Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bucks County, Pennsylvania public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
6 issues in development with medium priority
Act 247 subdivision and land development reviews
The commission issues advisory reviews on municipal planning matters — including a newly added review for Nockamixon Township. These opinions inform but don't dictate local zoning and development decisions.
New $15 fee to fight blighted properties
A new $15-per-recording fee will build a fund to demolish or remediate blighted properties across the county. It came out of the county's blight study with the Planning Commission, and staff said remediation could mean rebuilding a home with partners like Habitat for Humanity, not just demolition.
District court accessibility compliance work
The county is spending roughly $300,000 to bring three of its 18 magisterial district court offices into ADA compliance. A resident asked whether the rest will follow and whether a countywide building assessment is coming.
Homelessness prevention and housing services funding
The county put more money into fighting homelessness — an increase for the Opportunity Council's rapid rehousing work and $37,435 for facility improvements at Bucks Villa, plus a long-term HOME-ARP agreement with A Woman's Place.
Lower Bucks Government Services Center construction costs
Former Rep. Andy Warren questioned the $108,831 change order #26 and the mounting number of change orders, plus news reports of deterioration in the current Administration Building. COO Margie McKevitt said a structural engineer will assess windows, brick, and the rotunda, and promised a cumulative change-order total.
Warehouse-to-housing conversion opportunities
Commissioner Keenan suggested empty warehouses — like a 240,000-square-foot Amazon-vacated building — could be redeveloped as housing, since warehouse construction has slowed since COVID.