Byberry Road Luxury Home Plan Draws Criticism

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA — Despite objections from residents, a small luxury home development has received the nod from the Bensalem Township Planning Commission.

In a 2-1 vote last Wednesday, the planning commission voted to recommend that the Bensalem Township Council sign off on plans for the project on Byberry Road.

Eight single-family homes on the now-vacant 3.5-acre lot in a heavily wooded area are expected to cost more than $900,000, representatives for Bristol-based Mar Mar Homes said.

The decision continues a plan that was started as eight twin homes but was eventually revised. This plan has homes around a cul-de-sac, with one point of entry and exit onto Byberry Road.

The project's nod received criticism from several Democratic candidates running for office in the November general election.

"Do they have the best interest for Bensalem?" wondered Joseph Wenzel Jr., a Democrat running for council. He stated that a Republican council candidate serving on the planning commission voted yes for the recommendation.

Wenzel also added that the township's fire marshal had also raised concerns about the plan.

One resident posting on FYI Bensalem criticized the reduction of lot sizes, the removal of trees, the short width of the street making it difficult for emergency crews to respond, and a water management proposal lacking a proper study.

Stephanie Ferrandez, a Democrat running against longtime Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo, objected to the plan, saying that it will require the 100 percent removal of trees.

"From what I can tell, there has already been a zoning appeal court case where the township caved to allow this to happen," Ferrandez said. "Why won’t our township fight for preserving some open space and some trees? I don’t know that this can be stopped at this point, but we should make our voices heard."