Bensalem Shoots Down New 619-Unit Community

BENSALEM, PA — Bensalem's planning commission sent developers back to the drawing board Wednesday after rejecting plans for a 619-unit residential community for seniors and others.

The Bucks County Courier Times reports that the commission unanimously voted down the proposal from Aquinas Realty for the property, which was formerly home of the National Shrine of St. Katharine Drexel.

The developers had proposed a mixed-use residential district on the site off Bristol Pike, which currently is zoned for only institutional uses.

The plan called for 175 senior independent-living units, another 80 assisted-living or memory-care units, 260 apartments and 104 townhouses, the Courier Times reported. It also would have put 865 parking spaces, a 6,500-square-foot clubhouse and other support buildings on the site, according to the paper.

Drexel Hall, St. Elizabeth Chapel and cemeteries would remain, while some other structures on the site would be torn down.

The Courier Times reported that about 30 people attended the meeting and many objected to the size of the project. Developers from Aquinas said they plan to rework their proposal and return.

To read the full Courier Times report, click here.

Photo via Shutterstock