Windows Manufacturing Company Presents Early Plans For School Site

File photo Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com

A New York-based manufacturer presented two preliminary plans to the Bristol Township Planning Commission Tuesday evening for a new window manufacturing facility at the former Franklin D. Roosevelt Middle School site.

The proposed development from Crystal Windows and Door Systems at 1001 Veterans Highway looks to bring hundreds of jobs to the township, officials told the public.

The 31.7-acre property, which has been vacant since the school’s closure in March 2023, was sold under an $18.3 million agreement of sale from the Bristol Township School District to Crystal Windows and Door Systems.

The sale of the school was approved by the courts in October 2024.

Chelsey Crocker Jackman, an attorney for Crystal Windows and Door Systems, noted the potential for job creation in the township.

“This hopes to bring hundreds and hundreds of jobs to Bristol Township, depending on again, how big the size of the building is,” Jackman said. “Obviously the bigger, the more jobs.”

The company presented two design options for the site: a 425,000-square-foot manufacturing building or a smaller manufacturing facility combined with separate retail pad sites along Veterans Highway.

Alexander Zhang, Crystal Windows and Door Systems’ property manager, said the facility would primarily focus on window fabrication, with minor storage and logistics operations. A logistics center in Benton Township Columbia County would serve as the main distribution hub.

The retail component of the second plan remains undefined.

Zhang stated the company would either manage the commercial space or sell it to a developer.

Initially, three design options were presented at the community meeting, including one with residential housing.

Strong neighborhood opposition led to the removal of the housing proposal, focusing the current plans on manufacturing, company representatives said.

Crystal Windows and Door Systems representatives said the company has engaged with the surrounding neighborhoods and has hosted resident meetings.

Jackman said one event drew 50 to 60 residents.

Jackman described the gathering as an “informal introduction.”

The company has collected email addresses to keep neighbors informed.

Despite the outreach, some residents at the planning commission meeting voiced concerns about the incorporation of their feedback.

Christopher Heim, a resident of Arthur Avenue, told the planning commission he wasn’t entirely opposed to the plan, but he questioned the impact of community input.

Heim said that while the housing option was removed, the two remaining plans hadn’t been modified based on community feedback.

Concerns raised by residents included building height, lighting, traffic impacts and the visual effect on neighboring properties.

Mike Palestini, a licensed engineer who lives on Laches Lane, said it was important the community gets involves in the planning process.

“Now is the time, if we have any say, now is the time for us to have any impact on, you know, how this development goes,” Palestini said.

Ken Velez, who lives near the site and operates a transportation company, suggested to the window and doors company that they should relocate truck loading areas to mitigate noise and diesel fume impacts on residential neighbors.

Crystal Windows and Door Systems, according to Jackman, has committed to incorporating community amenities in the final design. She said options could be a dog park or walking trail.

Crystal Windows and Door Systems was established in 1990 and operates five plants nationwide. The company employs 800 people, and it is one of North America’s largest window manufacturers.

Planning Commission Chairperson John Greer III explained that the sketch plan is the earliest stage of development.

The planning commission took no formal action, as no vote was required at this preliminary stage.

Crystal Windows and Door Systems will have to submit land development plans with specific details on building dimensions, setbacks, lighting, stormwater management, and traffic impacts.

Jackman said the company plans to hold another meeting with neighbors.

Advertisement