Suburban REALTORS? Alliance News Brief Headlines-week of: May 17, 2021
Suburban REALTORS? Alliance
News Brief Headlines
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- Primary election is Tuesday, May 18
- Guide to 2021 primary ballot questions
- PA to relax capacity limits
- PA to get $24M for low-income housing construction financing
- Upper Makefield works on floodplain management to lower insurance
- Wrightstown approves three-home subdivision
- County to study connecting Upper Bucks to public transportation
- Bucks County offers natural adventures
- Agreement reached on regional fire service in Kennett Square, Kennett Township
- Spring-Ford prepares to adopt budget
- U-CF proposed final budget expected to raise taxes
- Webinar will review Downingtown Area Transportation Study
- Charters’ pitches to Chester Upland fall short
- Haverford Board approves interim commissioner and demolition of Brookline School
- Rose Tree School Board to vote on $107M budget
- U-CF proposed final budget expected to raise taxes
- Lower Merion to adopt 2018 IPMC, amend rental unit ordinance
- Green Lane seeks public input on transportation plan
- Upper Pottsgrove sewage facilities sale plan open for public comment
- Towamencin board still undecided on sale of sewer system
- Spring-Ford prepares to adopt budget
- Awbury Arboretum wants to build a welcome center, but neighbors are fighting it
- Opinion: As Philadelphia advances streetscape plan for Spring Garden, historic buildings fall to neglect
- New Philly fund offers residents a chance to send $15K to neighborhood groups
General
Primary election is Tuesday, May 18
On Tuesday, May 18, voters across Pennsylvania will go to the polls to cast ballots for statewide and local judicial races, municipal races, three proposed constitutional amendments and a statewide referendum. More about the municipal primary election, including polling locations and methods of voting, can be found on the state’s Votes PA website. Decisions made at the local level can have a major impact on the real estate industry and transactions. It is crucial for Realtors? to make their voices heard by voting in the primary election. The Suburban Realtors Alliance website features A Realtor's Guide to Elected Officials in Pennsylvania, which links to sample ballots and explains how real estate is affected by each elected office, including local ones.
Source: PAR JustListed; 5/11/2021
Guide to 2021 primary ballot questions
All Pennsylvania voters will be asked to consider four ballot questions on Tuesday, May 18. Spotlight PA published a breakdown of the questions — including the basics of what each one would do if it is approved, who is in favor and who is opposed. The ballot questions relate to the following topics:
- Statewide Referendum Act 2020-91: Making Municipal Fire and Emergency Medical Services Companies Eligible for Loans
- Proposed Constitutional Amendment — Article III, Section 9: Relating to Termination or Extension of Disaster Emergency Declarations
- Proposed Constitutional Amendment — Article IV: Disaster Emergency Declaration and Management
- Proposed Constitutional Amendment — Article I: Prohibition Against Denial or Abridgement of Equality of Rights Because of Race or Ethnicity
Source: Spotlight PA; 4/19/2021
PA to relax capacity limits
On Monday, May 17, Pennsylvania will relax its COVID-19 restrictions on indoor and outdoor gatherings. Maximum occupancy limits will be increased to 50% for indoor events and 75% for outdoor events. Currently, maximum occupancy is 25% for indoor events and 50% for outdoor events, regardless of venue size and only if attendees and workers are able to comply with the six-foot physical distancing requirement. Face coverings are still to be worn indoors and outdoors if people are away from their homes. Pennsylvania's current mask order will remain in place until 70% of residents age 18 and older are fully vaccinated.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 5/11/2021
PA to get $24M for low-income housing construction financing
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) announced it will receive $24.1 million from the National Housing Trust Fund this year. The amount is a 148% increase over the $9.7 million it received in 2020. Affordable housing development projects in the state that have been hampered by higher construction costs will get a boost from the extra funding. PHFA executive director and CEO Robin Wiessmann said her agency welcomes the funding, as the pandemic has demonstrated the urgent demand for more affordable rental housing.
Source: Central Penn Business Journal; 4/30/2021
Bucks
Upper Makefield works on floodplain management to lower insurance
Upper Makefield Township supervisors authorized an agreement with SMM Consulting to provide services related to floodplain management. The township hopes to improve its credit points under the Community Rating System (CRS) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Communities that comply with minimum standards for floodplain management are offered reasonably priced flood insurance through NFIP. Communities that go beyond the minimum standards are eligible for CRS credits that reduce flood insurance premiums for property owners in the community. Discounts can range from 5% to 45% based on the credit points. The township intends to raise its CRS rating and improve outreach and education to property owners within the floodplain.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 5/6/2021
Wrightstown approves three-home subdivision
Wrightstown Township supervisors unanimously approved a three-lot subdivision that will allow for the construction of three single-family homes. The subdivision is in the area of Park Avenue and Cherry Lane on the former Wood property. The approval came with some conditions: the developer will dedicate 6.25 acres of land to the township as open space; no further subdivision of the land is allowed; the new homes must be oriented to best accommodate future solar panels and passive heating; and invasive plant species must be removed within existing buffers and replaced with native species. Stormwater management controls will also be required.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 5/6/2021
County to study connecting Upper Bucks to public transportation
Bucks County will conduct a feasibility study to determine if public transportation should be offered to Quakertown, Perkasie and nearby Upper Bucks communities. Upper Bucks does not currently have access to public transportation — existing SEPTA rail lines end at Colmar and Lansdale, and the only bus route going to the area ends at Telford. The study will look at transportation options and whether service should be connected from the Philadelphia area or to public transportation in the Lehigh Valley, where economic growth is also taking place. Contracted through McMahon Associates, the study will cost $59,920 and will run through the end of June 2022.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 5/7/2021
Bucks County offers natural adventures
The trails and paths of Bucks County offer something for everyone — short strolls, rocky climbs, biking, wildlife watching, vistas, fishing, ringing rocks and more. A recent article in The Bucks County Courier Times listed a variety of recreation options across the county’s parks. Additional locations and events can be found at the Bucks County Parks and Recreation website.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 5/12/2021
Chester
Agreement reached on regional fire service in Kennett Square, Kennett Township
Kennett Township officials have reached an agreement that will permit regional fire service and change the way fire and rescue services operate, significantly reducing response times. The agreement — reached by Kennett Township, Kennett Fire and EMS Regional Commission, Kennett Fire Co. No. 1 and Longwood Fire Co. — calls for more resources to be provided to both Longwood Fire Co. and Kennett Fire Co. No. 1. Under the new arrangement, which went into effect on May 3, the companies unify under a regional command structure while maintaining their individual identities. Richard Leff, a Kennett Township supervisor, called the agreement historic and said it ends decades of inefficiency.
Source: Southern Chester County Weeklies; 5/8/2021
Spring-Ford prepares to adopt budget
The Spring-Ford Area School Board adopted a proposed final 2021-2022 budget on April 26. The budget, which can be viewed on the district website, calls for $179.9 million in spending. It is scheduled for an adoption vote during the board meeting on Monday, May 24, at 7:30 p.m. at Spring-Ford Area High School and also virtually on Zoom.
Source: Mercury; 5/10/2021
U-CF proposed final budget expected to raise taxes
Unionville-Chadds Ford School District directors are set to vote on Monday, May 17, on the proposed final budget for the 2021-2022 academic year, ahead of a final approval vote in June. A property tax increase is anticipated. The proposed final budget estimates revenues of almost $92.5 million — plus an additional fund balance of slightly more than $9.6 million. Of that revenue, more than $70 million will come from local real estate taxes. Anticipated millage rates are 29.96 mills for Chester County property owners and 15.46 mills for Delaware County property owners in Chadds Ford Township. A mill is a tax of $1 for every $1,000 of assessed property value. The Chester County rate is a 3% increase over last year, while the Delaware County rate is an increase of 2.6%. The millage rate difference is based on how the two counties assess property values. The remaining income will come from state and federal sources. For a more detailed view of the proposed final budget, click here.
Source: Chadds Ford Live; 5/11/2021
Webinar will review Downingtown Area Transportation Study
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) and the Chester County Planning Commission will host two online public meetings to review the work done in the second and final year of the Downingtown Area transportation study. The meetings will be held on Wednesday, May 18, at 2 p.m. and Friday, May 20, at 7 p.m. Residents can learn more about the study and register for the meetings on the DVRPC website.
Source: Chester County Planning Commission; 5/12/2021
Delaware
Charters’ pitches to Chester Upland fall short
Three bidders who hope to open new charter schools in the Chester Upland School District (CUSD) provided presentations to the community during a lengthy live-streamed meeting, though some in attendance felt too little information was provided. Chester Upland is under a “Financial Recovery Status†designation by the state as part of Act 141 of 2012. A “conversion†provision of the act allows the district to convert an existing school to a charter school as part of its recovery plan, if doing so would result in financial savings. The district received proposals from Chester Community Charter School (CCCS), which already has a presence in the district, as well as Friendship Education Foundation in Washington, D.C., and Arkansas, and Global Leadership Academy in Philadelphia. Each of the bidders is proposing converting two schools, with some overlap. CCCS would turn Main Street Elementary and Chester Upland School for the Arts (CUSA) into charter schools for pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, while Friendship Education Foundation would convert CUSA and Toby Farms Intermediate School to two new schools offering “a K-8 version of a liberal arts education.†Global Leadership Academy has likewise proposed a K-8 model in converting Toby Farms and Stetser elementary schools. As numerous people in attendance and watching online pointed out, neither the GLA nor Friendship presentations offered much in detail about the actual proposals for CUSD, and many questions did not seem to be answered to the attendees’ satisfaction.
Source: Daily Times; 5/9/2021
Haverford board approves interim commissioner and demolition of Brookline School
The Haverford Board of Commissioners recently appointed Bernard McCabe Jr. to be an interim commissioner, filling the seat of Fifth Ward Commissioner Andy Lewis, who died suddenly in April. The board also approved the demolition of the Brookline School on Eagle Road. Board President Gerry Hart noted the history of the township’s attempt to move the Haverford Township Library to the school, which fell through when the library board deemed the building not suitable. Plans for refurbishment of the library are estimated at $16 million at its present location. When the township accepted the Brookline School from the school district, it was stipulated the property had to be used for a public function, which limited its use. Township Manager Dave Burman said with the relaxing of pandemic guidelines, the June board meeting will be open to the public. Burman said the township is also moving forward with plans to hold Haverford Township Day on Saturday, Oct. 2, although it may look a little different depending on the pandemic guidance at that time.
Source: Daily Times; 5/12/2021
Rose Tree School Board to vote on $107M budget
The Rose Tree Media School Board adopted a proposed final budget totaling $107.1 million for the 2021-2022 school year, based on a real estate tax of 14.1643 mills. The millage rate reflects an adjustment to the new countywide real estate assessment. The proposed final budget is available for review on the district website. The final budget will be presented for approval at the school board meeting to be held virtually on Thursday, May 27, at 7 p.m.
Source: Daily Times; 5/10/2021
U-CF proposed final budget expected to raise taxes
Unionville-Chadds Ford School District directors are set to vote on Monday, May 17, on the proposed final budget for the 2021-2022 academic year, ahead of a final approval vote in June. A property tax increase is anticipated. The proposed final budget estimates revenues of almost $92.5 million — plus an additional fund balance of slightly more than $9.6 million. Of that revenue, more than $70 million will come from local real estate taxes. Anticipated millage rates are 29.96 mills for Chester County property owners and 15.46 mills for Delaware County property owners in Chadds Ford Township. A mill is a tax of $1 for every $1,000 of assessed property value. The Chester County rate is a 3% increase over last year, while the Delaware County rate is an increase of 2.6%. The millage rate difference is based on how the two counties assess property values. The remaining income will come from state and federal sources. For a more detailed view of the proposed final budget, click here.
Source: Chadds Ford Live; 5/11/2021
Montgomery
Lower Merion to adopt 2018 IPMC, amend rental unit ordinance
Lower Merion Township will consider an ordinance to amend Chapter 92 of its township code, Housing – Property Maintenance, to provide for the adoption of the International Property Maintenance Code 2018, including Appendix A, Boarding Standards. A public hearing will be held Wednesday, May 19, at 7:30 p.m., in the township administration building, 75 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, and virtually via Zoom. The proposed ordinance provides regulations for the maintenance of property, demolition of structures, inspection of structures, light, ventilation and space requirements for structures, and periodic maintenance of billboards, inspection and licensing of residential rental units, and the regulation and permitting of certain dumpsters. It also lays out penalties for violations. The full text of the ordinance can be examined on the Lower Merion website.
Source: Wayne Times; 5/10/2021
Green Lane seeks public input on transportation plan
Green Lane Borough is seeking public input through an online survey on the Green Lane Borough Active Transportation and Trail-End Revitalization Plan. The study, funded through a grant from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, will look at pedestrian, bike and vehicle traffic in the borough. A public meeting will be held Wednesday, May 19, in the Isaac Smith Park Pavilion from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Click here for a flyer with meeting information.
Source: Green Lane Borough
Upper Pottsgrove sewage facilities sale plan open for public comment
Upper Pottsgrove Township is accepting written comments on an Official Sewage Facilities Plan (Act 537 Plan) that proposes the acquisition of township sewage facilities by Pennsylvania-American Water Company. The plan can be reviewed at the Upper Pottsgrove Township Building, 1409 Farmington Ave., Pottstown. Access to a digital version is available by calling the township at 610-323-8675. All written comments must be submitted before Saturday, June 5.
Source: Pottstown Mercury; 5/5/2021
Towamencin board still undecided on sale of sewer system
Last fall, Towamencin supervisors started discussing the possibility of selling the township’s sewer plant on Kreibel Road. The sale would help the plant keep up with mandated improvements and possibly produce a windfall of revenue for the township. An outside firm was hired to provide an initial valuation and develop a request for qualifications to hear from potential bidders. The township website has a page with facts, figures and a full cost study to maintain transparency throughout the process. The supervisors have not made any decisions about a sale and said they wouldn’t do so without completing a financial analysis.
Source: The Reporter; 5/4/2021
Spring-Ford prepares to adopt budget
The Spring-Ford Area School Board adopted a proposed final 2021-2022 budget on April 26. The budget, which can be viewed on the district website, calls for $179.9 million in spending. It is scheduled for an adoption vote during the board meeting on Monday, May 24, at 7:30 p.m. at Spring-Ford Area High School and also virtually on Zoom.
Source: Mercury; 5/10/2021
Philadelphia
Awbury Arboretum wants to build a welcome center, but neighbors are fighting it
There is a green meadow in Germantown, Haines Field, where the hubbub of traffic on busy Ardleigh and Haines streets is muted by the sounds of birds chirping. Groves of black cherry and sassafras trees dot the landscape. A plan by Awbury Arboretum to clear the land to build a 5,000-square-foot Discovery Center and parking lot brought nearly 40 people to the arboretum’s Cope House recently for a contentious community meeting that touched on issues of race and class. Members of the Awbury Neighbors Association have accused the arboretum board of directors of planning to develop the property behind homes on Haines Street without first discussing it with nearby residents. Neighbors said the center would take away green space, increase vehicle congestion, and possibly result in car headlights shining into homeowners’ windows at night. Neighbors said they only found out in late April that the board had applied for a $1.6 million grant from the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) to create the Awbury Arboretum Haines Field Discovery Center, Meadow Labyrinth and Parking Area. The arboretum board said the plan will be postponed after learning of residents’ strong objections. Read more here.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 5/11/2021
Opinion: As Philadelphia advances streetscape plan for Spring Garden, historic buildings fall to neglect
Spring Garden is just one of a contingent of broad, crosstown streets — Washington, Vine, Lehigh, Girard — that have been allowed to devolve into brutal speedways, where pedestrians scurry for refuge and cyclists are constantly forced to defend their sliver of roadway. Efforts to improve those arteries have moved at the speed of a traffic-choked highway. Spring Garden has one advantage those other east-west boulevards lack: The street figures in an ambitious national plan to create a coastal version of the Appalachian Trail called the East Coast Greenway. Because it is designated as the connector street that will link the Schuylkill and Delaware River portions of the trail, Spring Garden is eligible for a major reconstruction and greening project. While the improvements could run $55 million, the Biden administration’s proposed infrastructure plan increases the odds the federal government will cover Philadelphia’s costs. However, even if the city’s Office of Transportation, Infrastructure and Sustainability advances a makeover of the street’s infrastructure, the buildings that give the boulevard its distinctive character are in crisis. At least three landmarks could be gone by 2025 unless the city’s preservation and building departments intervene now: the Spring Garden train station, the Church of the Assumption and the Lawsonia building. Read more here.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 5/12/2021
New Philly fund offers residents a chance to send $15K to neighborhood groups
Philadelphia’s newest COVID-19 recovery fund aims to provide an economic lifeline to neighborhood-based organizations. But in an unconventional twist, the grant program will offer neighborhood residents a say in where the money goes. The Neighborhood Equitable Recovery Fund aims to offer a community-driven grantmaking process where residents would be responsible for evaluating applicants, determining funding priorities and making funding decisions. It’s a partnership between the city’s Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity and the Bread & Roses Community Fund. The idea is to have communities decide and implement their own solutions. The initiative will send grants of $15,000 to 25 Philadelphia-based nonprofits. To be eligible, organizations must have annual operating budgets of less than $3 million and operate in at least one of the 15 city ZIP codes with poverty rates greater than or equal to the city average of 25%. Read more here.
Source: Plan Philly; 5/7/2021
Steve Sisman
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