Bensalem 'Not A Parking Lot' For Big Rigs, Councilman Says

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —Bensalem won't be a "parking lot for tractor-trailers."

Upon hearing a proposal by a Philadelphia business to build a 48-space parking lot for its big rigs, Bensalem Township Council Vice President Joseph Pilieri raised objections to put a stop to the project.

"This is not what Bensalem is all about," Pilieri said at Monday's council meeting. "We're getting far too many people using our open spaces for parking lots. I think it's wrong for the community. We don't need to be a parking lot. Bensalem deserves better."

Shax Express Cargo representatives presented a proposal to build a 48-space, 2.75-acre parking lot at Winks and Marshall lanes to allow its drivers to park their vehicles overnight for its fleet of 30 tractors and 35 trailers.

"The business is not in Bensalem," Pilieri said. "The business is in Philadelphia, and that's where it's staying," Pilieri said. "It's not bringing any extra jobs to Bensalem, and it's not bringing any extra income to Bensalem. There's no benefit for Bensalem. Why do we need another parking lot?

Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo has previously told Patch that Bensalem won't allow tractor-trailers to spend a lot of time in the township. He addressed a report several months ago that trucks were parked in the Neshaminy Mall and said the township has worked to prevent that from happening.

Councilman Joseph Knowles said that Shax would be adding trucks to busy township roads and trying to access Route 95 at a "clogged" Street Road exit.

Shax has been in operation since 2018. The logistics and transportation company runs loads with its tractor-trailers across the continental United States and currently has been operating a facility at 100 Frankin Mills Circle behind Sam's Club.

Representatives said Shax was looking to develop the vacant township lot that is zoned in a general industrial district and had permitted use by right to construct a parking lot for its fleet.

"We have a good mix of trucks coming and going. There will be no congestion," the Shax representative said. "This is a low-flow type of business operation."

Township Solicitor Joseph Pizzo suggested a recess to meet with representatives.

Upon their return, the developer decided to request an adjournment and return with revised plans for land development for a building so the business could be housed in Bensalem and not just have a parking lot.

The council voted to table the matter until the June 12 council meeting.