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Chester County Real Estate news for June 6th, 2011 Comments Off

Tredyffrin-Easttown budget plan includes property tax hike

Tredyffrin/Easttown School District property owners may soon see a property tax increase of up to 3.77 percent. For homeowners, this would mean an average increase of $171 in property taxes, generating $3.2 million in revenue for the district. The proposed final budget was adopted by the school board on May 9, but the board is still evaluating other cost-saving options. The final budget presentation is slated to be voted on by the board at 7:30 p.m. on June 6 at Conestoga High School. The proposed final budget can be publicly viewed on the district’s website here.

Source: Daily Local; 5/31/2011

No tax hike for Oxford Area

Property owners in the Oxford Area School District will avoid a school property tax hike this year and keep their school buses. The real estate tax rate will remain at 29.5479 mills. During the budget adoption process, one of the biggest objections from the public arose over a proposal to eliminate busing for students living in Oxford Borough, but school officials found the necessary $135,000 to avoid that possibility. One policy change adopted by the school board adjusts the fees for sports participation to $75 at the high school and $50 at Penn’s Grove School. Parking permits for high school students are now $50.

Source: Daily Local; 5/29/2011

Penn Township making progress on Comprehensive Plan

Penn Township’s Comprehensive Plan task force presented an update to the public. Penn is the fastest growing township in the county. In 2010 there were 5,400 residents in the Township; that number is projected to be 7,100 by 2030. The task force is seeking public involvement throughout the process, and updates and future meetings will be placed on the Township’s website here.

Source: Chester County Press; 5/25/2011

Tredyffrin Easttown seeks tax study group volunteers

The Tredyffrin/Easttown School Board is seeking interested residents of Tredyffrin and Easttown townships to join a citizen Tax Study Group. The citizens group will study the effects that an Earned Income Tax (EIT) would have on the School District and its residents. Following its study, Tax Study Group members will present the pros and cons of an EIT to the school board and community. Tax Study Group members must be willing to present information at one or two televised meetings. The Tax Study Group will meet up to eight times in September and October 2011. Click here to access the application.

West Chester council approves creation of Ad-Hoc committee

West Chester Borough Council voted to approve an ordinance that would create the West Chester Citizens Financial Advisory Ad-hoc Committee. The borough is currently accepting applications from borough residents for the seven-member committee, which was created in an attempt to give the borough’s financial issues a fresh set of eyes. The committee’s term is set to expire Dec. 31, but could be extended to March 31 of next year. Council members said the committee will be modeled on East Goshen’s Township Advisory Group, which helped the township turn a budget deficit into a budget surplus. Borough Council is set to interview candidates for the new committee on June 14 and 15. Residents interested in applying for a committee position should contact Borough Manager Ernie McNeely or Council President Holly Brown.

Source: Daily Local; 5/27/2011

Nominations for the WC Historic Preservation Awards
Nominations for the West Chester Historic Preservation Awards are being accepted through July 1, 2011. There will be three award categories: Bricks and Mortar for construction projects; Preservation Service for educational and advocacy projects; and West Chester Preservationist for long-term or far-reaching contributions to the preservation of West Chester. Help recognize the individuals and projects that have enhanced West Chester’s historic integrity by submitting a nomination! Click here for a copy of the Nomination Form.

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Posted on: 06-7-2011
Posted in: Chester County, News

Chester County Real Estate News: June 6th, 2011 Comments Off

Tredyffrin-Easttown budget plan includes property tax hike

Tredyffrin/Easttown School District property owners may soon see a property tax increase of up to 3.77 percent. For homeowners, this would mean an average increase of $171 in property taxes, generating $3.2 million in revenue for the district. The proposed final budget was adopted by the school board on May 9, but the board is still evaluating other cost-saving options. The final budget presentation is slated to be voted on by the board at 7:30 p.m. on June 6 at Conestoga High School. The proposed final budget can be publicly viewed on the district’s website here.

Source: Daily Local; 5/31/2011

No tax hike for Oxford Area

Property owners in the Oxford Area School District will avoid a school property tax hike this year and keep their school buses. The real estate tax rate will remain at 29.5479 mills. During the budget adoption process, one of the biggest objections from the public arose over a proposal to eliminate busing for students living in Oxford Borough, but school officials found the necessary $135,000 to avoid that possibility. One policy change adopted by the school board adjusts the fees for sports participation to $75 at the high school and $50 at Penn’s Grove School. Parking permits for high school students are now $50.

Source: Daily Local; 5/29/2011

Penn Township making progress on Comprehensive Plan

Penn Township’s Comprehensive Plan task force presented an update to the public. Penn is the fastest growing township in the county. In 2010 there were 5,400 residents in the Township; that number is projected to be 7,100 by 2030. The task force is seeking public involvement throughout the process, and updates and future meetings will be placed on the Township’s website here.

Source: Chester County Press; 5/25/2011

Tredyffrin Easttown seeks tax study group volunteers

The Tredyffrin/Easttown School Board is seeking interested residents of Tredyffrin and Easttown townships to join a citizen Tax Study Group. The citizens group will study the effects that an Earned Income Tax (EIT) would have on the School District and its residents. Following its study, Tax Study Group members will present the pros and cons of an EIT to the school board and community. Tax Study Group members must be willing to present information at one or two televised meetings. The Tax Study Group will meet up to eight times in September and October 2011. Click here to access the application.

West Chester council approves creation of Ad-Hoc committee

West Chester Borough Council voted to approve an ordinance that would create the West Chester Citizens Financial Advisory Ad-hoc Committee. The borough is currently accepting applications from borough residents for the seven-member committee, which was created in an attempt to give the borough’s financial issues a fresh set of eyes. The committee’s term is set to expire Dec. 31, but could be extended to March 31 of next year. Council members said the committee will be modeled on East Goshen’s Township Advisory Group, which helped the township turn a budget deficit into a budget surplus. Borough Council is set to interview candidates for the new committee on June 14 and 15. Residents interested in applying for a committee position should contact Borough Manager Ernie McNeely or Council President Holly Brown.

Source: Daily Local; 5/27/2011

Nominations for the WC Historic Preservation Awards
Nominations for the West Chester Historic Preservation Awards are being accepted through July 1, 2011. There will be three award categories: Bricks and Mortar for construction projects; Preservation Service for educational and advocacy projects; and West Chester Preservationist for long-term or far-reaching contributions to the preservation of West Chester. Help recognize the individuals and projects that have enhanced West Chester’s historic integrity by submitting a nomination! Click here for a copy of the Nomination Form.

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Posted on: 06-4-2011
Posted in: Chester County, News

Chester County Real Estate News: May 31, 2011 Comments Off

Tredyffrin supervisors hear Paoli Plan, approve historic overlay district

The Tredyffrin Township Board of Supervisors heard a description of a walkability-improvement plan for Paoli. The Paoli Plan, backed by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, proposes fixing and filling in sidewalk gaps that will eventually give Paoli a more walkable downtown and also connect it to the Chester Valley Trail to promote non-motorized connections between Upper Main Line communities and work and recreation areas along the Great Valley. The plan identifies areas in Paoli where people are walking and are likely to walk so that discontinued sidewalks, narrow and highly traveled roads without pedestrian or bike lanes and pedestrian stairs can be corrected and the improved areas integrated into a “town-center streetscape.” Three priority areas and seven gap areas are identified in the plan. Connections to the bike trail to the north concentrate on how bicyclists can safely negotiate Cedar Hollow and North Valley roads to get in and out of Paoli. The Supervisors also approved an ordinance creating new regulations for historic preservation that would allow a “historic overlay district” enabling properties with historical significance in the township to be better protected from development.

Source: Main Line Suburban Life; 5/25/2011

 

More approvals needed for Oxford sewer authority’s loan

Financing improvements for the Oxford Area Sewer Authority received another setback as the authority prepares to return to its member municipalities for more approvals to obtain a loan. The authority has a $17 million loan pending from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to cover the cost of upcoming construction projects, but the authority will not receive the cash for three years, when the work is completed. Oxford Borough and East Nottingham, West Nottingham and Lower Oxford townships have all agreed to the terms of the Department of Agriculture loan under which each would be responsible for a portion of the loan with shares based on the number of sewer users in each municipality if the authority fails. The municipalities are also required to have mandatory sewer connection ordinances that require any new construction within 150 feet of a sewer main to be connected.

Source: Daily Local; 5/23/2011

 

East King Street development aims to bring urban-style cool to Malvern

For years, Malvern was a quick stop on SEPTA’s Paoli/Thorndale Line, removed from traffic-clogged Route 30 down the hill. Developers David Della Porta and Eli Kahn are embarking on a soon-to-be-constructed project to make over the main drag of East King Street into a four-story wall of urban-style cool, with coffee shops, sidewalk bistros, and trendy retailers topped by 190 upscale apartments. They see the development, to be completed in early 2013, as a magnet for young workers in the Route 202 corridor and older empty nesters looking to downsize. Kahn and Della Porta’s $35 million project could be a game-changer. Plans call for 210,000 square feet of retail, roughly doubling the size of the downtown, plus underground parking and 5,000 square feet of office space. The developers aim to begin construction this fall. Malvern officials are enthusiastic about the new development. Borough Council President Woody Van Sciver called it the “future of the community.”

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 5/22/2011

 

Penn Township supervisors support plans for offices

Penn Township supervisors are lending their support to a proposed project near the intersection of Routes 1 and 796 while considering denying another in the same area. The supervisors voted unanimously to send a letter of support to the township’s zoning hearing board for a proposed medical office building. The developers are requesting three variances at a zoning hearing scheduled for June 16. They are seeking relief from the maximum height and maximum square footage restrictions as well as parking spaces narrower than required in township ordinances. Meanwhile, township engineer Scott Allen is advising the supervisors to deny the preliminary land development plan for RE @ Jennersville. The plan has been extended multiple times, but items in a 19-page letter of concerns from the engineer have not been addressed.

Source: Daily Local; 5/21/2011

 

West Brandywine Township supervisors vow to improve their behavior

West Brandywine Township supervisors argued with residents for the second consecutive meeting last Thursday. On May 5, an argument began when Ed Pristernik, who was running for election at the time, questioned the board about decisions made more than 10 years ago and Supervisor Tom McCaffery took exception to the questioning. McCaffery reportedly called Pristernik names, and the two engaged in a shouting match. McCaffery said he has made a public apology published May 9 in the Daily Local News. He said he also e-mailed an apology to Ed Pristernik. McCaffery did apologize on Thursday but noted “no argument takes place without two people.” Ed Pristernik asked if the board had a code of conduct. The officials said they were unaware of one, so Pristernik asked that one be put in place. The discussion prompted other residents to say that the board has a habit of dealing with residents in a rude or hostile manner.

Source: Daily Local; 5/23/2011

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Posted on: 05-31-2011
Posted in: Chester County, News

Chester County Real Estate News: May 16, 2011 Comments Off

East Vincent, Downingtown receive water-sewer grants

The East Vincent Municipal Authority and the Downingtown Municipal Water Authority will receive $882,330 in total state funding for improvements to water and sewer treatment plants. The grants are as follows:

  • The East Vincent Municipal Authority will receive $815,660 to assist with improvements to the Veterans Center plant to meet new federal effluent standards for the reduction of potential environmental damage to the receiving water body.
  • The Downingtown Municipal Water Authority will receive $66,670 to replace aging and corroded pipelines and install an advanced oxidation system at the water treatment plant.

The grants come as part of $172 million in total state funding that the Commonwealth Finance Authority recently approved to fund 160 water infrastructure projects throughout the state through its H2O Pennsylvania Program.

Source: Daily Times; 5/11/2011

 

YMCA leaves Kennett development organization

A $30 million community-based initiative designed to enhance and strengthen Kennett Square was dealt a severe setback when the Kennett Area YMCA announced it was withdrawing from the Kennett Area Community Development organization. Denise Day, president and CEO of the YMCA of the Brandywine Valley, said the Kennett Y could not wait the five to 10 years it would take to get the Gateway Project off the ground. The Gateway Project involves a partnership with the Kennett Area YMCA, the Bayard Taylor Memorial Library, the Kennett Area Park Authority and the borough. The massive revitalization plan would beautify and add buildings to the Anson B. Nixon Park, expand the Kennett YMCA and library, add a parking garage and allow for a walkway that would join the Y and the library to the park. Kennett Area Community Development organization will now have to change its strategy which will involve a scaled-down project that may not generate the kinds of federal and state grants KACD was hoping to obtain to get the project off the ground.

Source: Daily Local; 5/10/2011

 

Downingtown school district approves preliminary budget

The Downingtown Area School District’s preliminary budget, which includes a 2.35 percent tax increase, has been approved. The budget, originally proposed with a 2.5 percent tax increase, states that all salary increases will be eliminated, with the exception of a 4.25 percent increase for the teamsters union employees, which was previously agreed upon in their contracts. The budget also proposes participation fees, in response to parents’ and students’ comments during April’s board meeting. The budget also proposes $75 parking fees for high school students who drive themselves to school.

Source: Daily Times; 5/6/2011

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Posted on: 05-16-2011
Posted in: Chester County, News

Chester County Real Estate News: May 9, 2011 Comments Off

Charlestown Township tables sign ordinance

The Charlestown Board of Supervisors opted to table proposed zoning changes that would impact signage within the township. The supervisors agreed to consider amending the ordinance to allow for greater latitude in the required verbiage for open house directionals. The supervisors also requested an expanded restriction for open house signs in Penndot right-of-ways. The Suburban REALTORS Alliance communicated the importance of open house directional signs to the success of open house events. Several supervisors expressed concern regarding small number of agents who have been reported to the township for refusing to remove signs from private property after requests made by the property owners. As always, REALTORS are encouraged to check the municipal database at the SRA website and follow the rules of the municipality before placing any signs. If none exist, common sense and courtesy must prevail or the consequence could hurt your ability to do business. We will continue to monitor the sign ordinance issue in Charlestown.

 

Easttown planners consider townhome project sewer capacity issues

The Easttown Township Planning Commission has expressed concerns about the lack of sewer capacity for a proposed townhome development at 26 Main Ave. Assistant township manager Mike Brown explained that Easttown is part of the fragile and overtaxed Valley Forge Sewer Authority, which is experiencing multiple maintenance and capacity issues. Easttown has six pump stations, including one that is currently offline for repairs and modernization, and four more awaiting similar work.  Brown noted Easttown residents have already absorbed a 4-percent increase in sewer rates as of January, and more funding will be necessary to complete system-wide repairs.

T/E School Board Finance Committee rejects teachers’ pay-freeze offer

The Tredyffrin/Easttown School Board’s finance committee has rejected a pay-freeze offer put forward by the local teachers union. The school board is instead pursuing a salary waiver agreement that would effectively end the teachers’ contract and erase the final year’s raises and teachers’ vertical movement on the district salary scale. District business manager Art McDonnell explained that over five years, the waiver plan would save the district more money, around $15 million by 2015-16, assuming that salaries remained flat until then. During other related business on the agenda, an earned income tax (EIT) proposal was discussed, with the board loosely agreeing to make it a part of budget discussions for 2011-12. Any EIT must be approved by a ballot referendum.

Source: Main Line Suburban Life; 5/4/2011

 

After a decade of growth, Kennett Square prepares for the future

Kennett Square’s population grew by 15% percent between 2000 and 2010, according to U.S. Census figures. The borough changed dramatically in terms of housing over the last decade. In 2000, the median sale price for a home was $118,000. Ten years later, the median sale price had increased to $215,000. The borough also gained 117 housing units in that time. With several major redevelopment projects in the works over the next 10 years, efforts are underway to prepare for even more growth.  The details of the plan are available at www.chesco.org/planning/kennett. The next meeting of the planning commission will take place on May 11 at 7:30.

Source: Chester County Press; 4/20/2011

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Posted on: 05-9-2011
Posted in: Chester County, News

Chester County Real Estate Statistics: April 2011 Comments Off

Click to Enlarge

Never a dull moment…

Last month it seemed as if someone had switched on the spring markets. Sticking with that analogy, April seems like someone hit the dimmer at about 50%. This is great news for those looking to buy, but not so much for sellers. Let’s look at what happened…

PENDINGS:

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Pendings were flat in April.  Traditionally, this month should see the biggest increase, however, due to uncertainty and lack of positive news, activity remains low. This number was a bit of a surprise to us. This is an indicator of a slower rate of sales than anticipated.

CLOSED SALES (DEMAND):

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The number of closed sales actually DECLINED in April. This is highly unusual and another indicator of a slowing market  Another negative sign for values, but a great opportunity for buyers.

ACTIVE LISTINGS (SUPPLY):

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The number of homes, actively for sale in Chester County, continues to climb. In April, that number was up more than 3% from the same month, the year before. We predict that we may see record  inventory in the fall. Possibly around 4300 homes for sale.

AVERAGE SOLD PRICE:

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The average sold price in April declined roughly 2% from March. When looking at the chart, it looks behind by about a month, mirroring last year. As always, this number is NOT an indication of what the average home is worth, but rather more where the most action is.

LIST TO SALE PRICE RATIO:

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This is a bright spot in the numbers, for last month. This number rose 2% points to 91.3% in April 2011. This means, on average, sellers received 2% more for their homes last month than in March. This is a number that needs to be in the mid 90′s before we can that prices are stabilizing.

What Does This Mean?

We continue to see amazing deals on homes – deals that we wouldn’t have seen even 6 months ago. With the interest rates recently declining, this makes a great time to either buy your first home, sell your current home and buy something bigger or invest in real estate.

SELLERS: If you are thinking of selling your home, you MUST make sure you are serious and that you pick the best agent you can find. “Best” means the they know this current market inside out and that they have as much experience as possible. Simply ask – how many homes have you sold in the last year? You’ve cannot take a chance with just any agent off the street because it will cost you too much! The big question is – can you afford to sell in the first place. This is a question we are helping a lot of clients understand clearly.  We are the experts – no one knows the market better than us. We sell 7x’s more homes than the average agent, in les than half the time and for almost 4% more. If you want the best, please call us at 484-696-4833

BUYERS: GET OFF THE FENCE!! If you are qualified and want to purchase a home, now is the best time in a very long time to do so. As this is written, interest rates have even dipped a bit and there is only one direction they are heading – up!  There are amazing deals out there and you have to have the BEST agent by your side to see them and then to negotiate them. As with Sellers, they better be the most experience agent you can find in the market of the moment, not the market of 20 years ago, or even a year ago. Set an appointment with Chris to get your plan clarified for buying and take massive action. We fully believe these market conditions won’t be seen for a very long time, if ever for buyers. Again, you can reach us at 484-696-4833.

NEXT STEPS

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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Posted on: 05-4-2011
Posted in: Chester County, Market Update, Monthly Update, News

Chester County Real Estate News: May 2, 2011 Comments Off

Charlestown poised to adopt sign ordinance

The Board of Supervisors of Charlestown Township will consider passage of an ordinance that would revise rules governing temporary signs and signs within public street rights-of-way during its regular meeting on May 2. The meeting will begin at 7:30 PM at the Great Valley Middle School, 255 N. Phoenixville Pike, Malvern PA, 19355. The proposed ordinance would allow one unlighted real estate “For Sale” or “For Rent” sign, not exceeding six square feet, in a residential sign area. Two signs would be permitted on corner properties. Open house signs would need to include the words “Open House.” Open house signs could be displayed no more than three days in advance of an open house and must be removed within two hours of the end of the open house. Click here to view the proposed ordinance. Contact Erin Smist with any questions or comments.

 

New historic district would span 3 municipalities

Historical resources such as centuries-old mill sites will have an extra layer of protection if federal officials approve a proposed historic district along the West Branch of the Red Clay Creek. Architectural Historian Jane Dorchester explained a proposed historic district along either side of the stream from the Delaware state line north through Kennett, New Garden and East Marlborough. Dorchester said the townships are considering a district that would be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The listing would not affect property owners’ rights to develop land. The listing is intended to ensure no harm comes to the area’s historic resources from construction of major developments — typically transportation projects such as a road widening — that involve federal funding or permits. Residents of the historic area will have opportunities to comment on the proposed project.

Source: Daily Local; 4/27/2011

 

Drainage issues dominate supervisors’ meeting in Easttown

Easttown Township Assistant Manager Mike Brown gave supervisors a presentation about Highland Avenue drainage problems and options for remediation. The supervisors also heard from residents whose properties have become susceptible to water problems that they say range from “ponding” to “torrential streams” running through their backyards. The area along Highland Avenue between the Amtrak Main Line and Old Lancaster Avenue in Devon includes 10 residential properties in a natural valley. The valley channels storm water from north of Old Lancaster through a culvert under Highland toward another culvert under the railroad opposite the Devon Nissan auto dealership on Route 30. Remediation options include: cleaning out the culverts; replacing 24-inch drainpipes under Highland with 30-inch pipes; adding new pipe networks that run longer distances; and creating basins on what is now residential property. Supervisors’ Chairman Edward Strogen said the board is gathering information and needs time to study the issue.

Source: Daily Local; 4/24/2011

 

Penn denies release of escrow funds to developer

Penn Township supervisors are releasing no more escrow funds to developers of the Ovations subdivision until broken sidewalks there are replaced. At an April 20 township meeting, supervisors heard a request to release about $390,000 held in escrow for work on sidewalks, landscaping and other infrastructure improvements completed at Ovations. The township engineer recommended releasing only a portion of that money because some issues are unresolved. The last escrow release for the subdivision was made in 2005. The recommended release of $105,000 would leave 10 percent of the original escrow account with the township. The supervisors agreed there would be no further escrow releases until the sidewalk issue is resolved.

Source: Daily Local; 4/25/2011

Keep Franklin rural or no new tax hike?

The May 17 primary ballot in Franklin Township will have a referendum question about an earned income tax dedicated to open space preservation. The question will read: Do you favor the imposition of a tax on the earned income of township residents by Franklin Township at the rate of one half of one percent (.005) to be used to preserve, conserve, and acquire open space property interest, open space uses, and farmland? In 2002, the voters accepted a real estate tax dedicated to open space ($50 per $100,000 of assessed property value). The tax provided about $140,000 in revenue per year, and Franklin’s Open Space Committee worked with willing landowners to apply for county, state and federal grants to conserve land in a variety of ways. If the EIT is passed the real estate open space tax will be repealed.

Source: Chester County Press; 4/20/2011

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Posted on: 05-2-2011
Posted in: Chester County, News

Crime Rates Map for Chester County Comments Off

As a home buyer specialist for Chester County, I get asked all the time about the crime rates for the Chester County area. This is directly from the “horses mouth’. I especially love the map feature where you can drill into an area and see what crime is most pervasive. Look up where you live and see how it compares.

Pennsylvania Uniform Crime Reporting System

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Posted on: 04-27-2011
Posted in: Chester County, News

Chester County Real Estate News: April 25, 2011 Comments Off

Chester County Landlord Forum

The 2nd Annual Chester County Landlord Forum will take place on Thursday, May 12 from 8-11:30 a.m. at the Government Services Center (Rooms 170 and 171, 601 Westtown Road, West Chester Pa 19380). Network and learn about community resources that are available for elderly, low-income, and disadvantaged persons in Chester County as well as landlords. Space is limited for this breakfast event; please R.S.V.P. to Emma Ward at cclandlordforum@gmail.com or 610-344-5365.

Coatesville considers banning single-family home conversions

The City of Coatesville is considering an ordinance that would ban the conversion of single-family residences into multiple dwellings in certain zoning districts. Currently, the conversion of single-family homes into multiple apartments is allowed in both the RN-3 and RN-4 zoning districts, and existing multi-unit dwellings would be grandfathered in with the passing of the ordinance. The two zoning districts that are affected have a slightly higher density than other residential districts and consist of detached, twin, and row homes. The neighborhoods that will be affected by the new ordinance stretch along Lincoln Highway from 13th Avenue to 11th Avenue, and include homes along Coates Street and the neighborhood from Harmony Street between Pennsylvania and Fourth Avenues. Additionally, on the western side of the city, the neighborhood from Church Street to West Fifth Avenue between Valley Road and Charles Street will be impacted. Please contact the Suburban REALTORS Alliance with any comments regarding this proposed ordinance.

Source: Daily Local; 4/14/2011

Oxford schools face budget cuts

The Oxford Area School District is proposing another year without a tax increase, but budget cuts will be necessary in light of the deep state funding cuts proposed in Gov. Corbett’s budget. The budget trimming proposal that is drawing the most attention would expand the school walking zone to a mile and a half, including all of Oxford Borough. The total proposed budget of $55,348,204 is a decrease of $554,816 over the present year to keep the millage rate steady at 29.5479. Cutting busing in the borough is expected to save $135,000.

Source: Daily Local; 4/21/2011

Historic preservation plan approved in West Chester

Borough Council has unanimously approved the adoption of the West Chester Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan. The 88 page plan includes a detailed architectural history of West Chester as well as recommendations for improving historic preservation practices within the borough. Among the more important recommendations are the expansion of the Historical and Architectural Review Board (HARB) District along High Street, and the inclusion of 20 to 30 properties in the borough’s National Register District. Another major component of the plan is the proposed creation of a HARB advisory board. The board would be responsible for issuing “Certificates of Appropriateness” for proposed demolitions and major renovations to properties within the district. The recommended expansion of the HARB and National Register districts is significant because income-producing properties within the National Register District, in which most of the borough is contained, can make use of a 20 percent tax credit for renovations. All properties within the HARB District are also part of the National Register District, making them eligible for the credit through the Rehabilitation Investment Tax Credit Program. The plan proposed that the HARB District be expanded along High Street, north to Ashbridge Street and south to Rosedale Avenue.

Source: Daily Local; 4/20/2011

Coatesville velodrome plan awaits research on property’s title

A pending sales agreement for the property known as The Flats between Coatesville’s redevelopment authority (RDA) and the National Velodrome Group must wait at least another month to be finalized. The authority granted an extension of the pending agreement until May 23 in order to respond to comments made by the developer, Crosby Woods. The extension is also needed to determine exactly who owns one of the parcels identified as part of the sale. Vincent Mancini, the authority’s solicitor, said it is unclear if the authority holds the title to the small parcel tentatively included in the agreement. Two separate title abstract companies involved with the property have opposing views about whether the authority or the railroad company holds the title. Mancini said he is attempting to determine exactly who holds the title before the agreement proceeds. The sale would allow the developer to move forward with a proposed 100,000-square-foot arena for cycling races and other events off Lincoln Highway and Route 82.

Source: Daily Local; 4/20/2011

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Posted on: 04-25-2011
Posted in: Chester County, News

Chester County Real Estate News: April 18, 2011 Comments Off

West Chester plan calls for growth in historic district

One recommendation of West Chester Borough’s recently completed comprehensive historic preservation plan calls for expansion of the borough’s Historical and Architectural Review Board (HARB) District. The plan recommends that the HARB District, which is comprised of properties in the Local Historic District, should be extended along High Street, south to Rosedale Avenue and north to Ashbridge Street. Currently, the district extends southward from West Biddle Street to West Union Street and eastward from South New Street to North Franklin Street. The HARB District was initially the same as the West Chester Downtown Historic District, which was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, but expanded in 2006 to include the 200 block of West Market Street and the first block of North New Street in anticipation of development pressures associated with the construction of the Chester County Justice Center. Borough Council will discuss whether or not to approve the plan and its recommendations at its monthly meeting scheduled for April 20 at 7:00 p.m. To see the complete plan, go to www.west-chester.com.

Source: Daily Local; 4/12/2011

 

Kennett Square hikes fine for missing building permits and increases rental inspection fees

Kennett Square Borough homeowners thinking of building a deck or making other home improvements must acquire a building permit or face a fine — a big fine. Council recently passed an ordinance mandating a $1,000 fine for anyone doing construction work without a permit. The previous fine was $100. Council increased rental inspection fees from $50 to $75.

Source: Daily Local; 4/11/2011

 

T/E schools’ finance committee whittles away budget

Tredyffrin/Easttown School Board Finance Committee Chair Kevin Mahoney announced the budget shortfall has been trimmed down to $3.4 million, but with a decreasing number of remaining strategies. Mahoney said that a “pay-freeze waiver” of all salaries seemed a likely route to take toward solving the immediate problem of balancing the 2011-12 budget and that “no action on custodial outsourcing” would be taken during the meeting. Gov. Tom Corbett had asked districts and the Pennsylvania State Education Association to discuss freezing salaries in light of state education-budget cuts. The committee approved $211,000 in cuts, including less overtime for custodians, elimination of substitutes for non-instructional staff, the elimination of alternative assessment funds, and elimination of non-mandated conferences. The committee discussed the possibility that an EIT of 1 percent would be shared with the townships imposing it. A tax on earned income could net around $17 million for the townships and the school district with state gaming revenues factored in, but it would have to be placed on a ballot referendum.

Source: Daily Local; 4/13/2011

 

Coatesville schools consider budget stopgaps

Coatesville Area School District’s Board unveiled a variety of possible changes in the face of the state’s proposed budget.  District officials discussed a list of programs that could face restructuring, reduction or elimination should Gov. Tom Corbett’s budget be passed by the state Legislature. The list included an early retirement incentive program, class size increases, implementation of a four-day school week and the consolidation of some bus stops to coincide with changing school bell times. Officials said the measures will all be reviewed by the school board during its April 26 meeting.

Source: Daily Local; 4/13/2011



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Posted on: 04-18-2011
Posted in: Chester County, News
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