Town By Town: Abington Homes Offer Good Value

Map of Abington Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One in a continuing series spotlighting real estate markets in the region’s communities.

If Abington can come up with more houses to sell next year, its reputation for affordability – combined with lower Federal Housing Administration mortgage limits – might result in a sales boom.

That’s the opinion of some real estate agents, including Cheryl Miller of Long & Foster’s Blue Bell office, who sells in this Montgomery County township known for its older houses, its hospitals, its 16 neighborhoods (or parts of neighborhoods), Willow Grove Park mall, and traffic that moves at a snail’s pace along Route 611.

Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/classifieds/real_estate/town-by-town/20131229_Town_By_Town__Abington_homes_offer_good_value.html#lgiIt7UHFKYC4zXt.99

Wilkes-Barre Employee Claims Retaliation By City

Locator map of the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre Metropolitan Statistical Area in the northeastern part of the of . (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

SCRANTON, PA — A Wilkes-Barre paramedic said the city “fabricated” a disciplinary hearing against him in retaliation for his suing to expose what he considers insider trading in the sale of city properties and ethics violations.

Tyler Hammond filed a second lawsuit Friday in U.S. Middle District Court, saying the actions of the city and Mayor Tom Leighton are meant to deter him from exercising his constitutional right to access the courts and engage in free speech.

Hammond and his wife Antonia sued the city in 2009, alleging the mayor, who also is a real estate agent, had access to and free use of confidential city information about properties in Wilkes-Barre, including the former Old River Road Bakery.  he city approved — and later terminated — a deal to sell the property to Leo A. Glodzik III, who had the exclusive towing contract with Wilkes-Barre until theft charges were filed against him in May.  The property was sold and Harrold’s Pharmacy is in the process of relocating there.

Read more: http://www.timesleader.com/news/local-news/814747/W-B-employee-claims-retaliation-by-city

Conshohocken Residential Rental License Ordinance Adopted Over Landlord, Realtor Objections

Location of Conshohocken in Montgomery County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

CONSHOHOCKEN ­­— A revised Conshohocken Residential Rental License Permit ordinance was unanimously adopted by Borough Council Wednesday night despite the objections from a Realtor association representative, a Conshohocken landlord and a Realtor.

The ordinance established permit fees and inspection fees for each apartment, required landlords to have a resident agent within 12 miles of the leased building and provided penalties for landlords if tenants violate a detailed list of conduct.

“Council has been considering the revised rental ordinance for more than a year.  It creates different classes of licenses and provides for a biannual inspection,” said Solicitor Michael Savona.  “We have a requirement that landlords have a designated rental agent.  Conshohocken will have a very comprehensive and cutting-edge rental license ordinance.”

Borough Manager Fran Marabella said there were more than 2,000 rental apartments in the borough.

Read more:  http://www.timesherald.com/article/20130621/NEWS01/130629915/conshohocken-residential-rental-license-ordinance-adopted-over-landlord-realtor-objections