Falls Township has allocated funds in its proposed 2023 budget for a replacement of the Pinewood Pool playground. However, the township could spend less if a Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant is approved. DCNR grants require a 50 percent match, which would bring the township’s contribution down to roughly $103,500, according to Parks and Recreation director Brian Andrews.
In other business, the Falls Township supervisors authorized advertisement of an ordinance to rezone a portion of South Pennsylvania Avenue from Riverfront District to Heavy Industrial District. Supervisor John Palmer voted against advertising the proposed ordinance amendment.
Attorney Mike Clarke told the board that the rezoning was requested by NorthPoint Development to move an existing tenant to another parcel and undertake phase three of the redevelopment of the 1,800-acre Keystone Trade Center.
New property owners in Falls Township could get a reprieve from additional interest, fees and penalties for late real estate taxes under a state act which the Falls supervisors approved via resolution during the recent meeting.
All municipalities are required to adopt the resolution by Jan. 9, 2023, Clarke told the board.
“It has always been the responsibility of the property owner to pay their property taxes even if they don’t get a bill,” said Clarke, who noted that under the act, property owners can seek a waiver to have fees and penalties removed.
Supervisor Erin Mullen said it’s nice to offer first-time homeowners the waiver.
“It almost happened to me,” she said. “My mortgage company looked out for me.”
