Townhome Development Plans Reviewed In Falls Twp.

FALLS TOWNSHIP, PA — Citing too many homes proposed for a 4.5-acre Trenton Road property, the Falls Township Board of Supervisors suggested that a developer return to the drawing board to conceptualize a plan with fewer townhomes.

Supervisors reviewed a sketch plan at its recent meeting for Sill Corner, which is comprised of five properties owned by Joy Sill-Hopkins and her family.

The project has been in the works since 2019.

Since then, the developer has put forth various iterations, including the first pass of a 120-unit multi-family housing development; later a 94-unit townhouse development; and the most recent concept, which called for 54 townhouses to be constructed on what officials called a “complicated corner.”

“The density is my biggest issue,” Falls Township Supervisors Chairman Jeff Dence said.

Vice Chairperson Erin Mullen echoed his concerns, calling the renderings “gorgeous” and saying
“I would love to see this somewhere.”

“It’s just a really complicated corner,” Mullen continued. “It’s a risk for us just like it’s a risk for
you.”

The governing body took no action on the plan beyond telling Sill-Hopkins and her attorney,
John VanLuvanee, that there were too many homes planned.

The next step should the project evolve, according to VanLuvanee, is to file a petition with the zoning hearing board.

For supervisors to formally consider the plan, the developer would need to submit
a fully engineered land development plan after the zoning hearing board grants the required
relief.

Township attorney Lauren Gallagher said parking, density, and stormwater have been sticking
points throughout the process.

The developer’s sketch calls for a “double-wide driveway” able to accommodate two cars, plus a garage for another vehicle, as well as an additional guest parking space per unit.

Officials also voiced concerns about there still not being adequate parking.

(Photos by Theresa Katalinas)