Resident’s solar panel request denied in East Fallowfield
An East Fallowfield Township resident is angry that the homeowners’ association where he lives won’t allow him to erect solar panels on the roof of his home. The resident lives on North Anchor Way in the Brook Crossing subdivision. He wanted to put low-profile black solar panels on his rear south-facing roof.The panels would violate one of the restrictive covenants of the development that calls for any “addition, enclosure, garage, fence, planting or other improvement or modification erected, placed or maintained within a unit shall be harmonious in design with the single family dwelling unit.” The homeowner said that the board members of the HOA advised him that an attorney had reviewed the HOA’s bylaws and had concluded that “solar panels are not harmonious.” State Rep. Tom Houghton, D-13th, of Cochranville, is in the process of lining up support for a bill, HB 2234,that would prohibit HOAs from passing restrictive covenants that bar homeowners from placing solar panels on their roof or structure. The bill, which is modeled on a similar bill enacted by the state of Delaware, has just gone out to potential co-sponsors in the House of Representatives. The bill only applies to solar panels on a structure and not free-standing systems. About 25 municipalities in Chester County have drafted ordinances regulating alternative energy systems.
Source: Daily Local; 1/24/10
Lumber Yard condos to be built in phases in West Chester
The proposed 87-condominium Davis Lumber Yard development, which Borough Council approved last year, is now scheduled to be built in two phases. Hunter Davis, the developer and property owner, initially planned to build the project in one phase, but financing difficulties caused by the ongoing economic crisis caused him to alter his plans. Council last week granted Davis permission to divide the project in two. The first phase will total 38 units, Daley said. The units will be condos but will look much like town homes, according to Daley. Council last week imposed conditions on Davis that will prevent the construction site from being an eyesore should it take him more than several years to build all of the condos. Davis plans to build the units only after someone has agreed to purchase it. The Davis Lumber Yard is located at South Franklin and East Barnard streets. At just under four acres, it is one of the few remaining parcels in the borough capable of supporting a larger development. The condominiums are expected to start at $250,000.
Source: Daily Local; 1/29/10
East Brandywine unveils Bondsville Mill Park plans
East Brandywine Township held a public meeting to allow public input and to unveil its master plan for the Bondsville Mill Park project. The township plans to create a passive-recreational park on the 25-acre former mill site, located on Bondsville Road between North Bailey and Fisherville roads, with trails, natural areas and some historical renovations of former mill buildings. Site work could cost approximately $400,000.
Source: Daily Local; 1/26/10
Reaction mixed on T/E plan
Although passed unanimously, the preliminary budget that was approved at the Monday night Tredyffrin/Easttown Board of School Directors meeting did not gain the same unanimous approval from residents. The proposed preliminary budget for the 2010-2011 school year includes a projected $101.9 million in revenue and $111.15 million in expenses, leaving a $9.25-million deficit. On the table at the School Board meeting was the decision of whether or not to raise taxes in order to close the deficit. If the board approved raising taxes up to the 2.9-percent Act 1 index, the deficit would decrease to $6.85 million. If the board approved to apply for exceptions to the Act 1 index, it would be allowed to tax 3.73 percent on top of the index, which could bring the deficit down to $3.75 million. After discussion, the board voted on the motion to approve the proposed preliminary budget, with the authorization to seek out the Act 1 referendum exceptions, and the motion did not pass. The board then unanimously passed the preliminary budget with an adopted resolution limiting the tax increase to the Act 1 index of 2.9 percent or less. This was the sixth meeting during which the budget was a line item, and the board will continue to discuss and rework the budget through June. The hope is to end the year with a balanced budget. For more information and to view the budget online visit: www.tesd.k12.pa.us/index.html.
Source: Main Line Suburban Life;
