Over 100 turn out for Pennridge cellphone policy discussion – Bucks Round-Up – March 5, 2026
Over 100 turn out for cellphone policy discussion
About 100 people attended an event last night at Pennridge High School centered around cellphone use policy in schools. At “Phones, Focus, and the Future: A Community Conversation,” Pennridge School District residents discussed research on the impact of smartphones on mental health and appropriate policy responses. Currently, Pennridge lets students use their cellphones between classes. Lawmakers in Harrisburg are now working toward passing legislation that would ban cellphone use in public schools from the start of the school day to the end. “Last night was the beginning of a community conversation between our school district and community members including many parents,” said Lee Rush, a youth advocate who spoke at the discussion. “Regardless of whatever the legislators in Harrisburg ultimately decide to do with the current proposed ‘bell to bell, no cell’ bill, we need to continue our own local conversations about what’s best for our children.” Professional counselor Lois Dodson and PA Unplugged co-leader Kirstin McGowan also addressed the forum. Rush said public feedback at the event was overwhelmingly positive for strong policies to address cellphone use.
Yardley Borough considering local income tax
In light of budget shortfalls, Yardley Borough Council is considering imposing an earned income tax on top of its real estate tax. The council plans to hold an informational session on the policy on May 19. Should the borough implement an income levy, Lower Makefield Township and Bristol Borough would be the only remaining municipalities in Bucks County without one. An EIT would apply only to salaries or wages, not on investment gains, government benefits, or other income. Some believe it should coincide with a cut in property taxes for those receiving fixed incomes. The tax would come at a time when the Pennsbury School District is preparing to raise taxes to meet expenses that include a new high school.
Bensalem Mayor: Neshaminy Mall to make way for housing and retail space
Much of Neshaminy Mall will be demolished to make way for a mix of housing and retail space, according to Bensalem Township Mayor Joe DiGirolamo (R). Paramount Realty and Edgewood Properties paid $27.5 million in July 2024 for the 91-acre property that now encapsulates over one million square feet of retail space, though hardly any businesses occupy it anymore. The mayor said he expects the property to still feature the movie theater as well as Boscov’s and Barnes & Noble. He said other large retailers, Walmart and Whole Foods for example, could also be courted for the site. Housing on the could include townhouses and apartments.
Bradley Vasoli is the senior editor of The Independence.
