Following three years of discussions, land development plan modifications and a court-imposed
settlement agreement, the Falls Supervisors set the wheels in motion for construction of a two-story
age-restricted apartment building on Lincoln Highway.
During its meeting on Monday, the Supervisors unanimously granted preliminary and final land
development approval for an 84-unit apartment building on a three-acre parcel at 654 Lincoln Highway.
The building would be no more than 50 feet high and would include 148 parking spaces, officials said.
Apartments would be available for residents aged 55 and older.
As part of the project’s forward momentum, the Supervisors approved adoption of an ordinance to
vacate Highland Avenue. The so-called “paper street” has never been used as a “real street,” according
to Supervisors Chairman Jeff Dence. Under the ordinance change, half of the street – 20 feet – would
become property of the developer, while the remaining 20 feet would be granted to homeowners
whose properties abut the impending development.
The existing vacant commercial buildings on the site would be demolished. The parcel is situated on the
southern side of Lincoln Highway, west of Tyburn Road, with frontage along Trenton Road.
The board can opt to grant preliminary and final land development approval at the same time if plans
are set and the developer does not foresee significant changes.
“This plan is essentially in its completed form,” township attorney Mike Clarke said. “We think it’s
ready.”
Should extensive changes arise as the project progresses, the developer would need to submit an
amended land development plan for reconsideration.
Initially, the developer had planned to construct two four-story buildings with 96 units at the abandoned
site, according to the applicant’s attorney, Timothy Duffy. Along with the reduction in size and scope,
the developer agreed to install a six-foot fence along the shared property line and ensure that “down
lighting” is installed to prevent spillage onto neighboring properties.
Heath Dumack of Dumack Engineering said the site will need “extensive remediation” to remove tires,
some of which are buried. The developer is also working with the Department of Health to address
mosquito issues, he said.
Underground oil tanks have previously been removed, and an independent inspection company has
monitored the property to ensure any leaks were addressed. Dumack said visual site inspections will
coincide with tire removal.
“The township will have eyes on the site as well,” Township engineer Joseph Jones assured the board.
The developer opted for a fee in lieu of tree removal, Jones said, adding that “The township would
decide where the trees go.”
Supervisor Vice Chair Erin Mullen thanked the applicant “for addressing all of our concerns” related to
the development project.
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