Lower Bucks Eyesore To Be Redeveloped As Age-Restricted Condominiums

NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, PA — The days are now numbered for the once-grand Mill Race Inn on Buck Road in the village of Holland.

After being shuttered for a quarter of a century - the victim of a flood back in 1999 - much of the now
dilapidated 14,000 square foot mill will be torn down and the balance of the property redeveloped with a 33-unit age-restricted 55 and over community overlooking Mill Creek.

In February, the Northampton Township Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve plans to redevelop the longtime eyesore in the heart of Holland.

Plans call for constructing two new four-story residential condominium buildings that will overlook Buck Creek. The plan also will preserve a portion of the Mill Race Inn, repurposing 2,000 square feet of the original building into office space at the entrance to the development.

“We have spent a lot of time getting to this point,” said land development attorney Mike Meginniss. “The topographical challenges have been significant relating to the severe grading on the property, the orientation of the two lots, and due to the fact that it backs up to Mill Creek.”

During his presentation to the board, Meginniss noted that the original plan had envisioned 39 units. “That has been reduced to 33 units,” he said.

The repurposed Mill Race Inn is shown in the lighter beige in the left top corner of the plan. The two new condominium buildings are in the darker color along the creek. Buck Road runs along the top of the map.

He also said while the plan calls for two four-story buildings, with an elevation drop of 20 feet across the site only two stories will be visible from Buck Road.

“We’re very happy to arrive at this stage to develop and redevelop successfully what we acknowledge to be an important part of this community into what we think is an exciting project that’s going to bring new homeowners to the township," Meginniss told the supervisors.

After listening to the presentation, Supervisor Bob Salzer motioned to approve the plan for the site. His motion received a unanimous nod from the board.

“This obviously has been a hot-button issue and for good reason,” said Salzer noting that the flood that ultimately led to the condemnation of the property happened a quarter century ago in 1999.

“To date, this is the only plan that has made it to this stage,” he continued. “One of the most common complaints I hear in this position is about how blighted this area is. In its current state, it presents potential liabilities for the township. It is frankly an eyesore for the township. And people have asked, ‘Why don’t you do anything with this building?’ You heard this evening why it’s so difficult.

"Here we have a plan that I think is for the betterment of the township and solves many of the problems that have been presented from residents," Salzer said. "This is something that has for no reason by anyone on this dais taken far too long to be corrected. That area cannot remain in its current state. It’s unsafe. It’s not a benefit to this township. For those reasons, I approve.”

Supervisor Dr. Kimberly Rose agreed with Salzer, adding, "This has been a problem since I’ve been on this board. It’s an eyesore. We’ve tried to find a solution, get other people to redevelop the site. The one thing we wanted to do as a board was to keep that historical part. People have a lot of
sentimental memories of the Mill Race."

She continued, "This is a great idea because you’re making lemonade out of lemons. This is a tough property, but in the long run it’s going to be a good project. It’s going to make our township look pretty. And I love the fact that it’s 55 and older ... It has a lot of merit and it’s a good idea," she said.