The economic ripple effect of an NFIP lapse
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides $1.3 trillion in flood insurance to 4.7 million policyholders in 23,000 communities across the United States. A lapse in NFIP authority puts an estimated 1,400 transactions a day at risk of moving forward without vital flood coverage. Because Congress failed to meet the Sept. 30 deadline to pass a spending measure that included extension of NFIP authority, homeowners in high-flood-risk areas and those looking to purchase homes may be forced to proceed to closing without flood insurance. This creates significant uncertainty over whether coverage will be available and if sufficient FEMA funds will be accessible to pay claims after a flood. While NFIP cannot issue new and renewal policies, existing policies remain active, include a 30-day grace period, and can be transferred to new owners. Research from the National Association of Realtors found that during a recent extended lapse, as many as 40,000 transactions per month were stalled or canceled. Read more at Realtor Magazine.
Source: Realtor Magazine; 10/7/2025

HUD withdraws fair housing guidance documents
On Sept. 16 and 17, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) circulated two internal memoranda outlining the new goals and priorities of the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) with respect to fair housing enforcement. Each removes prior HUD opinions and guidance on the meaning of the Fair Housing Act. The materials deal with topics like appraisal discrimination, protections for persons with limited English proficiency, reasonable accommodations for disabled persons’ use of assistance animals, and municipal land-use practices. The Sept. 16 memorandum (“Fair Housing Act Enforcement and Prioritization of Resources”) explains the current administration’s views on prior positions. For example, the memo asserts that the FHA protects everyone equally (i.e., “protected classes” are not limited to minority groups), so that HUD investigations of appraisal and financial discrimination claims should not consider whether the complaint of practices occurred in or harmed a “protected-class concentrated area.”
Source: NAR; 10/7/2025

How the federal shutdown affects PA
The federal government employs more than 66,000 civilian workers in Pennsylvania — many of whom are furloughed until Congress can reach an agreement to fund the government. Read more at WHYY.
Source: WHYY; 10/7/2025

Real estate agents targeted with malicious Zoom links
Scammers have found a new way to target real estate professionals, according to recent reports. So-called potential buyers are targeting agents and showing interest in their listed properties. Before submitting an offer, the potential client insists on having a Zoom meeting to discuss the property with the agent. The scammer sends a Zoom link, but when an agent clicks on it, malware is installed on their computer or phone. Read more at the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors JustListed blog.
Source: PAR JustListed; 10/8/2025 

NBCMA takes steps to expand public water access following contamination
The Northampton, Bucks County, Municipal Authority (NBCMA), in partnership with the U.S. Navy, is taking steps to expand public water access for additional residents affected by PFAS contamination. Phase 3 of the Navy PFAS Remediation Project includes a new Environmental Services Cooperative Agreement modification, with public water service extended to homes in Northampton Township currently relying on private wells where PFAS levels exceed Department of Defense interim action levels. The initiative includes three key projects: the Northampton Hills Water Main Extension, which will bring NBCMA’s public water system to approximately 125 homes in Northampton Hills, with the potential to serve 23 additional nearby properties through the installation of over 9,700 feet of new water mains, 11 fire hydrants, full property connections, and the proper abandonment of private wells. In addition, Phase 3 will include the installation of up to 50 undersink PFAS filtration units for eligible homes throughout NBCMA’s service area to provide immediate protection while long-term water main improvements are underway. See the full press release for more information.
Source: Northampton Township; 10/7/2025

Middletown approves 34 townhomes at former Knights site
Middletown Township supervisors approved a plan from W.B. Homes for 34 townhomes at the former Knights of Columbus property at 1492 Woodbourne Road in the Levittown section of the township. The development is the first to be approved using an amended zoning ordinance that allows townhomes in the Professional Zoning District when 20% of the proposed homes are deemed “attainable” (affordable). The plan calls for six multi-unit buildings on the 3.8-acre property, four with six homes, and two with five. Each of the townhome units will have a one-car garage and a two-car driveway. The market value of the homes to be built is estimated at more than $500,000, but W.B. Homes will sell seven to Habitat for Humanity for about $365,000 each. Habitat for Humanity will administer the sale of the seven units, and the homes will remain attainable in the future for Bucks County residents or workers who meet Habitat’s requirements.
Source: Levittown Now & Bucks County Courier Times; 10/7/2025

Springfield pressures Durham to join consortium
Springfield Township supervisors are strongly urging Durham Township to join the Lower Delaware Region of the Wild and Scenic River consortium, claiming their counterparts’ refusal to participate is holding up potential road grants and studies of flood-prone areas. Durham supervisors tabled the issue at a meeting last month despite pressure from residents and its own environmental committee to join. Durham, Bucks County’s smallest township, is the lone holdout in the region. Twenty-six townships have already joined. Springfield supervisors directed its environmental advisory council to draft a letter with supervisors’ approval encouraging Durham to join the consortium. Read more from the Bucks County Herald.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 10/6/2025

Bucks IU leases former Pearl S. Buck Elementary in Middletown
The former Pearl S. Buck Elementary School building was closed last winter when the students were transferred to the new Core Creek Elementary School, which is also located in Middletown Township. A lease agreement between the Neshaminy School District and the Bucks County Intermediate Unit has the former elementary school filled with children again. In September, Bucks IU at Pearl S. Buck staff began offering new programs hosted across 18 special education classrooms throughout the building designed to accommodate kindergarten through 8th-grade students in need of autistic and emotional support, while providing curriculum aligned with each student’s individualized education program requirements. Students enter Bucks IU Special Education School-Age Programs through referrals from their home school districts.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 10/7/2025 

Malvern considers zoning amendments for STRs, fences
Malvern Borough Council will hold a public hearing to consider zoning amendments that would define and regulate short-term rental units and update rules for fences and walls throughout the borough. The proposed ordinance would amend the borough’s zoning code to establish a formal definition of “short-term rental unit” and specify which zoning districts would permit the use. Officials said the measure is intended to allow short-term rentals in designated areas while preventing disruptions to residential neighborhoods. The ordinance would also revise the section of the zoning code governing fences and walls to clarify standards for their placement, height and maintenance. The public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. at Malvern Borough Hall, 1 E. First Ave.
Source: Daily Local; 10/6/2025

Kennett Township hosts open house on municipal complex expansion
Kennett Township held an open house on a proposed $10 million municipal complex expansion. Township administration, following a feasibility study, is recommending a new, free-standing police facility that would be built near the existing municipal building. New access roads would be constructed to connect the police compound to Burrows Run and Hillendale roads. The projected price tag is $10 million. A follow up to the open house will be presented at the Oct. 22 supervisors meeting as part of the 2026 budget process. “When the current building was constructed in 2003, there were only four employees and no police department,” Township Manager Alison Dobbins said.
Source: Daily Local; 10/5/2025

Phoenixville shows off new ‘green’ sewage treatment
Phoenixville Wastewater Treatment Plant will use a technology to treat sewage sludge by creating a safer and more sustainable byproduct from what Phoenixville residents flush down the toilet. The process is called “hydrothermal carbonization.” According to the borough website, it “uses heat and pressure to mimic the way nature produces coal and other fossil fuels, but we are using chemistry to speed up the process from 250 million years to a couple of hours.” Phoenixville is the first town in North America to use the technology. Dan Sprakin, founder and CEO of SoMax BioEnergy, said that it will “do the heavy lifting” in helping the borough to reach its goal for all borough facilities to use 100% clean energy by 2035. Borough council has committed $3 million to the project. The new facility is purposefully built over-capacity, and only about 25% of its capacity is needed to process Phoenixville’s sewage. “This has so much capacity, it can act as a regional solution,” Spracklin said.
Source: The Mercury; 10/4/2025

Valley Forge Military Academy closure sparks redevelopment speculation
The planned closure of Valley Forge Military Academy in May 2026 is fueling speculation over the future of its 70-acre campus, a property that straddles Radnor Township in Delaware County and Tredyffrin Township in Chester County — two of the region’s most sought-after real estate markets. While Valley Forge Military College will continue to operate on the site, no definitive plans have been announced for the academy’s property, which carries an assessed value of nearly $40 million. The Delaware County portion, home to many of the school’s main academic buildings, is valued at more than $25 million. The Chester County parcels are zoned for single-family homes or educational uses. Chester County Planning Commission executive director Matthew Edmond said that could make the site attractive to nearby colleges like Eastern University, which already uses Valley Forge’s athletic fields. As the military academy’s foundation weighs its options, officials acknowledge redevelopment would face a long entitlement process — and intense community interest.
Source: Philadelphia Business Journal; 10/7/2025

West Chester plans BID renewal
West Chester Borough Council will hold a public hearing to consider renewing the West Chester Business Improvement District (BID) for another five-year term. The proposed ordinance would authorize the continuation of the BID from Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2030. The measure outlines the borough’s intent to maintain and enhance business improvement and administrative services within the district, which operates under Pennsylvania’s Neighborhood Improvement District Act. Under the proposal, the West Chester Business Improvement District Authority would remain the managing authority, with full rights and powers of a neighborhood improvement management association. Borough council will consider the ordinance on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 6:30 p.m. at Borough Hall, 401 E. Gay St.
Source: Daily Local; 10/2/2025

Hankin Group launches $67M expansion of Uwchlan senior living project
The Hankin Group will add 117 independent living residences to its Eagleview Landing Senior Living Community in Uwchlan Township. The $67 million expansion is expected to be completed in November 2026. The new construction will consist of 217,215 square feet — 193,500 for residential space and 23,715 for amenities. Adding independent living residences to the community will also allow residents to age in place, “transitioning between care levels as their needs evolve while maintaining their established community connections and lifestyle preferences,” Hankin said. The new building, which will be adjacent to the current building, will feature a wellness center with an indoor pool and spa, a theater, game rooms, and a golf simulator. The expansion will also include tailored dining options, garage parking and walking trails.
Source: Daily Local; 10/2/2025