Parx Parking Plan Postponed Again

For a second straight month, the Planning Board agenda included a review of a proposed 2,200-space parking area at Parx Casino. And for the second straight month, the plan was not reviewed.

Last month the board said Parx representatives were no-shows. Wednesday night, board chairman Tom Rusich said the casino had asked for an indefinite delay.

"It may be next month. It may not be," he said.

Township Engineer Ron Gans said the casino is probably going to return with a revised plan. Rusich said that may be because there is some township concern about so many spaces in one place.

The plan has called for one level of parking on the Mechanicsville Road side of the casino, with construction to be done in two phases, according to township officials.

In other business Wednesday, the Planning Board recommended the approval of a new stormwater management ordinance to the Township Council.

Despite the unanimous approval, there was much discussion and some concern over a primary stipulation that would require mitigation for any residential additions of 1,000 square feet or more. That mitigation, Rusich explained, could include tree plantings, small retention pits or water gardens that slow water runoff.

The concern expressed included the cost of such improvements during an economic downturn.

Board member Ed Tockmajian asked how the 1,000 foot minimum had been determined. Gans said some other municipalities had asked for that figure and that he will check to find out more from the Bucks County Planning Commission.