Depending on your desired area of residence, budget and personal preferences, searching for a new place to call home can be tedious. Whether it be an apartment, condo, townhouse or single-residence you’re in the market for, including close family and friends in your search can alleviate some of the stress associated with the process. But, if you live in a different city, you can still include your friends via technology.

• Charter-school bill moving through Pa. legislature
• Dodd-Frank and the CFPB: The ‘fix’ is in
• Homeowners warned of rising flood insurance rates

• Bristol Borough may increase taxes
• Taxes steady in Trumbauersville
• Sellersville approves tax and fee increases
• Bristol Township school projects move ahead

• Coatesville approves budget with big tax hike
• Spring-Ford Area School District, Exelon reach deal on $20 million tax assessment
• East Goshen spending plan for 2014 approved
• New legislative district added in county

• Springfield places hard-wired smoke detector requirement on hold
• County council passes 2014 budget, including a 2.8 percent take hike
• Morton works on deficit
• Audit shows Radnor Township School District is in the black

• Developers propose 350 homes on Lindenwold Castle site
• Act 537 plan update in Worcester
• Spring-Ford Area School District, Exelon reach deal on $20 million tax assessment
• Whitpain approves budget

• Battle over city abatement program heats up
• RCO bill amended, passed out of Committee

Charter-school bill moving through Pa. legislature
The first major overhaul of Pennsylvania’s charter-school law is making its way through the state legislature. Lawmakers could act in the next few weeks on the controversial bill which sponsors claim would enact needed reforms, and critics warn could speed the decline of traditional public schools, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. The law that established charter schools in Pennsylvania was enacted in 1997. There are about 176 charter schools operating in the state, more than half of them in Philadelphia. Nearly 120,000 students attend charters, which are taxpayer-funded but independently operated. Federal prosecutors in Philadelphia have pursued about a half-dozen criminal cases involving charter schools. In one case authorities allege that Dorothy June Brown, a Philadelphia charter school founder, defrauded the city and state of $6.7 million by earning multiple salaries at four schools she ran and taking millions more in “consulting” fees. Authorities say the fraud deprives the perennially-broke Philadelphia School District and Pennsylvania taxpayers of needed education funds.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 12/12/2013 and Associated Press; 12/9/2013

Dodd-Frank and the CFPB: The ‘fix’ is in
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued a Final Rule amending RESPA (Regulation X) and the Truth in Lending Act (Regulation Z). The Final Rule sets the stage for implementing some “game changing” policies for residential real estate settlements. Read an analysis by Caldwell and Kearns attorney Brett Woodburn here.
Source: PAR JustListed; 12/10/2013  

Homeowners warned of rising flood insurance rates
Flood insurance customers in Southeastern Pennsylvania, namely Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties, are facing some of the most significant rate hikes due to changes in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), according to U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D). The Bigger-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act was adopted in 2012 and changes flood insurance rates to “reflect true flood risk (and) make the program more financially stable.” Flood insurance rates could increase for just over 2,000 Bucks County home and business owners and another 1,212 in Montgomery County. Pennsylvania has 73,696 flood insurance policies and about 47 percent of those could see rate hikes. According to Casey, “The numbers make Pennsylvania one of the hardest hit.” Legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate on Oct. 29 aims to delay increases in premiums, including the owners of properties built to code and later remapped into flood risk areas. Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (R-8), has co-sponsored a similar bill, the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act, that was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in October. Take action to ask Congress to delay implementation of new NFIP regulations.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 12/12/2013

Bristol Borough may increase taxes
For the first time in seven years, Bristol Borough residents may see a tax hike. The 2014 preliminary budget proposes a 5-mill increase to the general fund and an additional 1.75-mill increase to the fire fund – for a total increase of 6.75 mills. If approved, the total property tax rate would be 56.64 mills. A property assessed at the borough average of $16,000 would see a property tax increase of about $80 for a total bill of $878. The tax increase will cover an anticipated $616,571 deficit that officials say was caused by poor investment returns.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 12/8/2013

Taxes steady in Trumbauersville
Residents in Trumbauersville can expect taxes to hold steady in 2014. The proposed $410,000 budget keeps the tax rate at 2.5 mills. A mill is equal to a tax of $1 for each $1,000 in assessed property value. A home assessed at the borough average of $30,000 can expect to pay about $75 in borough property taxes. Borough administrator Larry Smock said that there were no major capital projects slated for the new year, which helped to keep the budget steady.
Source: The Intelligencer; 12/5/2013

Sellersville approves tax and fee increases
Sellersville Borough Council approved a 2014 budget that will include fee and property tax increases. The new tax rate increases the millage rate from 17.15 to 18 mills. A home assessed at the borough average of $21,000 will pay $378 in property taxes, an increase of $10.50 over last year. Other fee increases include $5 per quarter rate hikes to both the refuse collection fee and the sewer rates. The refuse fee will rise from $85 to $90 per quarter, and the minimum sewer rate will increase from $45 to $50 per quarter.
Source: Perkasie News Herald; 12/11/2013

Bristol Township school projects move ahead
Bristol Township Council granted final land development approval for a state-of-the-art 1,300-student facility at the site of Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School. However, council only granted preliminary approval for the James Buchanan Elementary School site due to concerns with flooding from a proposed water basin next to six homes in the Kenwood section of Levittown. The elementary school projects are part of a $150-million plan to upgrade the Bristol Township School District’s infrastructure.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 12/6/2013

Coatesville approves budget with big tax hike
Coatesville City Council presented its 2014 preliminary budget during a Nov. 25 meeting, proposing a surprising 37 percent tax increase and an increase of $25 per year in solid waste collection. Following a public hearing on December 9, council approved the preliminary general fund budget, but decided to table approving the solid waste collection fee increase. The 2014 preliminary budget, which indicates a $2.6 million deficit, shows the average assessed taxpayer would expect an increase of about $209.79 in property taxes and an increase to $80 per quarter in solid waste fees to balance the 2014 budget. The average real estate assessment in 2013 is $59,939, and the current property tax rate is 9.415 mills. The average homeowner would see a 3.5-mill increase in property taxes for 2014, a 37 percent increase. After hearing concerns that certain areas in the municipality might have not been billed for trash collection, council members wanted further clarification on which residents have paid their collection fees before passing the increase to avoid another budget mishap. It was brought to council’s attention that more recent developments, such as Cambria Terrace – a single-family home community – and Millview Apartments might not have been billed for solid waste fees, but Eagle Disposal – the city’s solid-waste contractor – might be collecting trash in those areas.  Council members collectively agreed it would be better to table passing the increase until council can further discuss the topic. City Manager Kirby Hudson said city residents have not experienced an increase in property taxes since 2004-05. Since then the city has undergone a drastic cut in city employees.
Source: Daily Local; 12/10/2013

Spring-Ford Area School District, Exelon reach deal on $20 million tax assessment 
The Spring-Ford Area School District has reached a settlement with Exelon Corp. on property taxes for its Limerick Generating Station.  “As the largest taxpayer in the area, the new agreement will help bring consistency and certainty as the district plans for future budgets and expenses,” a release from the district said Tuesday.  In the settlement, which spans from 2014 until 2023, the value of the Exelon property will remain at $20 million.  In addition to property taxes based on that value, Exelon will make a payment to the district’s operating budget of $1.65 million from 2014 through 2016, after which the annual payments will increase to $1.75 million. “We are very pleased with the new terms of the settlement,” said Superintendent David Goodin. “We appreciate all parties’ willingness to an agreement that was fair.”
Source: Daily Local; 12/5/2013

East Goshen spending plan for 2014 approved 
East Goshen Supervisors approved the township’s 2014 budget that calls for no tax increases to residents. With the proposed balanced $9.7 million budget, the township’s real estate tax will remain at a rate of 1.25 mills. A mill is $1 of tax for each $1,000 of assessed property value. East Goshen also has an earned income tax of 1 percent, with half of that money dedicated to the school district, making the township’s share 0.5 percent. The township announced it secured a AAA bond rating with a stable outlook in October. According to Kroll Bond Rating Agency, the key rating strengths for the township include strong financial management policies, available fund balance, and access to the employment markets in the area. In addition, the rating agency noted East Goshen has a high level of income per capita at approximately 171 percent of the state and national average in 2012. The key concern cited by the rating agency was the dependency of the township’s general budget fund on earned income taxes. It also pointed out that the funded ratio in its regional police plan was below 75 percent as of January 2013. Supervisors will revisit the budget a final time at their monthly meeting on Dec.17.
Source: Daily Local; 12/6/2013

New legislative district added in county 
Chester County’s population growth has necessitated the formation of a new legislative district being formed in the Downingtown and Coatesville area. The 74th District encompasses Caln, Coatesville, Downingtown, East Caln, East Fallowfield, Modena, Parksburg, South Coatesville, Sadsbury and Valley Township. In the “new” 74th District, there are 19,760 registered Democrats, or 51 percent; 12,500 registered Republicans, or 33 percent; and 6,189 registered as other parties, or 16 percent. The primaries to nominate the party candidates will be in May.
Source: Daily Local; 12/9/2013

Springfield places hard-wired smoke detector requirement on hold 
Springfield Township has placed on hold a requirement that rental property owners install “automatic fire alarm systems” in non-owner occupied properties by Dec. 31, 2013. The decision by the township is in response to concerns shared by the Suburban REALTORS® Alliance regarding the legality of the requirement. The requirement, which specifically called for the installation of hard-wired smoke detectors or a “centrally-monitored” alarm system, would exceed both the PA Uniform Construction Code (UCC) and the International Property Maintenance Code for most existing residential properties. Municipalities that wish to exceed the requirements of the UCC must first request an exception to do so from the PA Department of Labor and Industry. If challenged by a property owner, the municipality must establish that “clear and convincing local climatic, geologic, and topographical or public health and safety circumstances or conditions” justify the exception to the UCC.  Alliance staff will continue to work with Springfield to ensure that local requirements introduced by the township are in alignment with current statewide rules and regulations.

County council passes 2014 budget, including a 2.8 percent take hike
Delaware County Council unanimously approved the 2014 budget which includes a 2.8 percent tax hike. The 2014 operating budget is $336 million and calls for a millage rate of 5.604 mills, which is an increase of 0.152 mills, or 2.8 percent. A mill represents $1 in tax for every $1,000 in assessed property value.  A taxpayer with a home in the county assessed for tax purposes at $134,200 would therefore generate a county property tax of $752.05 – an increase of $20.40 over the prior year.  County Executive Director Marianne Grace called the 2.8 percent tax hike prudent and said it will help cover the gaps in funding for the Fair Acres Geriatric Center in Middletown and 911 emergency services.
Source: Daily Times; 12/11/2013

Morton works on deficit
Morton Borough’s preliminary budget for 2014 shows a deficit of $169,477. Council President Mario Cimino noted, “We are working to whittle down the deficit. We expect some sort of (tax) increase.” There will be no increase in the trash fee and sewer fees, which are based on water usage per gallons per household.  Final adoption of the budget is expected on December 27.
Source: Daily Times; 12/6/2013 

Audit shows Radnor Township School District is in the black
The Radnor Township School Board budget committee heard from the district’s auditor and discussed a draft audit of the 2012-2013 school year finances for the fiscal year that ended June 30. For 2013-2014 the district has an $82.7 million budget and used $988,730 in reserve funds to balance its books, allowing the school board to reduce taxes by .5 mills. For the previous year, actual revenues were 2.82 percent more than budgeted and expenditures were $1.4 million less, resulting in a $3.6 million “net positive variance,” according to the audit report. The final version will be presented to the entire boardDec. 17. The draft audit is now on the district’s website at:http://www.rtsd.org/cms/lib/PA01000218/Centricity/Domain/807/6-30%20audit%20DRAFT.pdf.
Source: Suburban Main Line Times; 12/11/2013

Developers propose 350 homes on Lindenwold Castle site
Neighbors and other residents met with developers in Upper Dublin Township to discuss proposed plans for 350 homes on the Mattison Estate, home to the Lindenwold Castle. The proposal includes the preservation of Lindenwold Castle, built by asbestos baron Richard V. Mattison in 1912, and owned by the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth since 1936. The proposed development will also preserve two gatehouses, and parts of the formal gardens and lake while building 34 carriage homes, 54 townhouses, 40 condominiums and 250 senior independent-living apartments. Prices could range from $300,000 to $750,000. The development team includes Endeavor Property Group in Devon and two Blue Bell firms, Guidi Homes and the Goldenberg Group. The purchase of the Mattison Estate by the developers is conditional upon a change in the property’s zoning from institutional to residential. No formal plans have been filed in Upper Dublin and if they are, the approval process could take 12 to 18 months before construction begins.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 12/9/2013

Act 537 plan update in Worcester
Worcester Township is proposing a Minor Act 537 Sewage Facilities Plan Update Revision for the Hickory Hill Area Low Pressure Sewer System Extension. The planning module provides for 87 EDUs of sewage flow for connection of mostly residentially zoned properties (known as Hickory Hill area) to a public, low pressure sanitary sewer system to be owned and operated by Worcester Township. Information regarding tapping fees and user fees are included in the plan update. Visit www.worcestertwp.com for the plan update that includes parcel identification maps. Written comments from the public regarding the Sewage Facilities Planning Module will be received by the township until Jan. 7, 2014.
Source: Times Herald; 12/9/2013

Spring-Ford Area School District, Exelon reach deal on $20 million tax assessment 
The Spring-Ford Area School District has reached a settlement with Exelon Corp. on property taxes for its Limerick Generating Station.  “As the largest taxpayer in the area, the new agreement will help bring consistency and certainty as the district plans for future budgets and expenses,” a release from the district said Tuesday.  In the settlement, which spans from 2014 until 2023, the value of the Exelon property will remain at $20 million.  In addition to property taxes based on that value, Exelon will make a payment to the district’s operating budget of $1.65 million from 2014 through 2016, after which the annual payments will increase to $1.75 million. “We are very pleased with the new terms of the settlement,” said Superintendent David Goodin. “We appreciate all parties’ willingness to an agreement that was fair.”
Source: Daily Local; 12/5/2013

Whitpain approves budget
The Whitpain Township Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted the 2014 budget at a Dec. 3 meeting. The budget maintains a property tax rate of 3.2 mills for the fourth straight year. One mill equals $1 in taxes for each $1,000 in assessed property value. A resident with a home assessed at the township average of $226,000 can expect to pay about $723 in township property taxes. Township projects for 2014 include parking lot improvements at the municipal complex, renovations to the administration building, regional water quality enhancements and West Ambler sidewalk improvements and revitalization.
Source: Ambler Gazette; 12/11/2013

Battle over city abatement program heats up
Philadelphia has long touted its 10-year tax abatement program as a winner. It entices people to build and buy new homes while making Philadelphia an attractive place to do business, the city would say. But Philadelphia Councilman W. Wilson Goode Jr. says that the tax abatements remove taxpayer dollars that could help the city’s fledgling public school system. Instead, it just helps wealthy developers and rich home buyers, he said. In fact, the city lost more than $1.5 million in tax revenue from the Comcast Center – which could pay for nine teachers and 12 nurses, according to Philadelphia Coalition Advocating for Public Schools (PCAPS).
Source: Philadelphia Business Journal; 12/6/2013

RCO bill amended, passed out of Committee
City Council’s Committee on Rules recommended approval of an amended bill reorganizing the rules for Registered Community Organizations (RCO), but the bill will not be able to move forward until next year. The bill requires the Planning Commission to provide a written explanation when it denies a group RCO status, allow district Council members to select “joint coordinating RCOs,” and allow for RCOs to register without providing a location at which their meetings routinely take place. Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell is still unhappy with the bill, and thinks RCOs should be purely nonprofit groups, while the amended bill allows Neighborhood Improvement Districts and Special Services Districts to become RCOs. The spread of property owners that must be notified of zoning applications-those on the same block as the property, across the street, and anywhere within 200 feet of the property line-is too small, according to Blackwell. Her previous changes had required the notification of every property owner on the nine surrounding block-faces.
Source: Plan Philly; 12/11/2013

The 12th Annual Food Drive was a Huge Success!

The entire office gathered 1,502 grocery bags of food for various food lauders throughout the Bucks, Montgomery and Lehigh Counties.  One of the owners of the Doylestown office graciously matched every bag gathered with $2.00 each for a total donation of $3,531.00.

Suburban REALTORS® Alliance

News Brief Headlines

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General

• Auditor General report says PA charters, cyber schools are overfunded
• SRA on Facebook and Twitter

Bucks

• Gas drilling updates in Nockamixon
• Bensalem finalizes school budget
• Hulmeville Borough to consider zoning ordinance update
• Warwick to hold public hearing on public sewer connection ordinance

Chester

• Exton Square property owners win assessment appeal
• T/E passes new budget
• Kennett school board approves 2012-13 tax increase
• West Chester Area School District Realtor Summit Recap

Delaware

• Delaware County Open Space, Recreation & Greenway Plan Survey
• Nether Providence approves bamboo ordinance
• Radnor tables Villanova University’s expansion plan
• Upper Chi tables rezoning ordinance

Montgomery

• West Norriton planners reject Westover Country Club sports complex plan
• Whitemarsh tackles storm water management
• Lower Merion School District passes 1.99 percent tax increase
• Upper Dublin approves 4.25 percent tax increase
• Limerick to consider amendment to streets and sidewalks curbs ordinance

Philadelphia

• AVI delay could force revisions to city’s five-year financial plan

General

Auditor General report says PA charters, cyber schools are overfunded

A recent study released by Pennsylvania Auditor General Jack Wagner reports that the state’s formula for funding charter schools and cyber schools is “overly generous.” PA funding for charter and cyber schools uses a formula that is based on the educational costs of the sending school district instead of the actual educational cost for the charter school. Wagner said that PA taxpayers could save $1 million each day if charter and cyber tuition payments were more in line with national averages. The report states that PA charter schools spend an average of $13,411 per student, with the national average at $10,000. The state’s 13 cyber schools spend $10,415 per student on average and the national average is $6,500.  Cyber charters receive the same amount per-pupil as charter schools that operate in buildings. Further, the cyber payments vary wildly depending upon the sending district – a cyber charter received an average of $16,915 for each Montgomery County pupil enrolled in 2010-11 and just $6,752 for one from Schuylkill County. Pennsylvania has 500 school districts, and therefore, 500 different rates to charters.

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 6/20/2012 & The Intelligencer; 6/21/2012

SRA on Facebook and Twitter

If you enjoy getting our weekly News Briefs, you may want to consider connecting with the Suburban Realtors Alliance on Facebook and Twitter. We put out regular information updates through both of these social media channels.

Bucks

Gas drilling updates in Nockamixon

As Nockamixon’s court battle against Act 13, the state’s natural gas drilling law, heads through the state court system, the community’s first natural gas drilling well remains on hold. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has temporarily halted the permit application of Turm Oil to drill an exploratory natural gas well on the former Cabot chemical property in Nockamixon. Once back on the clock, a decision on the drilling permit must be made in six days. However, if approved by DEP, the drilling will still be on hold as the township’s challenge to Act 13 remains active in the courts. Nockamixon and its partners allege that Act 13 strips away the constitutional rights of citizens and local municipalities by usurping local zoning laws that restrict gas drilling within municipalities.

Source: Courier Times; 6/18/2012

Bensalem finalizes school budget

The Bensalem Township School District school board finalized a 2012-13 school year budget that will increase the average taxpayer’s school property taxes by $64. The millage rate will rise from 141.4275 to 144.35 mills, with a mill equal to a tax of $1 for each $1,000 of assessed property value. A homeowner with a property assessed at the district average of $22,000 will pay $3,175 in school property taxes. Bensalem will use about $703,000 in uncommitted fund balance funds to cover a budget deficit.

Source: Courier Times; 6/14/2012

Hulmeville Borough to consider zoning ordinance update

Hulmeville Borough Council will hold a public hearing at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, July 2 at the Borough Hall, 321 Main St., Hulmeville, PA, to consider amendments to the Hulmeville Borough Zoning Ordinance. A comprehensive update of the Borough’s Zoning Ordinance from 1975 is proposed including: current practices in land use regulation; and local concerns and case law and amendments to the PA Municipalities Planning Code. A copy of the proposed ordinance may be examined, by appointment, at Borough Hall by calling 215-757-6531. A copy is also available at the Bucks County Law Library in the Bucks County Courthouse, Doylestown, PA.

Source: Courier Times; 6/7/2012

Warwick to hold public hearing on public sewer connection ordinance

The Warwick Township Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 2 at the township administrative offices at 1733 Township Greene, Jamison, PA 18929 to consider the adoption of an ordinance that will require mandatory connection to the public sewer system under certain conditions. Connection will be mandatory when a structure is within 150 feet of a public sanitary sewer line or when a connection is necessary for the public health, safety and welfare. The proposed ordinance will also set forth permit requirements, sewer rental charges and penalties for violations.

Source: The Intelligencer; 6/11/2012

Chester

Exton Square property owners win assessment appeal

Common Pleas Senior Judge Thomas Gavin ruled in favor of the Exton Square Mall’s appeal of its 2010-2011 property tax assessment, creating a possible long-term loss of revenue for the West Chester Area School District, which had argued against the appeal. Judge Gavin agreed with the mall’s real estate appraiser that the assessed value of the 39-year-old regional mall was $52.6 million, far below the Chester County Board of Assessment’s value of $62.5 million, and the school district’s calculation of $62.3 million. Gavin said in his decision that the district’s expert, Michael Samuels, had been too optimistic in his outlook for the future of the mall, noting he had not taken years of economic turmoil suffered by the Exton Square through business downturns and competition with the King of Prussia Mall complex into account. The lesser-assessed value rate would mean the school district would lose $180,000 or so in property tax revenues from the mall. The district would be forced to subtract the amount from its 2012-2013 budget, which the school board has already adopted. The county and West Whiteland Township, where the mall is located, will also see less revenue from the mall’s property tax bills, but at a lower cost than the district.

Source: Daily Times; 6/19/2012

T/E passes new budget

The Tredyffrin/ School Board approved the district’s 2012-13 final budget on June 14. The $125.8 million spending plan includes a property tax increase of 3.3 percent, which translates into an average annual increase of about $155 for a homeowner with an average assessment. According to the school board, the new budget will use $1.16 million from the district’s reserve fund, along with cost-cutting strategies and revenue enhancements totaling $1.4 million, to close an operating deficit. The board also approved the Homestead Exemption Real Estate Tax Credit, which will allow homeowners who filed a Homestead Exclusion form to receive tax relief from state gaming proceeds at an average of $177 on their 2012 property tax bills.

Source: Daily Local; 6/19/2012

Kennett school board approves 2012-13 tax increase

The Kennett Consolidated School District board of school supervisors approved the 2012-13 budget with the caveat that the district can’t continue down its current financial path much longer. The 3.89 percent increase in millage rates will increase the tax rate from 25.7293 to 26.7303 mills. A mill is a tax of $1 per $1,000 of assessed real estate value. That means homeowners will pay about $4,900 per year for a home valued at roughly $185,000, a $186 increase over last year. Reflecting on the board’s use of reserve funds over the past several years to balance budgets, Board member and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Finnegan said the district could not keep relying on those funds for much longer. Finnegan said recent reductions in federal support, coupled with tax reassessment appeals that have lowered property values throughout the county, have left Kennett schools as some of the most affected in the state.

Source: Daily Local; 6/15/2012

West Chester Area School District Realtor Summit Recap

The West Chester Area School District held its second Realtor Summit last week to highlight information that may be of interest to real estate professionals in the area. Superintendent James Scanlon gave an overview of the district’s accomplishments in a presentation. The district currently boasts the lowest millage rate in the county (18.36 mills).  Scanlon also noted the newly updated Realtor Resources page on the district’s website, which includes a link to a school boundary map. Immediate Past President of the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors Guy Matteo provided an overview of current industry trends. It should be noted that fair housing complications may arise from providing information about schools or school districts. Best practice is to wait for the client to ask about the schools or school district and then direct the client to this or a similar website. (It is permissible to give the information without being asked, however to avoid possible steering claims, the agent would need to be very careful to give the information toevery prospect for that area or house).

Delaware

Delaware County Open Space, Recreation & Greenway Plan Survey

The Delaware County Planning Department, in association with the Parks Department, is currently developing the county’s Open Space, Recreation, and Greenway Plan. The plan will examine all parks and recreation in the county, including municipal and county parks, public and private open space, and trails. Delaware County residents are encouraged to take the survey below to help guide the planning for future parks, recreation, and open space projects and policies that aim to improve quality of life and enhance recreation opportunities in the county. The responses will help planners to know the recreational preferences of county residents, their experiences with the county Parks system, and their opinions on actions the county could take in the coming years in regards to these matters. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/delcoparks2012.  The survey will be open between May 31 and July 4, 2012.

Nether Providence approves bamboo ordinance

An ordinance taking aim at unchecked bamboo growth in Nether Providence Township is now on the books. Officials said they were motivated to act on the issue after an increasing number of cases in which bamboo plants — one of the heartiest and most difficult invasives to eradicate — were expanding into the yards of neighbors. Under the ordinance, when the township receives a complaint about the encroachment of any bamboo plant or root onto another property, or when officials spot it themselves, notice will be given to the landowner or tenant to remove the offending bamboo plant or root system.  The notice will state specifically what must be done, with a fix required within 30 days. If the work is not performed, the township would have the right to carry it out and bill the property owner. With respect to new bamboo plants, precautions must be taken to prevent their rampant spread. Also, all bamboo plants must be located, trimmed and maintained so that no part of the vegetation is closer than 10 feet from any property line.

Source: Daily Times; 6/18/2012

Radnor tables Villanova University’s expansion plan

Radnor commissioners tabled a request from Villanova University for a zoning amendment that would pave the way for three new dormitories to house 1,160 undergraduate students, a 1,800-space parking garage, and a 450-seat performing-arts center, among other structures, on two campus parking lots on Lancaster Avenue. Nicholas J. Caniglia, an attorney representing the university, agreed to meet with the township administration to answer questions about the project, the size of which concerns residents and township officials. The university’s request to establish a new comprehensive integrated zoning district on campus involves raising the building-height limit to 65 feet (it is 38 feet now); no limit on height for rooftop structures such as elevator housings and antennas; zero front-yard setbacks, which are now at 120 feet; and the elimination of side- and rear-yard setbacks, which are now at 75 feet. Board members were concerned such a far-reaching amendment would eventually be sought after by the township’s other colleges. Residents attending the meeting also wanted more opportunity to gain insight into how the expansion plan would impact surrounding neighborhoods.

Source: Daily Times; 6/20/2012

Upper Chi tables rezoning ordinance

Upper Chichester Commissioners tabled a proposed ordinance that would rezone several parcels of land in the township. The proposed plans would square off a parcel of land from McCay Avenue to Meetinghouse Road, between Chichester Avenue and Third Avenue, converting the tract to a commercial designation. Another parcel of land from Meetinghouse to Okiola Avenue between Chichester Avenue and Third Avenue would be split between commercial and residential designations. A third tract of land from Clements Avenue to Meetinghouse Road, starting at Chichester Avenue, would be rezoned from an R-2 (medium-density) to an R-3 (high-density) residential designation. The commissioners fielded questions from residents about what the zoning changes would mean for the future of the properties on the land. The commissioners will consult the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission and consider the matter at their next business meeting on July 12.

Source: Daily Times; 6/19/2012

Montgomery

West Norriton planners reject Westover Country Club sports complex plan

The West Norriton Planning Commission unanimously rejected a proposed sports complex plan for the Westover Country Club property. A residents’ group opposed to the plan, Neighbors United, presented a 47-page “people’s brief” that contained legal arguments about an open space deed restriction on the property, an FAQ section, a May 4 critique letter from the Montgomery County Planning Commission, many letters of opposition and aerial views of an existing similar facility, the United Sports Training Center, in West Bradford Township. Developer VRJ Associates had requested approval for a plan to convert the country club into a sports complex with five soccer fields, 12 tennis courts, five baseball fields, five basketball courts, two swimming pools, a football field/eight-lane track, three tot lots, two picnic pavilions, six golf-course holes and a skate park. The developer’s plan will now go before the West Norriton Board of Commissioners. Click here for the township website and meeting information.

Source: Times Herald; 6/18/2012

Whitemarsh tackles storm water management

Whitemarsh Township supervisors are in the early stages of a plan that would allow the township to acquire flood-prone properties from residents who are not eligible for federal relief. The policy would be shaped by Act 153 of the Conservation and Land Development Act, which allows municipalities to purchase properties to be used for “open space benefit.” An affected property owner would need to apply to the township for consideration of township acquisition after there has been multiple documented flooding incidents at the property. Whitemarsh is also requiring future development to have a storm water management plan in place prior to building.

Source: Times Herald; 6/18/2012

Lower Merion School District passes 1.99 percent tax increase

The Lower Merion Board of School Directors recently approved a 2012-13 school year budget that includes a 1.99 percent tax increase. The new tax rate of 23.4841 mills will amount to an additional $114 in taxes on the average home assessed at $250,000 in the district. The tax hike is the lowest in the school district in 11 years.

Source: Main Line Times; 6/13/2012

Upper Dublin approves 4.25 percent tax increase

The Upper Dublin School Board approved the 2012-13 budget with a 4.25 percent tax increase. The increase will mean an additional $225 in school property taxes on a home assessed at the district average of $192,000. The total tax bill will district-average properties will be $5,526, and property owners eligible for the homestead exemption will receive a $304.60 credit on the bill.

Source: Ambler Gazette; 6/15/2012

Limerick to consider amendment to streets and sidewalks ordinance

The Limerick Township Board of Supervisors will consider an amendment to the township code that will require a property owner to install sidewalks and curbing on their property at the sole expense of the property owner after receiving notice from the Limerick Township manager. A full copy of the ordinance is available for public review at the township building during regular hours. A public hearing will be held on June 19, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. in the Limerick Township Municipal Building, 646 West Ridge Pike, Limerick, PA. Click here for the township website.

Source: Pottstown Mercury; 6/12/2012

Philadelphia

AVI delay could force revisions to city’s five-year financial plan

The city’s fiscal watchdog informed the Nutter administration that if the mayor’s proposed property tax overhaul is delayed, the city needs to revise their five-year-financial plan. Sam Katz, board chairman of the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority, said that if the move to a property tax system based on market values – known as the Actual Value Initiative (AVI) — is held up by City Council, the city should rewrite the five year plan based on the assumption that the current tax system remains in place. Katz said that it’s not prudent for the administration to count on Council approving AVI in the future. Finance Director Rob Dubow said such a rewrite would require the city to project cuts in future years, given the expectation of costly appeals without AVI. He said it was too soon to say exactly how that would play out. Of course, if Council does approve AVI for the 2013-14 fiscal year, as they currently are pledging, then many of those cuts would likely be a non-issue.

Source: Philadelphia Daily News; 6/19/2012