Bristol Approves Transfer of Deed for Bristol Station Property, Sound Study Approved for Trenton Ave Sound Wall Project

Sometimes waiting for a response or comment from an official governmental agency can be the bane of a reporter’s existence; the old adage “hurry up and wait” comes to mind, however, in this instance some might say the wait was worth it.

Last December, Bristol Borough residents living along and near Trenton Avenue lost patience with Conrail (Consolidated Rail Corporation) because freight trains sat idling on the tracks for at least  70 straight hours, locals told Lower Bucks Source.

Conrail freight trains idling for hours, especially late at night and in the early hours of the morning has been the focus of complaints by families and officials dating back at least 10 years in Bristol, if not longer.

At one point the Bristol officials studied the issue seeking their own remedy for noise complaints stemming from the train line and yard. The study, which cost $7,500.00 revealed constructing a “sound wall” would have little to no value in diminishing the noise coming from the trains because the sound traveled through the ground, officials said last year.

Concerned citizens voiced concerns about a family with a young child with respiratory issues and a military veteran with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder to Lower Bucks Source, living near the freight line location. The crux of those concerns focused on the fumes and loud noise emanating from the trains while idling the weekend after Christmas.

A Conrail spokesperson said, in response to a request for comment, the issue was a “one-off” due to weather related issues that week on the railways in the northeast corridor. The Conrail spokesperson said the company recently revised its rail freight policies for northeast operations which include a directive stopping trains from idling in residential areas. Freight trains, now will be held at the Morrisville switching station if trains are to be delayed in the future for any reason.

The Conrail spokesperson said operations managers are acutely aware of the noise complaints in Bristol Borough and have adjusted company policy to have a more community friendly presence moving forward.

As a terminal and switching service provider for its owners, CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern, Conrail continues to provides “safe and efficient” rail service for many local rail freight customers in Detroit, New Jersey and Philadelphia.

And to this publications knowledge, since that one long “irritating” weekend last December there have been no other complaints of Conrail trains noisily idling all night.

A New Jersey based hot fried chicken chain is expanding across the Delaware River into Pennsylvania with signage appearing at a busy Bristol Township intersection last month.

Iffy’s Hot Chicken will be opening for business in the coming weeks at the corner of Durham Road and Veterans Highway (Route 413) company officials said as work on the site continues.

An official opening date has not yet been announced. However, it will be posted on the eatery’s Meta page in the days before the grand opening happens, the company said.

Credit: Submitted

The site, where KFC used to sit, has been vacant since the chain closed its Bristol Township location a decade ago.

Iffy’s Hot Chicken was launched in Burlington, New Jersey, and has since expanded to additional locations in New Jersey and New York.

Owner Iffy Shah told NJ.com last year he planned to open up to 30 new locations in the near future.

Iffy’s continues to grow an avid customer base built on its signature item of hot spicy chicken, wings and fries with its various toppings.

The Durham Road / Veterans Highway (Route 413) site is going through its own little redevelopment as it was recently announced U-Haul is expanding its operations at that location which was recently approved by Bristol Township. 

An incredibly special afternoon launched the grand opening of the brand new Bristol Township Senior Center last week as local, state and federal officials celebrated the opening of the center that for many seniors is a lifeline. 

It was about 18 months ago officials came together for the project’s groundbreaking.

“Our seniors are the heartbeat of our community. They are parents, grandparents, veterans, mentors, volunteers—the very hands who shaped our neighborhoods and country. Ensuring they feel supported, valued, and connected will always be a top priority of mine,” Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R- Bucks) said.

Fitzpatrick obtained $4 million in federal funding for the new “state of the art” center.

The groundbreaking for the new twp senior center in the Fall of 2024 Credit: Bristol Township Senior Center

“I am so thrilled to have been a part of making this special day a reality — having worked closely with state Sen. Steve Santarsiero’s office to secure $2 million in funding for this center. Seniors, like everyone else, deserve to have dedicated spaces to build a community, make friends, learn about resources, and have fun,” said state Rep. Tina Davis (D-Bucks)

Rep. Tina Davis & senior center director Bonnie Worth
Credit: Bristol Township Senior Center

“I had the pleasure of helping Rep. Tina Davis, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Bristol Township Supervisors Craig Bowen and Patrick Antonello, and Bristol Township Manager Randee Mazur cut the ribbon at the new Bristol Township Senior Center. I was proud to secure 2 million in state funding for this project with Rep. Tina Davis,” Santarsiero said. 

“Spaces like this are so important for bringing our area together, creating opportunities to build community, and providing resources for our seniors. Communities that are more connected are happier and healthier!” he added.

State Sen. Steve Santarsiero & Bonnie Worth
Credit: Bristol Township Senior Center

The state-of-the-art space is designed for connection, enrichment, expanded programming, improved access to services, and safe gathering, officials said.