What are the potential impacts of a pipeline easement on your Pennsylvania Property?
Chester County, Pennsylvania currently has a least two active pipeline projects winding through it. The Columbia Pipeline Group’s Eastside Expansion Project which runs from West Vincent to West Bradford, and Sunoco Logistics Mariner East 2 Project running from northwest to southeast Chester County. Hundreds of Chester County residents have been or will be …
Permit Extension Act Part II: Tolling Provisions Apply To Uniform Condominium And Planned Community Acts
The amendments to the Permit Extension Act (“PEA”), Act 31 of 2015, have now specifically included condominium and planned community Declarations within the tolling provisions of the PEA. There had been concern in the development community that in the wake of the Commonwealth Court’s Logan Greens Community Association, Inc. v. Church Reserve, LLC …
Amendment Clarifies PA’s Permit Extension ACT
Amendments to Pennsylvania’s Permit Extension Act have clarified provisions suspending the expiration dates of certain approvals obtained by developers and property owners. On July 10th Governor Wolf signed into law Act 31 of 2015 which amends Pennsylvania’s Permit Extension Act, 53 P.S. § 11703.1 et seq. The change of most interest to developers/property owners and …
An Arrow for the Quiver of Municipalities and Neighbors Opposing Amateur Radio Tower Antennas
Amateur radio operators in the United States have a long history of helping their communities, especially in times of disaster or unrest. They are our neighbors and members of our community, but encouraged by proclamations that ” you can put an antenna anywhere…” some enthusiasts seek to install not just an antenna, but a …
U.S. Supreme Court Permits Religious Prayer at Local Government Meetings
By: Andrew D.H. Rau & Amanda J. Sundquist Constitutional questions regarding the use of prayer to open municipal meetings have often come before the courts, as discussed in a prior blog entry in the public school context. This week, the United States Supreme Court issued an important decision upholding the right of a town …
The telecommunications industry is evolving and expanding – how can your municipality stay on top of new developments?
By: Andrew Rau Municipalities across Pennsylvania are quickly realizing that the early stages of the cell tower and telecommunications era are giving way to a new regulatory and land use world—one of micro towers, fiber lines and new technology. There are four areas of focus for municipalities in staying on top of the changing …
Unpaid Property Taxes not so easily avoided in Pennsylvania – Act 93 of 2013 Empowers Taxing Authorities
Act 93 of 2013 was signed into law and became effective January 26, 2014. Act 93 of 2013 allows for a taxing authority to reduce a delinquent tax claim to judgment and then file the claim for unpaid property taxes in the judgment index with any court of common pleas. Thus, the taxing …
Long Outdated Bid Limit Laws Updated by Pennsylvania Legislature
On November 3, 2011, Act 84 of 2011 was signed into law in Pennsylvania and becomes effective on January 1, 2012. Act 84 amends certain provisions of the Second Class Township Code which require Townships to advertise and seek bids for purchases and contracts of a certain minimum dollar amount.
New Prevailing Wage Analysis For Preconstruction Leases
On November 23, 2011 the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania rendered a decision that may have far reaching implications with regard to state, county, municipal and school district leasing of buildings and office space.
Obligations under the Equal Access Act
By: Amanda Sundquist Following up on its recent guidance on bullying and harassment, on June 14, 2011 the Office for Civil Rights (“OCR”) issued a “Dear Colleagues” letter regarding the impact of the Equal Access Act (the “Act”) on gay-straight alliances (GSA) and similar student-initiated groups addressing LGBT issues. OCR reminds …