Municipal Building Renovation May Last Over A Year in Falls Township

FALLS TOWNSHIP, PA —The township municipal building's renovation project is picking up speed.

The Falls Township Board of Supervisors authorized advertising bids for a fencing project on Lincoln Circle during Monday night’s meeting.

Supervisor Vice Chairman Jeff Boraski said the area would serve as a secure space to store township vehicles and equipment while building improvements are underway.

The township is seeking bids to remove and replace 925 linear feet of chain link fencing. Bids will be accepted until 11 a.m. Oct. 11. To have a bid considered, candidates must attend a site inspection at 11 a.m. on Sept. 30.

Along with relocating items, supervisors are finding a temporary home for 20 employees during the construction period.

The temporary headquarters would be located at 430-450 Lincoln Highway in Fairless Hills while the building is being renovated.

Officials do not have a set relocation date yet, but Township Manager Matthew Takita said the move could be in place by December. Boraski said it could last a “year plus.”

“That way residents will still have safe access” to parks and recreation, among other departments, Boraski said.

Supervisors also unanimously authorized issuance of a $25 million bond due to the fact that the township has spent funds on architects, engineers and other professionals related to the municipal building renovation.

Township attorney Mike Clarke said the bond allows the township to reimburse itself for expenses incurred for the renovation project.

Supervisors had considered constructing a new and expanded municipal complex in 2017 but shelved the project due to the hefty price tag.

Construction documents are expected to be finalized by Oct. 1. The construction phase is expected to go out for bid on Jan. 1 with work expected between February and February 2024.

The renovation includes:

• The municipal project entails a complete updating of the existing building and integrating functions.
• Upgrades will include improvements to administration, code enforcement and the fire marshal, finance, parks and recreation, police, clerks, tax collector, public works, as well as a transition from a public meeting room to a community room, which could be used by residents and local groups.
• Once updated, the municipal building will also feature shared, flexible conference rooms, incubator space for start-up businesses, as well as additional support and amenity spaces.
• All municipal functions will be situated on the first floor for easier access among elderly and handicapped visitors.