Credit: Jeff Bohen/LevittownNow
The Bristol Township Council plowed through a filled agenda Thursday night approving an agreement for community policing in Venice Ashby and voted unanimously to approve two commercial land development deals.
In addition, Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (R-8) made a special appearance to thank council for their “reasonable position” during negotiations with officials from all levels of government over funding for neighborhood policing of the Venice Ashby.
Advertisements
Under the one year deal, approved by council, with the Bucks County Housing Authority, the annual appropriation to the township increases from $129,000 to $150,000 with Bucks County commissioners acquiring $40,000 in additional revenue with grants from the casino fund.
Recent rumblings between the township and housing authority became public when the deal to provide two community police officers to the high crime area expired at the end of May with the township demanding a readjusted rate to pay for policing the area.
Fitzpatrick, hailed by Councilwoman Longhitano as the key to getting the deal done, met with officials from the township, housing authority, and county commissioners in his office late last week in what was described as a tension filled meeting by one official.
Advertisements
Police and community officials recognized the importance of getting a deal done which costs the township $300,000 a year in salaries and benefits and that’s where the Congressman stepped in Councilman Craig Bowen said late last week.
The policing effort in the high crime area has been hailed for its effect in reducing crime and police calls officials have said.
Advertisements
“We had the opportunity and important obligation I think to work together to make certain police protection continues and is improved throughout your entire township to protect your citizens, taxpayers, the families, the children. We had that opportunity last week and it was important to me to able to add that service to you and be of that service and I think it was pretty effective… I want to thank you…, Fitzpatrick said in his comments to council.
Other items on the agenda included council approving plans for land development to put a new Taco Bell on Veterans Highway and Rockview Drive bordering Bucks County Community College and the Bucks County Office Center. The Taco Bell further north on Veterans Ave will close the petitioner said and also added that new jobs would be created as a result of the new restaurant which was roundly applauded by council.
Council additionally approved a proposal for a WaWa store and gas station with six pumps at the corners of New Falls and Wistar Roads, along side of Bucks County Technical School. Officials say the project will bring improvements to the much traveled area. Roads will be expanded with the addition of new turning lanes and sidewalks.
Advertisements
Patti Nickels, Board Vice President for Sidewalks Are For Everyone – a community group advocating for the installation of sidewalks all along New Falls Road was “thrilled” by WaWa representatives including the sidewalks, commenting that “this is the way businesses in our community on New Falls Road illustrate caring for the health and safety of the community.”
Council also approved the filing of 4 million dollar loan application to the Delaware Regional Finance Authority for the continuation of the re-paving project taking place throughout the municipality currently. With approval of the loan request, Township Manager William McCauley said the paving program can continue to address the aging roads with more work expected to take place next year.
Advertisements
Lastly, council approved waiver of permit fees for Hope Christian School and Wilkinson Memorial United Methodist Church by half of the of the $480 to $240.
Advertisements
