Local/Regional

The head of the Greater Philadelphia Cahmber of Commerce says something
dramatic has to happen to break the current cycle of high unemployment.

"It's going to require a unforseen, but necessary new next invention.
Something on the dot.com level of things. Something on the scale of the
personal computer. Something that fuels so much growth that you can
have a fighting chance to deal with the high numbers of unemployment."

Bob Wanderling, Head of Philly's Chamber of Commerce says the great
recession has been especially hard on young people trying to begin
careers and often with lots of college debt.

U-S Postal workers across the nation are poised to to help take a bite out
of hunger Saturday morning. Letter Carrier, Mark Feulner is the local
coordintor of the countrywide intiative.

"We're just asking all of our patrons tat want to donate any food to
leave non-perishable items near their mail boxes before 9am Saturday and
our letter carriers and other volunteers will collect the items."

Saturday's food drive marks the 21st year that letter carriers have collected food
donations for the needy. The donated items are distributed to various
locations, including Manna on Mainstreet.

Towamencin officials have adopted an update for the Township Property
Maintenance Code. The original version of the code was adopted 13-years
ago and is based on an international mode. It sets minimum upkeep
standards for homes and yards. Supervisor Jim Sinz voted against the
update.

"I think between our planning commission and our zoning hearing board
and our codes, Towamencin Township is smart enough to do it ourselves."

Supervisor, David Mossesso aslo voted against approval of the property
maintenance Code update.

Lawmakers in Souderton have given conditional preliminary approval
to 56 garden apartments at Reliance Road and 2nd Street. Construction
will include 96 parking spaces and some additional street parking.
According to construction plans, street widening will not be necessary.
The development will have an exit and entrance on 2nd street. The complex
will include 10 buildings and a community center. The preliminary
approval is subject to overview by several agencies, including the State
EPA, and Montgomery County Conservation District. Units in the
Relianace Garden Crossing will be rented out as apartments.