Upper Makefield weighs stormwater relief for small projects – Bucks Round-Up – February 25, 2026
Upper Makefield weighs stormwater relief for small projects
Taxpayers in Upper Makefield Township may soon catch a financial break as supervisors move to ease stormwater rules that some say have saddled residents with steep costs for modest home improvements. The Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 on February 17 to advertise a proposed ordinance that would exempt projects adding 500 square feet or less of impervious surface from triggering costly stormwater management plans, provided the property stays within its existing impervious coverage limits. Advertising the measure is a required first step before a final vote. Supervisors said the change is aimed at commonsense relief. Under current rules, even small additions can require engineering plans and remediation efforts costing thousands of dollars. Supervisor Ben Weldon described one case in which a homeowner expanding a front door pad slightly was hit with a $4,000 stormwater compliance bill. Township officials stressed the ordinance would not increase the maximum impervious surface allowed on any property. If an addition, even a small one, pushes a home beyond permitted coverage, the owner would still need zoning relief and special approval. The proposal also includes anti-abuse provisions. Improvements would be counted cumulatively, preventing property owners from dividing a larger project into smaller phases to avoid regulation. Sheds and pools would count toward impervious coverage. Stormwater remains a sensitive issue in the township following the catastrophic July 2023 flood that claimed seven lives. Some residents voiced concern about loosening standards. Supervisor Tom Cino, the lone dissenting vote, said he supports easing costs but wanted the planning commission to further refine the ordinance.
Bucks County Opportunity Council offers free tax filing
Bucks County residents looking for help ahead of tax season have a free option once again this year. The Bucks County Opportunity Council is offering no-cost tax preparation assistance through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, program. The nonprofit says the service is available to county residents earning $69,000 or less annually. That income cap applies to individuals as well as to couples or family units combined. Danielle Bush, the group’s volunteer and community connections manager, says those who are comfortable online can request an appointment directly through the organization’s website at BCOC.org by clicking on the VITA section and completing an intake form. A volunteer will then follow up to schedule an appointment based on where the applicant lives in the county. Bush noted that roughly 60 volunteers are donating their time this year to assist qualifying residents, helping families navigate filing requirements and potentially secure refunds without incurring preparation fees. She discussed the program during a recent appearance on WBCB’s Upwards with Chris Ermer. The effort comes as many households continue to feel the squeeze of inflation and higher living costs, making free, reliable tax preparation services especially valuable for working families and seniors on fixed incomes.
Bensalem Police arrest NJ man for trying to meet teen
Bensalem Township Police have arrested a New Jersey man accused of attempting to arrange a sexual encounter with someone he believed to be a thirteen-year-old girl. The Bensalem Township Police Department report that 35-year-old Justin Orio of Oaklyn/Barrington, New Jersey, initiated contact on a social media or dating app late last year. According to investigators, Orio allegedly engaged in explicit conversations, requested nude photos, and discussed plans to meet the supposed juvenile both in New Jersey and in Bensalem. Authorities emphasized that no actual minor was ever in danger during the investigation. Detectives say Orio later admitted to being the individual who sent the messages. He turned himself in on February 18 and has been charged with unlawful contact with a minor, sexual abuse of children involving photo or video material, and related offenses. Following arraignment before District Judge Joseph Falcone, Orio was remanded to the Bucks County Correctional Facility on ten percent of $750,000 bail. The case remains under investigation.
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490.
