News Briefs for September 20, 2024
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Whitpain Public School, also known as Whitpain High School and the 1895 School, is a historic school building measuring 37 feet wide by 50 feet deep, located in Blue Bell, Whitpain Township. Whitpain is considering how to fight a surge of AI-generated public document requests.
Photo: Shuvaev (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Despite rental market slowdown, half of Americans rental households are cost-burdened
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey, just under half of America’s renters are considered cost-burdened. The survey found that 21.1 million renters, out of 42.5 million rental households in the United States, spent 30% or more of their income on housing costs last year. The 30% threshold is commonly used to measure housing affordability. The survey revealed that renters in 2023 had a higher median housing cost as a percentage of income compared to homeowners, with renters coming in at 31%, while homeowners with a mortgage were 21.1% and homeowners without a mortgage were at 11.5%. The Census data also showed that last year was the first time in a decade that the real median cost of renting grew faster than the real median home value — up 3.8% compared to 1.8%. Recent data suggest a slowdown in the rental market, which could help lighten the cost burden facing rental households across the country.
Source: Philadelphia Business Journal; 9/16/2024
Statewide search for historic buildings finds thousands after a decades-long drought
In year one, more than 7,500 properties in 17 rural counties were added to Pennsylvania's Historic Places Inventory. The multiyear, 55-county architectural survey ended in June, with more than 20,000 properties logged along with 727 potential archaeological sites. The findings include: Black churches and Croatian clubs in coal country; Chinese laundries; vintage ice cream stands; a stone altar on a Snyder County mountain; Northern Tier drive-ins; American Legion outposts galore; pyramids in Bucks County; and mid-20th century homes in Upper Chichester. Properties identified through the “baseline survey” won’t all be deemed worthy of a National Register of Historic Places listing, a federal distinction — in fact, most won’t. But the data gleaned from the hunt can inform future land surveys and open up preservation tax credits and grants for rehab projects whether a site lands the national honor or not. Read more here.
Source: Spotlight PA; 9/14/2024
Shapiro signs executive order creating PA’s first Housing Action Plan
Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order creating Pennsylvania’s first comprehensive Housing Action Plan. The executive order gives the state’s Department of Community and Economic Development and Department of Human Services one year to create a housing action plan by working with stakeholders to create a road map for building more affordable housing while addressing homelessness. Shapiro noted other steps his administration has taken to increase affordable housing, including the expansion of property tax/rent rebate program, expanding affordable housing by increasing the cap for the Pennsylvania House Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund, and investing in access to counsel for residents facing eviction. Read more from the Pennsylvania Capital-Star.
Source: Pennsylvania Capital-Star; 9/17/2024
Penndel to consider residential rental inspection ordinance
At an Oct. 7 meeting, Penndel Borough Council will consider proposed Ordinance No. 2024-03, which will create a residential rental inspection program. If adopted, all residential rental properties will be required to register with the borough and be inspected. According to the proposed ordinance, inspections will include electrical components, plumbing, heat, ventilation and air conditioning systems, windows, smoke detectors or other similar alarm systems, stairways, walkways, fire code issues, and other general building code inspections. A list of tenants will be required, as well as a designated manager. The property must be paid in full for any overdue real estate taxes, business license, and water, sewage and garbage collection fees prior to the issuance of a residential rental permit. The program's intent is to ensure that rental housing within Penndel Borough is safe and complies with applicable codes, as well as to prevent overcrowding and avoid nuisances for neighboring residents. The draft inspection checklist can be viewed here. A second ordinance, a revised fence ordinance, will also be discussed and possibly voted on at the same meeting. Watch the Penndel Borough website for up-to-date meeting agenda information.
Source: Penndel Borough; 9/2024
New owners of Neshaminy Mall say they are ‘dedicated’ to development
Bensalem Economic Development Corp. (BEDC) recently met with the new owners of the Neshaminy Mall. Paramount Realty closed on the purchase of the mall in Bensalem Township in mid-July. The BEDC found the new owners are “dedicated to working with community members as plans develop for the space.” Paramount Realty has ties to Bucks County — it owns the Marketplace at Neshaminy and the Home Depot Plaza in Bensalem Township, Lincoln Plaza in Langhorne, the Levittown Retail Center, and the Woodhaven Mall across from Bristol Pike. BEDC hopes “our new business neighbors will breathe a much-needed revitalization into the community.”
Source: Warminster Patch; 9/17/2024
Bucks County Community College inks partnership with Thomas Jefferson University
Bucks County Community College (BCCC) and Thomas Jefferson University officials announced a new enrollment partnership agreement that will provide students at the public, two-year college several pathways for guaranteed admission to the baccalaureate degree-granting institution. The agreement allows BCCC business administration associate degree graduates to transfer seamlessly into the Jefferson School of Business with junior status in one of five majors: accounting, fashion merchandising and management, finance, management, and marketing. BCCC has more than 125 transfer agreements with 56 colleges and universities.
Source: The Advance; 9/15/2024
BCWSA posts swimming pool discharge guidelines
As residents start to close swimming pools for the season, the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority (BCWSA) has posted swimming pool water discharge guidelines. The water in swimming pools or hot tubs contains chemicals that can be harmful to the environment and to the wastewater treatment process. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has issued swimming pool guidelines to help residents determine the best way to discharge the water. The guidelines can be found here. In addition, BCWSA requires that swimming pool or hot tub water disposed of in the sanitary sewer system have a pH between 6.0 and 9.0 standard units, a chlorine level of 0.5 mg/L or less, and a temperature within 10°F of the air temperature.
Source: BCWSA; 7/2024
Chesco planning commission hosts virtual sustainability discussions for HOAs
The Chester County Planning Commission is hosting a free, virtual roundtable series for leaders and residents of homeowners associations (HOAs) that will feature examples, guidance and discussion on how to make their communities more sustainable. “Creating a Sustainability Action Plan for HOAs” is the theme on Thursday, Sept. 26, at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required.
Source: Chester County; 9/5/2024
New Garden air quality study finds elevated hydrogen sulfide levels
In summer 2022, New Garden Township responded to complaints about odors being emitted from nearby mushroom composting facilities by commissioning a scientific study. The one-year study conducted by Lorenzo Cena, Ph.D., of West Chester University, measured the air quality near the mushroom farms — specifically whether ammonia, methane and hydrogen sulfide met or exceeded acceptable levels as determined by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). At a recent public meeting, Cena shared the study’s findings that revealed that hydrogen sulfide levels were 33 times higher than the recommended levels established by the DEP for the general public, which specifies that concentrations of the gas over the course of one hour should not exceed 0.1 ppm and that concentrations over a 24-hour period should not exceed 0.005 ppm. Read more here.
Source: Chester County Press; 9/11/2024
Grant funds available for efforts to reduce stream pollution
With Chester County located within the Chesapeake Bay watershed, the Chester County Conservation District created the Chesco Chesapeake Communities Action Plan (C3AP) to improve local streams and reduce pollution entering the Chesapeake Bay. Through C3AP, grant funds are available to assist municipalities, local businesses, nonprofits, nongovernmental organizations, schools and landowners in implementing non-agricultural best management practices that result in nutrient and sediment reductions. The deadline to apply is Sept. 27. Learn more and apply here.
Source: Chester County; 9/14/2024
Chester County Archives presents program about vital records research
Chester County residents who want to learn more about the birth, marriage or death records of their ancestors can learn about research resources at a virtual event, “Birth, Marriage & Death: Vital Records in the Archives,” hosted by Chester County Archives and Record Services on Thursday, Sept. 26, from noon to 1 p.m. The event will be held via Zoom, and registration is required.
Source: Chester County; 9/2024
I-95 noise may finally go away for some Chester residents
Some Chester residents have endured nonstop traffic noise since I-95 was built in the 1970s, but new sound barriers should provide some relief. PennDOT plans to install 16 walls between the Highland Avenue overpass and Ridley Creek Bridge in the City of Chester and Chester Township. Chester City spokesman Justin Tibbles said the barriers are long overdue. When I-95 was constructed, they bulldozed right through Black neighborhoods, he said. The $65 million project is state-funded. Construction could start as early as 2026, taking three to four years to finish. Residents can vote on the wall design, which ranges from brick and stone wall to murals, historic imagery and artistic designs. Read more here.
Source: CBS 3; 9/14/2024
Nether Providence township manager resigns
Nether Providence Township Manager Dave Grady is leaving the township after nine years to take a position in another municipality. The township has advertised for candidates to fill the manager position, which is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the township, ensuring efficient service delivery, and guiding the community’s growth and development.
Source: Nether Providence Township; 8/29/2024
Delaware County looks to fill vacancies on sustainability commission
Delaware County is looking to fill four vacancies on the Delaware County Sustainability Commission. The commission provides review, feedback and recommendations to county council and departments on environmental and energy-related matters, including energy efficiency, natural resource protection, climate resilience and sustainable transportation. The commission promotes best practices for buildings, facilities, transportation and responsible purchasing, while also focusing on air quality, stormwater management, wildlife preservation and climate change.
Source: Delaware County; 9/5/2024
Delaware County officials say mail ballots may go out by month’s end
Delaware County election officials have received more than 1,000 duplicate voter registration and mail ballot applications as they hope to send out the mail ballots as early as the end of the month. According to Delaware County director of elections James Allen, individuals will not be registered twice. County officials recommend that residents check their registration status on the state voter services website to confirm their registration status.
Source: Daily Times; 9/17/2024
Upper Chichester to hold budget preparation meetings
Upper Chichester Township will hold a series of meetings ahead of the adoption of the 2025 budget. The meetings will be held on Mondays, Sept. 30 and Oct. 28, both starting at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners Meeting Room at 8500 Furey Road.
Source: Daily Times; 8/14/2024
Residential community coming to ‘premier’ riverfront site in Upper Merion
Conshohocken-based JP Orleans is developing a 119-unit residential community on 18 acres off Mancill Mill Road and along the Schuylkill River in King of Prussia, Upper Merion Township. Called River Trail at Valley Forge, the community will have a mix of two-story carriage homes and three-story townhouses. The project is nestled between the sprawling retail and office district surrounding the King of Prussia Mall and the Schuylkill River, providing a short trail walk to Valley Forge National Historical Park. Groundwork has begun, and the homes are projected to be completed in about five months. CEO Jeffrey Orleans expects the average sale price across the community to be around $800,000, with the company anticipating more than $100 million in sales from the River Trail at Valley Forge.
Source: Philadelphia Business Journal; 9/16/2024
Concept plan for a 349-unit residential development presented in Skippack
Representatives of national home builder Pulte Homes appeared before Skippack Township supervisors to open a discussion on the future development of multiple parcels of land comprising 57 acres at the intersection of Routes 73 and 113. The developer presented a sketch plan and a concept — 349 residential homes of three different varieties, and commercial storefronts along Skippack Pike. The residential housing is proposed to be a mix of condos, carriage homes, and townhomes with garages. Pulte Homes representatives Sam Carlo, vice president of land acquisitions, and John Kennedy, planner for the property, took questions and feedback from the supervisors and the public. The property is currently owned by Medical Components Inc. of Towamencin and, according to Kennedy, is split-zoned with the majority zoned SC-Shopping Center and the rest LI-Limited Industrial. Township solicitor Joe Kuhls reminded everyone in attendance that the presentation was “just a discussion” and that “the township is under no obligation to react in any way, at any period of time” to the plan. Township engineer Tim Woodrow, P.E., encouraged the public and staff to focus not so much on the plan, but instead on how the community envisions the corner being used in the future.
Source: Perk Valley Now; 9/16/2024
Whitpain to tighten rules on Right-to-Know requests to fight AI
Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know (RTK) Law, first introduced at the state level in the 2007-2008 legislative session, requires any Commonwealth agency, such as a municipality or public school district, to provide the public with its records, in accordance with RTK’s outlined rules. It is designed to create a regulated process so that local government agencies can operate in a transparent and forthright manner. A recent uptick in anonymous RTK requests has Whitpain Township Manager Eric Traub thinking that artificial intelligence (AI) — a hurdle not foreseen in 2008 — is likely to blame. Traub told supervisors that the township has received hundreds of anonymous RTK requests, and recent requests are “basically almost AI-generated.” The state Office of Open Records has released some regulations, and Traub recommended the supervisors consider a resolution to create a policy to curtail AI-generated or unnecessary and time-consuming requests that do not come from actual humans. Read more here.
Source: Wissahickon Now; 9/10/2024
Upper Pottsgrove to consider changes to solicitation ordinance
Upper Pottsgrove officials recently agreed to have the township solicitor and police chief draft changes to the township’s solicitation ordinance. Township Commissioner Don Read raised the issue after receiving complaints from constituents. Township solicitor Eric Fray said the township must allow solicitation, “but there are ways you can put controls on it.” Fray suggested better enforcement of the township’s “no call list,” as well as allowing residents to put “no solicitation” signs on their properties. Frey said the changes he and the police chief are proposing will be presented to the commissioners and the public at an October meeting.
Source: Pottstown Mercury; 9/17/2024
Upper Dublin single-use plastic bag restrictions go into effect
The Upper Dublin Township Board of Commissioners adopted an ordinance regulating the use of single-use plastic bags on March 12, which after the 180 days’ notice took effect on Sept. 8. Under Ordinance No. 24-1389, all retail establishments in Upper Dublin Township will be prohibited from providing single-use plastic bags or “bags that do not qualify as reusable bags” to customers at the retail establishment or through a delivery service. According to a press release from the township, the commissioners hope the new ordinance will reduce littering and help the environment. Find out more here.
Source: Wissahickon Now; 9/10/2024
Mayor backs 76ers arena proposal
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said that her administration supports the development of a new arena for the Philadelphia 76ers in Center City, and she will send a legislative package to city council for approval in order to get the development started. “This is an historic agreement,” Parker said. “It is the best financial deal ever entered into by a Philadelphia mayor for a local sports arena.” The Sixers propose a new, 18,500-seat arena called “76 Place” in the city’s Market East neighborhood that would also host retail and live performances. The plan now has a $1.55 billion price tag after the organization added a 20-story residential tower last year. The proposal has drawn pushback from the nearby Chinatown community that says the development would have a detrimental effect on the neighborhood’s historic culture and identity. Read more here.
Source: WHYY; 9/18/2024
Philadelphia gets its biggest historic district in decades in Washington Square West
The Philadelphia Historical Commission voted to create the city’s largest new historic district in decades. Washington Square West’s new historic district includes 1,441 properties across roughly 26 city blocks. The designation is the culmination of a yearslong effort by preservationists and the Washington Square West Civic Association. And it comes over the objections of some residents who don’t want restrictions on their properties and urbanists who argued the designation would hinder development. A large portion of Washington Square West will now be protected from demolition, and property owners within the historic district’s boundaries need the historical commission’s approval to make certain changes to the outside of buildings. The district stretches about a half-square mile in an area between South Broad and Eighth streets and Sansom and South streets. It sits between the Society Hill district to the east and the Rittenhouse-Fitler district to the west. The local civic association and the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia nominated the district together, saying the area is culturally significant to Black, immigrant, Jewish and LGBTQ communities. And the Preservation Alliance said the district shows Philadelphia’s development westward and highlights the neighborhood’s architectural styles and major development trends. Much of the new district is on the National Register of Historic Places, but that status does not protect the area’s buildings from demolition.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 9/13/2024
Philly is starting a process that could lead to school closures, new buildings
The Philadelphia School Board will direct Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. to formally begin a facilities planning process to manage the district’s vast stock of aging buildings — an undertaking that will almost certainly result in school closings, as well as new buildings and co-locations. In the past, the district has taken criticism from city officials and community members for not better managing or understanding its almost $8 billion in facilities needs, including significant environmental issues. And while some schools are bursting at the seams, particularly in the Northeast and parts of South Philadelphia, schools in other parts of the city are under-enrolled, with hundreds or thousands of unused seats. The school system has space for 180,000 students but currently serves 116,000 in its own schools. Its “Renaissance schools,” which are neighborhood charters that operate on a contract basis in district-run buildings, have room for 19,801 but have 14,387 enrolled. Board documents call for the district to maximize school building use, and provide more equitable pre-kindergarten programs, access to art and music, and career and technical education opportunities. It also directs the administration to “address enrollment trends that have created financial and operational inefficiencies, [and] identify district schools/buildings to be modernized, co-located, repurposed or closed.” Read more here.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 9/18/2024
PennDOT will spend at least $14M on EV chargers in city
At least $14 million in federal funds to subsidize installation of public EV chargers is coming to Philadelphia in 2025 or 2026, according to a report from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. It’s unclear how many chargers that will produce, but based on the $815,120 subsidy already being provided for a planned station at a Philadelphia Parking Authority lot in Northern Liberties, the new funding could potentially help build 17 or more charging stations that could accommodate at least 68 vehicles. Read more here.
Source: Billy Penn; 9/17/2024
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