
Dive into the high-stakes drama playing out in Chester, Pennsylvania, where stormwater fees, city politics, and controversial power grabs collide. In this podcast, we pull back the curtain on the Stormwater Authority of the City of Chester (SAC)—an entity at the heart of a municipal storm swirling with secret board expansions, unapproved salaries, and dubious loans involving both church and state. Against the backdrop of Chester’s decades-long financial struggles and ongoing bankruptcy battle...
Dec 17, 2024
17 min

This episode details the complex financial crisis in Chester, Pennsylvania, and the ongoing legal battles surrounding the city's attempt to monetize its water assets to address its bankruptcy. Sources for this podcast include: DV Journal (12/4/24): Pa. Supreme Court to Decide Chester Water Authority’s FutureBloomberg Law (11/18/24): Retirees Pitted Against Water Unit in City’s Two-Year BankruptcyDelco Today (11/15/24): Monetization Move on Chester Water Assets Could Come Next SummerBloomber...
Dec 12, 2024
18 min

This podcast episode focuses on Swarthmore's "Imagine Swarthmore" comprehensive planning process, building on insights from the 2006 Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan. Topics include the region's unique geology, floodplain management, housing diversity, economic sustainability, transportation infrastructure, and historic preservation. The discussion highlights the importance of balancing residential and commercial growth while maintaining Swarthmore's charm, leveraging community engagement t...
Dec 10, 2024
19 min

Multiple news sources report on Delaware County, Pennsylvania's proposed 23-24% property tax increase for its 2025 budget. The increase, driven by inflation and dwindling pandemic relief funds, faces significant public backlash. County officials cite rising costs and years of stagnant revenue as justification, while residents demand budget cuts and criticize past spending decisions. A proposal to sell the county's wastewater system to offset the tax hike is under consideration, but its feasib...
Dec 6, 2024
12 min

The Swarthmore Development and Affordability Task Force's final report outlines strategies to tackle rising housing costs and boost affordability. Key recommendations include legalizing ADUs to expand housing supply quickly and updating zoning laws to support diverse, affordable options. The report explores zoning's impact on affordability, Swarthmore's housing market, and solutions like inclusionary zoning and density bonuses, aiming to foster a more inclusive, economically diverse community...
Dec 5, 2024
19 min
