News Briefs for September 13, 2024
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Phoenixville Borough sets ablaze a unique bird sculpture each year at its Firebird Festival, such as the above creation from 2012. The borough recently attained a Bird Town designation reflecting its efforts to be a hospitable environment for birds.
Photo: Garen M. (CC BY-NC 2.0)
‘Main Street Matters’ program launched to aid PA businesses
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger announced a new $20 million Main Street Matters program supporting main streets, downtown business districts, small businesses and local communities across Pennsylvania. Main Street Matters funding is available for community revitalization efforts in planning, business support, aesthetic improvements, and increased safety and security. Administered by DCED, eligible applicants include municipalities, redevelopment and housing authorities, nonprofit organizations, community development corporations, and business, neighborhood and downtown improvement districts and authorities. Applications for Main Street Matters funding will be accepted through Nov. 15.
Source: Central Penn Business Journal; 9/3/2024
NAR welcomes Fed's Basel III revisions
Federal Reserve Board Vice Chair for Supervision Michael S. Barr announced significant improvements to how banks would handle low down payment mortgages under so-called Basel III "endgame" changes. National Association of Realtors (NAR) president Kevin Sears said the change was a win for the housing market, Realtors and consumers. “By making it easier for banks to support low down payment loans, these changes should ensure continued access to affordable home financing,” he said. “The proposal laid out by the Federal Reserve also recognizes the strength of changes made more than a decade ago to regulation and oversight of the housing-finance industry in the wake of the subprime crisis. We applaud the Fed for this thoughtful adjustment, which ultimately reflects a commitment to a healthy housing market and reinforces the stability we've worked hard to achieve." The changes announced were a high-level summary. NAR will study the proposed rule when it is released to examine how its other changes will affect housing finance.
Source: NAR; 9/10/2024
Election officials warn voters: Don’t click on links in ‘phishy’ emails or texts
Election officials have received reports of voters receiving “phishy” emails and text messages about the upcoming election, sometimes with inaccurate information about voter registration status and mail ballots. Some messages falsely claim that voters are not registered or that they need to reapply for mail-in ballots. Others may contain links that could initiate a phone call or direct voters to nongovernmental websites. County officials strongly advise all voters to use official websites and only trusted sources for anything related to their registration, mail/absentee ballot requests or election information. Voters can visit Pennsylvania’s official voter registration website to find the official status of their registration or their mail/absentee ballot application. Voters can also visit the Attorney General's website to learn more about how to protect themselves from scams and how to report any suspicious text messages or emails.
Source: Delaware County; 8/30/2024
Developer appeals warehouse denial in Buckingham
Developer J.G. Petrucci Co. filed an appeal with the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas after Buckingham Township supervisors denied an application to build a 150,000-square-foot warehouse. The company wants to build a warehouse with 30 truck bays, two parking areas, an access drive for trucks and another driveway for employees on land known as the DiGirolamo tract. The developer’s appeal alleges the supervisors’ decision to deny 12 of the 14 waivers requested in the application was “arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion and contrary to law.” A group of residents that opposes the plan — called No Buckingham Warehouse — have filed an appeal of their own. The coalition will challenge a determination by the township’s zoning hearing officer and supervisors that confirmed the proposed project as a warehouse and not a truck terminal, saying it gives the developer “an easier path to victory on appeal.” The group’s challenge is scheduled to be heard by the Buckingham Township Zoning Hearing Board on Monday, Oct. 28.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 9/9/2024
Springfield construction project approved despite residents’ concerns
At a recent conditional use hearing, Springfield Township supervisors unanimously approved a driveway for a 39-acre property at the south end of Bodder Road. Residents in the area packed the meeting to oppose the plan, citing a documented history of flooding on the roadway. Township engineer Tim Fulmer said the applicant, the Dorris family, had met the requirements of the stormwater ordinance and insisted the proposed design “does not increase stormwater runoff.” The plan calls for three retention berms to mitigate runoff, which the township will periodically inspect to ensure compliance. The applicant will still need approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection due to encroachment on a nearby waterway. A written decision is expected in 45 days, with a 30-day appeal period to follow.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 9/4/2024
Reminder: Solebury 2035 comprehensive plan survey closes Sept. 15
Solebury Township is in the early stages of updating its 10-year comprehensive plan in a committee process named Solebury 2035. Solebury offers residents three ways to get involved — take a survey, attend a public workshop, and check the website for more information. The survey closes on Sunday, Sept. 15, and the public meeting will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 25. Read the Solebury Township civic alert for more information.
Source: Solebury Township
Central Bucks fills school board vacancy
The Central Bucks School Board appointed Doylestown architect Daniel Kimicata to an opening on the school board. Kimicata replaces Miriam Mahmud who resigned her Region 5 seat and board vice presidency in August due to a move out of the region. Region 5 includes Chalfont Borough and New Britain Township South 1 and 2 and West 1 and 2. Kimicata has lived in Chalfont Borough for the past three-and-a-half years with his family. He stated having children in the district is a “valuable point of view to have on the board.” At the same meeting, Board Member Heather Reynolds was appointed as the board’s new vice president.
Source: Doylestown Patch; 9/11/2024
Warrington welcomes new manager, announces Community Day
Angela Benner has joined Warrington Township as the township manager. Benner's career started in local government in 2007 as a park and recreation coordinator, then assistant manager. She held her first manager role in Dublin Borough for three years, followed by a five-year stint as manager in Plumstead Township. In other news, Warringtown Township Community Day is Saturday, Sept. 28, from noon to 5:30 p.m. at John Paul Park at Lower Nike, 301 Folly Road. The event will include free activities for kids, musical entertainment and food from various local establishments. At 6 p.m., festivities will move across the street to Upper Nike Park, 300 Folly Road, with music from the Cellar Ratz Band, more food and a fireworks display at dusk. Follow Warrington Community Day on Facebook for more updates.
Source: Warrington Township; 8/2024
Easttown Township approves 0.5% earned income tax
Easttown Township supervisors voted on Aug. 19 to enact an earned income tax (EIT) of 0.5%. The tax will be levied on earned income or net profits derived from individual residents of the township, and from nonresidents of the township from any business done in the township. The EIT will take effect in 2025. The 0.5% rate equals about $925 per year for a wage-earner making about $185,000, which is Easttown residents’ average annual wage, according to a revenue study commissioned jointly by Tredyffrin and Easttown last year. Read more on the August vote here. The township had previously considered an EIT last year, but supervisors voted it down, 3-2, at that time.
Source: Savvy Main Line; 8/21/2024
West Chester officials consider new gates for Gay Street closure
West Chester Borough is considering options to better close Gay Street during the summertime marketplace. 2024 is the fifth year that the borough has closed Gay Street, enabling expanded outdoor shopping and for restaurants to put tables on sidewalks and streets. The borough creates a pedestrian area with what the Borough Manager Sean Metrick called temporary “concrete Lego blocks.” But officials are considering a switch to high-carbon steel barriers encased within decorative sleeves, which could be easily slid out of the roadway.
Source: Daily Local; 9/10/2024
County planners to host transportation forum on Sept. 24
Chester County Planning Commission’s 2024 Transportation Forum will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 24. SEPTA representatives will present the planned implementation of the “go zones” in 2025, and the planning commission’s Multimodal Transportation Planning Division staff will present on the county’s public transportation plan, trails master plan and other significant updates. The hybrid meeting will be held via Zoom and also at the West Whiteland Township Building starting at 6 p.m.
Source: Chester County; 9/2024
Phoenixville gains ‘Bird Town’ status
The Phoenixville Borough Board of Supervisors adopted the Bird Town Pennsylvania program, joining 68 other municipalities in becoming a Bird Town. The statewide program recognizes communities for their commitment to stewardship. The borough will work with Bird Town Pennsylvania and Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania to highlight the borough’s ecological resources and to provide education to property owners. Residents will be encouraged to get to know the birds of their backyard and attend community events and workshops.
Source: Phoenixville Borough; 9/11/2024
West Goshen to hold open house for 25th anniversary of municipal complex
West Goshen Township invites residents to attend an open house celebrating the 25th anniversary of the municipal complex at 1025 Paoli Pike, West Chester, on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 1 to 3 p.m. The public will be able to tour the building and explore activities that are being run by various township departments. Elected and appointed officials and township staff will also attend.
Source: West Goshen Township; 9/2024
West Whiteland issues reminder about signs
West Whiteland issued a reminder in its summer 2024 newsletter that “for sale” and “open house” directional signs may only be placed on the property for sale. No off-premise signs are allowed. No feather signs are allowed, as they create a hazard if they are caught by the wind. Businesses wishing to display temporary signs to promote a sale or special event must obtain a permit and comply with township regulations.
Source: West Whiteland Township
Glenolden apartment complex residents get reprieve
Residents at the Glen Manor apartment in Glenolden Borough were facing the prospect of having to leave their homes due to emergency fire equipment not being up to code. But according to Borough Manager Brian Razzi, the immediate life safety issues were corrected by the property owners. Now Glen Manor owners will have two weeks to address other non-emergency issues like leaking roofs, or the borough may put up notices to vacate once again. Razzi said that 90 to 95 of the complex’s units had failed a borough inspection. Anna Patras, counsel for the Silverman Group, which owns the property, indicated that the company plans to vet and contract with a new local team to cover maintenance, repair and quality-of-life issues and that the owners have set up a new email account to receive tenants’ concerns. Razzi said the borough had received 25 complaints from residents in the past three months concerning issues like mold, roof leaks and insects that had gone unaddressed. He also indicated the borough had been attempting to work with the owners for more than a year to get things up to code. Chapter 93 of the Glenolden Borough Code states, “Whenever the Housing Officer finds that a rental dwelling unit constitutes a serious hazard to the health or safety of the occupants or to the public because it is dilapidated, unsanitary, vermin-infested, rodent-infested or lacking in basic facilities and equipment required by this chapter, he shall designate such dwelling unit as unfit for human habitation.” While some tenants have been critical of the borough’s use of subcontractor inspectors and lax inspection, Razzi said the borough intends to keep the pressure on to make sure the repairs are made at the property.
Source: Daily Times; 9/11/2024
Micro-hospital to be built in Aston
Christiana Care has announced that it will build a neighborhood hospital, or micro-hospital, in Aston Township. The hospital will be located at 700 N. Turner Way, which is directly across Dutton Mill Road from the IceWorks skating facility. The existing building there will be demolished, and a new two-story building will be constructed on the same site. A micro-hospital is a small, licensed healthcare facility that provides a range of medical services to a local community. Micro-hospitals are designed to meet the needs of lower-acuity patients and are often located in underserved areas. They are typically smaller than traditional hospitals and offer services at a lower cost. A conditional use hearing will be held by the township in the near future.
Source: Aston Township; 9/6/2024
Media to consider leaf blower ordinance
Media Borough Council will consider an ordinance to prohibit the use of combustion-powered leaf blowers between the hours of 8 and 9 a.m. on weekdays during the school year (Sept. 1 to June 30). The ordinance will be considered for adoption on Thursday, Sept. 19, at 7 p.m. at the Borough of Media Building, 301 N. Jackson St.
Source: Daily Times; 8/21/2024
Marcus Hook now accepts credit cards, but not for tax payments
In an effort to make payments easier for the community, Marcus Hook Borough announced it can now accept credit card payments at the police station and the administration offices. The borough has partnered with Clover to accept credit card payments for all permit applications, invoices and tickets. Credit card payments can be processed in person or over the phone. There is a 3% charge to use a credit card. Cash and checks are still accepted. Debit cards are not accepted, but they will be in the next few months. Unfortunately, the borough cannot accept credit cards for borough tax payments.
Source: Marcus Hook Borough; 9/3/2024
West Norriton tables proposed regulations on rental properties
After receiving commentary from the Suburban Realtors Alliance, West Norriton Township's Board of Commissioners tabled a proposal at its Sept. 10 meeting that would have imposed new regulations on rental properties, landlords and tenants. Proposed Ordinance 2024-771 would amend the township’s housing regulations to require responsible local agents who live within five miles of the township be designated for each rental property. The language in the draft ordinance also mirrored other local laws that have resulted in successful ACLU lawsuits in Norristown and Wilke-Barre. The Norristown case prompted the enactment of a Pennsylvania law, 53 PA Cons Stat § 304, which protects victims of domestic abuse as well as landlords in similar situations. The SRA will continue to monitor the ordinance in West Norriton as township commissioners work to amend the draft for future consideration.
Site work underway at 54-home community in Royersford
Toll Brothers Inc. has announced site work is underway for a 54-unit, single-family home community in Royersford. Hearthfield will offer a variety of two- or three-story home designs with every home situated on a cul-de-sac. The floor plans range from about 3,000 to 3,670 square feet with 4 or 5 bedrooms, flexible living spaces, 3.5 to 5.5 bathrooms, two-car garages and basements. The community is anticipated to open for sale in early 2025.
Source: Montco Today; 9/7/2024
Quarry sold in Marlborough Township
A quarry on Crusher Road in Marlborough Township has been sold, according to correspondence announced by Board of Supervisors Chair Billy Hurst. The quarry had been owned by Highway Materials Inc. (HMI). The letter informed the township that Heidelberg Materials North America, based in Germany, had purchased all of HMI’s businesses as part of an ongoing expansion. Over the past several months, HMI had been involved in a rezoning effort that the Marlborough supervisors eventually denied after residents pushed back against HMI's request to rezone parts of the quarry to heavy industrial. In other news, the 2025 budget process for the supervisors will begin with a workshop meeting on Monday, Sept. 23, at 6 p.m. Check the Marlborough Township website for more information.
Source: Town and Country; 8/21/2024
Whitpain to consider ordinance for the collection of delinquent real estate taxes
Whitpain Township supervisors will consider a proposed ordinance that will guide the collection of delinquent real estate taxes. The proposal would create a penalty, interest and fee schedule for the collection of delinquent real estate taxes. The draft ordinance will be available on the Whitpain Township website. A public meeting will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 6 p.m., at the Whitpain Township Building, 960 Wentz Road, Blue Bell.
Source: Times Herald; 9/9/2024
Montco doubles Voter Services satellite offices, increases ballot drop boxes
Ahead of the 2024 General Election, the Montgomery County Board of Elections has authorized the expansion of satellite offices and drop boxes. Montgomery County voters will soon have eight Voter Services satellite offices and a total of 18 ballot drop boxes available across the county to meet the expected demands of the Nov. 5 election. During the primary election in the spring, the county had four satellite offices and 12 drop boxes. According to the Pennsylvania Department of State, there are 617,003 registered voters in Montgomery County. With the additional drop boxes, now 50% of the county’s voting-age population will be within a five-minute drive of a secure drop box, up from 34%. Find out more here.
Source: Montgomery County; 9/2024
Site of Netflix House in King of Prussia on the market
The 120,000-square-foot building located at 180 N. Gulph Road that will house a new Netflix retail, dining and live entertainment venue at the King of Prussia Mall, has been put up for sale. The former Lord & Taylor department store was constructed in 1995 on just over two acres. The Upper Merion Township property was last assessed in 2011 at a value of $7.37 million. Netflix plans to open one of the first locations of its new experiential Netflix House concept in the two-story building in 2025. The brick-and-mortar Netflix House concept creates a permanent space for customers to immerse themselves in Netflix shows and movies through themed merchandise, food and activities. Netflix has signed a 10-year lease on the space that starts on Dec. 31.
Source: Philadelphia Business Journal; 9/4/2024
Camac Street will once again be Philly’s only wooden street
Camac Street, or at least the two block stretch of it in Center City, was known for its curious paving, or lack thereof. The side street was the last wooden street in Philadelphia, and one of only a few anywhere in the country. In 2015, after several botched attempts to restore the rotting blocks, the wood was torn up in favor of asphalt. Now the quirky wood paving is set to return. As part of a long-delayed project to restore a trio of historic Philadelphia streets, the narrow thoroughfare between Walnut and Locust known as the “Little Street of Clubs,” will be returned to its wooden roots. The city hopes the project will be complete by the end of the year.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 9/6/2024
Mayor to announce position on arena ‘very soon’ following packed town hall
Mayor Cherelle Parker presided over a community meeting on Sept. 11 packed with opponents and supporters of the 76ers’ proposal to build a new arena in Center City. Parker vowed to consider all of the attendees’ viewpoints as she decides whether to back the controversial 76 Place development, a decision she says will come very soon. The Sixers need Parker’s support for the $1.5 billion development to move forward. If she backs the project, City Councilmember Mark Squilla, whose district includes the proposed site, will introduce enabling legislation on behalf of the administration. The team has said it needs city council to authorize the arena by the end of the year in order to open the arena for the 2031-2032 season, when its lease expires at the Wells Fargo Center in South Philadelphia. Read more at PlanPhilly.
Source: PlanPhilly; 9/12/2024
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