Falls Twp. Hires New Township Manager

The man filling the role of Falls Township’s interim manager will take on the job permanently.

Matthew Takita, who is the assistant township manager and director of building, planning, and code enforcement since October 2019, was hired by the Board of Supervisors Monday evening to become the township manager. He will continue to oversee the building, planning, and code enforcement department. 

Takita will earn $160,000 for his dual-role job that previously was held by two separate employees.

“We’re saving a lot of money because we have two positions that are down to one position now,” Supervisors Chairman Jeff Dence said. 

Peter Gray, the former township manager, resigned twice over the past months and finally left in February. Takita filled the role of township manager since Gray left. Gray now is the borough manager in New Hope Borough.

Dence praised Takita’s work reforming the building, planning, and code enforcement department and his efforts as interim township manager. 

“He’s done a great job. He led us through the COVID-19 situation. His leadership skills are great,” Dence said. 

“I believe Matt’s a great fit for Falls and very professional,” Supervisor John Palmer said. “He brings a lot to the table.” 

Takita was Bensalem’s director of building and planning for 24 years until leaving in 2018 to start MTA LLC Architecture and Urban Design. During his time in Bensalem, he worked on zoning for a 675-acre revitalization district along the Delaware River.

Falls Township officials noted that Takita’s work with MTA LLC Architecture and Urban Design  cannot interfere with his job with the municipality as part of his agreement.

Takita came to the township after former Chief Zoning Officer Tom Bennett resigned last summer. Bennett claimed last year that he was pressured to pass a home last year, which led to a suspension and his resignation.

According to the township, Takita holds two dozen certifications from the International Code Council, including Building Code Specialist, Mechanical Code Official, Fire Plans Examiner, Residential Building Inspector, Master Code Professional and Certified Building Official, among others. He has more than a dozen Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code licenses, including Residential Building Inspector, Residential Mechanical Inspector, Electrical Inspector, Fire Inspector and Building Code Official.

Also at Monday’s meeting, the township hired Lt. Nelson Whitney to serve as the next chief of police.

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