borough Council and the borough public safety committee have heard enough complaints about traffic throughout town. Stories about drivers speeding and ignoring stop signs on side streets and complaints about congestion related to the rail crossing at the center of town have spurred council into action. Council authorized borough engineers Pennoni and Associates to perform a traffic study on several problem areas identified by borough police and the public safety committee, including a “bypass route” being used by drivers to get around Main Street backups. The primary focus area is outlined in the Lansdale Borough “Spotlight” on the study.
Source: The Reporter; 2/26/2024
Whitpain to present final draft of comprehensive plan update
The Whitpain Township Board of Supervisors has scheduled a public hearing to present the final draft of the comprehensive plan update on Tuesday, March 5, at 6 p.m. as part of the supervisors meeting. Find out more about the comprehensive plan — Whitpain 2035: 4 Villages Within a Community — on the township website.
Source: Whitpain Township; 2/19/2024
Lower Merion seeks input on redesign of Schauffele Plaza
Lower Merion is seeking public input on the upcoming redesign of Ardmore’s Schauffele Plaza. The first of three workshops was held on Feb. 20. For those unable to attend, a recorded presentation and online survey are available on the Schauffele Plaza public engagement page of the township website. Lower Merion officials want to ensure community voices are heard and considered, fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration in shaping the plaza's final design.
Source: Main Line Times; 2/12/2024
St. Joe’s West Philly campus is on the market
St. Joseph’s University merged with USciences in 2022, marking the largest acquisition in the university’s history. School officials began exploring selling the newly acquired 24-acre University City campus soon after the merger. The West Philadelphia campus has been quietly on the market for one year, with a university spokesperson saying they would prefer to sell the entire property to a single developer. Such a large area of prime real estate offers a rare opportunity for developers, while potentially accelerating gentrification of the neighborhood. The university agreed to fund a “community advisory committee” made up of representatives of local community groups. The committee came up with “guiding principles” for what the community wants on the site, including: capitalizing on borders and topography; connectivity and accessibility; intentional residential development; and commercial activity. Find out more about the community conversation here.
Source: WestPhillyLocal.com; 2/14/2024 & Axios; 2/27/2024
Painted Bride building is on the market in Old City
The Painted Bride building in Old City is on the market for sale, making the future of the property uncertain yet again — but the owner says he may not actually want to sell it. “As a developer, I’m not sure 100% that I want to let go of this property. I think it’s an amazing opportunity — also for myself,” said Shimi Zakin of Atrium Design Group, an architect and the owner of the property. The building measures more than 14,000 square feet and is located at 230 Vine St. Zakin has planned to construct a residential building with commercial space at the former site of the Painted Bride Art Center since he bought it in 2022 for $3.85 million. He described the past few years working on plans for the building as a “roller-coaster.” Read more here.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 2/26/2024
Residents in Strawberry Mansion surprised by quick action of L&I
After the partial collapse of a vacant rowhome in Strawberry Mansion, the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) emergency service unit was on the scene quickly, surprising neighbors. “The police said they would stay until L&I came, and they were here within five to 10 minutes,” said resident Stephanie Harrell. L&I inspectors had declared the property eminently dangerous, and a demolition contract was put out to bid the next morning when pre-approved demolition contractors assembled for a curbside bidding process. Demolition was to be completed within days, and the owner of the property will be billed for all costs incurred by the city. L&I created the unit to respond to the city’s most dangerous buildings in the aftermath of the fatal June 2013 Salvation Army collapse in Center City, where a 30-foot wall from a building being demolished collapsed onto the Salvation Army Thrift Store next door, at 22nd and Market streets, killing seven people and injuring 13. Following the recent incident, Mayor Cherelle Parker and members of her administration held a news conference to press her agenda to rid the city of blight, nuisance businesses and illegal dumping to improve the quality of life in highly impacted neighborhoods. Earlier in February, Parker announced she was dividing the Department of Licenses and Inspections into two separate agencies, another recommendation that came as a result of the 2013 collapse.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 2/26/2024
Could a slowdown in the Philly real estate market impact the city budget?
A slowdown in Philadelphia’s real estate market over the past year following national interest rate hikes is likely to have an impact on city coffers, with a recent analysis showing revenue from the city’s realty transfer tax (RTT) down 26% compared with projections. That means that the city expects to bring in about $110 million less in transfer taxes than initially projected by the end of the fiscal year in June. Officials say the decline in revenue is not an immediate cause for alarm for the city’s more than $6 billion budget. That’s because, combined with larger-than-expected returns from other taxes, the revised overall revenue projection for the fiscal year is $5.94 billion, just $68 million lower than anticipated. But the assessment, included in a quarterly report released this month, comes as Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration has already warned that the city is working in an uncertain economic climate. An unprecedented amount of federal relief funds allocated to the city during the pandemic will be exhausted by the end of the calendar year. Inflation remains a factor, and it’s unclear whether or when the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates. The Philadelphia portion of the RTT is 3.278%. The RTT is typically split between property buyers and sellers and is more volatile than other revenue streams. It was expected to generate less than $400 million this year — far below the city’s taxes on wages and businesses. The city expects to end the year with a $504 million fund balance, or about 8% of revenue. That exceeds the city’s goal for its fund balance to be at least 6% of revenue.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 2/24/2024
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