4 Homes Near Neshaminy Creek Closer to Fruition

The construction of four single-family homes on Bridgewater Road is closer to fruition, and at least two nearby residents are none too happy.

The Bensalem Planning Commission on Wednesday voted 5-0, with two members absent, to approve the application to tear down one existing house at 713 Bridgewater Road and build four.

The developer and his engineer acknowledged that the new homes are planned for one end of the 4-acre tract and that two-thirds of the land will be kept green because of a flood plain on the property, which abuts the Neshaminy Creek.

Project engineer John Leapson said the houses would be built 10 feet higher than the current land.

Nearby resident Nazarino Marini said the homes would be too close to each other and he expressed concern that increased water runoff would create a “mosquito pit.”

“I just think that's too many houses stuffed in a little spot,” he said.

Leapson replied that the township's zoning would allow 10 houses on the property. He added that the township requires a minimum of 12,000 square feet per lot while the proposed lots range from 27,000 to 50,000 square feet.

“We want to leave it as natural as it is today,” he said.

Resident Bonnie Aston's criticism of the plan was more ardent. Her worries included the possible creation of docks along the creek and the erosion of the creek's banks.

“I think it's a rape of the land,” she said.

Leapson said there would be minimal disturbance of earth. And developer William Anderson, of North Wales, said there is no plan for any docks. If a resident should want one, he or she would have to seek township permission, Anderson added.

Board member Kevin Hughes asked about the planned parking, and Leapson said each home would have room for three vehicles outside and one in a garage.

Responding to another concern from Hughes about construction equipment on the land, Anderson said that would be limited because he plans to build one home at a time.

Aston said the building to be demolished is the former Baker's Mansion built in the 1800s. Leapson said the building is deteriorated and indicated it can not be saved.

The plan must be reviewed and voted on by the Township Council, and the erosion plan must be approved by the county.