FHA Announces Policy Changes to Address Risk and Strengthen Finances

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has announced a set of policy changes to return its capital reserves to congressionally-mandated levels, while enabling the agency to continue to fulfill its mission to provide access to homeownership for under-served communities. The changes announced this week are the latest in a series of changes in order to better position the FHA to manage its risk while continuing to support the nation’s housing market recovery. Click here for more information.

Study: Poverty in Philadelphia suburbs up nearly 1%

Poverty increased nearly 1 percent in Philadelphia's suburbs between 2000 and 2008, partly because of two recessions, according to a report being released today. Poverty in the suburbs reached a rate of 7.4 percent, compared with 24.1 percent within Philadelphia, according to the report by the Brookings Institution. Citywide poverty increased 1.2 percent between 2000 and 2008, the report showed. Nationwide, suburban poverty increased by 25 percent during that time frame, nearly five times the rate of urban poverty, according to the report. By 2008, 13.2 percent of Americans lived below the poverty line, $21,834 for a family of four. For the purposes of the report, the suburbs include the following counties: New Castle in Delaware; Cecil in Maryland; Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem in South Jersey; and Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery in Pennsylvania. David Elesh, a principal investigator for Temple University's Metropolitan Philadelphia Indicators Project, called the suburban poverty increase modest and not unexpected. "The surprise is it isn't more," he said, because of two economic recessions between 2000 and 2008. The notion of suburban poverty is still difficult for some people to understand, since suburbs seem to be green oases away from urban troubles, said Sharon Ward, executive director of the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center. But, Ward said, "There are certain centers in every county with concentrations of poverty - Norristown, Bensalem, Coatesville, and Chester."

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 1/20/10

Naturalizing stormwater basins focus of lecture

The Chester-Ridley-Crum Watersheds Association, in conjunction with East Goshen Township, Habitat Resource Network and other municipalities, is presenting a lecture next month on naturalizing stormwater basins. Many townships and private property owners have stormwater basins on their property, but aren't aware that making modest changes such as adding native species can improve the look and function of the basins. Homeowners, property managers and parks managers can benefit from the lecture Feb. 7 at 2 p.m. at Penn State Brandywine in Middletown Township. The free lecture is presented by Mark Gallagher, vice president of Princeton Hydro, a company that specializes in ecological and engineering consulting services. The presentation will provide examples of landscaping with native plants and the redesign of existing basins which improve the basin's ability to infiltrate more stormwater and reduce maintenance costs. Gallagher will explain the state's new stormwater regulations for municipalities. The lecture will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Tomezsko building auditorium of Penn State Brandywine, 25 Yearsley Mill Road in Media. Space is limited. Reservations are recommended. Contact Chester-Ridly-Crum at crc@nni.com or call 610-892-8731.More information is available at www.crcwatersheds.org or www.habitatresourcenetwork.org.

Source: Daily Local; 1/19/10

OJR eyes possible $1.6 million budget shortfall

The Owen J. Roberts School Board is looking for ways to avoid a potential budget shortfall for the next school year. The 2010-11 budget won't be approved until June, but the school board got a first look at the preliminary financial plan at a workshop Monday night. It's likely that the budget will undergo a number of revisions between now and June. Business Manager Jaclin Krumrine warned the board that the preliminary budget shows the potential for a $1.6 million shortfall, even if the board levies the 2.9 percent real estate tax hike allowable under Pennsylvania's Act 1 taxing index. The board must decide this month whether to apply for two special exceptions that would allow for a greater tax increase. Krumrine recommended applying for those exceptions now, even though future cuts to the preliminary budget could render the exceptions unnecessary.

Source: Daily Local; 1/18/10

Coatesville official: Chetty deal meeting 'suspicious'

Coatesville City Council authorized its solicitor to review a special meeting regarding the city's sales agreement with development company Chetty Builders. Councilman Karl Marking suggested tasking newly appointed City Solicitor John Carnes to "review the legitimacy of the manner in which the meeting was called and executed" to ensure the Dec. 23, 2009, special council session was "in accordance with the Sunshine Law and the city charter." Council unanimously approved. The special meeting in question began at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall and lasted about five minutes. During that meeting, City Council, including some members no longer on the council, approved a sales agreement with Chetty Builders for an 84-townhouse community on a northern, 10-acre section of The Flats. The sale agreement and addendum were passed on a 4-0 vote, with former Council President Martin Eggleston and former Councilwoman Robin Scott absent. The agreement states that Chetty Builders plans to pay the city about $1.6 million for the land. But the actual purchase price will be paid to the city in installments at the closing of each townhouse in the proposed residential subdivision. The townhouses will range in price from $159,000 to $199,000.

Source: Daily Local; 1/20/10

Budget cuts under review by West Chester Area School Board

The West Chester Area School Board has begun to consider the budget cuts that the school district's community budget task force developed late last year. On Monday night, the school board's education committee and pupil services committee, both of which are made up of school board members, talked over some of the cuts. Among the cuts they looked at were reducing the number of high school counselors available during the summer; ceasing to offer free SAT prep courses; and starting vocational education in 10th grade rather than ninth grade. Neither panel committed to any particular budget cut. Discussions are likely to continue over the next few months, and cuts are likely to be finalized by mid-spring, officials say.

Source: Daily Local; 1/20/10

Great Valley School Board votes to limit tax increase

A split Great Valley School Board voted 6-2 Tuesday to keep any increase in taxes for the 2010-2011 school year within the state's Act 1 index of 2.9 percent. The district is facing a $3.2 million shortfall in revenue for the 2010-2011 school year's projected $78.8 million budget. If the board voted to apply for the special exceptions, it would have to approve a preliminary budget by Feb. 16. Since the board voted to keep the budget within the Act 1 index, the preliminary budget doesn't have to be approved until April. The full board will continue discussing the budget at the finance committee meeting Feb. 1, which will be open to the public.

Source: Daily Local; 1/21/10

Taxes rising in West Pikeland

The West Pikeland Board of Supervisors increased taxes for the second time in the last two months, but now must decide exactly how to use the money that is already earmarked. The millage rate in West Pikeland was 0.125 mills in 2009, but in November the board voted to increase the rate to 0.2 mills in order to help balance the budget. On Tuesday, the board reopened the budget and hiked the tax rate up to 0.5 mills on a 4-1 vote, but stipulated that the additional funds generated from the most recent increase be used for infrastructure within the township.  Most residents in the audience at Tuesday's meeting threw their support behind the hike, but were concerned over the earmarking of funds for infrastructure purposes. The main cause for the board's move to produce more revenue was that a survey was done by engineering firm McCormick Taylor on the township roads. The survey recommended a 10-year repair plan that would ultimately cost $6.5 million.

Source: Daily Local; 1/21/10

 Alliance sends message to Upper Providence regarding the RTT

The Suburban REALTORS Alliance has voiced strong opposition to a proposed 0.5% increase in the real estate transfer tax in Upper Providence Township. The proposal, scheduled for a vote by township council on Feb. 11, would bring the total real estate transfer tax to 3% in Upper Providence. Click here to view the Alliance’s letter to the township.

Taxes trend upward: 31 of Delco’s 49 towns raised taxes in 2010

Across the county, municipalities are facing declining revenues coupled with rising costs as officials work on balancing budgets during a recession. For many homeowners, that can only mean one thing — a hike in real estate taxes for 2010. Municipalities are pointing to a steady loss of revenue because of state cutbacks, lower building-permit fees, and fewer deed transfer taxes. In addition the steady increase of insurance premiums paired with declining revenue when implementing an increase in taxes have also been a burden to many local governments. Several municipalities in Delaware County were able to hold the line on taxes this year, with some even continuing decades-long streaks of budgets without an increase in property taxes. Click here for the full article.  

Source: Daily Times; 1/18/09

Bethel supervisor proposes adding seats

If Supervisor Ed Miles has it his way, the current board of supervisors will be increased from three members to five. Miles, during a recent supervisors meeting, said because of the increase in population, he feels it is necessary to have additional representation and input on the board. Miles said he was not requesting an official resolution be passed at that time, but instead wanted to introduce the idea to his colleagues on the board for their review and input. Supervisors Chairwoman Sharon Hannum and Vice Chairman Alfred Groer said they will consider Miles’ proposal.

Source: Daily Times; 1/16/09

State limits keep squeeze on Radnor's school budget

The public got a first look at the 2010-11 proposed preliminary budget for Radnor Township School District last week. The $78,896,509 budget would spend 5.86 percent more than this year’s $74,528,474 budget and raise taxes 7.388 percent. As of Saturday there are so many “unknowns” in the budget that it won’t be solidified for months.  Radnor Superintendent Linda Grobman called the proposed preliminary budget the “best-case scenario” because nothing is cut out of it. The district has 3,682 students in its five schools, 327 teachers, 90 educational paraprofessionals (such as aides), 220 support staff and 28 administrators. The Board of School Directors is scheduled to vote on the preliminary budget at a board meeting Tuesday, February 9.

Source: Main Line Suburban Life; 1/20/09

Ridley Park names manager

Carol Nasella was appointed borough manager at Ridley Park’s most recent council meeting. She will also serve as secretary/treasurer. Nasella succeeds Terry Bradley, who served two years in the post. Nasella served one term as a member of borough council. Nasella’s community involvement includes serving on the borough recreation board and the recycling task force. She was also involved with Girl Scouts and served on the board of directors of the Nassau Swim Club. She has been a Republican committeewoman for 20 years.

Source: Daily Times; 1/21/10

Upper Dublin to vote on establishment of property transfer certification

Upper Dublin Township Supervisors will vote on an ordinance that would establish a certification process for property transfers at their Tuesday, Feb. 9 regular meeting. Suburban REALTORS Alliance board members and staff have worked closely with the township to ensure that the ordinance provides clear guidelines for real estate professionals and consumers. As a result of these discussions, the township has eliminated a section of the ordinance that would have required interior inspections at point of transfer. As it now stands, the ordinance would require the following elements.

ü        Sidewalks in safe condition

ü        Smoke alarms installed in bedrooms and in all habitable levels of the house (older homes may utilize battery powered detectors).

ü        Clear, legible address numbers must be posted.

ü        Sumps and drains must be properly installed, not connected to sanitary sewer lines.

Only the sidewalk and building address elements of the ordinance would require an inspection from township staff. The other conditions necessary for certification will require a notarized affidavit by the seller. REALTORS® who are interested in this issue should attend the Feb. 9 township meeting beginning at 7 p.m. at 801 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington, PA.

Spring-Ford Area School District posts 2010-2011 preliminary budget online

The Spring-Ford Area School District has made the preliminary 2010-2011 budget available online. The board of school directors will meet on Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria of the Senior High School, 350 South Lewis Road, Royersford, PA 19468. The school district intends to apply for referendum exemptions which would allow a hike in taxes over the district index of 2.9% as set by Act 1.

Source: www.mypublicnotices.com; 1/21/10

Whitpain residents confused over 40 percent hike in taxes

Residents in Whitpain Township recently expressed confusion and concern over the nearly 40 percent increase in their municipal real estate taxes. Although properly advertised by the township, the 9:00 a.m. weekday budget meeting workshops were difficult for citizens to attend and many expressed their displeasure. Declining revenue from real estate transfer tax, earned income tax and the municipal real estate tax were cited as reasons for the 39.13 percent tax hike. The total real estate tax on a home in Whitpain is determined by three items: Montgomery County tax (2.695 mills); Whitpain Township tax (3.2 mills) and the Wissahickon School District tax which has yet to set its rate but will be between 17.47 and 17.98 mills for a total real estate tax of anywhere between 23.365 and 23.875 mills. With one mill equal to $1 in tax for each $1,000 of assessed property value, residents are looking at a total real estate tax bill on the average assessed home of between $5,293 and $5,408. The Suburban REALTORS Alliance website maintains a Municipal Information page that totals municipal real estate taxes for municipalities in Montgomery, Bucks, Chester and Delaware counties.

Source: The Times Herald; 1/20/10

Real estate appraisal expert testifies for residents in Lower Merion

Lower Merion’s Zoning Hearing Board recently resumed hearings regarding the special exceptions approval being sought by St. Joseph’s University to improve upon their existing athletic fields on the Maquire Campus in Merion. Residents formed the Merion Community Coalition and had real estate appraiser Maureen Mastroieni testify about her conclusion regarding the potential impact the athletic fields would have on the value of nearby properties. Taking into consideration the input from local Realtors, impact studies, obstructed view and traffic and noise issues, Mastroieni testified that the proposed improvements would have a negative impact on property value in the area. The next zoning hearing is set for Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. Please visit the Lower Merion Township website and click on the calendar of events for meeting location and agenda.

Source: Main Line Times; 1/14/10

Apartment complex moving slowly toward approval in Upper Moreland

Commissioners in Upper Moreland are taking their time approving land development plans for an apartment complex geared toward college students. The recently appointed engineering firm found issues in the development plan for the three story building to be built on York Road. The builder, working toward an August deadline, will need to address sanitary sewer, retaining wall and turn lane issues before receiving final approval. Click here for the Upper Moreland Township website.

Source: The Intelligencer; 1/20/10

PennDOT posts Route 202 Parkway construction updates

PennDOT continues to post construction updates for the Route 202 Parkway on the website dedicated to the project. The parkway construction is divided into three segments, each mapped on the Route 202 Parkway website. Construction is slated to continue through 2011 when the entire parkway will be opened for use.

Source: PennDOT; 1/10

Lower Merion school board discusses redistricting efforts

The Lower Merion School Board recently discussed the year-long redistricting effort within the school district. Issues such as bussing and school population numbers were addressed. The school district would like to have equal numbers at both Lower Merion and Harriton High Schools so that they may run the same core curriculum in both schools and make strides toward the school board’s goal of “two equal high schools.”

Source: Main Line Times; 1/14/10