News Briefs for March 21, 2025
Jump to:
[ General ] [ Bucks ] [Chester] [ Delaware ] [ Montgomery ] [ Philadelphia ]
A home on Louella Street in Radnor’s South Wayne Historic District. Radnor Township is in the news twice this week — for redevelopment of the former Hamilton estate and a free street tree program.
Photo: Smallbones (CC0)
PA isn’t building enough housing, and that’s hiking prices
Pennsylvania is one of the states that’s allowed the least amount of housing to be built, and the lack of supply is hiking prices for homebuyers and renters, according to new research by the Pew Charitable Trusts. The state ranked 44th for the share of homes approved to be built from 2017 to 2023, according to a report published this week by Pew, a nonpartisan, nonprofit research and public policy organization. Researchers point to local land-use rules as a major cause, and recommend policymakers loosen zoning restrictions to boost housing supply.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 3/14/2025
HUD, Dept. of Interior plan to use federal land for affordable housing
Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner and Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced plans to create a joint task force to identify federal lands where affordable housing could be built. They plan to identify underutilized lands for residential development and streamline the process to transfer the lands for housing use. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) applauded the move. “The task force is a great step forward in unlocking more opportunities for first-time buyers, workforce housing and underserved communities,” said Shannon McGahn, NAR’s executive vice president and chief advocacy officer. “We look forward to working with policymakers to ensure that expanding housing inventory remains a national priority.”
Source: The Hill; 3/17/2025
Fair Housing groups sue HUD over grant cancellations
Four local fair housing centers — representing a class of federal fair housing grant recipients whose grants were terminated — are suing the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The legal action follows HUD’s termination of grants disbursed under the Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP). The federal lawsuit, filed in the District of Massachusetts, was brought on behalf of a proposed class of more than 60 fair housing groups whose grants were terminated by HUD and DOGE on Feb. 27. Seventy-eight FHIP grants were terminated in 33 states without advance notice. Plaintiffs have moved for a temporary restraining order. For decades, fair housing groups — funded by FHIP — have served local communities by investigating housing discrimination complaints, assisting individuals facing discrimination, educating communities about their rights, and collaborating with the housing industry and local governments. The four named plaintiffs in the temporary restraining order (TRO) filing are the Massachusetts Fair Housing Center, Intermountain Fair Housing Council, Fair Housing Council of South Texas, and Housing Research and Advocacy Center.
Source: NAR; 3/14/2025
One mile separates Schuylkill River Trail from a complete Philly-to-Reading route
The Schuylkill River Trail, which runs from Philadelphia to Pottstown, is just one mile away from reaching Reading. The trail has an unobstructed path from Philadelphia through Chester and Montgomery counties to the edge of Pottstown, where trail users are met with a big sign telling them to turn around. The one-mile stretch that separates the trail from reaching Reading is slated to be completed within the next eight months, according to Elaine Shaefer, executive director of Schuylkill River Greenways. The Schuylkill River Trail will eventually span 120 miles from Philadelphia to the river’s headwaters in Frackville.
Source: Montco Today; 3/17/2025
Newtown Bucks County Joint Municipal Authority halts proposed wastewater plant
The Newtown Bucks County Joint Municipal Authority (NBCJMA) has halted work on a proposed wastewater treatment facility. The proposed facility would have been built on a 17.5-acre parcel of land between the Newtown Bypass and Lower Silver Lake Road near Newtown Township’s border with Middletown Township. NBCJMA proposed the treatment facility to gain “control of spiraling sewer rate hikes” levied by the Philadelphia Water Department and Bucks County Water & Sewer Authority. Residents opposed the plan immediately. Citing opposition from the community and the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors, the authority's board of directors voted on March 11 to "stop all work" on the proposal.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 3/17/2025
Langhorne continues discussion of rental registration and inspection ordinance
Langhorne Borough Council continued discussion of a proposed rental housing and inspection program ordinance at its Feb. 27 work session. The meeting minutes include a discussion of a fire inspection ordinance and registration of rental properties, including a draft rental property registration form, and review of the Residential Rental and Resale Pre-Inspection Checklist For Use & Occupancy Certificates and the Frequently Asked Question sheets for use and occupancy and building inspections that had been sent to council. Solicitor Barbara Kirk said the checklists will be applicable to people registering rental properties for fire inspections and there may be crossover with the ordinance. Council’s next work session is scheduled for Thursday, March 27. Check the agenda page for more information.
Source: Langhorne Borough; 3/2025
Two Bucks water supplies are over the limit in ‘forever chemicals’
Water supplied to the Durham Village neighborhood and Central Bucks East High School in Buckingham repeatedly tested above the limit for forever chemicals PFOA and PFOS in 2024. The Central Bucks School District is required by the state to notify the public of the violations. It has done so by posting updates to the school district website and notifying affected families. Durham Village water is supplied by the North Wales Water Authority (NWWA). The authority noted it was not legally required to test the village’s water supply quarterly until 2025, so the preemptive testing completed during the last two quarters of 2024 do not meet the DEP’s criteria for a Tier 2 violation. The NWWA would meet the Tier 2 violation criteria if the testing average remains above the limit for four quarters in a row. If that happens, Tier 2 violations require formal public notification and a corrective action plan sent to the state.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 3/18/2025
Middletown picks consulting firm to help in manager search
Middletown Township Manager Stephanie Teoli Kuhls announced in January that she will leave her position in May after 13 years. The board of supervisors voted to hire Roseann McGrath Consulting to aid in the search for a new manager. The township is looking for someone with a bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, finance, planning or a related field, but would prefer someone with a master’s degree. Five years of experience as a municipal manager or assistant manager are also required. Middletown Township is the 19th-largest municipality in Pennsylvania, with only Bensalem Township and Bristol Township having larger populations in Bucks County.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 3/19/2025 & LevittownNow; 1/16/2025
Bristol Borough transformation continues with condo boom
Bristol Borough has experienced a downtown renaissance that is being followed up with a condo boom in a former industrial area. A former shipyard and aircraft manufacturing plant is being transformed into a residential neighborhood. Radcliffe Court on the Delaware is a 96-unit condominium complex in its second phase. The $40 million community is being developed by BCS Builders, based in Newtown. Bristol Mayor Ralph DiGuiseppe III said the residential development along the river “is a testament to the improvements in the borough and to people taking a new interest in our walkable town.” Read more in the Inquirer.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 3/3/2025
Main Line Health plans medical center in Caln Township
Main Line Health is seeking to build a 145,000-square-foot, three-story medical center at the corner of Lloyd and Manor avenues in Caln Township near Downingtown Borough. Services provided would include primary and specialty care, imaging and laboratory services, outpatient surgery and urgent care. Downingtown Health Center would sit on a 14.5-acre site, on the northern portion of a 61-acre property. Main Line Health is the equitable owner, and Wild Meadows LLC owns the property. The site is zoned Residential (R-2), and a hospital or medical center is permitted in such a district. The township requires 444 parking spaces, and MLH intends to build 445 spaces, which is 60 fewer spaces than originally planned, after MLH sought input from residents and the township. The township and PennDOT are in negotiations with the medical provider to enact a long-term fix and realignment of G O Carlson Boulevard. A conditional use hearing on the project was continued to a later, yet-to-be-determined date. Township solicitor Kristin Camp said that the hearing was “just one step in a long process.”
Source: Daily Local; 3/12/2025
West Vincent hires new township manager
West Vincent Township supervisors appointed Tommy Ryan as township manager. According to a township press release, “Ryan brings 15 years of management experience to the post, including most recently serving as East Cocalico Township Manager in Lancaster County.” He has a master’s degree in public administration from Villanova University and is a five-time recipient of the Governor’s Award for Local Government Excellence. Over his career, Ryan has implemented several major initiatives, including open space programs, multi-year infrastructure plans and budget overhauls. West Vincent has had high turnover in its manager position recently, with three people appointed to the position since 2023.
Source: Daily Local; 3/19/2025
New Garden Township, residents continue zoning discussions
The issue of New Garden Township’s zoning plans consumed a large chunk of its supervisors meeting on March 17. Township Manager Christopher Himes said a key reason for the zoning update is to follow the recommendation of the township’s 2018 comprehensive plan to pursue zoning map and ordinance changes to support land use outcomes and fulfill future needs for residential and economic development. Several residents expressed concern about zoning reform altering the “livability” factor and rural character. Read more in the Chester County Press.
Source: Chester County Press; 3/19/2025
West Goshen Township receives bond rating upgrade
The Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA) upgraded West Goshen Township’s bond rating from AA+ to AAA. The new rating is the highest possible. KBRA cited strong financial management structure and policies, a history of ample unassigned general fund balance and liquidity, and a stable residential tax base with good commuter access to large, diverse employment centers.
Source: West Goshen Township; 2/19/2025
Upper Darby residents are again suing to stop EIT
Upper Darby residents are suing to block a newly approved local income tax, and are again arguing that procedural errors invalidate the ordinance. The lawsuit in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas continues a struggle between the township council and a group of residents that has persistently raised concerns, and lawsuits, about the board’s adherence to policy. Many of the recent fights have focused on the board’s push for a new, 1% income tax for residents of the township. After enacting the budget last month, borough council approved an ordinance intended to enact a 1% earned income tax in July. The tax, council members argued, would provide a needed revenue source for the township, helping to keep local property taxes in check or allowing the township to lower them. Last year, the same group of residents successfully blocked Upper Darby’s attempt to approve a 1% earned-income tax, arguing in a lawsuit that the council had improperly passed that ordinance during a work session of the council rather than a meeting intended to approve policy. Upper Darby Mayor Ed Brown said he was disappointed to see another lawsuit “from a small group focusing on technicalities, rather than addressing the core sustainability issues in the township.”
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 3/17/2025
Chester bankruptcy receiver resigns, as the city’s ‘fiscal emergency’ approaches year five
The state official who took the City of Chester into a rare and often-contentious bankruptcy in all likelihood won’t be around for the conclusion of a process that has generated an avalanche of court filings and shows no evidence of ending soon. Five years after former Gov. Tom Wolf declared a “fiscal emergency” in Chester and appointed Michael Doweary the receiver, the state announced that Doweary has resigned, effective July 1. His successor, pending an expected court approval, will be Vijay Kapoor, who has been Doweary’s chief of staff since the city went into receivership. Kapoor has said that, in the long run, Chester has to find new revenue streams, and that without the sale of the water assets, it’s unclear what else would provide those streams.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 3/14/2025
New plans unveiled for former Hamilton estate in Radnor
At a Radnor Township commissioners meeting, developer Greg Lingo of Rockwell Strafford LLC outlined his company’s plans for developing a former estate property in Wayne. The updated plan calls for 29 single-family homes at the former Hamilton estate along Eagle Road, Grant Lane and Strafford Avenue. The original 2020 plan that was rejected by the township included 41 homes. No action on the current proposal has been taken by the township.
Source: Daily Times; 3/18/2025
Radnor residents can get a free tree for their property
Radnor Township residents who want to bring more shade to their properties can sign up to get a free tree planted next month. Residents who register can get a free, fully installed, 1.5-inch caliper, seven- to 14-foot street tree through the 2025 Spring Street Tree Planting program. Trees will be professionally planted, staked and mulched at Radnor Township homes between April 11 and 18. Trees must be planted near the street of the home. Shade tree species include medium (30 to 50 inches) and large (50 to 70 inches) shade trees. Varieties include serviceberry, river birch, Kentucky coffee tree, bald cypress and more. Trees are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Register online.
Source: Radnor Patch; 3/12/2025
Skippack looks to inspect sewer laterals at point-of-sale
Minutes from the Feb. 12 Skippack Township Board of Supervisors meeting show that the board voted to authorize the advertisement of Ordinance No. 365. The proposed ordinance would set forth regulations that require homeowners to perform sewer lateral inspections prior to the sale of a home. The item was not included on the March 12 board meeting agenda. The next regular meeting of the board will be Wednesday, April 9, at 7 p.m. Information about upcoming meetings, including special meetings and agenda items, can be viewed on the township website.
Source: Skippack Township; 3/2025
West Conshohocken eyes rental registration certificates
West Conshohocken Borough Council’s March 11 agenda included the consideration of a vote to advertise an ordinance that will amend the borough’s Rental Registration Code. The proposed ordinance will set forth regulations requiring a rental registration certificate and establish procedures for acquiring the certificate, along with rules and regulations pertaining to the use of rental properties. The proposed ordinance is included in the March 11 meeting agenda. The council’s next regular meeting is on Tuesday, April 8, at 7 p.m. Council could schedule a workshop meeting for April 2, if needed. A proposed ordinance must be noticed publicly and a public hearing must be held prior to adoption.
Source: West Conshohocken Borough; 2/2025
Jenkintown to regulate short-term rentals
Jenkintown Borough Council is considering a draft ordinance that would amend the zoning code to allow short-term rentals by special exception in certain zoning districts and amend existing rental property requirements to set forth additional licensure and regulations for the operation of rentals, including short-term rentals. The revised Chapter 142, Rental Properties, contains provisions that address the following: the requirement to obtain an annual license for rental properties, including short-term rentals with certain exceptions; annual license procedures and license application requirements; and penalties for noncompliance. A copy of the full text of the draft ordinance is available at the Borough of Jenkintown Municipal Building, 700 Summit Ave. A public hearing on the draft ordinance will be held on Wednesday, March 26, at 7 p.m. at the Borough Hall.
Source: Intelligencer; 3/12/2025
Upper Moreland discusses rental regulations
The Upper Moreland Township Public Health and Safety Committee has been discussing “regulations regarding home owners renting properties.” The committee’s agenda for March 17 included a summary of the discussion held on Feb. 25 that was centered on short-term rentals of residential properties. Some concerns noted were maintenance of properties, housing prices and the ability to contact the owner of a property. The committee meets the third Monday of each month.
Source: Upper Moreland Township; 3/2025
Philly rental inspections are complaint-driven, but tenant advocates want to change that
Philadelphia may soon launch a pilot program to proactively inspect rental units, a longtime wishlist item for affordable housing advocates pushing to protect low-income tenants against displacement. Bridget Collins-Greenwald, a commissioner with the city’s Department of Licenses and Inspections, told lawmakers her agency is in the process of crafting the program with help from researchers at the Pew Charitable Trusts. She said more details about the pilot may be available in July. Philadelphia is one of the only big cities in the country that does not proactively inspect rental units. Tenants facing unresolved maintenance requests must either file a complaint with the city’s 311 system or raise the issue with a council member, who can then flag the problem for L&I on their behalf. Read more here.
Source: PlanPhilly; 3/18/2025
Mayor’s budget proposal cuts city wage and business tax, but hikes RTT
Philadelphia’s double tax system on businesses could be phased out if Mayor Cherelle Parker’s budget proposal and subsequent legislation to codify the tax cuts are successful. The budget proposal is similar to recommendations by the Philadelphia Tax Reform Commission, which recently released its report. Through the Business Income and Receipts Tax (BIRT), the city collects 1.415 mills on every $1,000 of gross receipts. Under the proposal, BIRT would drop to 1.41 mills during fiscal year 2026, then to 1.38 by 2030. By 2039, after the city’s $1 billion pension debt has been repaid, the gross receipts tax would be eliminated. Likewise, the city collects 5.81% on taxable net income. That tax would decline to 5.5% by 2030, and to 2.8% by 2039. Businesses with $100,000 or less in taxable gross receipts are not required to file a BIRT return — but under Parker’s budget proposal that exclusion will be eliminated. Parker’s budget would increase the real estate transfer tax from 3.278% to 3.578% in fiscal year 2026. City wage tax for Philadelphia residents is 3.75%, which would drop to 3.7% in fiscal year 2025. By 2030, it would fall to 3.39%. Read more at PlanPhilly.
Source: PlanPhilly; 3/14/2025
North Philly residents reject proposal for new Moore Library with housing
Residents and community groups rejected an idea to replace North Philadelphia’s Cecil B. Moore Library with a new library building that would include housing. City Councilmember Jeffery Young Jr. proposed the idea as an alternative to renovations promised at the library through the city’s soda-tax-funded Rebuild program. “We are against demolition,” said resident Nadine Blackwell. “We resoundingly do not want that. We want a library.” Young proposed a new library building “co-located” with housing, built and run by the Philadelphia Housing Authority, which he said would address a need in the neighborhood and be affordable for low-income residents. Attendees expressed concerns that co-located housing could bring new problems to the library — such as water leaks, pests or noise. Read more here.
Source: PlanPhilly; 3/12/2025
Philadelphia developers say tariffs will kill real estate projects
The construction industry is bracing for the impact of the Trump administration’s growing list of tariffs, and though the severity of the fallout remains unclear, cost increases are all but guaranteed, according to Skanska USA’s winter construction market report. President Trump increased tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 25%, with a 25% tariff on all goods imported from Canada and Mexico set to take effect on April 2 following a one-month reprieve for some products. Trump has also increased duties on Chinese imports to 20% and threatened to drive tariffs even higher against U.S. trade partners that retaliate. The steel and aluminum tariffs are especially concerning for Philadelphia real estate developers. The potential pinch comes at a time when Mayor Cherelle Parker is embarking on an initiative to build or preserve 30,000 housing units within her first term, a goal that requires private developers to play a pivotal part. While there were more than 8,600 new units built citywide in 2024, according to the Center City District, a major drop-off is expected in 2025. With fewer new residential projects being completed, reaching the 30,000-unit goal is likely going to need policy interventions to encourage development. Parker recently formed an advisory group to analyze potential changes. Read more in the Philadelphia Business Journal.
Source: Philadelphia Business Journal; 3/12/2025
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.