McDonald's, Carrabba's Plans Delayed In Bensalem

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —It was the last meeting of the year for the Bensalem Township Council and a fast meeting too.

Lasting about 20 minutes on Monday night, the council tabled two main agenda items by two eateries: Carrabba's Italian Grill and McDonald's.

Township Solicitor Joseph Pizzo said that representatives for those two restaurants need more time for their proposals and asked for their agenda items to be tabled until sometime next year.

McDonald's is seeking a second drive-thru window for its location on 1240 Bristol Pike but Pizzo said the eatery asked to table its agenda item because they are still working on a few items regarding the minor development application before it brings the proposal to council.

Carrabba's Italian Grill on Tillman also told the township it didn't provide proper notice to area residents in time for its proposal for a subdivision application.

A resolution amending the township’s fee schedule for the Building and Planning Department was also put off until the Jan. 8 council meeting.

Meanwhile, Costa Homes at 4946 Neshaminy Blvd. sought a five-year land development extension agreement after its current one is expiring in March. The developer would carry to March 27, 2029.

The project was for five homes and the council had reduced it to four homes.

"Five years is a long time," Councilwoman Stacey Champion said.

Pizzo said that five years is a little longer than the council typically grants. He said that two years is usually what the township offers.

"I think that's reasonable," Champion said.

The council approved a two-year extension to March 27, 2026.

The council also approved an agreement for TIC Associates LLC for a warehouse on 4636 Somerton Rd. from what was proposed in 2022.

Council President Edward Kisselback said the project had come before the township on several occasions and that the building was a little smaller than first proposed.

There was no public comment and no other business.

"Thank you for everything you've done this year," Councilwoman Michelle Benitez said.

Councilman Joseph Knowles, Champion, and Council Vice President all offered well wishes for Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

Each township official, the engineer, and Pizzo, offered holiday wishes to all.

"Looking forward to a wonderful 2024," Pizzo said.

"We all hope that 2024 will be a much better year," Kisselback said.

The council's reorganization meeting is on Jan. 2 and regular meeting on next council meeting is scheduled for Jan. 8.