Congressman Asks EPA To Weigh In On Proposed Lower Makefield Development

LOWER MAKEFIELD, PA — Bucks County Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick has sent a letter to the head of the nation's Environmental Protection Agency, Lee Zeldin, expressing concern over a proposed development in Lower Makefield and its impact on stormwater and the environment.

"As the EPA has jurisdiction over the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) and other
stormwater management-related issues, the 3.55-acre parcel located at 136 Old Oxford Valley
Road has - as has been explained to me - the potential to further exacerbate stormwater and other related matters in the area," writes Fitzpatrick.

The parcel is currently under contract for $2 million by Trinity Realty Companies, with plans to construct 16 townhomes in partnership with D.R. Horton.

According to publicly available information, the property, currently zoned C-3 (General Business/Industrial), was purchased in 2005 for $515,000 and transferred into trust in 2015. Trinity’s proposal requires two zoning variances: one to allow for an increase from 15 to 16 townhomes, and another for a mixed-use variance to permit 100 percent attached townhomes in a zone, which requires that any one type of home is not more than 60 percent of the total usage.

"Importantly, the parcel borders a five-acre township walking path and has been listed as a priority
acquisition target for open space by Lower Makefield since 2009," writes Fitzpatrick to the EPA director. "Southern LMT, where this parcel is located, is already a densely populated and traffic-congested area, and is significantly underserved in terms of public open space, as documented in the township’s Open Space Inventory. Additionally, constituents have observed stormwater issues evidenced by storm basins that show poor drainage, and the current proposal would introduce additional impervious surfaces that will exacerbate current issues."

According to Fitzpatrick, resources are available to explore preservation options thanks to voter-approved funding, including $15 million from a 2024 open space referendum and approximately $18 million from the 2022 sale of the township’s sewer system to Aqua.

"This property presents a valuable opportunity for land conservation in a region that would clearly
benefit from it," writes Fitzpatrick in his letter to the EPA. "Given past constituent concerns related to overdevelopment, environmental degradation, and quality of life impacts, I respectfully request that you consider examining the following issues before any zoning decisions are finalized."

Those issues are:

• Environmental impacts, particularly regarding proximity to wetlands and stormwater runoff.
• Traffic impact studies, including analysis of air quality and potential public health implications.

"When considering new development, especially on land long considered for public use and
conservation, it is vital to weigh the long-term consequences on the environment, infrastructure,
and community well-being," Fitzpatrick writes. "I remain committed to advocating for policies that prioritize the health and sustainability of our communities."