Middletown Township  
   May 2019
Neighborhood Sign Program
 
Middletown Township is launching Phase 1 of its Neighborhood Sign Project!

Later this spring, the Township will begin replacing existing neighborhood signs throughout both Langhorne and Levittown. In total, all 45 signs at neighborhood entrances will be replaced with the new design, as well as the sign at the Municipal Center. Phase 2 in 2020 will add up to 58 signs to cover the neighborhood entrances that currently do not have them.

The signs were designed by Township resident and graphic designer Terry McClosky, and they are being created by Foreman Sign of Philadelphia. Installation will be completed by Township staff.

"The goal of the neighborhood sign program is to help foster pride and a sense of community identity," said Board Vice Chairperson Mike Ksiazek. "We thank the residents for their input on this project, and we hope they share our enthusiasm for the excellent design."
Community News
PECO Green Region
 

Middletown Township was awarded a grant from the PECO Green Region Open Space Program. This program is geared toward preserving, protecting, and improving open space areas in southeastern Pennsylvania.

At the April 22nd Board of Supervisors meeting, Theodore Dorand of PECO publicly presented Middletown with a $3,000 award that will be used to create an outdoor seating area at the Raymond P. Mongillo Community Center. The work will include improved landscaping and the installation of tables and chairs.

"We are very thankful for PECO's contribution," said Director of Parks and Recreation Paul Kopera. "This investment will allow us to realize our vision and improve the facility for seniors and other residents using the Community Center."
Businesses Stepping Up in the Community

Three Middletown parks were recently cleaned up and improved thanks to the efforts of volunteers and business partners.

For the second consecutive year, Home Depot volunteered to enhance the appearance of Veterans Memorial Park in Levittown. On April 11th, 24 volunteers from three different stores arrived at the park with their own equipment to rake, mulch, and plant flowers around the park. Store Manager Holly Powell, a veteran of the United States Air Force, and Assistant Store Manager Kevin Rushbrook organized the event and volunteers to maintain the park at a very high level.

On May 4th, two Middletown Township Parks were enhanced as part of Comcast Cares Day. Comcast Cares Day is an annual event in which Comcast employees and their families volunteer in the community. This year, with support from Middletown's Department of Public Works, volunteers made improvements to both Simmons and Chris Jones Memorial Parks. They added 8 tons of red stone, 6 tons of white sand, and 12 cubic yards of mulch between the two parks. Additionally, flowers were added and the bathroom was painted at Simmons Park. The event would not have been possible without the coordination between Comcast employees Dick Tosti, Azim Lavingia, and Linda Lovato as well as Middletown Public Works Superintendent Eric Gartenmayer.

"I'd like to sincerely thank all of the volunteers from Comcast, Home Depot, and the Middletown Township Department of Public Works," said Board of Supervisors Chairperson Tom Tosti. "Their dedication to community service has helped keep our parks clean and beautiful for residents to enjoy."

Police Department
Service Recognitions

A Middletown employee has reached a truly impressive milestone. As of this spring, Nancy Blank has worked for the Police Department for 50 years! Beginning as a teenager, she worked several administrative positions within the Department, and she has become known among coworkers for her exceptional eye for detail and willingness to share her knowledge of the community and Township operations. She was recognized in front of friends, family, and the public at the April 1st Board of Supervisors meeting. "Nancy is one of the most dedicated employees I've ever been around," stated Chief Joe Bartorilla, "and I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with her."

Also recognized on April 1st were several officers for their outstanding service. Kyle Gracie, Christopher Viscardi, and Kevin Platenecky were commended for their work that included recovery of stolen vehicles and the successful arrest of a drug dealer. Detective Dave Berry was honored for his time spent as a K-9 officer along with his partner Dexter.
Police Memorial Week

 
In recognition of Police Memorial Week, police departments from Lower Bucks County hosted memorial services on May 20th in honor of their fallen officers. Middletown hosted its service to honor Detective Christopher Jones at the Municipal Center. In addition, Bristol Township and Bensalem held services before joining Middletown officers.

Throughout the week of May 13th, Middletown Officers from the motor unit and the honor guard participated in several memorial events in Washington D.C. These included escorting families of fallen officers, a candlelight vigil, and a memorial service at the United States Capitol Building.
Taxes and Finance
Real Estate Taxes

A reminder to all residents that the due date for Real Estate Taxes is June 30th. As of July 1st, a ten percent penalty is added on. If you have any questions regarding the payment of your Real Estate Taxes, please contact the elected tax collector, Ray Chapman, at 215-945-1777 or [email protected].
Parks & Recreation
Tree Planting in Cobalt Ridge
 

The Middletown Environmental Advisory Council recognized Earth Day with its annual tree planning. On April 27th, volunteers planted approximately 15 trees in the Cobalt Ridge Green Belt. Later that day, they assisted in handing out 400 sapling trees to residents attending the Earth Day celebration at Core Creek Park. The event also included live music, food, vendors, and activities while attendees learned environmental protection, energy conservation, and home gardens.

Thank you to these volunteers for helping keep the community beautiful!

Fire & Emergency Management
Fire Hydrant Clearing

As you continue your spring cleaning and work on your yard and gardening, please take note if there is a fire hydrant near your property. Fire hydrants that are obscured by plants, fences, or other obstructions can be difficult for firefighters to locate during an emergency. You can help by clearing grass, weeds, or other plants from hydrants located on or near your property. The Middletown Township Department of Fire and Emergency Management thanks you for your help in keeping the community safe!
 
Other Segments & News
From the Permit Corner

Welcome to the Permit Corner, where you can find out about all the major construction projects throughout the community.
  • The proposed development at the Stone Meadows Farm is scheduled to appear before the Planning Commission on June 5th in the Public Hall of the Municipal Center
  • Orchards Tract, a townhouse community on Woodbourne Road, is proposed by the construction company Lennar Corporation and was recommended for conditional preliminary approval by the Planning Commission. They will return to a future Planning Commission meeting to receive their final recommendation before seeking approval from the Board of Supervisors
  • The proposed Wawa on Lincoln Highway received its preliminary approval, and they will soon submit their application for final approval before beginning construction
Department Spotlight

This month, we shine the spotlight on the Department of Building and Zoning.

The Department of Building and Zoning is responsible for reviewing and enforcing the state building permit codes, the property maintenance codes and the Township's zoning and land development regulations.

The Department is led by Director Pat Duffy, a licensed professional engineer. Pat once served as the Township's engineer as a third party consultant, and he later was hired as the Zoning Director before taking over the whole Department. His experience and knowledge allow him to manage the Township's annual road paving program and many drainage and stormwater projects.

Tom McCool, CBI, BCO is the Building Code Official and Inspector responsible for reviewing all construction plans and inspecting construction sites. Jim Metts is a mechanical and plumbing code inspector while also managing the maintenance of the Municipal Center. Sandy Morgan, formerly a fire inspector with the Township, is the Code Enforcement Officer, and she ensures that residents and businesses maintain their properties according to Township Ordinances.

Residents visiting the Municipal Center are typically greeted by Ruth Sproehnle, Lesley Hillegas and Kim Basiura, the administrative staff of Building and Zoning. With their experience ranging from six months to 20 years, each of them eagerly help residents and contractors navigate the zoning and permitting processes.
 
Upcoming Events
 


May 22  - Zoning Hearing Board meeting, 7 p.m. in the Public Hall of the Municipal Center
 
May 27 - Township Offices closed for Memorial Day
 
June 5  - Planning Commission meeting, 7 p.m. in the Public Hall of the Municipal Center

June 10 - Board of Supervisors meeting, 7 p.m. in the Public Hall of the Municipal Center
  
 
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Middletown Township
3 Municipal Way,  Langhorne, PA  19047
215-750-3800
                                        

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