$280K In Bucks Co. Grants Going To Bensalem Twp.

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —The township is getting $280,000 in grants dolled out by Parx Casino.

At its meeting Monday night, the Bensalem Township Council authorized accepting the Municipal Grant Program Contract awarded by the Bucks County Redevelopment Authority for $115,600 regarding the Bucks County Police Chiefs Association Records Management System.

The council also approved a resolution authorizing the acceptance of a Municipal Grant Program Contract awarded by the Redevelopment Authority for $165,000 regarding Towns Against Graffiti group, which is overseen by Bensalem Township.

Pizzo said these were the final grants from money dolled out from Parx Casino.

While two eateries were expected to come before the Bensalem Township Monday night to pitch plans, only one came forward.

Before the meeting, Township Solicitor Joseph Pizzo said that McDonald's —which is seeking a minor land development for its 1240 Bristol Pike (Route 13) establishment —needs more time.

Pizzo said that McDonald's wants to make some additional changes to the plan based on feedback from the township engineer and fire marshal. The item has now been placed on the Feb. 12 meeting agenda.

Meanwhile, a minor subdivision was approved for Carrabba's Italian Grill, LLC. The commercial property at 3210 and 3220 Tillman Drive was developed in the late 1990s with a subdivision approved in 1997.

While it was assigned a tax parcel number, the property was never subdivided.

In other business:

• The council tabled a resolution amending the township’s Fee Schedule for the Building and Planning Department. Council members have questions they want answered, Township Solicitor Joseph Pizzo said, and the matter will be moved to the next council meeting.
• At the start of the meeting, two students read essays regarding what Bensalem means to them as part of Unity Week which was coordinated by "Building a Better Bensalem Together," a community board in the township.