BACKGROUND

On May 18, Hilltown’s Planning Commission recommended that Lennar Construction of Miami, Florida and landowner Wally Rosenthal be granted a proposed conditional use zoning approval that would move forward construction of the development. Called “The Venue,” this 194 unit development would consist of age-restricted townhouses, twins, and single-family homes.

The proposed location is directly on Swartley Road off Route 309 near businesses such as the Rock N Rebel Saloon & Grille, 309 Office Furniture, and Outdoor Xtreme Paintball.

The age-restrictions would limit housing to buyers ages 55+ and prohibit those under age 18 from residing in the units.

Current zoning would allow the development of more than 30 single-family homes and related commercial development, with no age restrictions.

At the May 18 Planning Commission meeting only 10 people were permitted in the meeting room at a time, they had to be wearing masks, and to remain six feet apart due to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. The meeting minutes are not yet available on the township website (5/21/20).

CONCERNS

Numerous Hilltown and surrounding community members continue to stand in strong opposition of the development plan. Primary reasons cited are:

• An overwhelming increase in traffic and road deterioration
• Significant safety concerns regarding traffic flow from Swartley Road onto Route 309
• Excessive stormwater runoff that could cause flooding
• Environmental hazards
• Intrusive lighting
• The need to hire more police officers
• Decreased property values for current residents who live near the development
• Concerns regarding the development’s high density
• Negative impact on housing opportunities for all community members due to age restrictions

NEXT STEPS

The Hilltown Township Board of Supervisors are not bound by the Commission’s recommendation.

A public hearing at the Township Municipal Building will be scheduled where the Board of Supervisors will vote to finalize the zoning approval or denial.

Currently, it is unclear when the hearing might be scheduled.

SOLUTION

We the people of Hilltown Township and surrounding communities, regarding the proposed housing development in the area of Swartley Road and Route 309, call onto the Hilltown Township Board of Supervisors to:

1. Delay scheduling all official meetings relating to the public hearing and vote until Bucks County enters the “Green Phase” of Governor's Wolf's phased COVID-19 reopening plan
2. Stand with Hilltown and oppose the May 18th Planning Commission recommendation by voting against the proposed conditional use zoning and all variations of the proposal

 

 

LEARN MORE

11/19/18 Hilltown Planning Commission - Meeting Minutes Regarding Prior "Venue" Proposal and Community Concerns

Late 2019 - Venue at Hilltown Retirement Village Townhomes Design Bid

03/09/20 North Penn Now - Housing Development Proposal Draws Ire Of Some Residents In Hilltown Township

05/20/20 Perkasie Today - Hilltown Planners Recommend Zoning Change For Development

Hilltown Township Website - Meetings (Agendas, Minutes, Decisions) & Board of Supervisors Contact Information

DVRPC - Traffic Statistics and Monitoring Search Tool & Screenshot of Route 309 + Swartley Road Statistics