Supervisors Approve Expansion Of Apartment Complex

June 12, 2024

The plans for the Orchard Square Apartments expansion.

The Middletown Township Board of Supervisors has approved an expansion for the Orchard Square Apartments.

The Scully Company, which owns the complex, plans to construct 72 additional units across five new buildings at the site located at 1801 Old Lincoln Highway, near Neshaminy High School. The expansion will add a clubhouse and pool to the 14.5-acre property, adding to the existing 84 apartments constructed in the 1970s.

According to the approved plan, the new additions will include 36 one-bedroom, 28 two-bedroom, and eight three-bedroom apartments.

Matt McHugh, the attorney representing the Scully Company, explained that the goal is to develop the currently undeveloped half of the property to match the existing developed space.

The expansion has faced opposition from some residents, who raised concerns about increased traffic, potential flooding, and environmental impacts due to the removal of wooded pockets.

A 75-year-old woman reported needing to return to work to afford rent increases at the Orchard Square Apartments in recent years.

Despite the concerns, the supervisors granted variances related to buffers, sidewalks, and plantings, allowing the project to move forward.

As part of the development, Scully Company plans to implement stormwater improvements, including underground basins, and add plantings to serve as a buffer between the new buildings and neighboring properties. Additionally, sidewalks will be added along Old Lincoln Highway and up Orchard Avenue to connect with existing pathways.

Township Engineer Isaac Kessler told the public that the expanded stormwater system would integrate with the township’s existing infrastructure.

Jessica Scully, president of the family-operated Scully Company, noted that rents for the new units are expected to be 15 to 20 percent higher than current rates, which can reach up to $2,000 per month for the latest units.

Despite some reservations, Supervisor Dana Kane voted in favor of the project, but she called it a “concrete jungle.” She stated the plan complies with Middletown Township’s ordinances and the likelihood of an appeal had the project been denied.