Builder Wants 55+ Community On St. Joseph The Worker Lot

The property currently occupied by St. Joseph the Worker may soon see new ownership, and with that a whole new look and purpose.

During Tuesday night’s council meeting in Falls Township, council and audience members heard a presentation from McGrath Home’s long-time attorney, Tom Hecker, who announced that after years of planning, McGrath Homes plans to move forward with purchasing the now closed Catholic school to build age-restricted homes in it’s place.

The property which is currently zoned institutional, will need review by the zoning hearing board to become an age-qualified neighborhood. That would mean that at least 80% of the residents in the development would be required to be at least 55 years of age.

Currently, according to Hecker, McGrath Homes has an agreement of sale with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to purchase the property occupied by the school, phase II of the project, which could include apartments, would occupy the remaining side of the property.

Although the St. Joseph the Worker parish has been absorbed by St. Frances Cabrini – the church is still open for particular events until June 30.

While Vice-Chairman Jeffry Dence said he would feel more comfortable with the plan if the design for phase II was announced, he commented that the property was nicely-designed.

While board members and neighbors brought attention to possible flooding in the area, Founder and CEO John McGrath said the area will be made better by the development’s presence. “We’ll make storm water management better here,” he said.

McGrath Homes has plans for 76 two-bedroom townhome units (with a third bedroom option) aligned along two roads and a cul-de-sac, which would range from 1700 to 2000 sq. feet and start in the upper $200,000s. The property would also include a clubhouse for it’s residents.

McGrath Homes is known for building several homes in the area, their first age-restricted community in Bucks County was the Villas of Flowers Mill.

“McGrath is probably the best builder in Bucks County,” said Resident Roland Kenney. “I see no problem with them being there.”

According to Hecker, the development will allow senior citizens who have lived in Falls Township for decades, the ability to stay there.

Chairman Bob Harvie said he is sensitive to the fact that rebuilding on the property is a tough issue. “It’s a very difficult thing to close a church,” he said. “We are sensitive to the nature of people’s feelings. Hopefully whatever happens here it will be a benefit to the township.”