Levittown Lanes Property Proposed For Apartments

FALLS TOWNSHIP, PA —A petition drive has been launched to oppose building apartments at the former Levittown Lanes, which was destroyed by a fire in March 2022.

The petition drive, started by Jarrie Mullen, opposes the construction of a 24-unit, three-story apartment building at the old Levittown Lanes Bowling Alley on 8815 New Falls Road.

She said that most property owners surrounding the site are opposed to the project with many stating that the size is not adequate for the proposal.

Residents also have concerns about privacy issues, traffic congestion, unsupervised children, vandalism, noise considerations, and the impact the complex will have on property values, the petition states.

The Change.org petition drive has 387 signatures with a next goal of 500.

The plan, though, is moving forward.

The Falls Township Zoning Board approved zoning variances for the project at its meeting last week despite objections from some opposition from longtime neighbors.

The project for the one- and two-bedroom apartments on the 1.5-acre parcel came after a marathon session that began Tuesday and lasted until after midnight Wednesday, the Bucks County Courier Times reported.

The meeting drew about 15 residents from neighboring Orchard and Amelia drives, who opposed the plan by owners Al and Mary Episcopo, and their son, Michael. They said the complex, with 70 parking spots, will increase traffic, decrease safety, and will cost some homeowners their privacy, the newspaper reported.

Mike Episcopo's family has owned the bowling alley since Nov. 13, 1962.

A three-alarm fire destroyed the bowling alley with the roof caving in.

(Third District Volunteer Fire Company)