Local/Regional

Montgomery County officials want to sell One Montgomery Plaza. Last week, the County Commissioners issued a request for proposals from real state management companies that would buy the multi-story building and lease it back to them. The principal office building of the county is in need of as much as 18-million dollars in repairs and county officials say the sale-lease back option would allow them to swap the capital cost involved with the renovations for a monthly rent payment. Commissioners Chairman, Josh Shaprio says, it’s an idea worth looking at.

“We think there’s some scenarios out there where the county taxpayers could actually be better off in a sale-lease back situation. It’s important to note that other municipalities have explored this. We’ve seen Chester County do this.”

Shapiro also notes that selling the building would put it back on the tax rolls and generate additional revenue for both Norristown and Montgomery County

Scammers are calling land lines and cell phones everyday in an effort to dupe people out their money and steal their identities. Mike Bannon is the Director of Bucks County Consumer Affairs. Bannon urges people not to be fooled by callers seeking sensitive information.

“One of the things we see come through, it could be an IRS or something else. It’s people fishing for your personal information. You need to check your credit report once per year to make sure there are no inaccuracies or anybody stealing your identity.”

Bannon adds, you can call a toll free number that will provide you with your credit score for free. 1-877-322-8228

Get ready for some local road construction on Allentown Road. Just over two miles of Allentown road will be paved after construction crews removed the old layer. The paving will begin at 6pm Wednesday night until 6am Thursday morning. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation says, drivers can expect some temporary lane closures, but no detours. The paving project will include Allentown to Troxel and Wambold roads. The material being laid for paving is expected to be good for ten years. It’s the first time in nearly 16 years that Allentown road will be paved.

A property owner in downtown Lansdale wants to convert half of his first floor of commercial building into an apartment unit. 726 West Main Street used to have a residential component, but is currently occupied by a home improvement business. The code enforcement and land planning committee of the Borough Council does not oppose the plans. Council member, Jack Hansen is the committee chair.

“The only thing that’s coming up is the parking requirement, cause the Borough would require at this time trimmed as six parking spots. He has four that are already on site. His business does not use them. They come in and out when they park during the day.”

The Zoning Hearing Board will take up the parking issue at its meeting later this month.