News Briefs for November 3, 2023
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Lansdale station, also known as the Lansdale Transportation Center, is a SEPTA Regional Rail station built in 1902. Lansdale Borough recently completed a parking survey that concluded its downtown parking is plentiful.
Photo: Dough4872 (CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED) |
Jury issues verdict in Burnett vs. NAR et al case
A jury issued its verdict in a federal courtroom in Kansas City, Missouri, on Oct. 31 in the case of Burnett v. NAR et al, finding the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and other corporate defendants liable in the case. The case took four years to work its way through the federal judicial system and had two weeks in the courtroom. The jury, after deliberating for less than three hours, found NAR and the other corporate defendants conspired to fix commissions in violation of federal law and awarded $1.78 billion to the plaintiffs. In a message to members, NAR president Tracy Kasper said, “This matter is not close to being final. We will appeal the liability finding because we stand by the fact that NAR rules serve the best interests of consumers, support market-driven pricing and advance business competition. We remain optimistic we will ultimately prevail. In the interim, we will ask the court to reduce the damages awarded by the jury.” Read more here.
Source: PAR JustListed; 11/1/2023
NAR CEO Bob Goldberg to retire
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) announced that CEO Bob Goldberg plans to retire, with Nykia Wright taking over as interim CEO starting Nov. 20. Goldberg was named CEO in 2017 after working for 25 years in other roles at NAR. Wright is the former CEO of the Chicago Sun-Times, an entrepreneur, and a strategic advisor to leading companies and universities. The NAR leadership team will conduct a search for a permanent CEO. Read more in the NAR press release.
Source: NAR; 11/2/2023
White House aims to fast-track commercial conversions
Many urban and rural areas nationwide are plagued by empty commercial buildings, with office vacancies reaching a 30-year high, according to the White House Council of Economic Advisers. That’s putting a strain on commercial real estate markets and local economies. A new White House plan seeks to adapt vacant commercial buildings for residential reuse, which could help answer the desperate call from the real estate industry for more homes. “America is facing a more than $4 trillion underinvestment in housing that has left us short some 5.5 million homes,” said Tracy Kasper, president of the National Association of Realtors, which applauded the White House plan. “With many office buildings sitting empty, converting underused commercial space into multifamily housing is an innovative, tangible and sensible solution that will also address housing affordability, which is currently at a historic low.” Read more here.
Source: Nar.realtor; 10/30/2023
PA program assists with lawn-to-meadow conversions
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is offering funds for residents and businesses who want to convert their lawns to meadows. “Lawn conversion intends to improve water quality, air quality, provide habitat to support wildlife and pollinators, and it also sequesters carbon,” said Kelsey Mummert, the program’s coordinator. Mummert said the program significantly benefits highly developed areas, which are prone to stormwater runoff pollution and flooding. Unlike turf grass, which has shallow root systems, meadow grasses have larger root systems, which help soak up water. The initiative began in 2020, but interest from residents, businesses and nonprofits has increased this year, according to Mummert. Lawn owners can contact the department for lawn conversion resources, or seek funding to pay for the landscape work.
Source: Whyy.org; 10/26/2023
Bristol Township signs five-year, $34.5M trash contract
Bristol Township recently signed a new five-year municipal waste contract with Waste Management. The $34.58 million contract is more than 40% higher than the $24 million paid by the township under the last deal approved over five years ago. The new contract will keep once-per-week trash and recycling pick-up, reduce bulk pickup to once per month, keep yard waste pickup during the same periods, and move to having township crews collect trash from parks. The new terms begin in January 2024. In 2022, Bristol Township households paid $340 per year for waste hauling. It is expected that the township will announce new trash rates during upcoming budget preparations.
Source: LevittownNow.com, 10/23/2023
Developer pulls application for townhomes in Middletown
A developer has withdrawn its application connected to a three-building, 16-unit townhouse development at a former dance studio in Middletown Township’s Levittown section. Developer Zafar and Arshad Inc. was scheduled to present before the township zoning hearing board on Oct. 25. Proposed plans involve razing the existing building to construct townhouses with stacked units on Frosty Hollow Road, near its intersection with Veterans Highway. The project site encompasses two tax parcels, totaling just under 0.9 acres. For the development to proceed as envisioned, Zafar and Arshad would need approval from zoners for nine variances: multiplex development, additional building coverage, additional impervious surface coverage, setbacks, fence placement and approval to build new residential development adjacent to existing nonresidential districts. This was the second time the proposal was to go before the zoning board.
Source: LevittownNow.com; 10/25/2023
County opens upgraded, expanded Emergency Operations Center
Bucks County officials recently cut the ribbon on a renovated Emergency Operations Center in Ivyland. The $2 million upgrades include state-of-the-art IT that improves in-person, hybrid and virtual meeting capabilities, newly configured workstations that enhance collaboration during a crisis, and new camera systems. According to Audrey Kenny, the county’s emergency services director, the emergency center is fully equipped and prepared to provide 21st century services to Bucks County. Funding for the improvements came from federal COVID relief and Homeland Security monies.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 10/30/2023
A comparison of house prices in Levittown communities around the U.S.
The Bucks County Courier Times took notice when a Levittown house listed near $700,000, a high price tag for a home in a development originally aimed at first-time, middle-class homebuyers. In the 1950s, Levittown’s developer, Levitt & Sons, called it “the most perfectly planned community in America.” The Courier Times decided to compare prices with three other planned Levittown communities, using Zillow listings as a guide. There are Levittowns in New Jersey and New York, with the farthest being Levittown, Puerto Rico. Comparisons show that New York Levittown homes include a high listing of $1.39 million, with the typical price range between $500,000 and $850,000. Bucks County’s Levittown has a home listed at $675,000 and the next highest is $489,000. New Jersey’s Levittown changed its name back to Willingboro in a 1963 voter referendum, and the highest priced home listed is $499,900 and the lowest is $300,000. The fourth and final Levittown was constructed between 1962 and 1965 about a half-hour’s drive from San Juan, Puerto Rico. There was only one home currently listed for sale, at $195,000.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 11/1/2023
Bucks towns named ‘most unique to visit’ in Pennsylvania
Two Bucks County communities are among “the most unique small towns to visit in Pennsylvania,” according to an article appearing on TheTravel — an international travel website. The article highlights New Hope Borough’s 18th-century buildings and vibrant art scene, and encourages a stroll along the historic Delaware Canal Towpath. Doylestown is noted for its “vibrant downtown,” as well as Fonthill Castle and the James A. Michener Art Museum. Other unique Pennsylvania towns on the list are Jim Thorpe, Lititz, Gettysburg, Wellsboro, Hamburg, Bellefonte, Lewisburg and Strasburg.
Source: Doylestown Patch; 10/22/2023
Westtown Township to consider increasing EIT
Westtown Township will consider enacting an ordinance to increase its earned income tax (EIT). The EIT would be increased for the purposes of securing open space by an additional 0.04%, for a total of 0.08% for open space and an overall total of 1.08% EIT split between the township and West Chester Area School District. The township was allowed to exceed the normal EIT cap of 1% after residents authorized it via voter referendum in November 2022 to help pay for the purchase of Crebilly Farms. The township voted the following month to increase the EIT by 0.4% effective Jan. 1, 2023. The new proposed increase will be considered for adoption at a public hearing on Monday, Nov. 20, at 7:30 p.m. at the township building, 1030 Wilmington Pike.
Source: Daily Local; 10/30/2023
Tredyffrin budget proposal does not include a tax increase
Tredyffrin Township's preliminary budget of $21.6 million calls for no increase in real estate taxes. The budget process is ongoing, with final approval set for Dec. 18. The average homeowner will pay $624 in real estate taxes under the proposed spending plan. Joseph F. DiRocco, township director of finance, said the township was able to save an estimated $200,000 in spending in 2023 due to a mild winter. The 2024 proposed budget is $3.37 million lower than the 2023 budget. Overall, the proposed spending plan allocates $12.4 million for police, $1.2 million for parks and recreation, $1.5 million for libraries, $1 million for planning and zoning, $290,000 for engineering, and $3.2 million for administration. The proposed budget also includes a new $2.6 million fund to help volunteer fire companies and emergency services. The spending plan also includes a fund for stormwater management following severe flooding in prior years. For the average homeowner, a total of $158 of the real estate taxes will go toward stormwater management. The proposed annual stormwater budget is $2.56 million. The township this year was exploring the possibility of a separate stormwater management fee. The supervisors decided to wait until the Pennsylvania Supreme Court rules in a West Chester case on whether a separate fee based on impervious land is allowed by law.
Source: Tredyffrin-Easttown Patch; 10/31/2023
Ground broken on Chandler Mill Greenway in Kennett Township
The Kennett Greenway is about to add another link in what is envisioned as a 14-mile multi-purpose trail loop throughout Kennett Borough, Kennett Township, New Garden Township and northern Delaware. Representatives from the greenway project held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Chandler Mill Trail, which will include paved pathways, a scenic overlook and streambank remediation. The project received final approval on Oct. 4, when Kennett Township supervisors awarded the $2.7 million construction contract to York-based JVI Group Inc. The company will soon begin work on building two asphalt trails from Hillendale Road to Oriole Road, and from Round Hill Road to a new, accessible overlook on the Chandler Mill Nature Preserve. The trail will include comprehensive streambank and roadway stabilization along several sections of the West Branch of the Red Clay Creek, portions of which are adjacent to Chandler Mill Road. Paving of the trail will be completed before June 30, 2024, plantings will be installed in fall 2024 and the completed trail will be open to the public by the end of 2024. When completed, it will create new walkable and bikeable connections for residents, and its northernmost segment will connect the Falcon’s Lair community to the Parrish Trail, Pennock Park and the Kennett Bike Park, which is also currently under construction. Future phases of Greenway construction will connect to the Borough of Kennett Square.
Source: Chester County Press; 11/1/2023
Phoenixville named one of the cutest small towns in PA
Phoenixville Borough was ranked as one of the eight cutest small towns in Pennsylvania by World Atlas. While not ranked in order, it’s listed at No. 3, with references to its many amenities, restaurants, small businesses and art. Read more here.
Source: World Atlas; 10/2023
Lansdowne to consider ordinance increasing EIT
Lansdowne Borough Council will consider the adoption of a proposed ordinance that would increase its earned income tax (EIT) from 0.5% to 1.0%. The EIT “is necessary to diversify the tax base of the borough and allow the borough to lower property taxes for its residents,” according to a borough notice. The borough estimates that approximately $1.2 million of revenue will be derived from the increase. If enacted, it would take effect in 2024 and continue until it is amended or repealed. The ordinance will be considered at a public hearing on Wednesday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. at Lansdowne Borough Hall Building, 11 E. Baltimore Ave.
Source: Daily Times; 10/30/2023
Delco residents invited to share opinions on Eastwick Levee project
The United States Army Corps of Engineers is conducting a feasibility study for the construction of a levee in the Eastwick section of Philadelphia to reduce flooding risks. The proposed levee would be 1,400 feet long and would be built along the eastern bank of Cobbs Creek. The levee could have potential impacts on Delaware County, including increased flood water and other impacts on the environment, such as disrupting wildlife habitat. Delaware County is asking residents to provide feedback via an online survey. The feedback will help county council and the county planning department develop a response to the levee proposal and potential future work to address flooding in the county.
Source: Delaware County; 10/27/2023
Haverford’s façade grant program brightens business districts
To promote economic recovery and community revitalization, Haverford Township and Discover Haverford launched the Haverford Township Façade Improvement Matching Grant Program in March 2022. The program provided matching grants to more than 20 businesses and commercial property owners for the purpose of improving the curb appeal of buildings. Using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, the township matched applicants’ investments in improvements dollar-for-dollar, with grants ranging from $1,000 to $25,000. Grants covered masonry work, cleaning, painting, awnings, signage, lighting, windows and doors, and landscaping. “In addition to the matching façade grant program, we offered back-to-business grants and grants for women and minority-owned businesses, and we are working on another matching grant program that will roll out in 2024,” said Township Commissioner Judy Trombetta.
Source: Daily Times; 11/1/2023
Chadds Ford supervisors start budget process, eyes increased fire protection costs
Chadds Ford Township supervisors have begun the budget process for 2024, and among the line items being discussed is the township’s contribution to Concordville Fire and Protective Association. The township currently gives the fire company $65,000 per year, but Concordville wants almost $190,000, which would mean an additional $125,000 would have to be raised if the supervisors agree to the increase. That could mean including a fire tax in the budget. As of now, the preliminary budget proposal anticipates revenue and expenses for next year to be $1.1 million, with no tax increase. Supervisors are expected to vote on the budget on either Dec. 6 or 9.
Source: Chadds Ford Live; 10/18/2023
Trainer Borough celebrates new municipal offices and police station
Trainer Borough has opened its new, $3 million municipal building at 4300 Township Line Road. The building will house the borough administration and police department. Mayor Marilyn Maher called the new building another step in Trainer’s rebirth. The new facility provides space for borough officials and has a council caucus room, a council working office and a tax collector office. The offices of the manager and code department are more accessible to the public. The council meeting room has expanded to allow sufficient space for the public to attend and participate in meetings. There is a more private conference room to meet with residents and other officials. Phase Two of the project is a community center. The borough is applying for state grants to help get funding.
Source: Daily Times; 10/29/2023
Arena with two ice rinks planned for Neumann University
Neumann University president Christopher Domes and Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education president Scott Tharp announced plans to build a $30 million ice hockey complex on the Neumann campus in Aston Township. Officials expect the collaborative effort to transform Neumann’s campus while expanding the educational programs to under-resourced youth, generate revenue to support Neumann’s academic programs and scholarships, and honor the legacy of Flyers founder Ed Snider.
Source: Daily Times; 10/26/2023
Proposed mixed-use development would bring affordable housing to Norristown
Developers recently provided Norristown officials with a conceptualized vision of what a mixed-use development project would look like at a former Rite Aid property located between Main and Lafayette streets. The property, which is still in a conceptual phase, is expected to include 140 affordable residential units and a 6,100-square-foot commercial space on the first floor. Developers are aiming to attract “upwardly mobile single professionals” to live in a mixture of “borrowed light,” one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, with rents expected at a “blended $1,900 per month.” Property owner James Anderson said more density and smaller units are the trade-offs for providing less expensive housing. Read more here.
Source: Times Herald; 10/30/2023
Lower Merion talks new sidewalk policy
For years, the focus of transportation planning in Lower Merion Township was how to get in and out of the township. In the 21st century, the discussion has changed to talking more about how to get around inside the township. Chris Leswig, director of building and planning for Lower Merion, recently discussed creating a new sidewalk policy at a building and planning committee meeting. Leswig presented language for a sidewalk policy that read, “The Township should work to improve and expand its sidewalk network by ordaining and/or constructing sidewalks that it has identified as top priority sidewalks that are of public benefit beyond the street on which the sidewalk is located.” A list of high-priority areas was identified that included Morris Road from Haverford Road to Lancaster Avenue, Remington Road from Trent Road to Tomkenn Road, and Llanberris Road from Conshohocken State Road to Clwyd Road. The commissioners are expected to vote on a final sidewalk policy at their next board meeting.
Source: Main Line Media News; 10/16/2023
Lansdale completes updated parking study
Lansdale’s last parking study was completed over a decade ago. The borough now has an updated parking study looking at parking in town and the message is clear: “There’s still plenty of parking in Lansdale,” said parking authority chairman Dan Dunigan. The 2011 study made recommendations that the borough implemented, including changes in parking prices to encourage turnover downtown, electronic kiosks to replace downtown parking meters, the installation of wayfinding signs for parking, and the adoption of an app-based mobile payment system for parking. The new study discusses parking rates, the implementation of a “fee-in-lieu of” for developers that want to modify downtown buildings but can’t meet current parking requirements, and better communication with residents about the parking that already exists. Read more in The Reporter.
Source: The Reporter; 10/30/2023
Worcester preserves 10-acre Fairview Village tract
Worcester Township supervisors announced the addition of a 10-acre tract to the township’s open space acquisitions. The property is at the intersection of Griffith Road and Valley Forge Road adjacent to Heyser Field and the Worcester Community Hall in Fairview Village. It was originally part of the 1727 Henry Rittenhouse farmstead. Rittenhouse was among the earliest settlers in Worcester and was one of the 22 landowners who petitioned for the creation of Worcester Township in 1733. The township planning commission is currently meeting with community stakeholders to discuss the current and future use and need for open space throughout the township. Residents are encouraged to join the discussions with the planning commission each fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m., at Community Hall, 1031 S. Valley Forge Road.
Source: Pottstown Mercury; 10/23/2023
East Norriton budget open for review
The proposed 2024 budget for East Norriton Township was presented at the Oct. 24 supervisors’ meeting, and is available The proposed budget is available for public inspection at the township building, 2501 Stanbridge St., East Norriton. Additional presentations of the 2024 proposed budget will be held during the Nov. 21 and Dec. 19 public meetings, both at 7 p.m. The budget is scheduled to be finalized at the Dec. 19 meeting. Visit the East Norriton Township website for meeting details.
Source: Times Herald; 10/26/2023
Philadelphia rowhomes compromised by construction next door
Each year, about 50 Philly rowhomes are compromised or destroyed by reckless construction next door. That damage is concentrated in formerly redlined communities — with the greatest impact on those who can least afford it. Though it’s the nation’s poorest big city, Philadelphia has an abundance of affordable rowhouses that have supported a higher homeownership rate than other Northeastern cities. But that rate has been declining for 30 years as prices become inflated and investor money flooded into gentrifying neighborhoods. “The fact that we have this aging housing stock of attached homes means those homes are at particular risk of being undermined,” said Emily Dowdall, who has studied gentrification and housing affordability for the Reinvestment Fund, a Philadelphia-based financial institution. “That’s particularly true in areas that have undergone disinvestment, where properties have undergone deferred maintenance and where people may have trouble accessing the equity to do repairs to their homes.” Read more here.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 11/1/2023
Center City District plan lays out vision for Market East corridor and arena
A new roadmap for Market East considers a new Sixers arena a “catalyst” that could help transform the struggling corridor and surrounding blocks, echoing the team’s argument since announcing the project last July. Released by the Center City District, the independent plan highlights the project’s capacity to better connect an area stretching from Chinatown to Midtown Village, and from City Hall to the Liberty Bell. The analysis, released in partnership with the Market East Improvement Association, also points to the potential the $1.55 billion proposed arena has to drive new development that could further enliven that section, and particularly East Market Street, once Philadelphia’s premier retail hub.
Source: PlanPhilly; 10/27/2023
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