During a use and occupancy inspection, REALTORS can expect Caln Township to strictly enforce the 2006 International Property Maintenance Code. The Suburban REALTORS Alliance met with township officials to discuss the inspection and code enforcement process. REALTORS are encouraged to set up Use and Occupancy inspections with the township thirty days in advance in order to avoid delays in closing. Should you have any issue with a code official, please contact Andy Reczek, the Director of Code Enforcement, at andyr@calntownship.org and Tony Scheivert, Asst. Township Manager, at tscheivert@calntownship.org.

Birmingham Township to change sign ordinance

Birmingham Township has provided amendments to the zoning code which provide additional definitions and regulations pertaining to temporary signs. For open house signs: “The sign shall not be placed until 72 hours before the sale or open house, and the sign shall be located on the lot where the same is conducted, except for open house signs which may be permitted off site by permit issued by the Birmingham Township Police Department pursuant to Section 82-10 of the Birmingham Township Code.” The ordinance also amends the definition of real estate sign as: “A type of Temporary Sign indicating the sale, lease or rental of the property on which it is located, not including “open house” signs.” The meeting to discuss the passage of this ordinance will take place on Tuesday, September 7 at 7:30 pm in the Birmingham Township Municipal Building. Click here for the full text of the ordinance. Please direct any questions or comments to esmist@suburbanrealtorsalliance.com.

Coatesville may restrict rental conversions

At its last meeting on Aug. 23, City Council discussed the possibility of passing an ordinance to limit the conversion of single-family homes to multiple apartments. Coatesville has a high percentage of renter-occupied dwellings, thought to comprise more than 60 percent of the city’s housing, according to information presented at the meeting. Council and the planning commission have expressed concern over conversions in the past, and after Norristown, in Montgomery County, passed an ordinance restricting conversion less than two months ago, the city is considering doing the same. Of particular concern are certain areas of the city where, reportedly, single-family dwellings have been converted into as many as six apartments. Council agreed to direct the planning commission to consider the issue, which Reed said could take two or three months, and to put it on the agenda for the next meeting to give the public the opportunity to comment.

Source: Daily Times; 9/2/10

For sewer rate hike, opposition continues

Residents continued to protest Pennsylvania American Water Co.’s request to triple the average customer’s sewer bill at the last scheduled public input hearings on the matter. Those submitting testimony at the hearing spoke about service issues in the past; previous rate increases; the hardship the rate hike would cause, especially for young families or those on fixed incomes; and the unfairness of what is being called a “poor business decision” by the company.  All of the testimony, including service issues, is considered relevant, according to attorneys from the Office of Trial Staff at the Public Utility Commission and from the Office of Consumer Advocate. Pennsylvania American has requested it be allowed to increase revenues by about $8.2 million after completing a new wastewater facility in South Coatesville at a cost of about $55 million. The Coatesville plant serves 10 municipalities, including Coatesville, Parkesburg, East Fallowfield, Caln, West Caln, West Brandywine, Sadsbury, West Sadsbury, Valley and Highland.

Source: Daily Local; 9/1/10

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Two ordinances addressing student housing were discussed, tweaked and approved at the Tredyffrin Township Board of Supervisors meeting. The Registration Ordinance and the Zoning Ordinance, while separate entities, will help to regulate and enforce student housing throughout Tredyffrin. Both current and future homeowners will be responsible for complying with the Registration Ordinance, but the Zoning Ordinance will only apply to future homeowners. Current homeowners renting to students will be grandfathered in. The ordinances were approved unanimously by the board and will go into effect on September 16. The registration ordinance requires both current and future homeowners who rent to students to register with the township. Homeowners will be required to provide their own contact information and that of their renters. Also, information must be provided about the college/university/trade school the renter will be attending. The township plans to be in contact with Realtors and local schools to document which students live where. The hope is that by documenting who owns and rents each home, contacting the individuals if necessary will be easier and more time-efficient. Separately, the Zoning Ordinance, states that all future homeowners wishing to rent to students in the R-1/2, 1, 2, 3 and 4 residential districts would need special-exception approval from the Zoning Hearing Board before occupancy. To qualify, the owner will need to show that the property meets the requirements of the ordinance. Those requirements include a buffer of at least 10 feet around the home, no more than three student tenants, and a specified minimum distance from other student homes.

Source: Main Line Media News; 8/18/2010

Study lauds Coatesville’s potential

Following three days of interactive workshops as part of a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation study considering funding redevelopment of Coatesville’s train station, project officials offered some surprising information. “We found you could support, today, 68,000 square feet of new restaurants and stores. They would generate $17.6 million in sales,” said Robert J. Gibbs, a market economist, of Gibbs Consulting Group. “I think our study was conservative, too conservative. I think you could generate $30 million in sales.” The market study was just one part of an overall project that will result in recommendations to PennDOT regarding what it would take to redevelop the station. As part of an initiative called Plan the Keystone, PennDOT wants to improve 12 targeted stations along the Keystone Corridor from Harrisburg to Philadelphia. According to Batson, the corridor is important not just regionally but nationally.

Source: Daily Local; 8/26/2010

West Whiteland municipal building’s contractor sues township

The general contractor for the new West Whiteland Township municipal building is suing the township for $1.5 million, claiming the township withheld funds that it and subcontractors were owed. The township says the building leaks and that is why they withheld payments.  In a lawsuit filed Aug. 11, attorneys for Magnum, Inc., a Warminster-based company, said the $1.5 million represented contractual obligations that the township failed to pay, additional costs due to township-caused delays, and costs associated with change orders that the township initiated among other things. Magnum is also trying to recoup expenses incurred as a result of trying to correct the leak problem. While the township claims that Magnum performed faulty or defective work, the contractor claims the alleged deficiencies were caused by the township’s project design.

Source: Daily Local; 8/23/2010

Customers: Rate hike ‘horrendous’

Protesting a rate increase that would more than triple the average customer’s bill, residents turned out in force Tuesday at two hearings regarding wastewater rates for Pennsylvania American Water Company. Speakers described the requested rate, which according to a news release from the company would raise the average customer’s monthly bill from $27.43 to $90.26, as “unconscionable,” “horrendous,” “unthinkable,” and “outrageous” and criticized the company on a range of charges, from unfairness to poor service. But the primary challenges to the rate increase were the arguments that the company was unduly shifting an investment burden to the customers. Company representatives said the primary reason for the rate increase, which would increase revenues to the company by $8.2 million, was the construction of a new wastewater treatment facility in which the company had invested $55 million. The facility in South Coatesville serves Coatesville, East Fallowfield, Caln, West Caln, Valley, Sadsbury, West Sadsbury, Highland and West Brandywine. More than 600 people turned out for the two meetings.

Source: Daily Local; 8/25/2010

Penn Township embarks on Comprehensive Plan project

The Penn Township Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission will be revising the township’s comprehensive plan. The township will be working closely with the Chester County Planning Commission to hold 14 work sessions and two public meetings in the coming months. The task force will begin in earnest on Wednesday, September 15 at 7 p.m.

Source: Chester County Press, 8/25/2010

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West Chester Borough Council passed a non-binding resolution Wednesday night asking West Chester University to stop buying real estate in the borough. The resolution also requests that the university reimburse the borough for tax revenues lost as the result of a recent land purchase. The university is tax-exempt, which means it does not pay real estate taxes on the properties it owns. Earlier this year, it purchased two privately owned buildings on South High Street: the College Arms student housing complex and a house at 624 S. High St. Borough officials calculate that the university’s purchase of College Arms will reduce real estate tax revenue by more than $7,400 per year. This money, officials said, will have to be made up by the borough’s residential and commercial taxpayers. Borough officials said the university did not consult with them before purchasing these properties. Officials added that the purchase violates an agreement the university struck with West Chester a decade ago not to buy more land in the borough. Borough officials have long been worried about the high percentage of tax-exempt properties in the municipality. Properties owned by Chester County, Chester County Hospital, the West Chester Area School District, the university, churches and nonprofits cannot be taxed.  Such properties make up nearly 36 percent of borough land.

Source: Daily Local; 8/20/2010

Penn supervisors ponder fate of ordinance records

Anyone seeking an up-to-date copy of ordinances passed by Penn Township is apparently out of luck. The ordinance book is so outdated, no complete books are available. Supervisor William Finnen urged his colleagues to accept a $14,735 proposal from McCormick Taylor engineers to prepare the ordinance book for codification. Board Chairman Curtis Mason opposed the contract due to its limits. The board agreed to contact Chester County officials for help.

Source: Daily Local; 8/18/2010

Coatesville RDA refocuses on future

The Flats, the Pulver Hotel, the Chetty project, and the Fleetwood Street homes are just a few of the redevelopment projects that currently fall under the purview of the Coatesville Redevelopment Authority (RDA). The RDA board recently discussed creating a business plan and a strategic plan to organize the assets for which it is responsible. The board is also considering seeking help from the Chester County Economic Development Committee, and voted to create a two-member committee to work with city staff and the CCEDC in creating these plans.  As changes in leadership and economic challenges have stalled planned improvements in the city, the 10-year-old organization has become an increasingly important partner in the effort to move forward toward completing city goals. The nonprofit organization offers a wide range of services, including financing services, a business retention and expansion program, work force development and industry partnerships, and land and building site selection.

Source: Daily Local; 8/18/2010

East Bradford neighbors complain sun glare is blinding from solar panels

While few people may be able to afford large solar panel arrays, one enthusiastic homeowner on Muirfield Drive in East Bradford covered his roof with the panels and by doing so created a glare problem for his neighbors. Township officials say they are aware of the complaint and are working with the solar company that installed the panels. Brenden Beaumont, the township’s zoning officer, said he was working with the solar company to come up with a solution. The township is now requiring that a glare study be done as part of the permit process for any solar application whether it is roof-mounted or ground-mounted.  The study will examine the angle of the sun at the location of the photovoltaic system throughout the year on an hour by hour basis as well as the angles of the panels. The Board of Supervisors recently adopted rules governing ground-mounted systems requiring that they be no larger than 500 square feet and not be placed in a front yard. In the last three years, the township has issued permits for about 10 residential solar systems and one solar farm.

Source: Daily Local; 8/18/2010

Plans forthcoming for NVF site in Kennett Square

The NVF industrial site’s future awaits a plan to address its various environmental issues. Abandoned for years, the former industrial site was recently bought by the Delaware Valley Development Corp.  Borough Manager Brant Kucera said owner George Beer’s plans for the site will likely arrive before borough officials soon. Kucera said earlier plans for the site included a traditional neighborhood layout of age-restricted housing with townhomes and single-family dwellings. He said officials also discussed a commercial or municipal component, including a community center and shops.

Source: Daily Local; 8/16/2010

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The Chris & Caleb Team Assessment: More of the same, Move up Sellers/Buyers have opportunity…

We are pretty optimistic guys, and while the July stats are not “Doom and Gloom”, it definitely ain’t pretty either! Let’s take a look. . .

PENDINGS:

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Pending indicates future closed sales. We at the Chris & Caleb Team refer to this as “Intended Demand”. Pending stats continue to climb out of the incredible hole that the tax credit put it in. Pendings grew to the 350 mark in July, but as you can see, it is still a good way away from where the 5 year trend is and even last years numbers. So, while it is a good sign that pendings are increasing, they are still way off the norm, indicating a slower than usual market.

CLOSED SALES:

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Closed Sales or “Demand” for homes in July was way down. We have been warning of this for the last several months after we saw the pendings drop off after the end of the tax credit. It was only a matter of time before the drop caught up with actual closed transactions. Closed sales were off almost a WHOPPING 40%! But, as we have seen in Pending Sales indicators, this number will most likely not stay down that far for long. We feel strongly the rest of 2010 will most likely be off by about 20% or more in closed sales.

ACTIVE LISTINGS/SUPPLY:

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This number is the probably the most concerning of all the numbers we see. Right now the number of homes for sale is roughly 12% over what the 5 year trend is, and easily the most we have seen in recent history. Economics 101 – Demand slows, supply increases – it means prices come down and everything slows down. With recent news that experts say that the 2011 economy is going to be worse than this years, these numbers are not good. Buckle up folks, as if things are tough already, it’s gonna get tougher.

AVERAGE SOLD PRICE:

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The average sold price is much more of an indicator as to what price range is selling than it is of what our homes are worth in Chester County. It appears that in July, higher end homes were the hot ticket item. We believe this was driven by “Move Up” seller/buyers who were selling their “First time home buyer” homes to Tax Credit buyers and then looking for a larger, move up home. In addition, interest rates have been extremely attractive for higher end buyers who have been on the fence, just waiting for such a time. It is very likely that August’s numbers will rejoin 2009′s numbers.

What Does This Mean?

For Sellers: Unfortunately, nothing new for seller’s. Not to be a broken record, but if you don’t have to sell, you probably shouldn’t. We will say this, one type of home owner that would greatly benefit from selling right now would be what we call a “MOVE UP SELLER/BUYER”. This is someone who has outgrown their current home for one reason or another and wants to buy a larger house. While you won’t get as much for you home as a few years ago, the same goes for the home you want to buy, if not more so. If your home’s value has declined 5% in the last several years, you can be that the larger home that you want is even more on sale. Plus 5% at $200k vs 5% at $400k is quite a difference. Factor in the incredibly low interest rates (4.5% conventional) and this could be the deal of the century. If you are considering selling your home but don’t think you can get enough for it, please contact us. We can get you the insight and advice you need to make the best decision possible. We expect the market to be “depressed” for another several years, possibly as many as 4 or 5. But that also means that what you are going to buy will be “on sale” as well. You may make out better now, than you would in several years. But to know that for sure, let us get you the facts and information you need to make that educated decision.

For Buyers: For those lucky few who are qualified and ready to buy, this in an incredible time to do so. Mortgage rates are historically low at 4.5% for 30 yr conv. or 3.8% for 15 year fixed. With inventory going up, seller’s will have more and more competition which means their prices will have to come down. BUT – you must make sure you align yourself with the right agent. We are confident that we are those agents. To know what your next steps are just get in contact with us!

Next Steps:

• What Is My Home Worth? Want to get a good idea of what your home is worth? Complete my Home Value Survey and find out what your Chester County Home is worth. . .
• What Is That Home Selling For? “Stop the car, honey … look at that house. I wonder what it’s selling for” Does this ever happen to you? Ever wonder what that house is selling for? Search and view all homes for sale in the Chester County area
• What do I need to know before I sell? Typically when a home does not sell, there is one reason…and it isn’t price. Please contact me to discuss what you need to know before you sell!

BTW, We do have very specific data for every price range and area of town. Want specific data pertaining to your neighborhood or your own home? We have it! Please let me know if you would like a neighborhood-specific analysis by contacting me!

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After a year’s moratorium on registration charges for vacant properties, Coatesville City officials plan to discuss reinstating the registration fee during council’s regular meeting Monday. Two years ago, the city passed an ordinance requiring the owners of a vacant property to register it with the city. The cost for registration is $250, but last year, the city voted to waive the fee. In addition, according to Karl Marking, city council vice president, some concerns arose regarding how fairly the statute was administered. A vacant property is defined as one in which no one resides for more than 60 days, but city officials have acknowledged that legitimate reasons may exist for a property to be empty. The ordinance may be amended after council discusses it. Damalier Molina, urban planning and codes director, is hoping that the fee will be reinstated, partly to help pay for a new codes enforcement officer. Molina estimated 125 to 200 properties are vacant in the city. The primary purpose of the registration is to make it easier for the city to hold property owners accountable, officials said. Suburban REALTORS Alliance staff is meeting with the Coatesville codes department early next week; please submit any comments to esmist@suburbanrealtorsalliance.com.

Source: Daily Local; 8/8/2010

Residents ask Phoenixville to maintain street trees

The Phoenixville Shade Tree Commission heard from nearly 20 residents regarding trimming issues and the possibility of the borough turning tree trimming back over to homeowners. Commission member Paul Kusko told the audience that the borough is dealing with budget issues. Currently, by ordinance, the Borough of Phoenixville is responsible for the care and maintenance of regulated street trees, including the removal of those that are dead, dying, and/or hazardous. Amid tough budget conditions this is one borough service that is being considered for termination for the upcoming fiscal year. This would shift the responsibility of the maintenance and removal of regulated street trees back to the homeowners of properties abutting the right-of-way where the trees are located. Over the past four years the borough has been spending $40,000 to $80,000 per year on regulated street tree maintenance and removals.

Source: Daily Local; 8/11/2010

Hearings scheduled on Coatesville water rate hike

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission said Friday it has scheduled two hearings to receive public comment on the proposed rate increase by Pennsylvania American Water Co. Coatesville Wastewater Operations. The meetings will be held at 1 p.m. on August 24 in Council Chambers of Coatesville’s City Hall and at 7 p.m. on August 24 at Rainbow Elementary School (1113 W. Lincoln Highway).  More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us. Coatesville’s Wastewater Operations provides service to about 6,035 customers in the city of Coatesville, Parkesburg Borough and West Sadsbury, East Fallowfield, Caln, West Caln, West Brandywine, Valley, Sadsbury and Highland townships. Members of the public are invited to attend the hearings and provide comments. Customer testimony will become part of the record on which the utility commission will issue its final decision.

Source: Daily Local; 8/6/2010

Tredyffrin to consider regulating student rental housing

The Tredyffrin Board of Supervisors will consider two ordinances that would regulate student rental housing in the township at their August 16 public meeting. A proposed property registration ordinance for student rental housing would require the registration of student contact information with the township. The ordinance places a limitation on the number of student tenants living in a home to three. It also provides for minimum distances between student homes. The Suburban REALTORS Alliance has been closely monitoring the progress of this ordinance. Click here to read the summary for each ordinance.  Please contact esmist@suburbanrealtorsalliance.com with any questions or comments.

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Slip ramp approved for Turnpike, Route 29

Chester County will finally get its slip ramp, an all-electronic interchange linking Route 29 in Great Valley with the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The announcement was made Wednesday at a gathering of state, county and township officials, transportation experts and the developers who have hundreds of millions of dollars invested in local corporate and retail parks. Located midway between the Downingtown exit (#312) and the Valley Forge exit (#326), the new ramp will provide access to and from such business parks as the Great Valley Corporate Center, the Commons at Great Valley, Atwater and the newly opened Uptown Worthington. Each day about 45,000 to 50,000 vehicles travel the 14-mile stretch of turnpike between Downingtown and Valley Forge, Brimmeier said. By 2025, Turnpike studies estimate 150,000 vehicles a day will use that stretch.

Source:  Daily Local; 8/5/2010

East, West Marlborough and Newlin develop regional plan

Three townships in the southwestern part of Chester County are developing a regional comprehensive plan with the goal of preserving agriculture and managing growth. The three townships, East Marlborough, West Marlborough and Newlin, formed an ad hoc regional planning taskforce in the spring of 2009. A draft copy of the Unionville Area Regional Comprehensive Plan was recently posted on East Marlborough‘s website.  The proposed plan will be a roadmap for conserving the area‘s natural resources and directing future development and growth in areas that are already developed and business corridors. East Marlborough Township Manager Jane Laslo said Wednesday that the regional planning taskforce hoped to have a public meeting on the draft plan by the end of the year and adopt a plan by mid-2011.

Source: Daily Local; 8/4/2010

West Chester University outlines plans for expansion of student housing

West Chester University officials told local residents that the university plans to expand its student housing operation. Officials said the university just spent $4.2 million to buy College Arms, student housing at High and Rosedale that had been privately owned. Officials said the university will renovate the building and reopen it in 2011. And officials said the university plans to add 240 beds to University Village, university-owned student housing on South Campus in East Bradford. University officials also said $500,000 has been spent to acquire a property at 624 S. High St. for offices. These announcements made some residents uneasy at the university’s Monday night community update meeting. Some said they had been under the impression that the university did not plan to grow its student population. Residents also said they were concerned about the university’s acquisition of College Arms and 624 S. High St. Both of these properties are outside the “superblock,” the area bounded by Rosedale Avenue and New, High and Sharpless streets that traditionally form the border of North Campus. Residents said the university’s recent purchases appear to signal that the university intends to expand beyond the superblock and into borough neighborhoods.

Source: Daily Local; 8/3/2010

Eastern Shore Natural Gas Co. to expand its pipeline

Another natural gas company is expanding its pipeline in the county. Eastern Shore Natural Gas Company, which transports natural gas to customers in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania, has a plan to construct a 16-inch diameter pipeline about 8.3 miles through Lancaster and Chester counties. The new pipeline through West Sadsbury and Salisbury townships will extend Eastern Shore‘s pipeline from Parkesburg to a point west of Honeybrook Borough.

Source: Daily Local; 8/2/2010

DASD forges plan to cut debt

The Downingtown Area School District has crafted a plan to reduce its debt service and how much it pays annually in interest. The district received a Qualified School Construction Bond for $28.3 million in June that is part of the federal stimulus package. The bond is interest free and is appropriated for the district’s new projects — the third middle school, scheduled to open in 2012, and the STEM Academy, slated to open in 2011. During a finance committee meeting Wednesday, Chief Financial Officer Richard Fazio said the district had been saving money for those projects and has some cash on hand; however, he noted that the interest-free bonds are very appealing. Therefore, the district will utilize the QSCB to pay for the construction and use the cash to pay off some of its other debt services that have interest payments.

Source: Daily Local; 7/30/2010

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June saw a 23.6 percent increase in the sale of new homes, but that followed a record low in May and is still 16.7 percent below the figures for the sale of new homes in June 2009. At the peak of the housing boom in 2005, 1.28 million new homes were sold in a year. At the current rate, it is expected that 330,000 new homes will be sold by the end of 2010.

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 7/27/10

State grants municipalities stormwater rules extension

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has granted municipalities a nine-month extension for stormwater management plans. The plans were originally to be submitted by September 10 and were to detail how each municipality would deal with stormwater runoff and the resulting pollution and erosion. Local municipalities were concerned over the expense of the mandates and, led by Montgomery Township, formed the Southeastern Pennsylvania Stormwater Coalition. The coalition hopes to make the stormwater standards more affordable for municipalities.

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 7/28/10 & Times Herald; 7/20/10

Kennett debates adding 2 supervisors

Kennett Township supervisors are considering increasing the number of elected municipal officials from three to five. During the public comment period at Monday’s meeting, Supervisor Tom Nale reported that a petition is circulating to assess residents’ interest in a referendum to increase the number of supervisors from three to five. A petition is necessary to determine whether this is an issue that Kennett residents believe is worthy of turning into a referendum on which the township electorate would vote.
Source: Daily Local; 7/26/2010

New Garden begins gearing up for Baltimore Pike Corridor Study

The New Garden Township Board of Supervisors recently appointed Vice Chairman Bob Perrotti to serve as their representative on the Baltimore Pike Corridor Study Steering Committee. They also appointed Township Manager Dan Fox and Director of Planning and Projects Spence Andress to serve on the committee that will begin meeting in September. The goal of the group will be to study Baltimore Pike from East Marlborough to Avondale and determine long-term plans. The other municipalities will also name representatives.

Source: Chester County Press; 7/21/2010

East Goshen Township cuts its meeting schedule

East Goshen Township supervisors decided Tuesday to eliminate workshops that normally precede their regular meetings. The workshops are generally held in a small conference room next to the large meeting room at 7 p.m. Then at 8 p.m. the board adjourns the workshop and moves into the meeting room for its regular meeting. Supervisors Chairman Senya Isayeff recommended the board eliminate workshops and just have the regular meeting because much of the discussion on various issues takes place in the workshops.

Source: Daily Local; 7/25/2010

Sewer rates expected to rise in Penn Township

Penn Township supervisors recently discussed an increase in sewage rates. The increase is a necessary response to new sewer regulations that will require improvements to the existing system, as well as increased repair costs due to unwanted materials entering the sewer system. Items such as grease and disposable diapers being flushed into the system are being blamed for ruining sewer pumps. Supervisors have determined that the increase will be based upon usage, which will encourage people to conserve water. Rates are expected to increase by next quarter.

Source: Avon Grove Sun; 7/28/10

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The Tredyffrin Board of Supervisors will consider two ordinances that would regulate student rental housing in the township at their August 16 public meeting. A proposed property registration ordinance for student rental housing would require landlords to file contact information with the township. Also, the proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment establishes a new use that the ordinance will regulate termed “Student Home”; and permits this use in the R- ½, R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 zoning districts by special exception approval. Special exception approval means that the use, in each instance, needs to be approved by the Tredyffrin Township Zoning Hearing Board. The ordinance places a limitation on the number of student tenants living in the student home to three. It also provides for minimum distances between student homes. The Suburban REALTORS Alliance has been closely monitoring the progress of this ordinance. Please contact esmist@suburbanrealtorsalliance.com with any questions or comments.

No easy fix for Penn’s sewer issues

Penn Township Supervisors discussed the inevitable sewer fee rate increases. Board Chairman Curtis Mason explained in addition to the required 537 (sewer) plan, which will cost $2.3 million, there are a number of unfunded mandates by DEP –such as constructing additional lagoons and upgrading pumps.  There are also issues with foreign objects in the sewer system, and the township is imploring residents not to use garbage disposals at all. While the increases have not yet been calculated, the new rates will be reflected in the next quarter’s bills for both commercial and residential customers.

Source: Chester County Press; 7/14/10

West Chester officials fret over vacant building in disrepair

West Chester Borough Council unanimously agreed Tuesday night to take legal action against the owners of a vacant building at 16 E. Gay St., in the heart of the borough’s business district. Borough officials said the building’s owner has allowed the building to fall into disrepair. Council members said they will take whatever legal action is necessary to assure the property is repaired. The building has been vacant for an extended period of time, and the property owners cannot prove that it does not pose a threat to health and safety. Officials said the building’s owner has not allowed the codes department to inspect the inside of the building. In June, the codes department started issuing citations to the owners.

Source: Daily Local; 7/20/10

Workshops to highlight community resources in Coatesville area

More than a dozen organizations were represented during the launch of a series of nine free summer workshops that will provide information to homeowners and renters who are in financial trouble — or trying to avoid it. The series of programs, “Help Yourself, Help Your Neighbor: Get Informed!”, will include information on mortgage foreclosure prevention, home weatherization options, employment and training, and credit counseling. The workshops will also provide opportunities for customers to better understand and manage their water and energy bills. Many of the representatives said renters and homeowners have options to improve their properties that many people are unaware exist. The first program, on budgeting and money management, will begin at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 24, at 800 S. First Ave., South Coatesville. A complete list of programs is available at www.chesco.org/helpyourself19320; or residents can call 610-344-6900 for more information.

Source: Daily Local; 7/18/10

Neighbors join in Coatesville revitalization effort

With cleanup efforts such as Coatesville Impact Day, held on the morning of July 17 along West Lincoln Highway, residents are banding together to clean their city and return pride to their neighborhoods in the process. The committee that is responsible for this effort, Weed and Seed, according to the city’s Web site, is a “community-based initiative … an innovative and comprehensive multi-agency approach to law enforcement, crime prevention and community revitalization.” Coatesville has been designated both a state and federal Weed and Seed site, and it can receive funding as a result. The Weed and Seed subcommittee will host its next meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 29, in City Hall.

Source: Daily Local; 7/18/10

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West Bradford Township‘s Marshallton Streetscapes project has hit another major snag as a group of village residents are opposed to the current design saying that it will adversely impact the historic fabric and preservation of the village. The group says, in a flyer distributed to households in the village: ”If we can‘t work together with the supervisors, representatives and PennDOT to affect a plan that addresses at a minimum these issues, then it is better for the plan to be cancelled than to get implemented as it currently stands.” Some of the issues they are referring to are plans for a 26-foot wide road, five-foot wide sidewalks and handicapped ramps. The township, meanwhile, is fighting the clock to try and meet all the requirements to get $2 million in federal funds to pay for the Streetscapes project.

Source: Daily Local; 7/12/10

Spring City considers updating sewer plan

The Spring City Sewer Committee has recommended updating and revising the borough’s 537 sewer plan. The plan was last updated in 1969, and the borough currently cannot approve any new developments. The committee has also suggested entering into a joint municipal sewer authority with East Vincent Township. East Vincent currently has 300,000 gallons of unused capacity per day. The borough may apply for state and federal grants after the 537 plan has been developed.

Source: Pottstown Mercury; 7/12/10

Tax burden still highest in Oxford municipalities

A review of the cumulative millage rates in Southern Chester County shows that residents of Oxford area municipalities have the heaviest tax burden. However, because the Oxford Area School District Board of Directors managed to deliver a budget for the 2010-2011 school year that did not raise the millage rate from last year’s level of 29.5479 mills, the gap narrowed between Oxford municipalities and other townships in the last 12 months. Oxford Borough’s municipal tax rate of 10.50 mills is the highest of any municipality in the county, topping the City of Coatesville (8.915 mills) and Parkesburg (8 mills). Add in the still comparably lofty school taxes in the Oxford Area School District, and Oxford Borough residents actually have the second highest tax burden—44.0129 mills—of any municipality in the area. Parkesburg, with a cumulative 47.0850 mills leads the way, thanks to a high school tax rate required to support the Octorara School District. The common denominator for both school districts is a relatively weak commercial tax base to help support the burden of property taxes.

Source: Chester County Press; 7/7/10

Uwchlan reviews comprehensive land-use plan changes

Uwchlan Township supervisors next month will likely adopt revisions without major zoning ordinance changes to the comprehensive land-use plan that was last updated in 2000. Bob Smiley, an outside consultant hired by the township to update the plan, told the board on Monday night during a public hearing that it is not recommended that any parcels in the township be changed from one zoning district to another. The township has 1,800 acres of protected land, which is equivalent to 27 percent of its total land. The township has 3,100 acres, or 46 percent, of land, for residential uses. About 60 acres are left for low-density housing, which could add about 60 dwellings. Additionally, the township has about 181 acres available for medium-density housing developments, which could produce about 116 homes. More than 10 percent of the land in the township is occupied by commercial property. The township also has 32 acres of commercial property left that could yield about 100,000 square feet of space. Additionally, the township has 490 acres of industrial/commercial property available for development.

Source: Daily Local; 7/14/10

Oxford updates sidewalk upgrades

Traffic lanes are tightened, and finding a sidewalk in the business district can be a challenge as Oxford progresses with its major streetscape project on South Third Street. On July 12, Borough Council approved a fourth payment of $90,987 to Flyway Excavating for the project. Funding for the $1.5 million streetscape improvements includes $1.3 million from the Chester County Department of Community Development. The project replaces 17 old streetlights with 39 new ones in a Victorian style that matches the architecture of the downtown. In addition to new lighting, new sidewalks are being put in place with “bump outs” to help define pedestrian crossings. Foot traffic through the business district is a challenge, but that has not stopped a few new businesses from entering the borough.

Source: Daily Local; 7/14/10

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The West Pikeland Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to have its Act 537 plan for public sewage in the Pickering Estates development reviewed by various agencies and the public. The West Pikeland planning commission, the Chester County planning commission and the county health department must all review the plan and provide feedback. The Act 537 plan is now in working draft form and has outlined the construction of a new facility at the Windolph Knoll site, near the intersection of Route 401 and Upper Pine Creek Road. According to the plan, the soils on that site have been tested and are approved for a drip irrigation system. Beyond the Windolph Knoll site, the 537 plan outlines two other options that were analyzed by the township. Those sites could still be a possibility, but several factors would have to change to make them more attractive. The plan is for 64 homes located in Pickering Estates, which is east of Route 113. There are other affected homes, but they are located on lots that are larger than two acres and have ample space to relocate their on-lot septic systems, according to the plan. The plan states that the Windoplh Knoll project will cost each affected customer about $28,000. The 537 plan also stipulates that the township will pass a sewage management program that includes proper inspections for the upkeep of septic systems.

Source: Daily Local; 7/1/2010

From bare-bones to lavish, township buildings run the gamut in Chester County

In the world of municipal buildings, West Marlborough’s township building would take the prize for the most bare-bones municipal complex in the county. The township doesn’t own any land, doesn’t have a Web site, and holds its board of supervisors meetings in its maintenance building next to the dump truck. Over in Pocopson Township, the philosophy is to keep things small, said former Supervisor H. William Sellers. The township has about 3,300 residents but it is estimated that half of those are in institutions such as Pocopson Home and the Chester County Prison and juvenile facility. The township doesn’t have a township manager, just a township administrator and treasurer. Public meetings and administrative functions are conducted in an old public works garage off of Route 52.  At the other end of the spectrum, West Whiteland recently opened a new $16.8 million township building. The 33,000-square-foot building sits on 8.9 acres that was given to the township by the developer of Main Street at Exton.

Source: Daily Local; 7/4/2010

East Caln Township approves plan for homes in park

East Caln Township supervisors Monday unanimously approved a proposed development for 70 multi-family homes on about seven acres in Kardon Park. Progressive Housing Ventures proposed to develop a portion of the park that is not currently part of litigation before the Orphan’s Court. The court is still deciding whether Downingtown can sell Kardon Park for private development. The matter was reviewed during nine hearings over the course of approximately eight months. One reason for the long process was the proposed development’s detractors, including Ann Feldman, president of the Friends of Kardon Park. Feldman was given party status in the hearings but her group was not. Afterward, she said the decision “was expected.”

Source: Daily Local; 7/3/2010

Oxford Borough to consider zoning change to regulate open space in HOAs

Oxford Borough Council will conduct a public hearing to consider the enactment of an ordinance amending the existing Borough Zoning ordinance regarding the permanent protection of open space. The proposed borough regulations provide for the maintenance and accessibility of open space within a condominium or homeowners association. The meeting will take place on July 19 at 7 p.m. in the Oxford Borough building (410 East Market Street).

Source: Daily Local; 7/1/2010

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