The residents of 14 new homes in Bristol Township’s Croydon section will have a front row view of Amtrak’s busy Northeast Corridor.
Bristol Township Council granted approval last week for plans to build 14 homes across 8 acres behind Magnolia Avenue between Euclid and Woodland avenues. The homes will abut the rail line that is owned and used by Amtrak and also used by SEPTA’s Regional Rail service.
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Councilperson Patrick Antonello voted to approve the plan, but he wished the developer “good luck” selling homes right against the railroad tracks. His comment earned chuckles from other council members and the public.
The 14 single-family homes will each be around 2,300 square feet. They will be on a private drive that links to Magnolia Avenue through connections at Euclid and Woodland avenues.
Northampton Township-based Gallagher Realty will build the homes on land that is zoned residential.
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According to county property records, Gallagher Realty purchased the two lots that make up the roughly 8 acres for $125,000 per lot in December 2020.
Attorney Allen Toadvine, of Begley, Carlin, and Mandio, represented the developer. He said there will be a homeowners’ association to maintain the roadway and open space, which will include a basin and flood plain.
Council President Craig Bowen said he was concerned about water problems in the proposed neighborhood.
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Toadvine and the project engineer said the basin will be able to control runoff and other stormwater measures at the site.
Mike Shaffer, a resident of Magnolia Avenue, told council he was concerned about flooding and also the lack of sidewalks in the new neighborhood. Another resident spoke up about the need for sidewalks.
Council spoke with the development team and felt sidewalks won’t be needed.
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Toadvine said the developer will make the new street a bit wider for more room, but a sidewalk wouldn’t have any other sidewalks to connect with in the area.
Bowen said Magnolia Avenue flooded in the July 2021 100-year storm. He advised the developer that the stormwater improvements better work.
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