News Briefs for October 18, 2024
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Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) as viewed from southern Chester County on Oct. 14. The comet was first discovered in 2023 and will appear low on the western horizon about 45 minutes after sunset each night through the end of October.
In PA, there’s a new way to address old discriminatory language in deeds
Restrictive racial covenants in deeds are no longer allowed or enforceable, thanks to federal law and state protections. But they still exist in the deeds of properties across the region and the country. Many homebuyers and owners are horrified when they find racist language in their own properties’ documents. Pennsylvania passed a law last December that allows property owners to file a one-page form that gets attached to the deed and disavows and nullifies discriminatory language in it. The free form is submitted to the county’s recorder of deeds office. Read more in the Inquirer.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 10/10/2024
One of PA’s largest credit unions agrees to lend more to Philly’s Black, Latino homebuyers
Citadel Federal Credit Union, based in Exton, has agreed to expand its 24-branch suburban office network into Philadelphia and subsidize mortgage loans in the city’s poorer Black and Latino neighborhoods, to settle a U.S. Department of Justice discrimination complaint. The Justice Department said it was the first time it had accused a credit union of “redlining,” intentionally avoiding low-income Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in violation of U.S. banking laws, which require banks and credit unions to make loans they offer available to all in census tracts across their service area. Bill Brown, who took over as the credit union’s chief executive last year, said it wasn’t intentional, but instead a long delay in executing Citadel’s 18-year-old plan to add offices and make more loans in the city. A federal probe reviewing the credit union’s loans for 2017-2021 found that Citadel failed to follow through on its 2006 commitment to add branches in Philadelphia. Brown noted the government didn’t allege discriminatory mortgage denials, or find a scarcity of loans in lower-income suburbs in communities, such as Coatesville or those of eastern Delaware County.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 10/10/2024
Bristol residents concerned about proposed location of centralized firehouse
The Bristol Fire Company, America Hose, Hook and Ladder Fire Company, Goodwill Hose Company, and Bristol Consolidated Volunteer Fire Company have been moving toward consolidation after the results of a 2021 study by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The study recommended that the borough update its fire code, establish a fire service association, and centralize fire operations to improve efficiency and response times. The combined fire service will operate out of one proposed central location. Bristol Borough Mayor Ralph DiGuiseppe III said the borough had met with the Bristol Borough Fire Board to begin a “very conceptual design” of the new facility. The proposed location for the new station is on the open space off Jefferson Avenue between the spurline park and canal, in an area that currently includes the Adams Hollow Community Garden and basketball courts. The location has raised concerns among some residents about the potential loss of green space. DiGuiseppe emphasized that plans are still in the preliminary stages, and the council is committed to maintaining the garden and basketball courts, even if they need to be relocated.
Source: LevittownNow; 9/30/2024 & 10/15/2024
Industrial building proposed in Bristol Township
Herring Properties appeared before the Bristol Township Zoning Hearing Board to introduce new plans for 3113 and 3105 Veterans Highway. The properties are vacant and were once home to the former O’Connor Freightliner location. In 2022, a New Jersey developer had looked to build a hotel, fast food restaurant, automotive repair shop and mini-warehouse at the location but officials recently reported the plans had fallen apart. The current proposal is for a new industrial development at the sites consisting of a 116,000-square-foot facility that could bring 50 to 60 new jobs per shift to the area. The project is expected to bring significant tax revenue to the township, with Herring confirming that no tax breaks were being sought for this development. The zoners approved variances for height requirements, impervious surface area, access and site buffer. The approval comes with conditions, including the completion of necessary environmental studies and coordination with the conservation district and PennDOT.
Source: LevittownNow; 10/15/2024
Central Bucks study finds 8 elementary schools need significant work
The Sept. 25 Central Bucks School District Business/Operations Committee meeting had school board members reviewing four potential options for addressing the needs of the district's elementary schools. An architectural analysis of the elementary schools confirmed that significant renovations are needed at eight schools: Barclay, Buckingham, Doyle, Gayman, Kutz, Linden, Titus and Warwick. The findings include the idea of replacing two schools — Doyle and Linden. Superintendent Steven Yanni described the discussions as an "initial introduction" for the board as the district moves forward in the renovation process. Conversations about the renovations will continue at the next meeting of the Business & Operational Support Services Committee, which is Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m.
Source: Central Bucks School District & Bucks County Courier Times; 9/26/2024
Falls supervisors vote to remove some parking restrictions
Falls Township supervisors, in consultation with the Falls Township Police Department, voted unanimously to remove parking restrictions from multiple roads. The parking amendments will allow motorists to park on Vermillion Way from Trenton Road to Vermont Lane. Parking permits that were required during school hours on certain roads have also been rescinded. View the list on the Falls Township website.
Source: The Reporter; 9/29/2024
Kennett Township discusses 2025 budget proposal with millage increase
The Kennett Township Board of Supervisors recently reviewed a 2025 budget presentation that raises taxes 0.1 mills, equaling a 2.86% increase. The current millage rate in the township is 3.5 mills. In 2024 the two biggest sources of revenue for the township were the earned income tax (44% of revenue) and property taxes (32%). The real estate millage rate will be decided at a meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 6. The targeted 2025 final budget approval is a public meeting on Dec. 4.
Source: Kennett Township; 10/2/2024
Westtown celebrates Oakbourne Park improvements
Westtown Township’s 2021 Master Park Plan called for improving the most utilized area of Oakbourne Park, which provides active recreational opportunities. On Oct. 1, after three years of planning, grant applications, engineering and construction, township supervisors held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of $6 million of improvements. The upgrades included ADA-compliant facilities, a new restroom, a picnic pavilion, a playground area, pickleball courts, renovated basketball and tennis courts, paved trails, batting cages, interpretive signage, parking areas and benches, and a stormwater management facility. The project was made possible with the assistance of several grants, including $1.5 million from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program administered by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Source: Westtown Township; 10/3/2024
West Whiteland opens survey for comprehensive plan
West Whiteland Township was recently awarded a planning grant from the Chester County Planning Commission’s Vision Partnership Program (VPP) to update its current 30-year comprehensive plan. Residents can assist in identifying priorities by taking a short online survey. There will be an open house on the plan on Tuesday, Oct. 29, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the West Whiteland Township Building, with a presentation at 6:30 p.m.
Source: West Whiteland Township; 10/7/2024
Willistown issues sewer system management report
Willistown Township has been working with consultants on a sewer system management study, the findings of which were presented to the board of supervisors on Sept. 30. Residents can read the report on the township website. It will be discussed further at the supervisors meeting on Monday, Oct. 28.
Source: Willistown Township; 10/1/2024
Upper Darby pushes interior inspection start to January, plans new L&I software
Upper Darby Township’s Licenses and Inspections Department has been given approval for a new software system that will streamline application submissions, inspection reports and the issuance of use and occupancy certificates. The new software will also allow the department to better track progress. The launch of interior inspections for resales will now occur in January 2025 to be in line with the implementation of the new software. Suburban Realtors Alliance staff, along with several Realtors, recently met with township officials to discuss the launch of the software and interior inspections, and will continue to provide updates from the township.
Aldan Borough considers earned income tax
Aldan Borough Council is considering enacting a 1% earned income tax (EIT) in 2025. In addition to the growing costs of utilities, maintenance and employee salaries, the borough cites a need to renovate and expand its borough building. The building needs to be expanded to accommodate eight full-time police officers along with a borough manager, a borough secretary and a code enforcement officer. The construction costs are $3.2 million. Data suggest that the maximum revenue that Aldan Borough could receive from a 1% EIT is approximately $900,000 — but the actual amount collected would be less than half of that number because many residents are retired or work in Philadelphia, which does not remit EIT revenue to residents’ municipalities. Borough council will consider adopting an ordinance enacting the 1% EIT on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. Read more about the EIT proposal on the Aldan Borough website.
Source: Aldan Borough; 10/8/2024
Brookhaven council members OK to receive borough healthcare benefits, auditor says
Brookhaven Borough Council members receiving healthcare benefits at taxpayer expense is legal, according to the borough auditor. A recent Right-to-Know request posted on social media showed Council President Terry Heller and his family, which includes Councilmember Cherie Heller and their family, receiving a PPO healthcare plan through Blue Cross, with the borough being charged $2,139 for June. Residents made complaints about the coverage at a public meeting. Cindy Leitzell, auditor for Brookhaven, said having a council member covered by borough healthcare is permitted. She said the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development outlines rules of running boroughs in a handbook, which permits the benefit.
Source: Daily Times; 10/11/2024
Solutions discussed for stray animal problem in parts of Delaware County
The Spayed Club in Collingdale held a conversation about what to do about the stray animal problem in areas of Delaware County. Collingdale Borough Councilman Stephen Zane said a grassroots effort would be needed. There was a discussion about finding a way to gain funding without creating a new tax. County Councilwoman Christine Reuther said that, while the county cannot provide operating funds, it would help facilitate cooperation among municipalities to get best practices in place and even suggested a property could be made available if there were to be an operator and sustainable revenues.
Source: Daily Times; 10/11/2024
Judge to decide if Upper Pottsgrove can build on open space
A lawsuit seeking to stop Upper Pottsgrove Township from building a municipal complex on land purchased by the township and listed in its open space plan as “permanently protected open space” now rests with Commonwealth Court Judge Jeffrey Saltz. The case is being closely watched by land preservation advocates and township officials throughout the commonwealth because of the precedent it could set regarding the legal limits on how much development a township can undertake on land purchased for open space. It may also have those considering selling their land for preservation questioning whether a municipality would be a good steward of the open space. The lawsuit was brought against the township by residents Nathanial Guest and Matthew Murray, who argue the plan to build on the Smola Farm violates Pennsylvania’s open space law. It is estimated that the township has spent about $800,000 so far on the plans for the municipal complex. Read more in the Pottstown Mercury.
Source: Pottstown Mercury; 10/15/2024
Pottstown staff supports renewal of Ricketts operator’s contract
Pottstown Borough staff is expressing support for the operator of the Ricketts Community Center and is resisting a council directive to negotiate a way for the borough to take over the center in a few years. The Boyertown Multi-Service Agency has run the center for the past five years, following the departure of the Olivet Boys and Girls Club. At that time, Councilman Joe Kirkland advocated for the borough to take over the center. Last month, Kirkland raised the issue again, just as the council was about to vote on a new five-year contract for Boyertown. Kirkland felt the borough should run its own community center. Council voted 5-2 to direct staff to meet with the agency and work out a contract that allows for control of the center to be returned to the borough in three to five years. At a recent meeting, Borough Manager Justin Keller read a statement outlining the reasons why the staff believes that is a bad idea, saying Boyertown Multi-Service has “consistently met and exceeded our expectations.” Keller said the staff is recommending the renewal of the lease with Boyertown rather than “risking disruption with an unproven entity.”
Source: Pottstown Mercury; 10/13/2024
Whitemarsh opens new Magical Miles Park Playground
Whitemarsh Township held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 12 to open the Magical Miles Park Playground and basketball/pickleball courts. The playground features an inclusive and accessible new playground area and a solar cell phone charging station. Read more at the township website.
Source: Whitemarsh Township; 10/14/2024
Survey findings released at Airy Street Prison open house in Norristown
Montgomery County recently held an open house for people to share feedback about the redevelopment of the old Airy Street Prison in Norristown. The event was attended by around two dozen people hoping to get a glimpse into possibilities for the future of the former prison at 35 E. Airy St. A survey seeking public input was released in June, which received nearly 700 respondents. According to the results, the top “best uses” for the property were centered around hospitality, culture and education. Historical preservation was also a top survey response, with some wanting to commemorate the historical legacy of the site as an educational opportunity, and others wishing to demolish the building entirely. About 79% of respondents would like to see the façade of the building maintained. Find out more here.
Source: Main Line Media News; 10/14/2024
Philly commutes are getting slightly quicker, but they’re among the longest in the U.S.
Philadelphia workers’ commutes are shorter now than in pre-pandemic years, but their journeys to work are still longer than those in many other U.S. cities. Philadelphia workers spent more time commuting last year than the national average for workers in the 50 largest U.S. cities, according to a report by online real estate marketplace CommercialCafe that drew on U.S. Census Bureau data. Workers in Philadelphia spent 31.1 minutes traveling to work in 2023, and the national average was 26.8 minutes. Philadelphians spent more time commuting on average that year than the average worker in San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Boston. In New York City, workers spent 40.1 minutes getting to work on average. Read more in the Inquirer.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 10/10/2024
Can Center City support the proposed Market East hotel, even with a 76ers arena?
A new Market East hotel proposed by the Goldenberg Group could be among the biggest in Center City, raising questions about whether post-pandemic demand will be enough to support the additional room supply. City officials announced plans for the 420,000-square-foot hotel late last month as part of a larger vision to revitalize East Market Street anchored by the 76ers' proposed $1.3 billion arena. The hospitality project by Blue Bell-based Goldenberg would include the construction of a 400- to 600-bed hotel with 45,000 square feet of retail space on the surface parking lot at 800-838 Market St., according to the city. No other details were provided, and Goldenberg has not clarified whether the city's range of "400 to 600 beds" refers to individual beds or rooms. Ed Grose, executive director of the Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association, said a new 600-room hotel would be "pretty big for Philadelphia." That would make it the third largest hotel in Center City, behind only the 1,408-key Philadelphia Marriott Downtown near the Pennsylvania Convention Center and the 759-room Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown in the office district.
Source: Philadelphia Business Journal; 10/3/2024
Philly will now pick up your old fridge at the curb, but you might have to wait
The City of Philadelphia announced it is restarting curbside trash pickup of bulky items like couches, refrigerators and tires. In the first two weeks since the reintroduction of the service, more than 700 residents had signed up for the appointment-only service. The new program is first-come, first-served — and there’s a bit of a line. There have been complaints about the turnaround time, and there may be some adjustments to the program in the future.
Source: PlanPhilly; 10/7/2024
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