Although she began her CGA career on the Real Estate legal team, Deb found herself in Estate Planning when a long-time employee announced their retirement plans. While working in Estate Planning, Deb discovered she had an interest and aptitude for the work in this practice area. In Estate Planning, Deb assists attorneys in preparing trusts, wills, and powers of attorney, as well as meeting with clients. In the Real Estate department, she helps with agricultural conservation easements, which protect tracts of land from development. Deb enjoys the workload because she has always squeezed diverse and interesting activities into her… read more »
Resolve to Avoid DUI Trouble in 2023
It happens too often. You are driving your vehicle after having a drink (or more than one) and suddenly you see the flashing lights of a police car behind you. You’re about to be confronted with a situation that happens to tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians every year. What will happen during the police stop and afterward? How should you handle it? Will you have a criminal record and what will happen to your driver’s license? This article addresses some of those issues. Driving under the influence (DUI) is far and away the most common reason for arrest every year…. read more »
Clean and Green Program: Consequences for Changes in Ownership or Use
Generally speaking, Pennsylvania (and York County specifically) is renowned for its rich agricultural history and diligent land preservation. In the last half-century, perhaps the most substantial contributor to this heritage is the “Pennsylvania Farmland and Forest Land Assessment Act of 1 974,” also known as the “Clean and Green” Program. This legislation was passed in response to the economic realities and difficulties confronting Pennsylvania farmers during the 1970s. Difficulties confronting Pennsylvania farmers at this time included low prices for farm output, low yields, high labor costs, and burdensome taxes. The enactment of the Clean and Green Program was designed to… read more »
New Numbers for a New Year
Happy New Year! The new year brings to us new numbers to keep in mind for municipal decision-making in 2023: Bid advertising requirements. In 2023, the threshold requiring advertisement of a municipal bid will increase to $22,500, up from $21,900 in 2022. The amount requiring collection of multiple telephone quotes for municipal work will increase to $12,200, up from $11,800 in 2022. Municipal action below the threshold of $12,200 will not require competitive solicitation. While these numbers are up, they have not increased at pace with the 8.2% increase in the consumer price index; Pennsylvania statute prevents the increase of these bidding requirements from exceeding… read more »
Short Term Residential Rentals
We have all seen the ads for the beautiful, secluded vacation spot, whether it is a mountain, lake, or an out-of-the-way beach. You have the property and the surrounding scenery all to yourself and your family. One of the selling points is that there is no sharing of space or facilities like you would have to do with a hotel or motel. It sounds wonderful. The brand is VRBO, Vacation Rental By Owner, although there are others in the market place. But is it as idyllic as it seems? What if the house being rented in the middle of a… read more »
Barb Ross: Over Four Decades of Service
Barb Ross has been an indispensable part of the CGA Municipal Department for over 40 years! She is a paralegal specializing in Municipal Collections and Foreclosures. In her day-to-day work at CGA, Barb plays an integral role in the delivery of legal services to individuals and groups. She has an advanced understanding of the legal system and can go beyond administrative tasks and assist with more detailed work. Barb has formed strong friendships with her colleagues and they rely on her extensive knowledge. When asked about Barb, Municipal Law Chair Attorney Devon Myers-Kolomick said “Barb is a tremendous resource to… read more »
Items to Consider Upon a Rezoning Request
Most municipalities include within their Zoning Ordinances a procedure permitting landowners within their prospective municipalities to request a rezoning for a parcel within the municipality. The rezoning request is a request to amend the municipalities zoning map. A municipality upon such request should review its Ordinance provisions to ensure that proper procedure is being followed, all information required in the application is provided, and that any necessary fee is paid. Generally, a rezoning request is a good opportunity for the municipality to seek advice and counsel from its own Planning Commission as well as from the York County Planning Commission…. read more »
New Appointments and Honors – January 2023
Frank H. Countess was elected Chair of the Board of Directors for the York Country Day School. Frank was named one of the 300 Life Members of the York County Agricultural Society, which runs the York State Fair, the oldest state fair in the United States founded in 1765. Frank was also recently appointed to his third successive 4-year term on the York City Redevelopment Authority Board by Mayor Michael J. Helfrich and the York City Council, and was also elected to his second 4-year term on the York County Land Bank Authority Board of Directors by the York County… read more »
CGA Law Firm Elects Stephen R. McDonald to Shareholder
CGA Law Firm is pleased to announce the election of Stephen R. McDonald, Esq. to shareholder. Stephen has been practicing law for over 25 years and has acquired extensive experience in multiple areas. He is a seasoned attorney in both civil litigation and criminal defense. Well versed in municipal law, Stephen serves as the solicitor for multiple municipalities in South Central Pennsylvania, and the York County Clerk of Court’s Office. He often represents clients in front of zoning hearing boards and other municipal and local government entities. Prior to joining CGA, Stephen worked at the Office of the District Attorney for… read more »
CGA Law Firm Welcomes Paralegal Sean McNally
Municipal Paralegal Joins CGA Law Firm Sean T. McNally is CGA’s most recent addition to the municipal legal team. He has over six years of experience as a paralegal with a focus in areas as diverse as business formation and elder law. At CGA, he is looking forward to narrowing his practice specifically to municipal law. A Penn State alumnus, Sean earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology. His undergraduate coursework taught him to think critically about current and historical social issues, research and analyze empirical data, and develop ideas to improve the social world. His favorite classes at… read more »
