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

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Western Chester County municipalities are close to completing a year-long study to help set priorities for the future economic growth of the region. The preliminary results of the Future Focus Study will be previewed at a meeting held for all residents on Friday, Sept. 16, at 9 a.m. in the Coatesville Moose Lodge, 1200 Airport Road, Valley. The meeting provides an opportunity for feedback from those who are invested in the future of the region. The study gives a broad overview of priorities — attracting new business and improving transportation, for example — as well as specific strategies to achieve those priorities. To read the full study, visit www.westernchestercountyfuturefocus.com.

Source: Daily Local; 9/3/2011

Unionville High receives height variance for auditorium

After months of debate and uncertainty, the East Marlborough Zoning Hearing Board this week approved a variance to permit the newly constructed auditorium at Unionville High School to remain at 58 feet – 23 feet higher than allowed by municipal codes. The school district and students will be able to use the facility without disruption or additional costs to the district. The variance was approved with the condition that there be no additional signs and no additional lighting for the auditorium, and the school must work with the township on a landscape plan to minimize the visual impact of the tall structure.

Source: Daily Times; 9/8/2011

Coatesville RDA decides not to sign with firm

The Coatesville Redevelopment Authority decided not to enter into a contract with an architectural firm after it previously voted to accept a proposal from numerous bids that were submitted. The authority accepted and reviewed 33 bids in March. The authority decided to accept KSK Associates of Philadelphia as a firm for the authority for both architectural and engineering in June, but the authority later opted not to enter into a contracted over disagreements as to how services would be paid for by the authority. The authority hopes to utilize the city’s architectural and engineering firm on an as needed basis. There is no immediate need for either service.

Source: Daily Local; 9/4/2011

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Opposition to changing the Oxford Area School Board from regional to at-large members arose at a June 13 Oxford Borough Council meeting and carried over to a school board meeting the next night. Council members, the mayor, and residents asked the school board to rescind its decision to send a petition for redistricting to the Chester County Court of Common Pleas. A petition signed by more than 1,000 residents asking the court to change how board members are elected notes that the 2010 Census shows the current three-region system does not reflect current population trends. Those against an at-large system cited increased campaign costs, potential lack of representation for specific communities, and the possibility of internal selection for board members as reasons for their opposition.

Source: Daily Local; 6/17/2011

Sewer disagreement delays school renovation again

West Chester Area School District is being asked to pay an additional $59,000 in sewage fees in order to move forward in its plans to renovate the Westtown-Thornbury Elementary School. After a year of negotiations with the Westtown Board of Supervisors and West Goshen Sewer Authority, school board members were informed by Director of Facilities and Operations Kevin Campbell that the elementary school’s sewage will be allowed to flow to the pump station on Street Road only under the condition that the district purchase eight additional Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDUs) of sewer capacity from Westtown Township, the cost of which is almost $59,000. An EDU is a fee that is equivalent to the cost for one residential unit. During the construction of Bayard Rustin High School, which opened in September 2006, the district purchased 78 EDUs from the township, but currently uses only about 29 EDUs. According to district spokesperson Robert Partridge, since 2004, when construction for Rustin began, about $6 million has been paid to the township in sewage fees. A committee did not approve the $59,000 expenditure, and will instead seek a meeting with the board, administrative representatives and Westtown Township.

Source: Daily Local; 6/18/2011

School building height issue blamed on Unionville-Chadds Ford district

An investigation by the Chester County Press regarding the Unionville-Chadds Ford High School auditorium height issue indicates that the error rests with the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District and its architects. The cause of the error apparently resulted from the failure of the school district and its architect to include the height of the auditorium when applying for variances through East Marlborough Township’s zoning hearing board. The district obtained a permit and proceeded with construction before the height issue was discovered. East Marlborough Township has not fined the school district or stopped construction because of the violation. Township supervisors have stated that they only want to set the record straight.

Source: Chester County Press; 6/15/2011

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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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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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Coatesville’s Codes Department has transferred to the city’s Public Works Department an employee who had worked in the department for years without any inspection certifications. Harry Troupe had no certifications under the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) or International Codes Council (ICC) to perform inspections of any kind while in the codes department, according to Internet records. Both certifications allow building inspectors to perform inspections in Pennsylvania.  Troupe could issue citations for various city code violations such as high weeds but could not inspect buildings. He said Troupe took various exams but was unsuccessful in attempts to obtain certification. The state requires inspectors to be certified, but to enforce various city codes, employees do not need any certifications. The codes department hopes to hire two new inspectors. In March, City Council allowed the administration to move forward with the creation of a new position within public works that could enforce code violations such as high grass, grafitti, illegal trash and other offenses.

Source: Daily Local; 4/4/11

Phoenixville School Board seeks more cuts to reduce 3.6 percent tax hike

The latest round of recommendations for balancing the Phoenixville Area School District’s 2011-12 budget include a 3.6 percent real estate tax increase. If implemented, such a hike would mean $130 more in taxes on a property at the district’s median assessed value of $133,400, according to information presented at the school board’s budget development session. Another $1.9 million in spending cuts would be needed to eliminate the tax increase. The board’s next budget development meeting is set for 7:30 p.m., May 3 in the middle school library.

Source: Daily Local; 4/6/2011

Baltimore Pike to shut down for one month in New Garden

A portion of Baltimore Pike that runs through New Garden will shut down for almost one month this summer for construction. The work is scheduled for late July and early August and should be completed in time for the opening of Bancroft Elementary School this fall. According to the project design, signs for the detour start at the intersection of Route 41 and Newark Road, with signs also near Baltimore Pike.

Source: Chester County Press; 4/6/2011

Coatesville citizens’ group meets with developers

Representatives of a local citizen’s group that protested outside of the future site of the Marriott Hotel met with the developers on Thursday about what can be done to make construction jobs available for city residents. Developer Don Pulver said he met with people from the Concerned Citizens of Coatesville for Change and is currently working on the process for accepting applications. The citizen’s group consists of residents, church members, community leaders, civil rights groups, unions and other concerned organizations and seeks to end “the economic disenfranchisement of Coatesville citizens.” Pulver said he and his contractor, ICM, are working on putting together an advertisement for employment in the Daily Local News. He said one difficulty is finding a location for interested applicants to pick up and drop off applications, because the construction site is not fit to handle that kind of daily traffic.

Source: Daily Local; 4/8/2011

East Nottingham proposes sewer connection ordinance

The Board of Supervisors of East Nottingham Township will consider a sewer connection ordinance for adoption at their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, April 11, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Township Building (158 Election Road, Oxford). The ordinance establishes mandatory connection requirements to the Oxford Area Sewer Authority Sewer Connection System for commercial or industrial establishments, or newly constructed residential property within 150 feet of any public lateral.  The ordinance would mandate that connections to the Oxford Area Sewer Authority’s collection system take place within one year from the adoption of the ordinance or the construction of a lateral within 150 feet of a property line. The ordinance also provides for other regulations concerning the sewer authority including a prohibition of storm water run off into the sewage system. Connection and inspection fees will be established by subsequent resolution.

Source: Daily Local; 4/4/2011

Spring-Ford School Board approves 54 job cuts

The Spring-Ford Area School Board recently approved several budget cuts, including the termination of 24 custodial staff, 30 instructional assistants and one technology support assistant staff member. One administrator was reduced to part-time principal status and several curricular programs were restructured, resulting in the removal of several teaching positions. A vote to hire an outside janitorial firm was tabled so that the district may consider other options. Spring-Ford is facing a $10.4 million deficit in its $131.6 million 2011-12 budget. Click here for the school district website.

Source: The Pottstown Mercury; 3/29/2011

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West Vincent Township Supervisors will consider an ordinance regulating the maintenance of abandoned and vacant properties during their March 28 meeting at 7:30 pm in the Township Building (729 Saint Matthews Road, Chester Springs, Pennsylvania 19425).  The Suburban REALTORS Alliance staff has reviewed a copy of the draft ordinance and submitted commentary to the township.

Chester County tops state in growth

Chester County gained more residents over the past decade than any other Pennsylvania county, according to U.S. Census Bureau figures released last week. The county’s population now stands officially at 498,886, up 15.1 percent from 433,501 in 2000. Only Forest, Franklin, Monroe, and Pike counties had higher overall growth rates, and none of those counties has more than 170,000 residents. All but five of Chester County’s 73 municipalities grew in population, with Penn experiencing the highest rate of growth, 90.8 percent, from 2,812 residents in 2000 to 5,364 in 2010, and Upper Uwchlan having the largest number of new residents, up from 6,850 in 2000 to 11,227 in 2010. Tredyffrin, in the county’s eastern-most corner, remains the most populated municipality with 29,332 residents, while Modena, with only 535 residents, its smallest. West Chester, the county seat, remains the largest borough, with 18,461 residents (an increase of 600 from 2000); Coatesville, the county’s only city, grew from 10,838 residents in 2000 to 13,100 in 2010.

Source: Daily Times; 3/15/2011

Phoenixville School board eyes hiking per capita tax

The Phoenixville Area School Board recently discussed ways to offset a potential loss in 2011-12 revenue that may occur if Phoenixville Borough begins taking a share of the per-capita tax. The school district stands to lose approximately $43,000 if Borough Council implements a proposed $5 per capita tax during its April meeting. The entire $10 per capita tax is currently being collected by the school district, but municipalities can decide whether or not to take a share of the tax revenue under state law. School board member Joshua Gould said the loss of revenue could potentially be offset by an increase in the occupational assessment tax, making everyone who is employed pay the tax. The occupational assessment tax is based on a resident’s job classification, not on the amount of income, but it presumes to tax an occupation according to what a person in that job would earn.  A more detailed discussion on the occupational tax will take place during the March 31 budget hearing.

Source: Daily Local; 3/24/2011

Downingtown School District faces ‘severe’ budget blow

If Gov. Corbett’s proposed budget is approved, the Downingtown Area School District will receive $3.6 million less in state aid than last year.  The potential loss, coupled with the $4.6 million deficit the district is already facing due to the struggling economy, would be a severe blow to the district according to Superintendent Larry Mussoline. To view Mussoline’s recent budget statement click here.

West Chester School District announces budget shortfall

West Chester School District is facing the loss of nearly $3.4 million in state funding if Gov. Corbett’s budget is approved. Click here to see the impact of the proposed reductions. A special community meeting will be held on Monday, April 4, 2011, 7 p.m.  at Henderson High School, 400 Montgomery Ave, West Chester, PA, to discuss the potential reductions and their impact on programs for next year.  The meeting will include a review of the findings from the Community Budget Task Force, as well as other ideas to reduce the budget discussed at the meeting.

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Phoenixville Borough could house a minor league baseball stadium as soon as 2014 if a newly formed steering committee determines bringing the sport and a stadium to the borough is economically viable. Developer Manny DeMutis, president of The DeMutis Group, said a Phoenixville baseball team has been in the works for several years, dating back to when the borough competed against West Chester to be the home for the sport in Chester County. West Chester Borough Council’s recent rejection of the proposal to build a stadium within the borough have once again renewed hopes of bringing a team into Phoenixville. A steering committee comprised of 20 Phoenixville and Chester County residents, community leaders and business owners, will look at addressing issues including stadium size and design, league classification, funding options, costs, location and more.

Source: Daily Local; 3/14/2011

Easttown Planning Commission: Is it time for a Berwyn makeover?

The Easttown Township Planning Commission is currently considering how best to redefine the Village of Berwyn. A draft proposal to enhance the Village through zoning regulations was considered. A proposal by a study group to address the challenge of a Berwyn makeover, while preserving the historical character of the community, will cost $30,860. The second theme in the proposal would be to move toward more useful parking ordinances. The current ordinances need updating, and this would allow a professional planner to consider the community holistically.

Source: Main Line Suburban Life; 3/2/2011

Unionville Regional Comprehensive Plan hearing set for April 6

A public hearing for the Unionville Regional Comprehensive Plan is set for April 6, at 7 p.m. at the Unionville Middle School auditorium. The hearing continues a process begun in 2009 when East Marlborough, West Marlborough and Newlin Townships applied to Chester County for a grant to prepare a regional comprehensive plan to guide future land use decisions in the region. Combining the three under a single plan which would encompass 45 square miles should help preserve more open space and better manage future development and associated traffic.

Source: Chester County Press; 3/9/2011

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 The West Bradford Board of Supervisors announced the hiring of a new manager, Thomas Ryan. Manager Jack Hines Jr. who has been in that role in the township for 34 years is retiring.  Ryan comes to the township with multiple years of experience in municipal government, and currently serves as the manager of Hatboro Borough in Montgomery County. A resident of West Bradford, he is familiar with the area.

Source: Daily Local; 3/10/2011         

Developer pitches phased construction for Big Elk subdivison

The Big Elk subdivision might come to life under new ownership, but only if the potential buyers of the property can convince township supervisors to allow them to build the project in phases and make contributions to the township based on the number of building permits purchased. The first phase being proposed includes 36 homes out of a total of 204 in the project. The cost of infrastructure development on the entire plan could be $7 million. While Township Solicitor Sam McMicheal did not see a problem with the concept of phasing, ensuring that there is security for the completion of all the improvements on the plan was a different matter. Rather than continue the debate at the meeting, the supervisors authorized further discussion between the solicitor and the developer.

Source: Daily Local; 3/7/2011

Phoenixville shifts its gears on parking rate, advertises per capita tax

Just a month after voting to lower parking rates in the borough’s five lots, Borough Council has rescinded the new fee schedule and reinstating a $1 per hour fee. During February’s Borough Council meeting, council acted on the parking committee’s recommendation to decrease parking fees to 25 cents per half hour instead of $1 an hour in hopes it would increase the use of Phoenixville’s five paid parking lots. The reversal came after Borough Manager E. Jean Krack informed council that the lot’s parking meters and street signs had not yet been changed to reflect the new rate because the work would cost $2,350. In other council news, council members voted 5-1 to advertise a 2011 $5 per capita tax. The tax is expected to bring $65,000 in revenue to the borough. Council plans to vote on the tax during its April 12 meeting.

Source: Daily Local; 3/11/2011

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Affordable housing resources available in Chester County
The Daily Local newspaper has provided a comprehensive list of housing resources available throughout Chester County that help low-to-moderate income homeowners and individuals in need of housing assistance. Click here for the full article, which provides additional details and eligibility requirements for each program.

Source: Daily Local; 3/1/2011

East Caln public visioning meeting
East Caln Township wants to hear from residents during a public visioning meeting on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 7:00 PM in the Township’s Municipal Building located at 110 Bell Tavern Road, Downingtown, PA 19335. The public meeting has been scheduled in order to gain public input for a new Township comprehensive plan. The Township’s current comprehensive plan was adopted in 1999 and needs to be updated. Everyone attending will be given an opportunity to provide their views. Visit the township website for more details.

Spring-Ford residents turn out for town hall on budget
Concerned with how a 7.6 percent tax increase will affect their finances, residents filled the Spring-Ford Ninth-Grade Center auditorium, offering opinions and insight regarding how the district can reduce costs, while offering the same level of education. With a $10.4 million deficit in its $131.6 million 2011-12 budget, Spring-Ford is facing a “perfect storm,” which includes reductions in federal and state funds, corporations applying for tax reassessment, and increased operating costs, school board President Joseph P. Ciresi said. Because of the past eight years of commercial and residential growth in Spring-Ford, the district has the lowest millage rate in the area, but that pushed companies to applying to Montgomery County for tax re-examination. About 30 companies are applying for reassessment. Residents addressing the board warned that large corporations may not be the only ones prompted to go for reassessment.

Source: Pottstown Mercury; 2/28/2011

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