20-Townhome Project Approved In Warminster

WARMINSTER, PA —A parcel that has been discussed for development for about a dozen years has finally received the stamp of approval.

The Warminster Township Board of Supervisors unanimously signed off at its meeting Thursday night for the final plan approval of 20 single-family townhomes at 1250 W. Bristol Rd. that is located in an R-2 Zoning District.

"This project has been before us a few times, including twice last year," Solicitor Scott Holter said.

The project received preliminary land approval in April 2023.

Attorney Kellie McGowan, representing builder Cunningham Homes, told supervisors that the township's planning commissioner recommended final approval in late November.

Township Engineer Craig Kennard was first brought up as a court-stipulated project in 2012.

"It's been a long journey," he said. "This project is ready to go."

Before the approval, though, a few things needed to be squared away.

The first matter involved a Centennial School District bus stop at the site.

McGowan said that it has been requested and that it would be added if "Centennial deems it desirable." She said a location would then be identified.

Another matter involved a 15-foot access to the property that township officials said they would leave up to Fire Marshal Joe Venton to decide.

Sidewalks and curbing were also discussed.

McGowan said she wasn't sure if that might be good for the property with its proximity to the Neshaminy Bridge, Meetinghouse Road, and a nearby creek.

"I think this is a safety issue," Kennard said, "We could try to put in whatever we can but given the location of the Neshaminy Creek, I have concerns that it would get washed away since it's in a flood plain. I can't guarantee that the sidewalk will be there in five years."

Supervisors Vice Chairman Kenneth Hayes also said he took a video and pictures of the area and asked about improving the culvert from Log College under Bristol Road.

"There is a lot of water," Hayes said. "We've seen 100-year storms that are fairly frequent. But 500-year storms are becoming common now too."

The builder said the culvert improvement is part of the plan with PennDOT.

"My concern is that we're going to have to rescue people there," Hayes said. "We want to be sure with major storms that it drains quickly."