Pattye Benson

Community Matters

Radnor’s Proposed Budget Calls for 17% Real Estate Tax Increase; Phoenixville Talks of Cutting Police Force & Lower Merion Residents Collecting Signatures in Opposition of Their Tax Increase

November 21, 2010
28 Comments

Lower Merion’s proposed 2011 budget indicates a 14.7% real estate tax increase . . . Phoenixville is working with a 24.7% proposed increase . . . Easttown Township announced their proposed budget includes a 5.3% real estate tax increase and on Friday, Radnor Township released their 2011 operating budget which indicates a 17 percent real estate tax increase! Radnor residents will be facing this 17 percent real estate tax increase for 2011 on the heels of 2010’s 11 percent increase.

Radnor’s administration points to similar problems as other neighboring municipalities due to the economy and that the municipality is struggling to recover from the recession. With revenue growth slowed, Radnor is looking at various ways to reduce operating expenditures. Included with Radnor’s budgetary information, is a memorandum from the assistant township manager, William Martin which details some suggestions for increased revenue. Some of these suggestions are interesting – I wonder if any of these revenue recommendations or expenditure reductions are suggestions that Tredyffrin should consider. I have highlighted some of Martin’s suggestions below:

Revenue Recommendations

  • Sell Selected Parcels of Township-owned Land
  • Negotiate Payment in Lieu of Tax with Universities and Colleges
  • Lease Office Space in Township Building
  • Perform audit of Cable TV Franchise License and permit fees
  • Increase Youth Sports Program Field Maintenance Fee for non-resident participants to $25 per participant
  • Consider corporate naming rights for select Township assets

Expenditure Reductions Suggestions

  • Reduce total employee expenses by 8% in 2011
  • Implement a moratorium on acquisition of land or open space
  • Reduce Township facility costs to maximize the value
  • Reduce Legal Expenses
  • Mandate within legal limits that employees use accrued vacation
  • Explore share services agreements with neighboring townships
  • Evaluate Parks and Recreation Programs that do not met expenses
  • Review status of government and public access television channels
  • Perform energy audit
  • Reduce usage of Township vehicles
  • Rely on Citizen groups instead of hiring consultants
  • Perform audit of purchases to insure sales taxes are not paid

In looking at various ways to increase charges for services in Radnor, the administration is proposing to amend the local inspection laws to include mandatory inspection of all rental units in Radnor Township (to include colleges/universities) and to increase the fee to better align it with the cost of providing these inspections (rather than having a general tax). I am imagining all kinds of problems with this mandatory inspection . . . cost of inspection and scheduling issues, privacy concerns, etc. It would appear that managing a mandatory inspection idea would not be easy. Owning a rental property myself in Tredyffrin, I am not sure how I feel about this idea.

Still grappling with the 24.7% proposed real estate tax increase in Phoenixville, there is some discussion about cutting two police officers from the budget to help lower the $600K+ deficit. It is my understanding that Phoenixville is already understaffed with their current police force. With the economic downturn and unemployment rising, it would seem that crime could also be on the increase (particularly with the holidays coming) . . . so I’m not sure that cutting back the police force is the correct approach. Apparently all departments have reduced costs by 10% and that all that is left is to look at reducing the police force.

The recently announced proposed 12.7% proposed real estate tax increase in Lower Merion has residents rightfully upset. To counter the proposed 2011 budget, residents are getting their voices heard through an online petition (1400+ signatures to date). Wonder if the Lower Merion’s Commissioners are likely to give any credence to the petition? http://www.petitiononline.com/lmcrb11/petition.html

To: The Commissions of Lower Merion Township

Petition – 2011 Lower Merion Township Proposed Budget

Economic indicators demonstrate that our Country is still struggling to recover from recession.

Since 2002, Lower Merion Township has raised the real estate tax millage rate by a total of 44.3% and has doubled its indebtedness (from $56 million to $112 million).

Lower Merion Township has raised the real estate tax millage rate in seven (7) of the last eight (8) years.

In 2010, Lower Merion Township raised trash collection fees between 10% – 41% for most residents.

Now, the Township Manager of Lower Merion Township has proposed a 12.7% increase in the real estate tax millage rate for 2011 which, if passed, would mean a cumulative increase of 62.6% since 2002, the year in which the current Township Manager was appointed.

The Lower Merion Township Manager proposes to increase 2011 spending by 5.5% over 2010 spending, which adds to past additional spending and represents a cumulative increase in spending of 45% since 2002.

By contrast, since 2002, inflation has increased 20.44% (through September 30), and overall national wages have grown just 22% (through 2009).

Further, the Township Manager has targeted a 17% General Fund Reserve Balance. The Township’s reserve policy has a goal of maintaining the General Fund Reserve Balance in the range of 15% – 18% of the Township’s prior year general fund expenditures.

While it is the Township Manager’s role to propose a budget each year, it is the responsibility of elected Township Commissioners to determine the amount of spending to authorize and to approve a final budget.

We believe that a 12.7% real estate tax increase is an unaffordable, unsustainable and unacceptable outcome and implore the Township Commissioners to significantly reduce proposed 2011 general fund expenditures, to draw down the General Fund Reserve Balance to 15%, and to avoid much or all of the proposed real estate tax increase at this difficult economic time.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

Share or Like:
        
 

Moving Past Tredyffrin’s 2010 Election Cycle

November 19, 2010
4 Comments

The political signs have gone. The phones have stopped ringing. There are no more calls reminding us to vote or asking who we like in certain races. There’s no one knocking at the door urging us to vote. It’s nice and quiet. What we have left are the victors and the losers. The numbers settle it all, once the votes have been counted.

Locally, the dust has begun to settle post-election 2010. After a heated, and at times very negative mud-slinging campaign between Paul Drucker and Warren Kampf, a victor emerged in the State House 157 race. Warren Kampf will take his new office in January and State Representative Paul Drucker will complete his term on November 30. In the aftermath of any election there is always discussion as to what ‘went wrong’ or what ‘went right’ with the campaign. Campaign insiders are left to ponder the future.

I think it is unfortunate that politics has increasingly begun to feel like a game, but one that is very often played outside the bounds of civility. During this past local campaign cycle, my reaction to both sides was often profound sadness and disappointment. Winning at all costs became the focus, and that it did not appear to matter what it took to get to the winner’s circle.

Last night I was picking up Chinese food in Berwyn and walked past the window of Fellini’s Restaurant on my way to the car. In the window, I saw Paul and Robin Drucker and stopped in to say hello. Paul was with some of his campaign staff; my guess is that in the near future, many of these young campaigners will disburse in their separate directions. Looking at the group gathered, I reflected on the idealism and passion of being a political campaigner; and of being 20-something.

Regardless of their associated political party, there is an unwavering commitment to political candidates by the often young campaign staff. These young people have placed an importance on local politics. They support their local legislators with the understanding that these officials make decisions that affect our daily lives. These things matter.

Looking ahead, maybe there is hope for the future . . . that the grassroots optimism and idealism of youth can help create a civic landscape with great vibrancy for which we can all be proud.

Share or Like:
        
 

Be Careful What You Wish For . . . Bottom Dollar Food Coming to Chesterbrook

November 18, 2010
4 Comments

Back on July 30, I wrote the following article about the Bottom Dollar Food grocery store chain coming to the Philadelphia area and opening a store in King of Prussia. In the article, Discount Grocery Store ‘Bottom Dollar Food’ Coming to Philadelphia Area. I commented on the differences between the newly opened Wegmans vs the ‘no-frills’ discount grocery chain, Bottom Dollar.

Wegmans opening this summer, fell on the heels of the closing of Genuardi’s in Chesterbrook. There are other empty stores in the Chesterbrook Shopping Center and those that have remained since Genuardi’s closing have struggled. I heard that since the closing of Genuardi’s that the Hair Cuttery is loosing an average of $600/wk in revenue. The emptiness is particularly noticeable at lunchtime. Many in the community have speculated and wondered as to the future of the real estate.

We don’t have to speculate any longer. Today, I received news that Bottom Dollar Food has signed a 5-year lease with Centro Properties and will open in the old Genuardi’s location. (Not sure of the opening date). When reviewing the location plans for Chesterbrook’s Bottom Dollar, I noted they will subdivide the Genuardi’s space. Originally, Genuardi’s had approx. 38,500 sq. ft. of space but Bottom Dollar is only leasing 26,000 sq. ft leaving a space of 12,500 sq. ft. (next to Fitness Together) still available. The original entry of Genuardi’s is now in the ‘available space’, suggesting that Bottom Dollar will move their entry location.

In the last paragraph of my July 30th post, I asked the question, ” . . . would people rather see an empty anchor store in the Chesterbrook Shopping Center as opposed to some kind of discount store?” And here we are 3 months later, with Bottom Dollar discount food chain coming to Chesterbrook!

In catching up on some of the local business news, I was reading about the local grocery market and was interested to read about a new grocery chain coming to the area, Bottom Dollar Food.

We know that Wegmans next step on their expansion plan is King of Prussia (I think the old golf course off Swedesford, correct?) so I was curious if our area would be getting one of these discount grocery stores. Bottom Dollar Food is a discount grocer that’s part of the Food Lion store chain and has said that it will open 21 stores in Philadelphia and surrounding areas, creating 600 jobs. A friend recently visited our new Wegmans and asked management how many employees in that location — yes, 600.

This is a significant expansion for the Salisbury, N.C.-based Bottom Dollar Food, which has 28 stores in North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland. I did a bit of research on the company – they opened their first store in 2005, 5 years ago! They seemed to have discovered a niche market-place by keeping their stores very simple in design. One of the ways they are able to drive the prices down to bargain-basement level is by removing the fancy, expensive displays. Interesting concept given Wegmans over-the-top approach! They keep the isles wide, displays simple and have a color-coding system showing the various levels of mark-downs. Special ’bargain’ areas in the stores are indicated with color-coded signage. Kind of reminds me of the Syms approach – you read the price tag and the date determines the price. The longer the item remains at Syms, the lower the price.

Bottom Dollar Food will open their first Philadelphia area store in the fall. The president of the Bottom Dollar Food Meg Ham, reports that “Bottom Dollar Food has great potential in the market as we believe it is underserved in the soft-discount grocer arena”. Interesting.

However, the most interesting point of the article was the list of new store locations, including 197 E. Dekalb Pike, Upper Merion (King of Prussia). Short of driving up 202 north and looking for the address, I’m wondering if that is the Genuardi’s store on 202? I looked at all the stores on the list and unfortunately a Chesterbrook location was not on the list. But that poses an interesting question, would people rather see an empty anchor store in the Chesterbrook Shopping Center as opposed to some kind of discount store?

Share or Like:
        
 

It’s Official . . . Martini’s Italian Market Open!

November 18, 2010
Comments

It’s official . . . Martini’s Italian Market is now open in Paoli Village Shoppes.

Many of us have been watching over the last few months as Bill DiMartini created a slice of Italy in our own backyard. For those who have lived in the area for a long time (and have a good memory!) Bill’s folks owned Martini’s resturant on Lancaster Avenue in Devon . . . a local Italian neighborhood restuarant where neighbors met neighbors.

I recently visited Martiini’s and was surprised to find that Paoli’s newest offering is much more than ‘just an Italian market’. With a touch of DiMartini family magic, Bill has created a place to purchase your traditional Italian favorites . . . cannolis, cheese, fresh pastas, olive oils, vinegars, and of course a wide selection of Italian hoagies. Offering help with holiday gift-giving, Martini’s can create special gift baskets for your family and friends. In addition to the special food selections, Martini’s offers a wide selection of unique gift items, including a selection of imported Vietri pottery and glassware.

Although open for a few weeks, Martini’s official Grand Opening is Saturday, November 20. The day promises tastings, discounts on pottery, special promises and a place for neighbors to meet neighbors!

The hours at Martini’s Italian Market are Monday – Saturday, 9 AM – 7 PM and Sunday, 9 AM – 1 PM.

Best wishes for the long-anticipated Martini’s Italian Market . . . may the DiMartini’s enjoy another family success!

Share or Like:
        
 

Philadelphia International Airport — Intimate Pat-Down or Full-Body Scan . . . Not Much of a Choice!

November 17, 2010
5 Comments

Have any of you flown since TSA (Transportation Security Administration) installed Advancing Imaging Technology (AIT) body scanners at Philadelphia International Airport? I had not really paid much attention to the body scanner news until I started to think about my own upcoming travel plans. In a few days, my husband and I will be heading off to Budapest, and in the midst of locating our passports and checking weather forecasts, the news of a ‘National Opt Out Day’ hit the headlines.

A grassroots organization, We Won’t Fly has big plans for November 24, the day before Thanksgiving — and the most-travelled day on the calendar. The airline boycott effort by the organization is organizing the National Opt Out Day; a mass x-ray scanner opt outs at airports around the nation.

We Won’t Fly wants to highlight the health and privacy dangers of TSA’s x-ray airport scanners. The protests to x-ray scanners range from privacy issues to concerns over increased radiation risks. Part of the privacy issue stems from what amounts to a nude picture of each traveler. For the record, the AIT scanner cannot store, transmit or print the body images; and they are deleted immediately once viewed and they have zero storage capacity.

Another variable for passengers is not knowing ahead of time if they will be required to pass through the AIT machines. Some airports require all passengers to pass through, others choose randomly, and still other airports (for example, Harrisburg International Airport) say the AIT machine is “optional”. Officials at Harrisburg International Airports rationalize that if passenger follows procedure and clears through the normal metal detector, the full body scanner is optional. If a passenger sets off the traditional metal detector, they have a chance to check their pockets and go through the metal detector once more before they are required to go through a held-held metal scanner.

I did a bit of checking and the AIT scanners have been at the Philadelphia International Airport for about 3 weeks, and by all reports Philadelphia has opted for a stricter process than some of the other airports. If the AIT is offered at the checkpoint lane that you are in, passengers will be asked to go through the AIT. At the Philadelphia Airport, if you opt out of the AIT scanner process, the passenger is required instead to go through an intimate pat down by a TSA officer, beyond the more traditional hand-held metal detector. I will not discuss the specific pat down details, except to say that for most this personal body touching is probably not a viable option. Here is the choices as I see it for travelers at Philadelphia Airport – (1) the full-body AIT scan; (2) the intimate pat down or (3) you do not fly.

Unite PA, a Lancaster-based Tea Party group is taking an extreme stand, claiming that the pat down and AIT machines are ‘sexual assault’, even if TSA is a government agency. Unite PA is promoting Opt Out Day on November 24, even if it means the traveler forfeiting their Thanksgiving by not traveling. As a heads-up, the Opt Out Day organization is planning a demonstration at Philadelphia airport for Nov. 24. Travel is going to be a nightmare during the upcoming holiday travel season and I think we can anticipate additional delay.

What I don’t understand is why do the airports vary on the AIT requirement . . . ? Where is the Federal regulation, why should some airports (Harrisburg) that have AIT scanners, be permitted to continue to use the traditional hand-held metal detector. The question I need to ask myself is why we are flying to Hungary from Philadelphia instead of Harrisburg! I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has traveled from Philadelphia International Airport in the last 3 weeks.

Share or Like:
        
 

Judy DiFilippo Honored for Community Service . . . Her Name Added to Tredyffrin’s Wall of Honor

November 16, 2010
1 Comment

Last night at the Board of Supervisors meeting, former township supervisor Judy DiFilippo was honored for her many years of community service. Following the reading of the official resolution by Bob Lamina, the audience witnessed the unveiling of Judy’s name on the Wall of Honor plaque in the township building lobby. (Click here to read the complete text of the resolution.)

Audience members and guests were invited to attend a reception in Judy’s honor sponsored by the Tredyffrin Historic Preservation Trust. A long-standing supporter of historic preservation in the community, members of the Trust’s Board of Directors join the community in thanking Judy for her many years of community service. The next time you are in the township building, please take a look at the Wall of Honor.

Congratulations Judy!

Share or Like:
        
 

Wow . . . Phoenixville Borough Faced With 24.7% Tax Increase in Proposed Budget

November 15, 2010
11 Comments

As the municipalities around us struggle with their 2011 budgets, there is depressing news from Phoenixville Borough. Residents of Phoenixville may be looking at a whopping 24.7% property tax increase according to the proposed borough’s 2011 budget.

The 2011 budget deficit is approximately $619K and the Borough Council is faced with a tax hike or spending cuts. Property tax increases have varied over the years – 2010 there was no increase; 2009 saw a 5.8% increase and in 2008 taxpayers received a 14.8% increase. Certainly, nothing like this proposed 24.7% increase! Although there has been discussion of police department cuts in the borough, so far that is only a rumor.

Although on the surface, it would appear that Phoenixville is a success story . . . there seems to be a new restaurant, coffee shop or boutique on every corner, apparently that is not an accurate picture. According to the Borough Council, corporate layoffs, reduced earned income revenue, slipping real estate transactions have all contributed to the challenges faced in the current economic climate. Tomorrow is the Borough’s Finance Committee meeting; here’s hoping for an alternative to the 24.7% tax increase.

Looking ahead to 2011, Phoenixville like many municipalities is struggling. Supporting revitalization is critical for future economics . . . effectively planning and implementing local economic initiatives needs to be a requirement and . . . stimulating local economies . . . all challenges to the newly elected in Pennsylvania. Phoenixville is included in Pennsylvania’s 157 jurisdiction – I hope that the residents can count on help from their newly elected representative.

Share or Like:
        
 

TESD Facilities Committee Meeting – Presentation of $3 Million Plan to Upgrade IT Network

November 12, 2010
12 Comments

Ray Clarke attended the school district’s Facilities Committee meeting and graciously sent me notes. Although I have been married to a computer marketing guru for 30 years, I certainly don’t claim to have any understanding of the IT world. However, it is almost certain that when organizations make significant IT changes/upgrades — they are nearly out of date by the time they are installed. Because computer technology is constantly changing and advancing in today’s world, it can be difficult (and costly) to stay current. Technology experts — we could use your thoughts on the school district’s IT network upgrade plans.

Ray Clarke’s TESD Facilities Committee Meeting Notes . . .

Friday’s TESD Facilities Committee meeting was most notable for a presentation of a $3 million plan to upgrade the IT network. Happily, the Committee gave approval for only initial consultant planning work. Hopefully more of the community can be present for that report to learn what exactly is to be done, when, and what the practical user benefits will be.

The basic argument went as follows: “Text books and teaching materials are becoming more available electronically. Therefore we need a) higher speeds in the district network, and b) wireless network availability throughout the high school (already in place?), the middle schools and eventually the elementary schools.” The consultant waved his iPad, and stated it was useless without a network. But, is the converse also true?

Are we therefore setting the District up for an ongoing cascade of expenditure? The Committee was adamantly against the provision of mobile devices to students. Will they therefore be able to bring their own? Will our classrooms come to resemble the Ivy League class my wife and I sat in on, where 90% of the students were on Facebook, playing video games, IM’ing their buddies a few rows down, etc.?

The $3 million will expand the network speed from 1 to 10 gigabtyes per second. That’s nice. Is the network slow now? What’s the current capacity? What’s the correlation between capacity and response time perceived by the user? How much capacity does a “multi-media-rich, interactive web-based” class need? How many such classes could the current network support? What would happen if every class had one of those presentations at the same time? (And if they did, what would that say about our ability to have our students actually engage in stimulating discussion with the teacher and their peers, and actually learn to THINK?)

We’ll know the temperature and humidity in the switch closets. Also nice to know, but are we having sauna/steam room problems now? Further, it would be nice to have every phone in the school have immediate emergency power before the generators kick in, but what problems are created by the current situation?

I trust that there are answers to these and other questions. Dr Motel and the Committee were absolutely right in not giving carte blanche to this proposal and in asking for a real plan. Perhaps the bottom line question should be: How will our students benefit?

The 10 year capital plan – without solutions for district storage and maintenance facilities and with no provision for ongoing IT needs – shows the $15 million from last year’s bond being used up during 2014/15. The next tranche of bond funds at the same interest rate would be available just in time (I think (?)). Otherwise that $9 million designated for capital in the General Fund (if indeed it’s still there) would be needed.

Not much leeway, it seems to me.

Share or Like:
        
 

Asking for Support for Paoli & Berwyn Fire Companies . . . Celebrating 100 Years, a New Building & a Turkey Raffle!

November 12, 2010
Comments

Special events coming up from Paoli & Berwyn Fire Companies. The community is invited to celebrate the first 100 years of the Paoli Fire Company and the dedication of their new firehouse on Saturday, November 13. The Berwyn Fire Company is asking the public to participate in their Annual Turkey Raffle on Wednesday, November 17. I encourage all to support our local volunteer firefighters!

Paoli Fire Company Celebrating 100 Years + A New Fire House!
100th Anniversary & Building Dedication
Paoli Fire Company
69 Darby Road, Paoli, PA
Saturday, November 13
1 PM – 4 PM

Tomorrow’s Open House at Paoli Fire Company marks 2 milestones . . . the celebration of the fire company’s first 100 years + the dedication of their new fire house. The Paoli Fire Company is opening their doors to the community to help celebrate the dedication of their new building and their first 100 years of history!

If you like fire trucks, you don’t want to miss this opportunity. Surrounding fire companies will bring their trucks to the tomorrow’s celebration. It promises to be a special day with tours of the firehouse, food, souvenirs and plenty of fun for the entire family.

If you are interested in the history of the first 100 years of the Paoli Fire Company, George Mathias wrote the article, “The Early Years of the Paoli Fire Company” for the Winter 1978 Volume 16 Number 4 edition of the Tredyffrin Easttown Historical Society’s Quarterly. (Click here for the full article)

_________________________________________________

Berwyn Fire Company
Annual Turkey Raffle Fundraiser
Wednesday, November 17
7:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Berwyn Fire Company’s Annual Turkey Raffle is the fire company’s largest fundraising event of the year. In past years, the event has raised as much as $10,000 and we want to make sure that 2010 is no different. The Turkey Raffle will be held on Wednesday, November 17, 7 – 9:30 PM. This annual event is a fun family evening with great door prizes and free food. There are chances to purchase for a 50/50 raffle and 65 turkeys are available for the raffle. If you are unable to attend but want to help – sponsor a turkey for $25. The turkeys will feature your name (or company) and all sponsors will be posted on the station wall the night of the event.

Questions: Kathy Clark, fundraising coordinator, at kpgclark@comcast.net or call Berwyn Fire Company, 610-644-6050. Visit: www.berwynfireco.org

Share or Like:
        
 

Privatize Pennsylvania’s Liquor Stores? Why not . . . Could provide $2 Billion Revenue for 2011

November 12, 2010
10 Comments

Should Pennsylvania sell the state liquor control system to help balance the state’s budget?

For years, there has been discussion about the privatization of Pennsylvania’s state liquor stores. Having moved here from California, it was an adjustment for me to Pennsylvania’s liquor stores; it seemed a rather ineffective, antiquated way of doing business. The state’s monopoly on liquor stores removes the convenience, efficiency and competition that would be created in a private marketplace – I was mystified why the system remained ‘status quo’.

Apparently, there is now renewed interest in the privatizing concept of the state’s 621 liquor stores by Governor-elect Corbett. It is believed that by leasing the state liquor stores, there would be $2 billion up-front revenue gain in 2011. A projection of 850 businesses would be created by the privatizing the state-run stores and that number does not include the new jobs that would be created by the expansion of the wine and liquor industry in Pennsylvania.

House Bill 2350 was introduced last spring by State Rep. Mike Turzai (R – Allegheny) which calls for the auctioning of 750 retail licenses and 100 wholesale licenses “to the highest responsible bidder with a reserve based upon the fair market value” to replace the current state-run system of liquor stores. This bill is set to expire on Nov. 30 but it is possible a similar plan will be introduced next year.

At first thought, one could wonder what happens to the state employee jobs in the liquor stores but those jobs should not go away. The liquor stores will continue to exist and they will continue to need employees – the difference is that the state will not have the employees on the payroll but rather the jobs shift to the private sector. It is also possible that there could be an increase in private jobs with the change, depending on the demand.

I have long thought that the state’s monopoly on liquor sales needs to change. Look at UPS and FedEx vs the Federal post office. Private companies have a profit motive to deliver products at a price the consumer desires and with the convenience that the consumer demands. Look at the way the postal costs have continually risen over the last decade. Why should sales of liquor in Pennsylvania be any different?

The liquor store debate is a problem of two dimensions. First, let’s consider ridding the state of this government controlled monopoly, its associated abuses and watch prices reflect true free market conditions. Second, the state could cash in on the value of this government monopoly by selling it. Pennsylvania’s government always needs money and the proceeds of the sale could be thrown at the most needy — in the instant case, the state budget.

What do you think — should Pennsylvania sell the state liquor control system to help the state’s budget issues?

Share or Like:
        
 
Community Matters © 2025 Frontier Theme