Bensalem Township Council to Consider Ordinances to Spur 'Riverfront Renaissance'

With a goal of rejuvenating 675 acres of riverfront property, the Bensalem Mayor and Township Council, at its Dec. 14 meeting, will consider adopting eight ordinances that are intended to make the township’s long-held vision of a River Renaissance a reality.

Central to the success of the River Renaissance in New Bensalem is an overlay ordinance. If adopted, the ordinances would permit additional desired development uses, including high-tech, office space and manufacturing, in addition to the existing residential and light industrial uses. Current property owners would maintain their development rights, but could have the option of implementing additional uses as part of the overlay.

The overlay would be integral throughout the focus area, which is situated between I-95 and the Delaware River, extending from Station Avenue to Street Road and additionally located between SEPTA’s Cornwells Heights and Eddington stations.

Bensalem officials have been concerned for more than two decades about the transformation of the predominantly industrial riverfront into a mixed-use walkable, bike-friendly economic development boon for new jobs, various types of housing, open space, new tax revenues and improved transportation.

“On Dec. 14, the Mayor and Council will consider taking a pivotal step in the future of our township and the community as a whole,” said Matt Takita, Bensalem’s Director of Building and Planning and a lead author of the ordinances. “The overlay, map and related ordinances will serve as a foundation for all riverfront developments. Their enactment will be the first of many major steps in the process.”

Realizing that the entire development of the River Renaissance may take up to 15 to 20 years, the revitalization project would be the first of its kind in Bucks County. Upgrades could include improvements to the SEPTA stations, the addition of bike paths, pedestrian-friendly walkways, a town center and a variety of mixed-use developments. SEPTA has expressed interest in the bus and trail aspects of the project. PennDOT and Amtrak officials have indicated their positive impression with the scope of the project and pledged to continue their cooperation as redevelopment plans move forward.

In addition to transportation upgrades, cutting-edge technology, manufacturing and connectivity to all segments of the riverfront are envisioned.

Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo, a lifelong Bensalem resident and avid advocate, said he was excited to see such carefully thought out ordinances ready to guide the Riverfront Renaissance in New Bensalem project.

“Our riverfront has been my pet project since I took office more than 22 years ago,” DiGirolamo said. “I’m so happy to see it move to fruition. It has taken some time, but we are truly on our way.”

If you go

The Bensalem Township Mayor and Council will consider enacting ordinances that would guide the redevelopment of 675 acres of riverfront property. The meeting will be held on Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. at the municipal building, 2400 Byberry Road in Bensalem. For more information or to view a meeting agenda, visit http://www.bensalempa.gov/