Human Interest - Bristol Borough

SEPTA Bristol

Published

1 year ago

November 14, 2024

A little more than three years ago Lower Bucks Source was the first to report discussions were underway for a full revamp of the SEPTA Bristol Regional Rail station.

Officials from the transportation authority presented an update to Council Monday night, amid the proposed fare hike/service cuts the mass transit service provider is now proposing as of Tuesday.

Lower Bucks Source held back an earlier version of this story due to the “transportation services death spiral” SEPTA officials are pointing to because as one Lower Bucks Source reader, Sharon Rose of Bristol said “Yup makes total sense to give it a facelift just as SEPTA is about to cut back on service while simultaneously raising fares by 30%.”

Director of Media Relations for SEPTA, Andrew Busch was quick to stop any talk about the project being cancelled in light of Tuesday’s services cut/ fare hike announcement.

On the funding for the project, he said, where we stand now, there would not be an impact on the Bristol Station project because we have budgeted for it within our capital budget.

“Capital funds are separate from the operating dollars and are designated for specific projects, like the Bristol Station work,” Busch explained.

At Monday’s meeting Amanda Robinson, project manager for the Bristol Station’s ADA improvements project, outlined the proposed changes during a design update in which she said is only 60 percent complete. Significant improvements to the station include high-level platforms, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility enhancements, and new passenger shelters, additional card readers, installed at street level near stairs and ramps to improve convenience for rail riders.

Additionally, the upgrades will feature 512-foot long high-level platforms on each side of the tracks at the west end and 177-foot long low-level platforms at the east end.

The project will be completed in four phases to minimize impact on passengers and residents, Robinson said.

Councilwoman Maria Figueroa, who lives in the north ward where the station is situated and has been instrumental in getting Amtrak to respond to borough issues, was appreciative for the update on the planned station overhaul.

“I appreciate the fact that you guys are going to be doing this because the North Ward, we’ve been waiting a long, long time,” she said.

Figueroa, joined by Council President Ralph DiGuiseppe, pushed for SEPTA to address upkeep issues, along the fence line on Garden Street, calling it in essence an eyesore for residents and visitors to the borough

“We need to do something for the people that live there,” DiGuiseppe said. “It’s a great project and I don’t want to throw a damper on it tonight because it’s going to be beautiful when it’s done and it’s something that we really need.”

The SEPTA representatives said they would look into the overgrowth and station maintenance issues. The publication reached out to SEPTA officials about the overgrowth issues.

We are following up with officials on plans to enhance cleaning and upkeep around the station. SEPTA wants to be a good partner with the community, and we will use that feedback to make improvements at the station, the communications director (Andrew Busch) said.

Incremental steps over the last there years including station touch ups and platform work have slightly improved the overall look of the station for short periods of time.

Construction is estimated to last approximately 26 months, once the entire draft plan is completed, with an eye for work to start in October 2025 and finish up in November 2027, officials said.

Click here to see the current version of the SEPTA plan.

Related Topics:SEPTA Bristol Regional Rail Station Overhaul

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Cops, Courts & Fire -Bensalem Township

NJ Man Has Aggravated Assault Charges of Police Held Over for Trial

Published

2 days ago

March 7, 2026

Jo Ames & Jeff Bohen

A Millville, New Jersey man accused of stealing a vehicle and subsequently striking a Bensalem Police officer last year, when attempting to flee a traffic stop had all of his charges held over for trial at preliminary hearing last week.

Late last month Magisterial District Judge Michael W. Gallagher ruled there was enough evidence presented by the Commonwealth to sustain two felony counts of aggravated assault, felony fleeing, felony theft and related offenses filed against Devit Sanchez of New Jersey.

According to the probable cause, on Friday, August 8, 2025, Bensalem Township Police conducted a stolen vesicle investigation at the Sunoco Gas Station, located at 1432 Street Road, The stolen vehicle was identified as a 2020 Acura ILX. white in color, bearing NIN97NMP, The vehicle is listed in NCIC as stolen out of Mount Laurel, NJ. Police were alerted to the stolen vehicle traveling in the area of Bensalem Twp.

Police saw the stolen vehicle at the gas pumps of the Sunoco Station and a male entering the driver’s seat.

Officers pulled behind the stolen vehicle af the gas pumps and another Bensalem officer pulled in front of it, and the driver reversed the allegedly stolen vehicle rammed a patrol car causing the officer’s head to hit the interior roof.

Sanchez then fled the Sunoco Station at a high rate of speed traveling Eastbound on Street Rd. Bensalem officers pursued the vehicle that fled onto Northbound I-95 exceeding speeds of over 100 mph. The pursuit was eventually terminated and the vehicle got away.

Surveillance footage from the Sunoco Gas Station was obtained by the Bensalem Police, court records show.

Investigators circulated the video surveillance to other police agencies and to the public depicting the stolen vehicle and driver. Through investigation, a suspect was developed, identified as Sanchez, according to the probable cause.

On October 7 , Police conducted an interview with Sanchez in which he allegedly admitted he was the driver of the stolen vehicle in this incident that hit an officer’s police car and fled.

An arrest warrant was issued on January 27 for Sanchez and he was arrested on Feb. 2.

Sanchez remains in County Jail unable to post bond although a county judge reduced his his bail to half of the original set, to 10 percent of $100,000.00

He is scheduled for a formal arraignment in Doylestown on March 13 and is legally represented by the Bucks County Public Defender’s Office.

No trial date has been set as of publication time

Cops, Courts & Fire -Bristol Borough

Bristol Borough Police Reports: 67 Year-Old Man Charged with Aggravated Assault, Local Man Charged for Fleeing Police

Published

2 days ago

March 7, 2026

Jeff Bohen

Bristol Borough Police Reports Feb 1 to March 2, 2025

02/01/2026

7:47am, 1000 block of Beaver St, Juvenile cited for disorderly conduct

2/4/2026

Dwight Ransom, age 67, of Bristol Boro, Arrested 1900 Block of Trenton Ave, Bristol Boro, for Aggravated Assault, Terrorist threats, Simple Assault, Resisting Arrest, Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Mischief, Harassment.

11:00 am, 700 Block of Point Street, Kevin Lawrence, age 35 of Bristol Boro, cited for Public Intoxication

02/05/2026

12:10pm, 1801 Wilson Avenue, Juvenile cited for disorderly conduct

2/11/2026

7:20 pm ,Walter Minnichbach, age 45 of Bensalem, cited for Harassment

02/15/2026

2:19 am, Bath Street and Bristol Pike, Joseph McCloskey age 42 of Bristol Boro, cited for fleeing or attempting to elude police officer

2/27/2026

Brandon Pirollo, age 31 of Bristol Borough, arrested on a warrant and arraigned and given unsecured bail at $5,000.

02/28/2026

1:20 am, Bath Street and Bristol Pike, Mitchell Karsor, age 30 of Upper Holland, cited for disorderly conduct

3/2/2026

Justin Ross, age 32 of Bristol Boro, 200 block of Monroe Street, arrested for terroristic threats, simple assault, and harassment, summoned to court to answer said charges.

Human Interest - Bensalem Township

Pig Iron’s Franklin’s Key Returns This Summer to Light Up Philly’s 250th

Published

2 days ago

March 7, 2026

staff

Credit: Pig Iron Theatre Company

Celebrated for its jaw-dropping special effects, imaginative stagecraft, bold costumes, and original score, Pig Iron Theatre Company’s Barrymore Award-winning production Franklin’s Key returns this summer following last year’s breakout world premiere that captivated audiences and critics alike.

Pig Iron remounts its hit sci-fi adventure June 11 to 28, 2026, at the intimate, 220-seat venue -Plays & Players Theatre- located at 1714 Delancey Street, Philadelphia.

Set across iconic Philadelphia landmarks and steeped in the city’s real scientific legacy, Franklin’s Key is an ideal cultural experience as the nation celebrates the Semiquincentennial. The show transforms Philadelphia’s history of invention, revolution, and curiosity into a thrilling live adventure, making it a natural fit for theater lovers exploring the city during America’s 250th commemoration. Fans of The Goonies, Stranger Things, Harry Potter, and National Treasure will enjoy the artistry and mystery of this thrilling live, immersive stage production. Last year’s debut generated strong audience demand, extensive press attention, and praise for its inventive storytelling and visual ingenuity. Broad Street Review called the show “visually mesmerizing,” highlighting its blend of history, science, and myth as “a timely look at who wields power and knowledge.”

Co-Director Dan Rothenberg offers, “This love letter to Philadelphia brings together sci-fi fans, history nerds, and science enthusiasts. We were so delighted to hear audiences say it was the one show that they could bring grandparents and kids to, and nobody felt left out. While the show offers adventure and humor that keeps younger audiences engaged, the intrigue of secret societies and a story rooted deeply in Philadelphia’s culture is sure to fascinate audiences of all ages. Our goal is to offer everyone a wild ride that makes history and science surprising and arresting and twisty.”

During the War of Independence, the British feared Benjamin Franklin could control the weather. Franklin’s Key asks: What if that were true? A mystery unfolds for audiences in an alternate reality where Franklin’s undiscovered technology has been hidden underneath some of Philadelphia’s most treasured landmarks for centuries. Set in present-day Philadelphia, Franklin’s Key follows two teenage prodigies: Temple (Jameka Monet Wilson), a self-taught scientist, and her brother Arturo (Alton Alburo), a gifted musician. The two uncover an ancient mystery, setting off a chain of events that draws them into a secret battle between rival factions seeking to harness the incredible yet volatile powers of Franklin’s long-lost technology. Aided by a cast of misfit friends, Temple and Arturo traverse hidden tunnels under the city, leading them from abandoned subway platforms to the iconic statue of William Penn atop City Hall and the building-sized organ inside the old Wanamaker Department Store. With time running out, the team must navigate a labyrinth hidden underneath Philadelphia, evade powerful enemies, and unlock the secrets Franklin left behind before his discoveries fall into the wrong hands.

Almost all of the original Barrymore Award–winning cast returns for Franklin’s Key, reuniting the celebrated ensemble that first brought the production to life and earned widespread critical acclaim in Philadelphia. Their return underscores the production’s impact and the continued collaboration at the heart of Pig Iron’s work.

Franklin’s Key runs approximately two hours with a short intermission and is recommended for children ages eight and up. Previews run from June 11 to 14, with an opening, invite-only performance set for Monday, June 15, at 7 p.m.

Ticket prices start at $45, with 20% discounts for patrons 18 and under or 65+, and group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more. Click here to purchase tickets. To book a group of 10 or more people, please email boxoffice@pigiron.org.

Click here for more information.