A vacant restaurant site on a roadway will soon make way for tacos and gorditas.
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The Middletown Township Board of Supervisors on Monday night greenlit preliminary and final land development plans to bring a Taco Bell to 640 East Lincoln Highway.
The new fast-food restaurant will replace the former Denny’s, which closed abruptly in the summer 2024.
The project calls for demolishing the existing Denny’s to build a 2,700-square-foot Taco Bell.
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The location will feature the company’s “Kitchen X” format that is characterized by an open kitchen concept, large windows, and a modern interior.
One issue for the development that came up was the site’s proximity to the Penndel-Middletown Emergency Squad building. The facility is located next door and shares a driveway access point with the property.
Squad officials had concerns that increased restaurant traffic could impede ambulances attempting to reach East Lincoln Highway during emergencies.
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The approved plan includes three mitigation strategies, including the installation of systems allowing emergency vehicles to change traffic signals and designated areas at the driveway base and in front of the squad building to keep the path clear. In addition, a proposal to widen the shared driveway to create an “escape lane” for emergency vehicles.
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
The proposed driveway widening requires approval from PennDOT because the access point was previously coordinated during the construction of a nearby Wawa.
If PennDOT officials deny the request, the developer is required to collaborate with the rescue squad on alternative solutions, officials said.
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An attorney for the applicant noted that the developer has been working with the rescue squad to resolve the logistical issues.
Credit: Christian Grosso/LevittownNow.com
The plan also includes stormwater management improvements for the roughly 1-acre site.
Founded in California in 1962, Taco Bell has grown into a global brand with more than 8,500 locations.
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Taco Bell already operates restaurants in Bristol Township, Falls Township, and Tullytown Borough.
