In Oxford, long wait for sewage availability is getting shorter
Anyone hoping to build in Oxford has been waiting a long time for sewage capacity, but now they can get in line for a connection when one becomes available if they pay the tapping fee. Due to a sewage connection moratorium, only a few building permits have been issued in Oxford in recent years. A waiting list exists for approximately150 projects that have already paid prior to 1994 for connections they can’t make, while around 1,000 projects are proposed but have not been paid for. Now that the Oxford Area Sewer Authority is preparing to start construction on a new storage lagoon, at least some connections could be available in less than a year. The time line for the new lagoon calls for completion in 270 days after groundbreaking. That can happen as soon as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approves the low bidder. It is the USDA that is providing the low interest loan for the project.
Source: Daily Local; 10/20/2011
Coatesville train station project advancing quickly
The Coatesville train station will be the first of a number of stations in Chester County to be renovated, according to officials involved in the project. Bob Garrett, an executive assistant with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, said the Coatesville project is officially ahead of projects in Parkesburg and Downingtown after a few months of hard work. The public is invited to learn more about the project’s progress during a meeting set for 5:30 p.m., Nov. 10 at City Hall. The project involves renovating the existing train station, building a new open station with a pedestrian crossover, streetscaping along Third Avenue and preparing for the possible future redevelopment of Fleetwood Street between Third and Fourth avenues. A new station is needed because the platforms must be wider to comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, and wide platforms cannot be constructed in the current station because it is on a slight curve.
Source: Daily Local; 10/21/2011
T/E School District Tax Study Group to host earned-income-tax presentation
The Tredyffrin/Easttown School District Tax Study Group will present the pros and cons of an earned income tax (EIT) for T/E residents and the School District at two public meetings on Nov. 3 at 1 p.m. at the Tredyffrin/Easttown Administration Offices (940 W. Valley Road, Suite 1700), and again at 7 p.m. at Valley Forge Middle School (105 W. Walker Road). The T/E School District is beginning the budget development process for 2012-2013. One budget strategy is to determine the impact of an EIT. All community members are encouraged to attend one of the presentations in order to make an informed decision in the event that an EIT question is placed on the primary election ballot in April 2012. To facilitate this analysis, the School Board formed a Tax Study Group consisting of community volunteers. For more information on the Tax Study Group, visit the T/E School District Web site at www.tesd.net.
Source: Main Line Suburban Life; 10/19/2011
Coatesville finance director put on leave
City of Coatesville Finance Director Stacy Bjorhus has been placed on paid administrative leave and a decision on the future of her employment will be decided in November. Manager Gary Rawlings said he would not disclose why Bjorhus was placed on leave, citing it as a personnel matter. He further said he would not disclose what his recommendation to council will be, and said he needs to have discussions with Bjorhus before making his final decision. Bjorhus’ leave comes in the midst of a difficult budget process for the city. Recently, council approved a withdrawal from the city’s trust fund of up to $2 million to cover both overdue pension fees and pay regular bills, including payroll. Bjorhus is also the finance director for the city’s redevelopment authority. The authority is also facing a budget crisis. Currently, the authority is facing an expected $117,000 shortfall for this year. The authority also has yet to make any payments to city for its loan of about $7 million.
Source: Daily Local; 10/21/2011
