News Briefs for November 22, 2024
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Waynesborough is a circa 1724 historic house and museum in Easttown Township that was the home of American Revolutionary War general “Mad Anthony” Wayne. Easttown officials are preparing to vote on a 2025 budget that would cut property taxes by 10%.
Photo: Smallbones
NAR president joins panel discussion on supply challenges
National Association of Realtors president Kevin Sears joined national housing leaders for a panel reception hosted by the National League of Cities and American Planning Association. The discussion focused on the Housing Supply Accelerator Playbook, a guide that contains more than 40 strategies for state and local governments to deploy in the fight for housing affordability.
Source: NAR; 10/31/2024
Dozens of candidates miss campaign finance deadline
A Pennsylvania Department of State report shows 66 candidates for the state legislature missed a deadline for filing campaign finance reports just before the Nov. 5 election. The number includes 22 incumbents and has led to bipartisan condemnation and calls for bigger penalties. The state-set maximum penalty is $250 for missing a reporting deadline. State Rep. Frank Burns (D-72) said candidates are making a calculated assessment that it is easier to pay the $250 fine than have the public know who is funding their campaigns. State law lays out a schedule of deadlines for political candidates to file reports showing contributions and expenditures. The last deadline before the Nov. 5 election was Oct. 25. The Department of State issued a “Failed to File List” on Nov. 1. Read more in the Pottstown Mercury.
Source: Pottstown Mercury/Pittsburgh Post Gazette; 11/19/2024
How to stay lead safe
While no amount of lead in the blood is safe, lead poisoning is especially dangerous for children because their bodies are still growing. Nearly 9,000 Pennsylvania children younger than 16 tested positive for elevated lead levels in 2022, according to a report from the state health department. Lead can enter the body in many ways, but people are at greater risk if they live in homes built before 1978, the year the federal government banned consumer use of lead-based paint. Read more here.
Source: Spotlight PA; 11/19/2024
Residential tax burdens vary in Bucks County, market looking up
According to Bucks County tax parcel data reviewed by the Bucks County Courier Times, a homeowner’s municipal tax bill can range from $35 to almost $1,600 — with the average coming in around $503. The tax rates are based on the average tax-assessed value of residential properties and current millage rates. A mill is a tax of $1 for every $1,000 of a property’s assessed value. The 10 municipalities with the highest average annual taxes include: Solebury ($1,599); New Britain Borough ($1,125); Northampton ($1,105); Warrington ($957); Lower Makefield ($954); Bristol Borough ($920); Morrisville Borough ($877); Newtown Borough ($744); Upper Southampton ($765); and Yardley ($748). The 10 lowest average homeowner property tax bills are in: Quakertown ($32); Trumbauersville ($57); Milford ($60); Richlandtown ($106); Bridgeton ($157); Telford ($167); Falls ($198); Haycock ($199); Buckingham ($208); and West Rockhill ($228). In other news, a recent housing market report for Bucks County has the median price of homes sold in October at $470,000, slightly lower than September but still 5% higher than the same time last year. The report points to a more balanced environment for buyers and sellers, according to Bucks County Association of Realtors president Stephanie Garomon.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 11/15/2024 & 11/18/2024
Pennsbury adjourns school board meeting following outbursts
The Pennsbury School Board’s presentation on the new high school that they hope to build in Falls Township did not go well. The new school would replace the existing East and West campuses at a cost of about $266 million, higher than the initial estimate of $250 million. The school board voted 8-1 to construct a new high school instead of renovating existing buildings in November 2023. The first public meeting where project details were unveiled led to a litany of citizen concerns about parking, school size and stormwater management, and a suggestion that the plan require approval in a public referendum. The Nov. 7 school board presentation on the planned school ended abruptly when residents talked and shouted over the board’s questioning of the site management team. School Board President Joanna Steere asked if board members wished to end the meeting, and they voted to adjourn. The new school project is expected to go before the Falls Township Planning Commission for review on Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 7 p.m. in a meeting being held at the Middletown Township Municipal Center on Municipal Way.
Source: LevittownNow; 11/8/2024; The Reporter; 11/17/2024 & Bucks County Herald; 11/18/2024
Latest water restrictions in Doylestown area
Although some rain is in the forecast, residents need to be aware of drought emergency declarations issued by the Doylestown Township Municipal Authority and the Doylestown Borough Water Department. Doylestown Township issued a drought emergency, with the authority urging conservation from the roughly 10,000 people it serves as ground water levels decline "due to the unprecedented duration of drought conditions." Read the mandatory drought restrictions declaration here. Doylestown Borough’s water department declared a stage II drought emergency, mandating restrictions on non-essential water usage across the borough until further notice.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 11/14/2024
Deal reached to limit event space capacity at proposed Doylestown boutique hotel
The plans for a “boutique” hotel at the site of the former Doylestown Borough Hall may be headed toward a compromise. An agreement to drop the number of people allowed in the event space portion of the hotel at 57 W. Court St. has been signed by attorneys representing the property owner and its neighbors, said Mike Carr, who is working on behalf of the nearby homeowners. The parties have reportedly agreed to a maximum of 100 guests in the event space — down from the 120 guests approved by the borough’s zoning hearing board in May. The 32-room capacity for the hotel and the 70-seat restaurant remains the same. The proposed settlement now goes before the borough council and the zoning hearing board for approval.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 11/12/2024
Easttown budget would lower real estate taxes, if approved
Easttown Township's proposed and preliminary budget features a reduction in the overall real estate millage rate, meaning lower property taxes than in 2024. According to officials, the 2025 real estate tax rate of 5.4 mills is a 10% decrease compared to 2024, when it was 5.99 mills. If the 5.4 millage rate is approved, a property valued at $300,000 would have a $1,620 real estate tax bill. The proposed budget reflects new revenues in 2025 from the recently adopted 0.5% earned income tax. The board of supervisors will vote on a final 2025 budget on Monday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. at the township building.
Source: Tredyffrin-Easttown Patch; 11/15/2024
Coatesville Train Station completion set for late 2025
Completion of the $70 million Coatesville Train Station is on schedule, and trains are set to run out of the station at 4th Avenue and Fleetwood Street in about a year. SEPTA riders will soon be able to board at the station. “The region is eager to see the train station completed by the end of 2025, and we anticipate the return of SEPTA thereafter,” City Manager James Logan said. “The timing coincides nicely with the culmination of a number of other city projects currently in the works.”
Source: The Mercury; 11/18/2024
Flooding discussed in Downingtown and Caln
Downingtown Mayor Phil Dague discussed two grants under consideration at a public input meeting for Downingtown Borough and Caln Township residents. The borough will apply for a grant that involves modeling potential flood prevention projects along the Brandywine and Beaver creeks to create the best mitigation. The study will allocate some of the planning dollars to enact a Flood Community Rating System, which would lower homeowner flood insurance payments by 25% to ensure affordability for low- to moderate-income housing. The Downingtown Resilience Fund will seek a Local District Development Grant, with the goal of providing $5,000 to 100 houses in the Downingtown/Caln Flood Plain. The money would entail a homeowner match and could be used for projects like new windows, doors, roofs and flood resilience.
Source: Daily Local; 11/12/2024
Oxford officials discuss water operations
Oxford Borough has been taking steps to improve its water operations. The borough sources its water from a combination of local wells that it owns and operates and the supply of water that it purchases from the Chester Water Authority. The borough also owns a water treatment plant and a transmission, production, storage and distribution water system that serves its residents. Borough officials and residents are concerned about the potential sale of Chester Water Authority to Aqua, and Oxford is pursuing new wells that would diversify the borough’s water sources. Because of that, Oxford has conducted a water rate study and a capital needs assessment, and is researching different rate models to ensure funding is sufficient to pay for the operation of the water department. The borough is also using a $600,000 state grant to upgrade water meters.
Source: Chester County Press; 11/13/2024
$1M will help establish Kestrel Hill Preserve in Willistown Township
State Rep. Melissa Shusterman (D-157) said $1 million has been awarded in Community Conservation Partnerships Program funding to Willistown Conservation Trust. The grant will be used to secure the acquisition of 90 acres of green space in Willistown Township to establish the Kestrel Hill Preserve. The preserve will offer hiking, running and horseback trails along with protected habitats for local birds and other wildlife. The funds are administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnerships Program, known as C2P2.
Source: Marple-Newtown Patch; 11/15/2024
Haverford poised to enact 3.9% tax increase with 2025 budget
Haverford Township commissioners voted to move forward with a preliminary budget that includes a 3.9% real estate tax increase. Township Manager Dave Burman said the proposed $54.9 million budget does not add any new positions but includes a 4.2% raise for police and a 3.5% increase for other township staff. Burman said personnel costs, which have gradually increased, are nearly 70% of the budget. In 2025, there will be a 6.5% increase to health insurance premiums, which along with a 16% increase in employee coverage, will add $700,000 to the budget. Burman said the proposed budget for sewer rents would increase by 4%, however the trash fee would remain the same. The average impact is $60, said Board of Commissioners President Larry Holmes, who noted the cost of governing increases over time and the township has to be prepared to deal with that, either by creating revenue or streamlining. Budget adoption is scheduled for the Monday, Dec. 9, meeting.
Source: Daily Times; 11/20/2024
Radnor budget proposal includes 2% tax hike
Radnor Township commissioners adopted the 2025 preliminary comprehensive budget, which has $60.8 million in revenues and $60.5 million in expenses. The preliminary budget would raise property taxes by 2%, from 2.4365 to 2.4852 mills. Officials said the increase aims to cover a base operating deficit of roughly $300,000 created by the new Police Community Support Unit, which was approved in 2023. The increase would also provide anticipated funding needed for the Wayne Master Plan and a zoning rewrite contract. Additionally, the adjustment would serve as a continued step in lessening its reliance on business taxes for operational purposes. See the budget presentation on the township website. The Radnor Township Board of Commissioners will hold its final public hearing on the budget on Monday, Nov. 25.
Source: Radnor Patch; 10/30/2024
Clock ticking for federal money in Upper Darby
Upper Darby Township Council members expressed concern during a recent meeting that $800,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds could evaporate while they await a court decision. Since 2021, the township has received over $41 million in ARPA with the stipulation that it all be “encumbered” to a project by the end of 2024. In June 2023, the previous council approved a $800,000 grant for the nonprofit Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation to create the Barclay Square Arts and Education Center. In 2024, the township administration decided to use those funds on revenue replacement to bridge a budget shortfall investment into long-term capital funding to improve the township's financial position. A group of residents sued the township, calling for the funds to be given to the foundation, and Common Pleas Court Judge Barry Dozer agreed, prohibiting the township from moving it into revenue replacement. The township appealed that decision and asked the state Supreme Court to become involved. Solicitor Sean Kilkenny said the courts are aware of the deadline, but there has been no word from the Supreme Court if they will take jurisdiction on the case. On another court topic, Kilkenny said the township’s newly approved earned income tax also has two issues in front of the courts that need to be resolved in time to allow Upper Darby to include the tax for the coming year.
Source: Daily Times; 11/17/2024
Delaware County schools get big state help for repairs
Five school districts and one charter school in Delaware County are set to receive more than $4 million through state Public School Environmental Repair grants this year. Governor Josh Shapiro earmarked $75 million for 109 schools throughout Pennsylvania last fall. The funding will enable schools to repair buildings, and provide students and school staff with safe environments for learning. Of those funds, $818,376 will go to Chester Upland School District; $1 million is set for Chichester; $79,751 for Delaware County CTC; $289,510 for Interboro; $1.78 million for Upper Darby; and $159,427 for the Vision Academy Charter School.
Source: Daily Times; 11/17/2024
Montgomery County budget proposal includes tax increase
Montgomery County has posted its proposed budget for 2025. The proposed budget includes a $15.8 million structural budget deficit and recommends increasing the county’s real estate tax millage rate by nearly 9%, from 5.178 to 5.642 mills. The proposed millage rate increase would add approximately $28.8 million of new net real estate tax revenue to support the general fund. Public hearings are scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 12, with a morning session at 10:30 a.m. and an evening session at 5:30 p.m. Adoption of the 2025 budget is scheduled for Thursday, Dec.19.
Source: Montgomery County; 11/14/2024
Upper Pottsgrove budget proposal leaves out library support
Upper Pottsgrove Township commissioners voted to advertise a $4.4 million budget for 2025 that includes a 3.75% tax increase. Commissioners Chairman Trace Slinkerd said the tax hike is needed to close a structural deficit of more than $300,000. Not included in the budget — again — is a payment to the Pottstown Regional Public Library, which is also working to close a budget deficit. The township is considered a partner in the library but has not made a supporting contribution in at least three years. Lower Pottsgrove and West Pottsgrove townships and the Borough of Pottstown are all partners in the library and are current in their contributions. The state recommends a contribution of $5 per person — that would put Upper Pottsgrove’s contribution at about $31,000. Angela Brown, executive director of the Pottstown Regional Public Library, appeared at the meeting to ask again for the township’s support. Brown was first stopped from presenting after Slinkerd asked her if she was a resident of Upper Pottsgrove Township — a requirement the board has in place for anyone making public comments. Brown is not a township resident, but Slinkerd said he would let her “present” for two minutes, provided she “follow the procedures everybody else does.” Brown requested Upper Pottsgrove reinstate its funding to the library. After the meeting, Brown told The Mercury she sent an email on Oct. 31 to all five Upper Pottsgrove commissioners alerting them to the library’s budget problems. She received no responses.
Source: Pottstown Mercury; 11/19/2024
Jenkintown plans 150th anniversary celebration
Jenkintown Borough was incorporated on Dec. 8, 1874. The borough plans to celebrate the 150th anniversary of that milestone on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 11 a.m. in Town Square. Event highlights will include a time capsule burial, reflections on Jenkintown’s past, present and future by students from Jenkintown School District, commemorations, hot chocolate and refreshments, and live music. Find out more here.
Source: Jenkintown Borough
Horsham launches online community hub
Horsham Township has launched Horsham Connected, which it describes as “a hub for bringing people together through service and connection.” At the new site, residents can find volunteer opportunities with local organizations, stay updated on community events, and meet new friends in the community.
Source: Horsham Township; 11/18/2024
Chinatown advocates and city unions make their pitches on arena proposal
Chinatown residents and business owners asked Philadelphia City Council members at a hearing why they would consider approving a new 76ers arena that researchers and residents have testified would threaten the survival of the 150-year-old Asian American neighborhood. They got their answer soon after, as politically connected union leaders lined up to testify in support of the $1.3 billion project. “Is disruption gonna happen? Yes,” said Ryan Boyer, who leads the Building and Construction Trades Council. “But we cannot allow us not to grow.” It has been two-and-a-half years since the 76ers first unveiled the team’s plan to open a new arena in time for the 2031-2032 NBA season.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 11/19/2024
SEPTA says it needs millions to expand service for potential arena-goers
SEPTA officials said the cash-strapped authority cannot afford to expand service at Jefferson Station to better accommodate Sixers fans who choose to take the train home from games — if city council authorizes the team to build a $1.3 billion arena directly above the busy stop. “The reality is that SEPTA simply cannot assume these new costs within the framework of its operating budget,” said Scott Sauer, SEPTA’s interim general manager. Sauer’s testimony came roughly a week after SEPTA announced plans to raise fare prices and make severe service cuts in the face of a fiscal crisis borne by the end of federal pandemic relief aid. The authority is also in the midst of negotiating a pair of contracts, including with its largest bargaining unit, which is demanding higher wages, among other proposals.
Source: PlanPhilly; 11/18/2024
Philly launches flood alerts for Eastwick neighborhood
Residents of Philadelphia’s low-lying Eastwick section can now receive emergency alerts about potential flooding in their neighborhood, after the city launched its first place-based messaging system. Homes in Eastwick have flooded several times in the past three decades as the nearby Darby and Cobbs creeks overflowed their banks. The new alert program is part of the city’s opt-in ReadyPhiladelphia emergency alert system, which sends voicemails, text messages, emails or mobile app notifications about safety issues, such as fires or winter weather.
Source: PlanPhilly; 11/18/2024
Delaware River water levels at 60% as salt front increases amid drought
Officials with the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) said they have released billions of gallons of water from upstream reservoirs to keep the river to acceptable levels in Philadelphia, but other protective measures might have to be taken if conditions persist. That could include reducing more reservoir releases or diverting water from elsewhere. DRBC officials said during a virtual public hearing on the drought that the salt front in the river has encroached well above its normal level near Wilmington. Currently, it is near Philadelphia International Airport. The salt front is a metric that shows salinity in the tidal portion of the river. Philadelphia pulls drinking water from the river at its Samuel S. Baxter Water Treatment Plant in Torresdale, which is about 20 miles above the airport. The DRBC watches to ensure the salt front does not encroach that far. The front, which moves upriver during a drought without freshwater to push it down, indicates water that is not safe to drink. Currently, the front is at mile marker 89. The Philadelphia intake is at mile marker 110. The front is normally at mile marker 70. The front has not reached the Schuylkill since a drought in the 1960s when it reached mile marker 102.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 11/19/2024
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