News Briefs for November 8, 2024
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Amos Palmer House is a Georgian-style farmhouse located in Lower Makefield Township that dates back to 1760. Lower Makefield voters just approved a referendum allowing the township to take on debt for open space preservation.
Photo: Hshuvaeva (CC BY-SA 3.0)
LIHEAP application process is open
Applications are now being accepted for the state’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for the 2024-2025 season. LIHEAP is a federally funded program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) that helps qualified residents pay their home heating bills during the winter months. Assistance is available for both renters and homeowners. The application period for cash and crisis grants is open from Nov. 4 to April 4, 2025. More information about LIHEAP is available on the DHS website.
Source: LevittownNow; 11/4/2024
PAR advocacy training shifts to virtual format
Learn the ins and outs of Pennsylvania’s legislative process and receive a recap of the 2024 general election from Pennsylvania Association of Realtors advocacy managers Jeff Dempsey and Marcus Huertas. Shifting to a virtual format in 2024, members can attend shorter, one-hour sessions, each focused on different aspects of the advocacy program. The Election Recap and Legislative Process session will take place on Friday, Nov. 15, at 10 a.m. Learn more and register here.
Source: PAR
Grants announced for housing, tech school improvements in Bristol
Nearly $2 million dollars in state funds have been allocated for projects in Bristol Borough and Bristol Township. Bucks County Technical High School will benefit from a $1 million investment for campus renovations. The funding, which was obtained in partnership with the Bucks County Redevelopment Authority, will be used for extensive structural improvements, including repaving, roof upgrades and classroom enhancements. In addition to school funding, a grant for $435,000 has been approved for the development of affordable housing in Bristol Township. The project is in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity and will focus on rehabilitating blighted properties to bolster local housing availability. “Affordable housing is a critical need in our area, and the partnership between the RDA and Habitat for Humanity will help meet this need,” state Sen. Steve Santarsiero (D-10) said. Additionally, Bristol Borough will receive $485,000 to resurface the track at Bristol Borough Junior/Senior High School.
Source: LevittownNow; 10/28/2024
Lower Makefield voters approve open space referendum
Lower Makefield Township General Election ballots included an open space referendum question asking residents if they approve the township incurring $15 million dollars of debt to acquire and preserve environmental areas and open space. Unofficial results show voters approved the referendum with 69% voting “Yes” and 31% voting “No”.
Source: Bucks County; 11/6/2024
West Rockhill voters reject referendum on pool refurbishment
West Rockhill Township voters were asked whether they approved the township incurring $3 million of debt to help the West Rockhill-Sellersville Joint Recreation Authority refurbish the Holiday House Pool Complex. Unofficial results show voters denied the referendum with 52% voting “No” and 48% voting “Yes.”
Source: Bucks County; 11/6/2024
New Britain Borough to consider sign ordinance
New Britain Borough Council will hold a public hearing to consider adoption of a proposed sign ordinance that will repeal and replace current guidelines. The hearing will be held at the meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 7:30 p.m., at Burkart Hall, 56 Keeley Ave. The draft ordinance sets the purpose of the sign regulations, the scope and applicability of the sign regulations, and provides definitions applicable to the sign regulations. It lists certain prohibited signs and sign elements, and further identifies certain signs that are exempt from the regulations. The ordinance contains general sign regulations, regulations by specific sign type, including specific regulations for off-premises advertising signs and electronic message center signs. The ordinance contains specific regulations by zoning district type. It sets forth requirements for sign permits and assigns the duty to annually monitor signs to the zoning officer. The ordinance contains provisions for nonconforming signs and for removal of unlawful, unsafe or abandoned signs. A copy of the full text of the proposed ordinance is available for review at Burkart Hall or by e-mailing andrea@newbritainboro.com.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 11/2024
Wawa closes standalone drive-thru in Falls
Wawa’s first-ever standalone drive-thru location has ceased operation. The drive-thru was located in Falls Township at the intersection of West Trenton Avenue and Pine Grove Road. The location opened in 2021 and featured a limited menu focused on quick food and drink options. Wawa still operates two other standalone drive-thru locations in Allentown and Largo, Florida.
Source: LevittownNow; 10/29/2024
Open space referendums win in East Whiteland and Uwchlan; New Garden voters reject library tax
Ballot measures to increase taxes in Uwchlan and East Whiteland townships for the purposes of open space preservation won. Approximately 57% of voters in Uwchlan Township voted for an increase in the earned income tax — raising it from 1% to 1.25% — for securing open space. The new tax will be paid by township residents only, and the township estimates it will raise between $2.5 million and $3 million each year. In East Whiteland Township, 56% of voters voted in favor of adding 0.05% on residents' earned income tax and 0.45 mills on the property tax. The funds will be used for open space preservation, acquiring properties, ensuring wildlife habitat protection and maintaining recreational lands. A referendum in New Garden Township relating to a library tax was voted down by voters.
Source: Chester County; 11/6/2024
Trader Joe’s is coming to Easttown
A Trader Joe’s grocery store is coming to the former CVS/Acme space in Berwyn, Easttown Township. The new store will be about 10,000 sq. ft., slightly smaller than the nearby locations in Tredyffrin and Ardmore. A new Trader Joe’s is also opening in King of Prussia, at the old Bed, Bath & Beyond store. Read more at Savvy Main Line.
Source: Savvy Main Line; 11/6/2024
Save Crebilly Campaign reaches fundraising goal
Natural Lands and Westtown Township announced the successful completion of Natural Lands’ Save Crebilly Campaign — a final step in the multi-year fundraising effort to preserve the entirety of Crebilly Farm. Sufficient funds were raised for the final step in preserving the park — the township’s purchase of the remaining 206 acres, which will become a passive-use park with walking trails. The purchase and settlement are set for December, though the park will not be open to the public for some time.
Source: Natural Lands; 11/1/2024
West Chester sets date to consider short-term rental ordinance
West Chester Borough Council will consider a short-term rental ordinance, amending Chapter 112, Zoning Code, and, Chapter 66, Property Maintenance Code, of the borough code. A hearing will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 6:30 p.m. at 401 East Gay St.
Source: West Chester Borough; 11/2024
24-acre East Coventry farm preserved as open space
A historic, 24-acre farm has been preserved as the result of a voluntary conservation agreement between Raymond and Kathleen Nester and the French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust. The property, located along Halteman Road, boasts a mature hardwood forest and 1,200 feet of Pigeon Creek. Chester County granted French & Pickering $128,300 for the acquisition of an easement. Additional funding of $118,465 came from East Coventry Township’s dedicated open space funds.
Source: Daily Local; 11/1/2024
Oxford Area School District discusses capital needs and renovations
The Oxford Area School Board reviewed possible financing scenarios for capital needs and renovations at the district’s schools at recent committee meetings. Zach Williard, an advisor from Public Financial Management, presented three financing scenarios for the district to take on up to $55 million in renovations with as little impact to the budget and current debt as possible. The financial scenarios presented included one option using debt restructuring, one option using capitalized interest, and one option manipulating the timing of borrowings and spacing the projects out. No final plans or budget were decided at the meetings, as the presentations were to inform the board members on potential choices and approaches to the large project. Read a summary of the meetings here.
Source: Chester County Press; 10/16/2024
Swarthmore to consider rental inspection ordinance
Swarthmore Borough has drafted a rental inspection ordinance that requires residential structures that are being used as non-owner-occupied dwelling units to be inspected first prior to tenant occupancy and at every subsequent change of the dwelling’s tenants. Rental inspections will aid in verifying that basic life-safety features are in place, stormwater is not infiltrating the public sewer system, and all renters have healthy and safe living accommodations. Read the draft ordinance here. At the Oct. 15 borough council meeting, the council discussed advertising the ordinance.
Source: Swarthmore Borough; 10/15/2024
Aston Township to consider amendment to allow a community hospital to be built
The Aston Township Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding a text amendment to its 2011 zoning ordinance. The amendment would: add a definition of “community hospital;” permit community hospitals as a conditional use in the LI (Limited Industrial) zoning district; and establish a front yard setback for community hospitals in the LI zoning district. Should the board of commissioners enact the ordinance during the meeting, they will then hold a public hearing and possibly take action upon the conditional use application of Christiana Care Pennsylvania Inc. to develop a community hospital at 700 Turner Industrial Way, folio number 02-00-00377-05. The hearing will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 3 p.m. at the Aston Township Community Center, 3720 Concord Road, Aston.
Source: Aston Township; 11/2024
PennDOT to host virtual meeting about I-95 projects
PennDOT is hosting a virtual public meeting to discuss proposed projects along I-95 between the Delaware state line and I-476 in Delaware County. PennDOT's design team will deliver a presentation on the projects before opening the meeting to questions. The discussion will include projects on the I-95/U.S. 322 Interchange, the Chester noise walls and other projects nearby. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 6:30 p.m. via the Microsoft Teams platform. Members of the public can join the meeting by clicking the Teams link before the start time.
Source: Media Patch; 11/1/2024
Chester receiver moving ahead with search to find ‘water assets’ operator
Reiterating his intention to keep the city’s “water assets” in public hands, Michael Doweary, the appointed receiver for the City of Chester, shared information about a proposed monetization by breaking down the process and announcing a tentative timeline. The term “water assets” refers to the Chester Water Authority, Delcora and the Chester Stormwater Authority. The city’s request for qualifications (RFQ) calls for in-depth detail about prospective operators’ technical, structural and financial aspects. Among the requirements, they must demonstrate financial capability to make upfront payments and maintain, upgrade and expand assets. The RFQ is expected to be released on Nov. 20 with a submission deadline set for Jan. 15. Receiver chief of staff Vijay Kapoor said that, for the city to consider any sale, lease or other form of monetization, certain benchmarks must be met, including the requirement that water assets remain publicly owned.
Source: Chester Spirit; 10/30/2024
Concord Township posts preliminary budget
Concord Township has released its preliminary 2025 budget, which includes expenditures in the General Operating Fund of $4.3 million and expenditures in the Sewer Operating Fund of $4.7 million. The budget proposal establishes a 2025 real estate tax millage of 0.064 mills for library services, 0.061 for fire hydrants, 0.0697 for fire protection services, 0.139 for open space, and 0.206 for general purposes — for a total real estate levy of 0.5397 mills. A public hearing will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. at the Concord Township Building, 43 Thornton Road, Glens Mills.
Source: Concord Township; 11/1/2024
MCPC Monthly will feature housing story in each issue
MCPC Monthly, a publication of the Montgomery County Planning Commission, will now have a feature on housing in each issue. At the beginning of 2024, the county sponsored a forum for housing advocates, municipal officials and staff, as well as developers, that addressed housing affordability, the challenges of addressing homelessness and potential municipal solutions. County staff followed up with a recent application to HUD’s PRO-Housing grant program. If approved, it would provide funding for a countywide housing needs assessment, as well as local assessments for up to 15 municipalities meant to provide recommendations on zoning changes to reduce barriers to housing affordability, and follow-up funds to make the changes to local ordinances. MCPC is taking on a limited number of zoning assessments for municipalities interested in making ordinance changes now.
Source: MCPC; 11/2024
Marlborough faces $200K budget deficit
Marlborough Township Manager/Secretary Marybeth Cody announced that the preliminary draft of the township’s 2025 budget includes a $200,000 deficit. The budget shortfall has created a significant obstacle for the township’s plan to replace essential equipment for the Public Works department, including a truck, a chipper, a spreader, a loader and a diesel fuel tank. A second draft of the budget was to be discussed at the Oct. 28 work session. In other news, the supervisors discussed township property on Swamp Creek Road and whether to sell it. Solicitor Mark Cappuccio reminded the supervisors that any sale must be publicly advertised. The next monthly Marlborough Township board of supervisors meeting will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m.
Source: Upper Perkiomen Valley News; 10/2024
Jenkintown moves to digitized parking payments
Jenkintown Borough is transitioning from coin-operated parking meters and kiosks to a digitized payment system. The transition will begin in November and will be completed by the end of the year. ParkMobile, who has provided digitized service to the borough since 2018 as a payment option, will be the vendor providing all parking payment options at all formerly metered spaces and kiosks. ParkMobile allows users to pay for parking via their smartphone application, web browser, text or through calling a phone number. Parking in Jenkintown is enforced Monday to Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with special holiday hours from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. Find out more on the Jenkintown Borough website.
Source: Jenkintown Borough; 10/2024
Upper Gwynedd adopts voluntary plastic waste reduction program
Upper Gwynedd Township commissioners voted unanimously this week to adopt a new plastic waste reduction program, based on recommendations from the township’s Environmental Advisory Council (EAC). “The single-use plastic waste reduction program is strictly voluntary, for the organizations in our community that want to participate,” said Commissioner Greg Moll. The EAC developed a voluntary program with three levels: a bronze level, where the business commits to eliminating single-use plastic bags at the point of sale; a silver level, where the business eliminates bags and offers other single-use materials like straws and utensils by request only; and finally a gold level, where the business would not offer single-use plastics of any kind. Those who take part would receive a certificate from township volunteers stating they are taking part, plus recognition by the township, and the program would be administered by volunteers, with advertisement through the township's social media channels and newsletters.
Source: NorthPennNow; 10/24/2024
Critics tell city lawmakers that Land Bank needs change
At a recent public hearing on the Philadelphia Land Bank, city council members heard from community development corporations, real estate developers, community gardeners and government officials for more than four hours. Most of the attendees agreed that there is much room for improvement. “The Land Bank was designed to streamline the process of transferring vacant and blighted properties into the hands of developers who are committed to serving the public good,” real estate developer Tayib Smith said. “But instead, it has become a bottleneck.” The hearing unfolded as Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration prepares to release a strategic plan to preserve or build 30,000 housing units over the next four years. The mayor has said she wants to continue using the Land Bank to help grow the city’s supply of affordable housing amid an ongoing crisis. Authorized by state legislation in 2012, the Land Bank is a quasi-governmental clearinghouse that puts vacant, city-owned land into productive use. Read more here.
Source: PlanPhilly; 10/30/2024
Judge rejects developer’s bid to become conservator of Germantown YWCA
A Philadelphia judge has dismissed real estate developer Ken Weinstein’s petition to take control of the former Germantown YWCA, a crumbling city-owned building that has sat vacant since closing more than two decades ago. The one-page ruling from Common Pleas Court Judge Ann Butchart states that Weinstein “failed to establish” that the historic building was blighted and abandoned under Act 135. The state law provides a mechanism for neighbors, nonprofits and municipalities to revitalize such properties in their communities, with the goal of putting them into productive use. If a judge deems a building blighted and abandoned under the measure, the property can be awarded to a conservator, a designation that enables it to be sold to a new developer. In his statement, Weinstein said he will ask Judge Butchart to “reconsider” her decision. If she rejects the request, the developer can appeal the decision to a higher court. Read more here.
Source: PlanPhilly; 11/1/2024
Tenants reach settlement after suing property manager over mold, leaks, pests and more
Philadelphia tenants who sued one of the city’s leading managers of subsidized housing over apartment conditions have reached a settlement with the city-based nonprofit that owns it. In June, nine tenants sued Columbus Property Management & Development, accusing the company of failing to maintain three of its apartment complexes and allowing conditions that included mold, leaks, plumbing issues, lack of heat, and pest infestations. Columbus has 34 apartment complexes in Philadelphia. Its parent organization is the Philadelphia-based nonprofit Mission First Housing Group, an affordable-housing developer. The property manager agreed to address tenants’ complaints at the three properties named in the lawsuit: Freedom Village in the Francisville section of North Philadelphia, Powelton Heights in the Powelton section of West Philadelphia, and MPB School Apartments in the Strawberry Mansion section of North Philadelphia. The company also agreed to inspect all apartments across its Philadelphia-area portfolio and fix what needs to be fixed. The property manager must also provide a comprehensive plan for how it will improve apartment inspections and the handling of tenant complaints and emergency repairs in all of its Philadelphia-area properties.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 11/6/2024
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