Falls condo project rejected for second time

A plan to turn an eyesore garage property on Lincoln Highway into a three-story age-restricted condo development was shot down for the second time by Falls Township.

The township zoners rejected builder Bryan Brzezinski's plans for the project at 654 Lincoln Highway — the old Lincoln Garage site — on April 9. It's the second time the project has been rejected since February. Basically, the same issue caused the board to hand back the plan: they see the property as a bit too small for the scope of the builder's plans.

"You're just putting too much residential in there," said zoner Bill Kiernan.

At first, Brzezinski requested a a change in zoning from industrial to residential to build four-story condos with 97 parking spaces. When that was declined by the township, he returned with a modified plan of three-stories with 90 parking spaces. He also requested several other breaks from the township zoning guidelines, among them street setbacks, landscaping requirements and others.

Neighbors said the development is shoe-horning a bunch of condos close to their homes.

"This building does not fit into our community," said a woman who lives on nearby Oak Lane.

The proposed parking lot would come within three feet of some houses, neighbors said.

Crimped setbacks, additional traffic in the neighborhood, and noise and light pollution are also concerns.

Brzenzinski countered that a bar or restaurant would likely create even more problems for neigbors, should the board choose to grant permission to such a business at the location along Lincoln Highway, also known as Business Route 1.

Brzezinski, who grew up in and owns an excavating business in Falls, appeared frustrated at the second dismissal of his petition.

"We are trying to redevelop a terrible eyesore," he told the zoning board. "This site needs to be cleaned up."

Another use of the property, such as an office building, would not be profitable, he said.

It's uncertain if Brzezinski will present another plan for the property to the township.

JD Mullane can be reached at 215-949-5745 or at jmullane@couriertimes.com.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Garage property in Falls not fit to house age-restricted homes