Flood insurance options for PA homebuyers
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department reminds everyone that flood insurance remains available in Pennsylvania despite the federal shutdown, which has resulted in the National Flood Insurance Program’s temporary loss of authority to renew or issue new flood insurance policies. “The current private flood insurance market can provide consumers with choices to ensure they’re not left unprotected when floods strike,” said Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys. Residents can purchase private flood insurance through licensed insurance companies and surplus lines insurers. More information is available on the state insurance department website. Read more on PAR’s JustListed.
Source: PAR JustListed; 10/16/2025

Report: PA only Northeast state with growing economy
A new report finds that Pennsylvania is the only Northeast state with a growing economy. The findings on Pennsylvania’s geographically robust economy come from Axios, which published an analysis by Moody’s Analytics that found the commonwealth is one of just 16 states nationwide where the economy continues to expand despite national headwinds.
Source: Daily Local; 10/20/2025

What’s on tap for empty Iron Hill sites
The closure of Iron Hill Brewery locations across the Philadelphia suburbs has left sizable vacancies in downtowns and shopping centers from West Chester and Media to Ardmore, Phoenixville, Exton and Chestnut Hill, after the regional brewpub chain filed for liquidation bankruptcy last month. In West Chester, where Iron Hill had operated since 1998, business owners say the darkened corner space marks the end of an era for the borough’s bustling restaurant scene. “You’re used to having the hustle and bustle of the restaurant and the people,” said Kildare’s Pub owner Dane Gray. “I’ve been staring at it for 20 years and now all of a sudden it’s empty.” While Ardmore’s former Iron Hill is being transformed into a Japanese barbecue restaurant, other sites — including those in Phoenixville, Exton and Media — remain vacant as communities and landlords look for new tenants to fill the brewery’s once-bustling spaces.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 10/17/2025

NAR asks how government shutdown is impacting real estate markets
As the federal shutdown continues, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) is hearing growing reports of delays across the housing market, from flood insurance renewals to mortgage underwriting and loan processing interruptions.  While much of the national attention has focused on the flood program, the impact is far broader. Realtors are seeing closings delayed, buyers losing rate locks, and mortgage services stalled because of unavailable federal housing programs or furloughed staff. NAR would like members to submit their stories via the Realtor Party website.
Source: NAR; 10/21/2025

West Rockhill considers proposed budget with police funding increase
West Rockhill Township supervisors recently discussed the township’s 2025-2026 budget proposal with the Pennridge Regional Police Department. The proposal includes a 17.5% funding increase to the police department, rising to $1.5 million from $1.3 million. According to Chief Paul Dickinson, the increase is due to rising health insurance costs, raises, the hiring of a new full-time officer and the purchasing of a new vehicle. Township Manager Greg Lippincott told the supervisors that the police department budget is projected to increase about 8.7% a year through 2030. The supervisors noted that the township has absorbed past police budget increases but it may need to increase taxes incrementally in order to avoid larger tax increases in the future. Supervisors will discuss the proposed final budget in November, with adoption slated for December.
Source: The Reporter; 10/20/2025

Wrightstown eyes expanded property owner responsibility for trees and shrubs
Wrightstown Township supervisors voted to approve advertisement of a proposed ordinance amendment that would require township property owners to maintain trees and vegetation along rights of way. The purpose of the amendment is to prevent trees, vines, shrubs, branches and other landscaping from becoming nuisances or hazards by infringing upon or obstructing public roads and public property. The township currently has rules on maintenance, but the amendment adds that “property owners shall not permit vegetation to encroach upon the right of way within 11 feet above the roadway or one foot from the side of the road.” Following advertisement of the proposed ordinance, the supervisors will hold a public hearing and vote on the ordinance.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 10/18/2025

Thousands of acres in Bucks are quietly open to the public
About 5,000 acres of land in Bucks County are enrolled in a state program called Clean and Green that gives large landowners significant tax cuts for keeping their property undeveloped. Land designated as "agricultural reserve" under the law is supposed to be open for public recreation, such as hunting, hiking and snowmobiling — but many land owners still prohibit public access. For example, Hulmeville Hill, a longtime local sledding spot, is part of the former 45-acre Black's Farm in Hulmeville Borough. The current owner, a Florida developer, gets a tax cut of more than 90% on the land as part of the Clean and Green program but told the Courier Times the land is not open to the public. The agricultural reserve land is dotted with "no trespassing" signs. Clean and Green as a whole is expected to allow for more than $15 million in tax cuts to Bucks County landowners in 2025 — money that other taxpayers have to cover to fund local governments and schools. Bucks County officials don't publish a list of enrolled properties, making it difficult for the public to access the land they subsidize. Read more at Bucks County Courier Times.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 10/13/2025

Newtown supervisors discuss plan for storage facility
At a recent Newtown Township supervisors meeting, land use and zoning issues took center stage as the planning commission presented updates on a controversial mini-storage facility. Discussion centered on a sketch plan to demolish the former TD Bank at 98 Upper Silver Lake Road to build a three-story storage facility with up to 800 units and a manager’s apartment. While storage use is permitted, the residential component drew objections for violating township ordinances, with Supervisor John Mack expressing concerns about safety, zoning precedent and the necessity of the project. Supporters of the plan argued that a live-in caretaker would enhance security. Those opposed had concerns with numerous variance requests, including reduced loading bays, tree removal and slope issues. The planning commission voted 5-3 to recommend support for the sketch plan while taking no position on the zoning variances, leaving the supervisors to consider the proposal at a future meeting likely to feature continued debate over economic growth, zoning compliance and community impact.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 10/10/2025

Bensalem wedding venue is sold
The Celebrations Wedding Venue and an adjacent shopping center at 2201 Galloway Road in Bensalem Township recently sold for $6.85 million. The retail center sits between I-276 and I-95, about two miles from Parx Casino, and was originally built in 1989. Celebrations will continue normal operations, and its liquor license has been reissued to the new owner, Bensalem Landmark Plaza GP, with the former owner Francesco Dicianni listed as manager. The sale follows recent regional activity in the wedding venue market, including the 2024 purchase and planned renovation of Spring Mill Manor in Ivyland for $3.15 million, and the opening of The Ivy at Ellis Preserve by Finley Catering in Newtown Square.
Source: Philadelphia Business Journal; 10/8/2025

Perkasie council opposes luxury apartment plans
Perkasie Borough Council unanimously voted to formally oppose a proposed plan to build 75 luxury apartments on a Light Industrial-zoned parcel next to the Perkasie Square shopping center. The developer, Perkasie Place LLC, is seeking zoning variances to allow residential use on the site, arguing the land lacks viable industrial or commercial potential. However, council members and residents have pushed back, citing the borough’s 2014 comprehensive plan, which designates the area for various nonresidential uses. Council directed its solicitor to voice opposition at the Oct. 27 zoning hearing.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 10/9/2025 

Plans for King's Cross development unveiled at Oxford council meeting
Oxford Borough officials shared updates on rebuilding efforts following the devastating 2023 fire that destroyed six properties on South Third Street, announcing plans for a mixed-use development called King’s Cross featuring shops, apartments and public gathering spaces. The project, led by property owner Wilson King and developer Cathy Martin, will include a rebuilt Oxford Theater funded by a $2.1 million state grant, as well as improvements to Niblock Alley and the Broad Street Bridge backed by more than $2 million in county and state grants.
Source: Chester County Press; 10/16/2025

Upper Uwchlan offers webinar on real estate and septic systems
Upper Uwchlan Township, in partnership with the Penn State Extension office, is offering a 2025 Septic System Webinar series. The fourth session in the series is titled “Real Estate and Septic Systems.” Participants will explore what buyers and sellers need to know about septic systems during property transfers. It will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from noon to 1:30 p.m. and will cover key considerations like inspection requirements, system disclosures and what to expect during real estate septic inspections. The webinar is free, but registration is required.
Source: Upper Uwchlan Township; 10/2025
*Note - This start time for the webinar has been corrected.

Tiny fly invasion frustrates Kennett homeowners
Families in Kennett Square and nearby towns say they’re being overrun by phorid flies, tiny insects that breed in mushroom farm compost and invade homes through screens and vents, covering ceilings and bathroom counters. Residents say the infestation has made daily life unbearable and raised fears about property values. Kennett Square Mayor Matt Fetick said the borough has partnered with a company for an emergency use trial of a chemical and netting solution at local farms. “It is fixable, but it’s not fast, and for residents dealing with this for five, 10 years it’s not fast enough by any stretch,” Fetick said. Penn State University researchers are also studying the problem as residents continue their struggle to keep the flies at bay. Read more at NBC10.
Source: NBC10; 10/16/2025 

'Critical' construction project begins at Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville
 A "critical" construction project that aims to restore a damaged piece of the historic Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville is underway. The theatre raised more than $200,000 for the repair, which officials hope will restore the damaged west wall of the 1903 theater, preventing moisture from seeping in and protecting the structure after years of deferred maintenance. The theater is the largest and most iconic aspect of the Colonial, and it hosts major events and screenings year-round. It's one of the only theaters in the United States that is equipped for both the traditional 35mm and modern 2k digital film projection.
Source: Phoenixville Patch; 10/15/2025

Chesco commissioners to amend volunteer tax rebates ordinance
The Chester County Board of Commissioners plans to amend its 2023 ordinance granting tax rebates to volunteer firefighters and emergency medical service personnel, expanding eligibility and adjusting qualification criteria. The proposed changes define additional terms, lower the number of points required to qualify, and extend benefits to responders injured during training or active military duty. Commissioners will hold a public hearing and consider adoption of the amendment on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 10 a.m. on the sixth floor of 313 W. Market St., West Chester.
Source: Daily Local; 10/17/2025