Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
The site of the former Levittown Lanes bowling alley could one day be the home to 24 apartments.
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A resident posted a letter from the property owner to neighbors in the What’s Up In Falls Township Facebook group on Sunday. Another resident sent a copy of the letter to this news organization.
The letter was to inform nearby residents that the property owners are planning to construct a three-story, 24-unit apartment building at the site.
LevittownNow.com was able to confirm that apartments are being proposed for the site left vacant after a 2022 fire destroyed the bowling alley and bar at New Falls Road and Orchard Drive.
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Attorney Mike Meginniss, who is working for the property owners, wrote that Al and Mary Episcopo will be requesting variances before the Falls Township Zoning Hearing Board at their meeting on Tuesday March 12 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Middletown Township Municipal Complex on Municipal Way due to Falls Township building being under renovation.
According to a plan submission, the land owners are seeking variances for a multi-family use at the site, construction of a three-story building, and building setback. The property owners will also be making additional requests related to parking.
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According to property records, the Episcopos own the .8-acre site where the bowling alley stood and the .6-acre parking lot across Orchard Drive.
The apartment building is planned for the location of the bowling alley with 14 parking spots behind it and 56 parking spaces at the adjacent .6-acre lot.
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
The documents submitted to the township said the bowling alley burning down has caused “personal financial hardship” to the Episcopos and they wish to move forward with the apartment building.
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Levittown Lanes was part of Falls Township since the early 1950s and burned down on March 30, 2022. The blaze drew fire companies from around the region.
An investigation by the Falls Township Fire Marshal’s Office and assisting agencies determined the blaze was accidental but the cause was undetermined.
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The owners of the bowling alley and the attached Band Box bar were locked in a legal battle with their insurance company and broker after the multi-million dollar cost of reconstruction wasn’t going to be covered as of last year. The status of the case wasn’t able to be located on the court’s website on Monday.
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