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Chester County Real Estate News at a Glance: Week ending December 11th Comments Off

Phoenixville passes rental ordinance amendments

Phoenixville Borough Council voted to pass amendments to their rental ordinance. The changes include an update to their rental registration form and also a definition of “owner occupied.” Additionally, the changes put in place a tenant nuisance system modeled after West Chester.  The council briefly discussed the future possibility of establishing a requirement for landlords to live within five miles of the borough. The Suburban REALTORS Alliance is actively working on this issue.

Pocopson’s Barnard House to be used as township center

When Chester County officially turned over the historic Barnard House to Pocopson last fall, the township expressed a desire to use the property as administrative offices. It was also going to share its space with the currently defunct Kennett Underground Railroad Museum, which closed its doors nearly five years ago. But as the supervisors explored their options for the building and the 68-acre lot it sits on, the idea to transform the land into an extensive community campus finally took hold. Township Supervisor Georgia Brutscher said that the campus, located on South Wawaset Road adjacent to the Pocopson Home, would be the township’s center, a place where community groups can meet and families can gather and enjoy the open space and extensive township-wide trail network.

Source: Daily Local; 12/6/09

No new taxes for Pocopson

Despite a number of upcoming projects still in the pipeline, there is no tax increase on the horizon for Pocopson. The proposed budget — presented to the public on Monday, Nov. 23 — is fairly straightforward with nothing unusual to note. Currently the millage rate in Pocopson is 1.2 mills for real estate, with an additional 1 mill open space fund tax, for a total of 2.2. mills. A mill is a tax of $1 for every $1,000 of assessed real estate value. That means for a house assessed at $250,000, there is an annual tax of $550.The 2010 budget is available for review on the township’s Web site here.

Source: Daily Local; 12/6/09

Downingtown staff cuts, tax hikes looming

Downingtown Borough Council members must weigh raising taxes against laying off employees as they attempt to balance the 2010 budget. A $260,000 deficit must be eliminated in the coming weeks. Municipal governments in Pennsylvania are forbidden from adopting a budget that carries a deficit. Council’s budget committee will provide the full council with recommendations for cuts at its work session Dec. 16 in hopes of balancing the budget. The public will be able to review the budget and provide comments. Real estate tax, transfer tax revenues and investment returns have been down. These three major revenue streams have been cut by $150,000 from what was projected in 2009, leading to the deficit. Council has three options to consider. The first is to dip into the general fund cash reserve.  The second option is for council to raise taxes. In order for the budget to be balanced, the taxes must increase 0.8 mills. That would bring the total property tax rate in the borough up to 6.9 mills. The proposed tax increase would be a 13 percent jump for taxpayers, increasing the average tax bill by $80 per year. The third option for council is to cut employment within the borough.

Source: Daily Local; 12/6/09

Budget panel presents its recommendations to Tredyffrin officials

Tredyffrin Township’s preliminary 2010 budget met some opposition at a recent supervisors meeting. Concerns surrounded budget cuts planned for Tredyffrin fire companies. And confusion arose about a recommendation from the Budget Advisory Working Group, a panel of civic volunteers helping to develop suggestions on how to improve the township’s finances. The group worked for months to write a report for township supervisors with recommendations on how to save money and find revenue. The report is available for viewing on the township’s Web site, www.tredyffrin.org.

Source: Daily Local; 12/5/09

Phoenixville Borough Council passes budget with no tax increase

Phoenixville Borough Council passed its proposed 2010 budget with no tax increase. Council voted on several issues at a Nov. 24 meeting that helped lower a proposed tax hike to zero. The borough will renegotiate the Community Development Corp.’s contract to reduce costs by 50 percent, or $62,500. Last December council accepted a five-year agreement with the corporation at $125,000 per year. Buckwalter said the 2010 budget is advertised as proposed and incoming council members may reopen it if they choose in January.

Source: Pottstown Mercury; 12/8/09

No property taxes in West Bradford

While most municipalities are feeling the pain of the recession through a reduction in revenue, West Bradford’s chief source of revenue, the earned income tax, has remained fairly steady so far. As a result the township has no plans to institute a property tax, which was abolished in 1972, but residents will see their trash fees go up slightly. About 60 percent of the township’s revenue in the general fund comes from the earned income tax, which was estimated at $1.78 million in 2009 and is estimated to be $1.68 million in 2010. The second largest source of income is the real estate transfer tax, which represents 10 percent of general fund revenues. That income has declined nearly 40 percent from 2007 figures. In 2007, the transfer tax brought in around $500,000 in revenue. In 2009, that number was down to approximately $315,840.

Source: Daily Local; 12/10/09

East Coventry Township to see no property tax increase

East Coventry’s 2010 budget, which will be up for vote on December 14, calls for no property tax increase in the coming year. The average township property assessment is $165,000, meaning the 3 mil real estate tax will cost the average property owner $495 in taxes. The full budget is available on the East Coventry Township website.

Source: PottsMercury; 12/9/09

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Posted on: 12-14-2009
Posted in: Chester County, News

Chester County Real Estate News – Week of December 5th Comments Off

Tax hike looming in Chester County budget

Taxpayers could see their Chester County property tax bills increase slightly again next year if the commissioners’ proposed 2010 budget is adopted as is. But the three commissioners have vowed to seek further reductions in administrative expenditures to make whatever tax increase less than what is currently foreseen. The combined impact of the downturn in the national economy, a drying up of state and federal revenue, and a stagnant county real estate market has resulted in a proposed property tax rate at the county level of 4.118 mills, an increase of 3.8 percent over the 2009 rate of 3.965. To a homeowner with property valued at a median assessment of $166,495, the proposed increased county property tax rate would mean a tax bill of $25.48 over 2009′s levy. The increase comes despite a continuing effort by the county to cut costs in every department. In fact, the county’s proposed budget will be $427.7 million, a decrease from the $476.6 million that county officials estimate they will spend this year. The commissioners have set Dec. 17 as the date to adopt the budget. The county’s budget can be viewed at www.chesco.org.

Source: Daily Local; 12/02/09

Coatesville presents ideas for Urban Center Revitalization Plan Update

The City of Coatesville presented ideas for its Urban Center Revitalization Plan Update. The original plan was adopted in 1999 and updated in 2002 as an addendum to the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The update will focus on the following objectives: economic development, housing, infrastructure and transportation, public safety, urban open space, streetscapes and cultural projects. The updated plan will include an action plan with a number of specific recommended projects for the future revitalization of the urban community.

Lower Oxford says sewer hookup is mandatory

Homeowners in Lincoln Village will have to connect to a new sewer line. The Lower Oxford Board of Supervisors approved a mandatory sewer connection ordinance that requires everyone with a sewer line in front of their property to make the connection. The homeowners will be given a year to make the connection on their own. A fee of $2,100 will be due two years after a connection is made. If the property owner does not make the connection within a year, the township can come onto the property and do the work. At that point, the owner becomes responsible to pay for the $2,100 connection fee and the township’s cost to do the work. If the payment is not made within six months, the township can lien the property for their costs and connection fee. Currently, homeowners in Lincoln Village have been sent a survey to determine if it is a low income area and eligible for grant money from the state to offset some of the costs.

Source: Avon Grove Sun; 11/26/09

Chester County farm preserved

The Brandywine Conservancy yesterday acquired a conservation easement on the 117-acre Redcay farm in Londonderry Township, Chester County. Preserving the farm has been a priority of the township since voters approved an open space referendum in 2003. With this easement acquisition, approximately 3,770 acres are now preserved in Londonderry Township, representing about 52% of its total acreage. In addition to preventing development and preserving significant views, the Redcay easement contains restrictions to ensure that continued farming does not adversely impact a tributary of the Brandywine River.

Source: Chester County Press; 11/25/09

Sewage expansion causes concerns in South Coatesville

Pennsylvania American Water Co., which operates a large wastewater treatment facility in South Coatesville, plans to expand the plant to treat up to 12 million gallons of wastewater a day. This would effectively quadruple the amount of treated effluent discharged into the west branch of Brandywine Creek. For the past year, the Brandywine Conservancy has been working behind the scenes to influence a process that has widespread implications for water quality and the threat of more suburban sprawl in western Chester County. The Conservancy met with the state Department of Environmental Protection over the last year, making presentations about smart growth and advocating for community wastewater systems and against large, centralized wastewater treatment facilities.

Source: Daily Times; 11/30/09

West Grove abolishes planning commission

West Grove Borough voted to abolish their planning commission. The planning commission was a subcommittee of borough council that reviewed plans for subdivision and land development. Borough officials said the lack of real estate parcels that can be developed in the future was the most important factor in making the decision. The group has had very little activity and it has become difficult to recruit and hold members. The borough council will review any future plans, as will the zoning officer and engineer.

Coatesville codes officer arrested for allegedly selling cocaine

A man who works as a codes enforcement officer with the city was recently arrested for allegedly selling cocaine, according to police. Police charged John Clayton Tinson, 51, of Coatesville, with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, manufacture of a controlled substance, criminal use of a communication facility and conspiracy following a lengthy investigation that took place during the summer. Tinson was initially hired by the city in October 1994 and held a position in the Public Works department. Tinson’s employment was terminated in July 2005, but he was reinstated as a full-time code enforcement officer last June.

Source: Daily Local; 12/03/09

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Posted on: 12-7-2009
Posted in: Chester County, News

Chester county real estate news – week of November 27 Comments Off

Cost of living to rise in Kennett Square if council approves new budget
It will cost anywhere from $500 to $1,200 more to live in Kennett Square next year, if the proposed budget is adopted next month. The bottom line: Taxes will go up one mill (or amount of tax per thousand dollars of property value); water costs for residents will increase an average of $60 per year; sewer costs will increase an average of $65 per year; and it will now cost residents $220 annually to dispose of their trash. Trash disposal had been free. The proposed $4.6 million budget would keep services at about the same level. Wages of non-uniformed employees will be frozen in 2010, and all capital outlay in the general fund has been removed except for one new police car. The borough is exploring the possibility of selling its water system to Aqua or the Chester Water Authority. The residential rates for water could go up if Aqua took over the water system, and down if Chester Water Authority took it over, but the borough would receive a windfall that could be applied to the general fund. The budget will be reviewed at the Dec. 7 meeting.
Source: Chester County Press; 11/18/09

West Chester Council approves preliminary budget
West Chester Borough Council passed a preliminary 2010 budget that calls for a 3.4 percent real estate tax increase. The budget also calls for a 10 percent increase in the borough’s sewer rate. Various Council committees will review the preliminary budget in December, and full council will pass a final budget by the end of the year. It appears that the tax hike, which will result in a $23 increase on average residential tax bills, is a near certainty. The economic crisis has strained the borough’s finances and made a tax increase hard to avoid, borough officials said. West Chester, like most Chester County municipalities, is facing rising pension, salary and employee benefit costs. At the same time, the recession has caused the borough’s earned income tax and real estate transfer tax revenues to decline. The preliminary budget would increase the average borough homeowner’s tax bill to $689, approximately $23 over last year’s average. The average single-family home in the borough has an assessed value of $119,000, and the average tax increase was calculated using this figure.
Source: Daily Local; 11/19/09

No new taxes needed to meet W. Nottingham’s 2010 budget
No new taxes are needed for 2010 to meet West Nottingham Township’s proposed budget, approved at its Nov 17 meeting. The new budget totals $574,550, with the largest areas of expenses being $152,450 for road work and road crew salaries, and $64,200 for police department salaries and equipment. The budget is open for public review, with final approval set for December.
Source: Daily Local; 11/21/09

West Chester Borough allows subdivision of courthouse complex
West Chester Borough Council cleared the way for Chester County to sell a large portion of the historic courthouse complex by voting unanimously to subdivide the complex into two parcels. The first parcel contains the 19th-century courthouse, the fountain behind it, and the Market Street annex to its west. The second parcel contains the annex on North High Street, the annex on North Church Street, and several buildings along the unit block of West Gay Street. It is the second parcel that the county will put on the market. Attorney Don Turner, who represents the county, said that selling this parcel will allow the county to continue to preserve the historic courthouse.
Source: Daily Local; 11/22/09

Easttown real estate taxes may increase 12.1 percent
Easttown Township’s Board of Supervisors voted for a preliminary 2010 budget Monday that calls for a real estate tax increase of 12.1 percent. The average assessed property value in Easttown Township is $330,000. In 2009 an owner of a property with that assessed value would have paid $1,109 in real estate taxes to the township. In 2010, if the preliminary version of the budget is approved, that owner would pay about $1,240. The Board of Supervisors will approve the final 2010 budget at its Dec. 21 meeting. If the budget is approved as proposed, the township’s millage rate would increase from the current 3.361 to 3.769 per thousand dollars of assessed value.
Source: Daily Local; 11/22/09

No new taxes in Kennett Township budget
While presenting the township’s preliminary 2010 budget, Kennett Township Supervisors’ Chairman Robert Hammaker noted no new taxes are being proposed. “The only major change in revenues we expect in 2010 is a decrease in real estate taxes due to the decline in real estate values in general,” he said.

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Posted on: 11-30-2009
Posted in: Chester County, News

Chester County Real Estate News at a Glance: Week of November 20th Comments Off

Merchants plan for future of Kennett Square

Kennett Square merchants have banded together to form the Kennett Area Restaurant and Merchant Association (KARMA), a member-supported association dedicated to promoting business and tourism in the borough. Their goal is to mold Kennett Square’s already quaint downtown district into an even quainter village, similar to New Hope in Bucks County. New Hope is famous for its antique shops and draws visitors from across the country. The concept is new, and the group is in its infancy. A board of directors is being formed, and 15 to 20 businesses have joined. The group meets the first Tuesday of every month and is looking for Kennett Square other merchants to join. The next meeting is at 7 p.m., Dec. 2 at the Brick Garage.

Source:  Daily Local; 11/14/09

Tredyffrin expects budget cuts but no tax hike

Tredyffrin Township’s proposed 2010 budget is balanced without a tax increase in sight. Township Manager Mimi Gleason presented the budget Monday at a supervisors meeting. The proposed spending plan includes a balanced general fund, the largest of Tredyffrin’s four funds. In total the proposed budget for 2010 is $32.6 million, which is $2.9 million less than 2009. The budget is to be discussed again at a public meeting at 7:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 30, at the township building. For more information on Tredyffrin Township’s proposed 2010 budget, visit www.tredyffrin.org.

Source: Daily Local; 11/16/09

Easttown budget plan omits earned-income tax

Easttown Township’s administration plans to close a 2010 budget gap estimated at half a million dollars through a six percent real estate tax increase. The plan does not include an earned-income tax. The municipality is considering a budget that would, in addition to the tax increase, enact one or more of a host of other flat-rate taxes for residents, businesses, employees and visitors to some events. If the plan is approved by township supervisors, the newly implemented taxes are estimated to net the township about $285,000 in the first year, although newly taxes typically do not get a 100 percent collection rate in the first few years. Officials estimate that an earned-income tax would have brought in more than $1 million next year, but many residents opposed the levy. The final 2010 budget is to be adopted at the board’s Dec. 21 meeting.

Source: Daily Local; 11/16/09

Board seeking replacement for ousted West Vincent supervisor

During a rare Monday morning work session, West Vincent Township’s two remaining supervisors outlined their strategy for replacing a colleague removed from office last week by court order. Supervisors Kenneth Miller Jr. and Zoe Perkins have 30 days to find a suitable replacement. They announced Monday that they will be looking for letters, phone calls or e-mails from interested candidates. The decision must be rendered by Dec. 8 to adhere to the state’s 30-day deadline. The chosen replacement would sit on the board until 2011, when that seat would come up for a special election. The special election would determine the supervisor until 2013, when the position’s term was scheduled to end. The seat would then be back on its regular six-year cycle.

Source: Daily Local; 11/17/09

Residents applaud decision to hike West Pikeland taxes

West Pikeland Township supervisors were not only applauded by residents for their approval of a motion to increase the township’s property taxes at their last meeting, they were also encouraged to raise them even higher. The board approved a tax increase from 0.125 mills to 0.2 mills. Residents currently pay between $30 and $40 annually in township property taxes. This increase will bring the average up to between $50 and $60.The other major sources of revenue for the township are earned income taxes and real estate transfer taxes. Revenue from those sources have been decreasing over the last few years. The proposed 2010 budget was balanced before the tax increase and even accounted for a greater surplus than the township will see in 2009. The 2009 surplus will amount to approximately $16,000, while the budgeted surplus for 2010 is approximately $77,000.

Source: Daily Local; 11/17/09

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Posted on: 11-23-2009
Posted in: Chester County, News

Chester County Real Estate News at a Glance: Week of November 13th Comments Off

Chester County Commissioners adopt Landscapes2

Chester County Commissioners adopted Landscapes2, the county’s updated comprehensive land use policy plan, at a public hearing on Monday. The resulting plan establishes a blueprint for bringing growth and preservation together for Chester County. The plan sets in place three initiatives for guiding the future of the county. These initiatives will be accomplished through the collective implementation of the policies and actions established by this plan:

•Build working partnerships. The county will join with municipal governments and stakeholders to develop productive partnerships that champion specific actions to achieve the vision of Landscapes2.

•Create sustainable communities. The county will work with the state and municipal governments, and other partners to build and enhance sustainable communities within designated growth areas.

•Keep Chester County green. The county will advocate for a green sustainable future.

Source: Daily Local; 11/11/09

North Coventry votes in favor of well water

North Coventry Township Supervisors voted in favor of beginning the process of creating a township-owned and -operated public well water supply. The decision paves the way for the North Coventry Water Authority to seek out all necessary permits and begin development of a municipal well. No location has yet been selected for placement of a well. However, the township had earlier identified three potential sites, and now the water authority will need to select one. Any site chosen will need to be tested to determine its yield and its effect on neighboring wells. The potential sites include one at the corner of Route 100 and West Cedarville Road — directly across from Town Square Plaza. A second site was recommended on Laurel Locks Farm, and a third in Kenilworth Park. Currently, about 25 percent of township residents use public water, which the township purchases from the Pottstown Water Authority. That water is drawn from the Schuylkill River. The supervisors’ decision to create a township well won’t completely change that, as well water must be supplemented by borough water in order to ensure an adequate supply. The North Coventry Water Authority has argued that by having a municipal well, the township will be able to better control rates and water quality for residents.

Source: Daily Local; 11/12/09

West Chester panel urges 3.4% tax hike

West Chester Borough Council’s finance committee Monday recommended council adopt a preliminary 2010 budget that calls for a 3.4 percent property tax increase. The preliminary budget would cause the average borough homeowner’s tax bill to rise to $689, an increase of $23 over last year’s average, officials said.

The average single-family home in the borough has an assessed value of $119,000, and the average tax increase was calculated using this figure, officials said. Borough Council is likely to pass a preliminary budget at its Nov. 18 meeting and pass the final budget in December. Finance committee members said that between now and December, borough administrators will try to reduce the real estate tax hike. But they warned the borough is facing financial difficulties that will likely make a tax hike inevitable.

Source: Daily Local; 11/11/09

Slight increase in Oxford Borough’s preliminary 2010 budget

Although the Oxford Council members had hoped to come up with a budget with a zero-percent increase, rising costs brought in the budget at $3,102,935, an increase of $13,338 over last year. This translates into a projected millage increase from the current 9.75 mills to 9.79 mills. For a house assessed at $100,000, this would be about $75.00 for the year. Council members expressed concern about projected shortfall in revenues caused by the reduction in real estate transfer taxes due to reappraisals and the soft housing market.

Source: Chester County Press;11/11/09

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Posted on: 11-16-2009
Posted in: Chester County, News

Chester County Real Estate News At A Glance: Week of November 2nd Comments Off

West Goshen commission rejects development plan

A controversial plan to build a 128-unit senior living facility on Boot Road next to the Goshen Fire Company was rejected by the West Goshen Planning Commission Oct. 20. The West Goshen Commission voted unanimously not to recommend that the Board of Supervisors grant Traditions, the proposed 55-plus community, conditional-use approval. The planning commission can only make recommendations. The board of supervisors makes the final decision. The project has come under fire from members of the fire company, residents along Boot Road and adjoining property owners on Culbertson Circle. The chief point of contention is that access to the development would be through the Goshen Fire Company’s driveways on Boot and Greenhill roads. The next conditional-use hearing for the project will be Dec. 1.

Source: Daily Local; 10/26/09

Oxford Area subdivision sewer issues under review

If a subdivision uses on-lot sewer systems, the Oxford Area Sewer Authority will not step in if the systems fail. This was the observation as authority members recently expressed their concerns about a proposed five-lot commercial subdivision on 60 acres near the serpentine barrens, where soil water absorption problems have been found in West Nottingham. The authority does not get involved with individual failed systems, although it does allow owners with problem systems to tie into existing sewer lines when possible.

The authority is attempting to take steps to expand its existing system with help from a $27 million loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The loan application is ready for submission but will take time to process. Also, the authority is awaiting a state grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development.

Source: Daily Local; 10/27/09

West Chester approves $19,500 for study on maintaining ‘historic qualities’

West Chester Borough Council decided Wednesday to pay a consultant $19,500 to prepare a preservation plan for West Chester’s historic neighborhoods. The plan will identify historic buildings and give owners of those buildings advice on how to preserve and enhance the structures’ historic qualities, according to Malcolm Johnstone, director of the West Chester Business Improvement District. A state grant will fund $10,000 of the project, and the remaining $5,000 will come from McCool Properties, a local developer.

McCool is demolishing the Yearsley Building on Market Street. The plan will identify which buildings are of historical significance and will set forth a strategy for how the borough should disseminate information to property owners about how their buildings can best be preserved.

Source: Daily Local; 10/26/09

Easttown residents oppose ‘nuisance taxes’

Facing a forecasted operating deficit of as much as $1 million for 2010, Easttown Township has been exploring the implementation of one or more Act 511 taxes (often called “nuisance taxes”), including an earned income tax — an unpopular revenue-generator in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Many of the 250 residents who attended the township supervisors meeting told the board that it should consider cuts before raising existing property taxes or implementing new taxes. According to numbers generated by tax-collection companies, the township estimates that a 1 percent Earned Income Tax could generate more than $3 million in 2010. However, Easttown estimates that perhaps only $1.3 million would actually be collected next year because of collection issues with new taxes. The township implemented a 3.86-percent real-estate tax increase for 2009 after initially proposing one of more than 5 percent. During budget discussions, supervisors said they did not want to overburden residents during a recession. A budget discussion is slated for the supervisors’ meeting Nov. 2. A proposed final budget will be presented at the board’s meeting Nov. 16, which would also serve as the deadline for a decision to implement any Act 511 taxes, including the earned income tax. The final 2010 budget will be adopted at the board’s Dec. 21 meeting.

Source: Daily Local; 10/25/09

Chester County Department of Voter Services

For polling place and precinct information in Chester County, visit the Chester County Department of Voter Services webpage here. The Suburban REALTORS® Alliance encourages you to exercise your right to vote in the upcoming municipal elections next Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and registered voters who are in line by 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

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Posted on: 11-2-2009
Posted in: Chester County, News

Chester County Real Estate News at A Glance: Week of October 26th Comments Off

Easttown residents opposed to Earned Income Tax

Facing a forecasted operating deficit of as much as $1 million for 2010, the township has been exploring the implementation of one or more Act 511 taxes (often referred to as “nuisance taxes”) including an Earned Income tax (EIT)—an unpopular revenue-generator in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Many of the 250 residents who attended the last Board of Supervisors meeting told the board that it should consider cuts before raising the existing property taxes or implementing new taxes. The municipality was hit hard in its realty transfer tax revenue this year, which has served as 20 percent of the township’s annual operating revenue.

Source: Main Line Suburban Life; 10/21/09

WCASD tax hike may exceed state cap

Although the state has set the West Chester Area School District’s 2009-2010 Act 1 index to 2.9 percent, taxpayers may see a school tax increase of more than 2.9 percent. The millage increase could be as high as 5.24 percent, according to district officials. Last year, for example, the school district’s Act 1 index was set at 4.1 percent, but the school board, because of exceptions, was able to raise taxes in the Chester County portion of the district by 5.9 percent. This year, the West Chester district had expected to have one exemption, which would have applied to $418,000 of the interest the district pays on the bonds it issues. But on Monday, district officials announced that the district could potentially qualify for two more exemptions: a $1.6 million retirement contribution exemption and a $1.1 million special-education exemption. The Pennsylvania Department of Education must approve these exemptions. If it does, the school board could raise millage by 5.24 percent without first holding a taxpayer referendum, officials said.

Source: Daily Local; 10/23/09

Upper Uwchlan officials appoint new manager

After going more than seven months without a township manager, Upper Uwchlan supervisors unanimously appointed a new manager Monday night. The board selected Cary Vargo to fill a spot vacated in March after the board fired John Roughan Jr. Vargo’s annual salary will be $95,000 for a 90-day probationary period, after which his pay rate would jump to $100,000 a year. Vargo comes to Upper Uwchlan after serving as township manager in Thornbury for more than two years. Prior to that, Vargo served as a Coatesville police corporal. He had served on the force for eight years.

Source: Daily Local; 10/20/09

Chester County lands $4.6 million stimulus grant

Chester County Commissioners Chairman Terence Farrell announced the county has received a $4.6 million federal stimulus grant. The grant will cover the cost of 17 projects intended to make county facilities more energy efficient. The money will be used for energy audits, LED lighting, solar panels and more efficient heating and cooling systems.

Source: Main Line Suburban Life; 10/21/09

West Chester officials recommend council mandate rear house numbers

Three of Borough Council’s committees voted this week to recommend that council pass a regulation that would require borough residents to put their addresses on the back of their properties. Council members said this regulation would make it easier for police, firefighters and drivers of emergency medical service vehicles to identify houses. This is especially true, they said, in the case of homes that have rear alleys where emergency vehicles sometimes need to travel. Rear addresses could also make it easier for the codes department to identify homes with backyard code violations.

Source: Daily Local; 10/17/09

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Posted on: 10-26-2009
Posted in: News

Chester County Real Estate News at a Glance – Week Ending October 16th Comments Off

Easttown Township to explore earned income tax as revenue option

On Monday, Oct. 19, at 8:00 p.m., the Easttown Township Board of Supervisors will be presented with information on Earned Income Tax and other Act 511 taxes by the Pennsylvania Economy League. The meeting is to be held at the Beaumont Elementary School, 575 Beaumont Road, Devon, and is open to the public. Easttown Township is facing a budget deficit for 2010, in part due to declining real estate transfer tax revenue, salary increases and an increased pension contribution. An ad-hoc budget committee was created at the Oct. 5 Board of Supervisors meeting with the intent of looking at the budget with an independent set of eyes and varied expertise. The members include a forensic accountant, business consultant, marketing professional, Realtor and tax attorney. The committee is seeking people of other professions to assist in reviewing the budget and proposed changes. Click here for the public meeting notice.

Source: Main Line Suburban Life: 10/14/09

“Community Conversation” event opens encouraging dialogue in West Vincent

At a recent “community conversation” at the West Pikeland Township building, nearly 90 residents came to a consensus with township supervisors to “continue to preserve open space and rural values” along with a renewed sense of community. The event, hosted by Chester County 2020, a nonprofit organization that promotes dialogue about planning and growth throughout the county, encouraged residents to list issues that are important to West Vincent. The list was narrowed down to open space preservation and the protection of rural values. Of great importance to the township supervisors was the attendance and interaction with resident who do not typically attend township meetings. The supervisors were encouraged that their vision was shared by the West Vincent community.

Source: The Daily Local News; 10/14/09

Gay Street Bridge to reopen in Phoenixville

The Gay Street Bridge in Phoenixville has received a facelift and a soon-to-be new name – the Veterans Memorial Gay Street Bridge. The bridge, due to be reopened Oct. 16, has been under construction since April 2008. Both pedestrian and vehicular travel will be restored between downtown Phoenixville and North Side.

Source: The Daily Local News; 10/15/09

Smith Farm agreement approved in West Bradford Township

West Bradford supervisors recently approved an agreement for the Smith Farm development plan. The agreement will allow for a 125-home development and preservation of the existing cattle farm. The approved settlement plan will now be taken to court for approval, which would settle current litigation and allow the land development plan to proceed through the township’s normal approval process. Originally a planned subdivision of two properties, the Gray tract and the Smith Farm, many of the initial objections to the plan have been eliminated with the removal of the Gray tract from the plan.

Source: The Daily Local News; 10/15/09

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Posted on: 10-19-2009
Posted in: Chester County, Useful stuff

Chester County Real Estate News at a Glance – Week of October 5th Comments Off

Honey Brook Borough passes Residential Inspection Ordinance

Honey Brook Borough Council adopted a use and occupancy inspection ordinance for all residential properties. The ordinance, which includes several amendments suggested by the Suburban REALTORS® Alliance, was previously considered by Borough Council at a public meeting in August. Click here to read the revised ordinance. The ordinance will go into effect on Oct. 19, 2009.

West Brandywine to consider rental ordinance

West Brandywine will consider adopting a rental inspection ordinance at their October 15 Board of Supervisors Meeting. The meeting will take place at 7:30 pm in the Township Building at 198 Lafayette Road, Coatesville, PA 19320. Click here to read a copy of the proposed ordinance. The Alliance will closely analyze the ordinance prior to the Oct. 15 supervisors meeting. Questions or comments should be directed to Alliance staff at sra@suburbanrealtorsalliance.com.

Tredyffrin lays off 11 employees

Tredyffrin Township has laid off 11 employees, and will also eliminate nine open positions in an effort to cut costs and avoid a drastic tax increase. The cuts hit the public works department, libraries, township administration and police department, said Township Manager Mimi Gleason. The reduction will save the township about $1.5 million a year and could help avoid a 2010 tax hike. Like all municipalities in Pennsylvania, Tredyffrin relies heavily on real estate-related taxes, which have decreased along with housing values and sales. The township does not levy an earned income tax or a business privilege tax.

The township saw a tax increase of 3.3 percent in 2008 and a tax increase of 2.4 percent in 2009. Millage is now at 2.23. A mil is a dollar of tax paid for each $1,000 of a property’s assessed value.

Source: Daily Local; 10/1/09

West Goshen neighbors gripe about cemetery housing plan

A group of residents attended a zoning hearing board meeting Wednesday night to express opposition to a local developer’s plan to build homes on a section of the Rolling Green Memorial Park cemetery. About two dozen residents from the neighborhoods near the cemetery said they were concerned that the development, proposed by Glenn M. White Builders, would create flooding problems and increase local traffic.

But their criticism fell outside the zoning hearing board’s scope. The board was considering whether to allow road and sewer construction in a portion of the cemetery land that lies in a FEMA-designated flood hazard zone. Developers routinely need to obtain permission to disrupt flood hazard zones, even if engineers determine that the disruption is not going to lead to flooding. Michael Lyons, the attorney for Glenn M. White Builders, said engineers have determined that the proposed floodplain disruptions will not cause additional flooding. The zoning hearing board informed residents that, provided the development plan continues, they should bring their concerns before the township’s planning commission, the advisory body that reviews land development applications.

Source: Daily Local; 10/3/09

Coatesville elected officials say manager is short on details

Members of Coatesville’s City Council criticized City Manager Harry Walker for not providing enough information as they considered his request to draw money from the city’s reserve trust fund. Walker began the meeting with a redevelopment progress report. He estimated approximately $72 million in construction costs for upcoming projects. If completed, the projects could add up to $1 million in real estate transfers. Those upcoming projects include the Mariott Courtyard Hotel; North Flats townhomes; a South Flats mixed-use supermarket; Lincoln Center; Artist Colony mixed-use project; Pennock Place Tower and Brandywine Ridge. His report frustrated some City Council members, who urged Walker to move on to discussions about cash flow. Walker recommended a transfer of $1.5 million from the reserve trust fund into the general fund. For more discussion on this topic, visit www.allaroundphilly.com/blogs/dailylocal/coatesville/blog.html .

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Posted on: 10-15-2009
Posted in: Chester County

Chester County Real estate news at a glance – week of 9/28/09 Comments Off

West Pikeland officials eye solution to sewage issues

West Pikeland Officials presented a new potential solution to the township’s sewage problems during a special meeting Monday night. Officials have been investigating whether to use the Windolph Knolls area as a public sewage treatment facility, but on Monday Township Manager Steve Ross and David Linahan, a private engineer hired by West Pikeland, discussed the potential expansion of the facility already in place in the Twin Hills neighborhood. The need for a public sewer alternative stems from outdated septic systems being utilized in the Pickering Estates area located east of Route 113 and south of route 401. According to various residents, sales of homes in this area have been affected because their current systems cannot pass a proper septic inspection. Furthermore, the soils will not allow the septic systems to be updated and public sewer appears to be the only solution left, said Linahan. The problem was discovered during two separate surveys in the last six months; one was a mail-in survey to residents and the other was a walking survey done in conjunction with the Chester County Health Department.

Source: Daily Local; 9/23/09

City of Coatesville’s new finance director discusses her role

After almost a year without a finance director, City Council recently approved the hiring of Stacy W. Bjorhus to take on the role. City Council unanimously approved the hiring of Bjorhus in late August. Her first day was Sept. 14. Part of Bjorhus’ role will be to review and confirm policies and procedures in place in the finance department. The department consists of five employees, including Bjorhus. “My ultimate goal is make sure all finance functions are followed for a government entity,” Bjorhus said. “I plan to bring the finance department where City Council and the city manager want it to be … and to bring it up to code completely.” The city has technically been without a finance director since October 2008.

Source: Daily Local; 9/24/09

Easttown facing $1 million deficit

Easttown is projecting a 2010 operating budget with a $1 million deficit, and one tough decision the township faces will likely be the implementation of either a real-estate tax increase of as much as 26 percent or an earned-income tax. With revenue streams only trickling and not expected to regain their flow quickly, administrators say that they have to find new sources of revenue for next year’s budget. In a municipality that is almost 100 percent residential, there aren’t a lot of options, officials say. While raising the real-estate taxes is probably more “democratic” because all property owners are affected, a major drawback is that it would have a greater impact on the poor, elderly and those on fixed incomes. If Easttown were to implement an earned-income tax, as a vast majority of Chester County municipalities have already done, residents who work in municipalities that have an earned-income tax would instead pay theirs to Easttown. One of the causes of the budget crisis is the township’s real estate transfer tax earnings, which applies every time a piece of property is sold. The tax accounts for about 18 percent of the township’s budgeted revenue. For 2009 the township budgeted $750,000 of income from the tax. Through August, that revenue totaled $380,365. Transfer taxes used to sometimes bring in as much as $100,000 per month; this year, some months have produced less than $10,000.

Source: Main Line Suburban Life; 9/23/09

West Chester Council settles on 2-story expansion for W.C. police

At least one big decision regarding the West Chester Police Department headquarters expansion has been made: It will be two stories tall. Borough Council voted 4-2 Wednesday to proceed with a two-story expansion. But council members could not decide which architect to hire to design the expansion. Council members decided to put off architect selection until next month. The vote to build a two-story police expansion was actually a vote to eventually hire an architect to design an expansion that would cost $3.3 million and be two stories. The borough’s current cost projections indicate a two-story expansion is likely to cost this amount. Council members said, however, that if the projected cost of the two-story expansion rises above $3.3 million, the two-story expansion plan could be shelved.

Source: Daily Local; 9/25/09

Downingtown Council in court over Kardon park

The two sides in the battle over the future of Kardon Park sparred in Orphans Court Wednesday on issues ranging from whether the borough’s plans to sell a portion of the park had been properly advertised, what standard the judge should use to decide the case, and whether other options for keeping the land as a park had been considered.  Judge Katherine B.L. Platt is hearing the borough’s request to clear title to the area of the park that the borough wants to sell to a housing developer that has proposed putting a mixed residential and commercial development on the property. In exchange, the borough would get an estimated $8 million, an upgrade of the remainder of the park, and a spur to its revitalization efforts in the downtown area. Borough Council has granted conditional-use approval hearings for plans for the property from J. Loew & Associates and Progressive Housing Ventures, who want to build 305 homes and a commercial center with 40 upscale apartments on the acreage that straddles Downingtown and East Caln. In its petition, council states plainly that the park redevelopment would have various benefits to current and future residents that outweigh leaving the entire property as it stands.

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 9/23/09



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Posted on: 09-29-2009
Posted in: Chester County
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