24 Homes Approved For Former Maple Shade School Site

Construction is expected to begin next spring on 24 new homes at the site for the now-demolished Maple Shade Elementary School in Bristol Township.

Last Thursday, Bristol Township Council unanimously approved preliminary and final subdivision and land development for Maple Shade Development LLC, which is connected to Falls Township-based Premium Excavating and Demolition, to build the homes on the 5.63-acre site off Newport Road.

Last year, Brian Brzezinski, the developer, said the goal is to sell the homes for high-$300,000 to somewhere in the $400,000 range. The development will be marketed at families.

The developer received 18 waivers largely connected to the odd triangle shape of the property.

The council has previously approved a change in zoning from Residential 1 to Residential 2.

Attorney Mike Meginniss said development will include the addition of stormwater improvements at the site.

Stormwater management has long been a concern of nearby residents, but Heath Dumack, the owner of Dumack Engineering, said there is no stormwater management now at the site and the development will add inlets, pipes, and basins.

Dumack said two stormwater management systems will be added to the site. There will be basins to direct water to be absorbed into the ground and also direct the street-level flow from going down Newport Avenue to Maple Avenue to traveling by pipe into a nearby wooded area.

Dumack said plants will also be added to the site to absorb stormwater.

Kurt Schroeder, an engineer with Gilmore and Associates and the township engineer, said Bristol Township worked with the developer to make sure resident complaints about stormwater were heard.

The elementary school was closed in 2016 and demolished by Premium Excavating and Demolition after the school board awarded them a $600,000 contract.

“Gentleman, good luck. Make sure you take care of the neighbors,” said Bristol Township Council President Craig Bowen.

Maple Shade Elementary School was built in 1929 and held the distinction of being the oldest school building in continuous use in Bucks County before its closure and demolition.

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