Middletown Township  
   October 2019
Comprehensive Plan Update
 
The Township is once again excited to receive resident input on the Comprehensive Plan Update.

The Comprehensive Plan serves as a guide for the community when considering future development, land preservation, and transportation opportunities. The planning team has been hard at work since receiving resident input at the July Open House, and they now seek additional feedback before moving into the final phases of planning.

To accomplish this, the Township will host a public work session at the Municipal Center on November 21st. During this session, the planning team will present their progress, including identified goals and strategies, to the public. Those in attendance will then have the opportunity to work with each other and the planners to provide feedback. Your input will drive the direction of the final stages of the Comprehensive Plan process.

Additionally, the Township is still accepting submissions for the Comprehensive Plan Photo Contest. Share your pictures of your favorite parts of the community or of areas that you think need a little work, and you have a chance to earn an exciting prize package including restaurant gift cards and tasting menus, amusement park passes, and movie tickets. Photos should be submitted by noon on October 17th to CompPlan@middletownbucks.org. Remember, photos must be taken within Middletown Township in order to win.

The Township strongly encourages and looks forward to public participation in these opportunities. Board of Supervisors Secretary Amy Strouse stated, "The Comprehensive plan is a document we will turn to again and again over the years to guide the direction of the township.  We are hoping these public outreach sessions maximize input from our residents so they really see this is 'their' plan for Middletown's future."
Community News
Zoning Ordiance Amendment

The Board of Supervisors amended the Township's Zoning Ordinance to allow construction of apartment buildings on the Oxford Valley Mall property.

At the October 7th public meeting, representatives from Oxford Valley Mall owners Simon Properties and builder Cornerstone Tracy presented a vision for redeveloping the Mall. The concept begins with construction of multifamily residential units near the vacated Boscov's building. The new construction will also include an increase in the green space and amenities in place of the currently unused parking area. Simon representatives believe this first step will drive further improvements to the area, including additional retail and dining options.

While the Zoning amendment was approved, exact plans are not yet finalized. Simon and Cornerstone Tracy will need approval at future public meetings of the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors before moving forward, and they will also be able to address questions or concerns from the community during those meetings.

"I have met and spoken with many of our residents throughout the entire Township, and the consensus is that they want something done to improve the Oxford Valley Mall," said Board of Supervisors Chairperson Tom Tosti. "I am confident that this is a good step in the right direction, and we will be able to resolve residents' concerns throughout the process."
Beer Garden Fundraiser

The Middletown Community Foundation would like to invite you to its next Beer Garden fundraiser event on October 19th. From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., join friends and family at the Oxford Valley Mall parking lot for an afternoon of food, drinks, activities, and live music from local band Big Whiskey.

All proceeds will aid the Middletown Community Foundation's programs supporting families and students throughout the Township.

Police Department
Public Safety Trainings

The Middletown Township Police Department is offering two public safety trainings in October.

On Thursday, October 24th, at 7 p.m., they will host an Active Shooter training. Attendees will learn the best ways to respond when encountering gun fire at a public location.

On Wednesday, October 30th, at 7 p.m., a Firearms Safety training will instruct attendees on safe procedures for using and storing their firearms.

Both events will be held in the Public Hall of the Municipal Center.

Parks & Recreation
Firefighters' Park

On September 28th, the Township highlighted the completion of several significant upgrades to Firefighters' Park. Since the beginning of summer, the Township has completely rebuilt the basketball court, installed a new playground, and renovated the softball fields.

The Board of Supervisors marked the occasion with a ribbon cutting ceremony in front of the new playground. "These improved park facilities will provide many exciting opportunities to children in the community," said Board Chairperson Tom Tosti. "Our Public Works and Parks and Recreation staff did an excellent job in completing these projects for our residents."

Even more improvements are coming soon to Firefighters' Park, including a repaved parking lot and a new asphalt path from the parking area to the basketball court and playground.
Fire & Emergency Management
Fire Prevention Month

smoke detector of fire alarm in action
The Board of Supervisors has proclaimed October Fire Prevention Month, and the Middletown Township Office of the Fire Marshal wants to offer several important reminders to keep you and your family safe from a fire.
  • Working smoke detectors drastically reduce the risk of injury or death in a fire, so test your detectors monthly
  • Develop and practice an evacuation plan so that everyone in your home knows the best exit route during an emergency
Any alarms, smoke detectors, and evacuation plan should incorporate the needs of anyone in the household with a disability or difficulty hearing or seeing 
Other News & Segments
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 of the Stone Meadows Farm is scheduled to appear at the November 6th meeting of the Planning Commission
  • The proposed 111-townshouse development on Woodbourne Road by Lennar Corporation will appear before the Planning Commission on November 18th
  • Plans are currently under review for a new self-storage facility at 1723 S. Woodbourne Road
Department Spotlight: Fire & Emergency Management

In honor of Fire Prevention Month, the monthly spotlight highlights the Department of Fire and Emergency Management.

The Middletown Township Department of Fire and Emergency Management is responsible for many activities that protect the community's safety and well-being. Over the past year, Department staff have been among the first to respond to daytime fires, and their efforts have saved both lives and property throughout the Township. They also complete fire safety inspections of all businesses and apartments in the community to ensure no fire hazards to exist. Their many safety and fire prevention efforts include school education programs, community events, and a Home Fire Campaign in which staff partner with local fire companies and the American Red Cross to test and install smoke detectors.

The Department is led by Fire Marshal Jim McGuire. After serving as a first responder in Philadelphia, Jim has worked for Middletown since 2003. His experience as a firefighter, emergency medical technician, and certified trainer have made him a valuable asset to staff, local fire companies, and the community. Supporting Jim is a team of certified fire inspectors and investigators. Scott Hoagland, Jim Bampfield, Alan Welsh, Liz Ellis, Colby Fisher, and Bill Shick, many of whom are long-time volunteer firefighters, aid in all activities of the Department that help keep the community safe. 
Upcoming Events
 


October 19  - Middletown Community Foundation Beer Garden Fundraiser, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Oxford Valley Mall parking lot
 
October 23 - Zoning Hearing Board meeting, 7 p.m. in the Public Hall of the Municipal Center
 
October 24  - Active Shooter Safety Training, 7 p.m. in the Public Hall of the Municipal Center

October 28 - Budget Workshop, 7 p.m. in the second floor conference room of the Municipal Center

October 30 -  Firearms Safety Training, 7 p.m. in the Public Hall of the Municipal Center

November 5 -  Township offices closed for Election Day
  
 
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Middletown Township
3 Municipal Way,  Langhorne, PA  19047
215-750-3800
                                        

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