NAR applauds White House announcement addressing land use barriers and housing production
National Association of Realtors (NAR) president Kevin Sears released a statement following the publication of the 2024 Economic Report of the President, which outlined support for increasing housing production and the need to address land use barriers. Sears noted that, “There is much to be done to resolve the severe underbuilding gap and lack of affordable housing that exists today, but we are encouraged by the administration's attention to this issue. … We look forward to continuing to work with the Biden administration as it looks to tackle the issues of housing affordability and inventory in this country." NAR commends the following approaches noted in the report that:

• give resources to localities to review their current zoning laws, especially as they relate to obstacles to new housing production 
• encourage tax benefits that incentivize converting commercial buildings to residential uses 
• support regulatory approaches that encourage localities to plan for housing production and zoning reform
• reduce and streamline permitting and regulatory burdens without sacrificing safety and environmental quality 
• promote housing development in transportation corridors

Source: NAR.realtor; 3/22/2024

Suburban Philadelphia homes among most expensive in PA, nation
According to late 2023 data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), suburban Philadelphia counties have some of the most expensive home prices in Pennsylvania and the nation. NAR uses the Census Bureau's American Community Survey of median housing prices for 3,112 counties and county equivalents across the U.S. Home values reflect the overall worth of all homes in a given area, rather than solely home sales data. Data show the median home price in Chester, Bucks, Delaware and Montgomery counties was more than double the state’s median home value of $191,550. Chester County’s $475,230 median price makes it the 149th highest-priced county in the country and the most expensive housing market in Pennsylvania, with Bucks County ranking second with a $447,000 median price and Montgomery County ranking third with a median home value of $431,940. Delaware County ranked fifth with a median home price of $330,620.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 3/26/2024

Update: National Flood Insurance Program expires Sept. 30
The National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) authority to provide flood insurance is currently set to expire at midnight on Sept. 30. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) is making every effort to secure a long-term reauthorization of the program. Congress is discussing a continuing resolution (CR) to extend funding for most of the federal government after Sept. 30, and an NFIP extension would be attached to the CR. In the meantime, NAR is urging the longest extension possible while Congress continues working toward a long-term reauthorization and reform measure. NAR, along with a broad coalition of industry groups, is advocating to support the long-term authorization of the program. NAR has provided answers to frequently asked questions about what the NFIP situation means for upcoming closings and several proactive steps clients can take in the meantime.
Source: NAR.realtor; 3/23/2024

How New Jersey’s new affordable housing law aims to ease the housing crisis
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed a law that will make clear how much affordable housing every municipality in the state is expected to provide in coming years. New Jersey courts have long dictated that towns and cities have to provide affordable housing, using what has become known as the Mount Laurel Doctrine. But judges determined the minimum number of units that those municipalities had to deliver on a case-by-case basis. The legislation Murphy signed would set statewide standards, which advocates say will help city leaders know what’s expected of them without relying on the courts. The New Jersey measure comes as the costs of renting or owning a place to live have risen dramatically nationwide and states are wrestling with the problem of how to pressure local governments into allowing — and sometimes even providing — more affordable housing options. Read more here.
Source: Route Fifty; 3/22/2024

Delaware lawmakers introduce package of bills to address housing crisis
Delaware lawmakers are working to address what they call a housing crisis. State Sen. Russ Huxtable (D) filed a package of seven bills called the Housing Agenda. The bipartisan package is aimed at incentivizing affordable housing construction and bolstering state-run programs that put roofs over Delawareans’ heads. “It’s a complicated issue, and no one bill will solve the issue,” Huxtable said. “Signaling reduction in costs, and potential subsidy sources is a great way to attract those who develop affordable housing.” State Rep. Bill Bush, who is co-sponsoring one of the proposed bills, said addressing housing in Delaware is an urgent priority. “We hear it all the time. It’s impacting our constituents, and we have to act now,” Bush said. “This is something that will take the effort of many legislators, as well as community members, in order to resolve this. There really isn’t one simple solution.” Read more here.
Source: WMDT; 3/21/2024 

Bristol Township continues to address blighted properties
Bristol Township is continuing its focus on blighted properties, and the township council voted to approve blight declarations for five more homes. All of the properties are vacant, some for a number of years, and several have safety violations that the township has stepped in to address. Most have delinquent taxes and liens. Since its inception in 2016, the Bristol Township blight program has reduced the number of blighted homes in the township from 204 to the current 41. Bristol Township partners with the Bucks County Redevelopment Authority to address blighted properties.
Source: LevittownNow; 3/26/2024

Lower Makefield amends vacant property registration ordinance
Lower Makefield Township officials repealed an existing Registration of Vacant Properties ordinance and replaced it with a new ordinance, titled Registration of Foreclosure Mortgages and Vacant Property. Township officials believe the new ordinance more fully addresses the negative impact and conditions that occur because of vacancy, absentee ownership, and lack of compliance with existing township regulations and laws. The ordinance requires registration at six-month intervals, and sets forth inspection, maintenance and security requirements for foreclosed and vacant properties.
Source: Lower Makefield Township; 3/2024

Pennsbury selects architect for new high school
The Pennsbury School Board has selected KCBA Architects to design the district’s new high school. The district started the selection process with nine proposals from architectural firms that were eventually narrowed down to two — KCBA and Crabtree, Rohrbaugh and Associates. KCBA Architects’ bid was $1.6 million less than the other option. With an architectural firm now chosen, the district will begin development of the final design. Superintendent Thomas Smith said the design process will involve consultation with students, staff and community members in the coming year. Opening for the new high school is scheduled for winter 2029.
Source: LevittownNow; 3/24/2024

Construction projects underway at Delaware Canal State Park
A $9 million investment encompassing six major infrastructure improvements and repairs is underway at Delaware Canal State Park. The projects span New Hope, Solebury and Upper Makefield townships. Specific enhancement includes a towpath bypass overhaul and a wing wall rebuild in New Hope, a bridge scour repair and wastegate concrete repairs in Solebury, Washington Crossing’s library bridge replacement, and a full replacement of the Tebola Beans Bridge. Water from the canal stretching from New Hope to Washington Crossing has been drained to facilitate construction. Read more about the specific projects in the New Hope-Lambertville Patch.
Source: New Hope-Lambertville Patch; 3/24/2024

Stay informed of Bucks development with planning commission portal
The Bucks County Planning Commission has created the BCPC Connects portal to keep residents informed of development projects and initiatives. Topics include: Bucks2040 comprehensive plan update; household hazardous waste collections; municipal planning; sustainability; county trails; and waste and recycling. Residents can sign up at the bottom of the webpage to receive updates.
Source: Northampton Township; 3/26/2024 

West Nantmeal to update property maintenance code and U&O certification ordinance
West Nantmeal Township supervisors will consider amendments to Chapter 140 of the township code, Property Maintenance Code and Use and Occupancy Certification. The township has had a property maintenance code, rental inspection and point-of-sale inspection ordinance in place since 2010. The changes incorporate language from Act 133, the state Municipal Code and Ordinance Compliance Act. The supervisors will also consider adding a definition for “short term rentals” into the zoning code. Both ordinances will be considered at a public hearing on Monday, April 8, at 7 p.m. at the West Nantmeal Township Municipal Building, 455 N. Manor Road.
Source: Daily Local; 3/25/2024 and 3/27/2024

West Goshen Township denies conditional use application for new Wawa
Plans for Wawa to build a 5,330-square-foot convenience store with 16 gas pumps at Parkway Shopping Center, 929 S. High St., hit a major roadblock at the West Goshen Township supervisors meeting. The supervisors denied Wawa’s conditional-use application for the store that would have led to the razing of Timothy’s restaurant and several other storefronts at the mall. Township solicitor Kristen Camp noted that Wawa will likely appeal the decision. Traffic safety issues were cited as concerns.
Source: Daily Times; 3/22/2024

Coatesville awarded $960K to implement Ash Park master plan
The City of Coatesville will receive a grant of nearly $960,00 to implement the Ash Park Master Plan Phases I and II. The 9.3-acre park is situated between Walnut and Kersey streets. U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D), partnering with U.S. Rep Chrissy Houlahan (D, PA-6), helped procure funding for 14 projects through the Community Project Funding grant, which enables members of Congress to allocate available federal funds to worthy, local projects in a timely manner. Renovations and improvements at the park will include expanded play and recreation areas, a misting station, new landscaping and stormwater infrastructure. “The park will soon serve as a lively centerpiece of our community and especially support our youth,” said Roberta Cosentino, assistant city manager.
Source: Daily Local; 3/26/2024

New Garden board gives approval to Smedley Preserve master plan
In 2021, New Garden Township supervisors authorized the $1.4 million purchase of the 106-acre Loch Nairn Golf Club site from the Smedley family. At a township meeting in March, Kate Raman, a conservation project manager at Natural Lands, spelled out the future for the park that will include forests, trails and pathways, restored streams and acres of meadows — all the elements of a master plan approved by the board of supervisors. The restoration of the land, referred to as the Smedley Preserve, is intended to enhance the ecological function of water quality, biodiversity and resilience, a goal that will be challenging given its former usage. While the park now has a temporary parking space off McCue Road, a permanent parking area is being proposed off Church Road and adjacent to Sherwood Drive. The estimated $4.25 million price tag includes pre-construction, demo and site preparation, infrastructure upgrades, furniture and amenities, planting materials and meadow seeding. The cost may be alarming to a township that is also developing the former Saint Anthony’s in the Hills property, but financial assistance may come in the form of federal, state and local grants.
Source: Chester County Press; 3/21/2024

Kahn gets approval to build apartments in West Chester
Developer Eli Kahn has received permission from West Chester Borough Council to build a 185-unit apartment complex at 322 W. Market St., currently the location of Mitch’s Gym. A sticking point in the discussions was the amount of a fee-in-lieu-of for recreation. When a builder does not designate 5% of the overall square footage for open space, a fee is assessed by the borough. Kahn argued that he met the threshold with planned amenities on Wollerton Alley land as allowable open space. The agreement, unanimously agreed to by council and the builder, states that Kahn will set aside $109,076 rather than $272,000. Mayor Lillian Baptiste noted that the council needs to be consistent in agreements with developers.
Source: Daily Local; 3/22/2024