Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bristol Township public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues
Blight Remediation on Tremont Street
Seven vacant homes with liens, delinquent taxes and no water service were recommended for blight designation, letting the township pursue rehab or demolition. The township's vacant-home count has fallen from 204 in 2015 to 20 today.
Blight Designation for 5606 Tremont Street
The planning commission will review seven residential properties across Levittown and Croydon to determine if they should be recommended to the council for blighted property designation. This process is a key step in addressing neglected or deteriorated housing in the township.
Residential Addition and Coverage Variances at 522 Stanford Rd.
Fairless Hills homeowners are requesting major zoning flexibility to allow a home addition, shed, and patio, including significantly more hard surfaces and zero side yard setback.
Commercial Metal Container Accessory Use at 2631 Durham Rd.
Iffy's Hot Chicken wants metal containers as accessory structures at its Durham Road property, but the hearing was pushed to December at the applicant's request.
Employee parking on Hartel Street
Liberty Tech wants to use a vacant lot across the street for employee parking, but the hearing exposed confusion over how many workers park where and whether emergency vehicles can reach the rear of the properties. The board wants a real meeting with township staff before deciding.
Residential variance relief for long-time homeowners
The board had to weigh unpermitted improvements made over decades by long-time residents against zoning limits on coverage and setbacks. The Fulford approval shows the board will grant relief when stormwater impacts are contained, but it also warned everyone to pull permits.
Work without permits in residential neighborhoods
Two applicants this night did work without permits — one got denied for skipping follow-through, the other got relief but a lecture. The board is signaling it won't gloss over unpermitted work, even for longtime residents.
School Superintendent Appointment
Bristol Township is getting a new school leader as longtime Superintendent Michael Nitti retires. This hiring decision will set the direction for local schools and student policies for years to come.
Street Lighting Maintenance and LED Control Systems
A resident questioned what happened to the smart street light control system purchased in 2013, noting that automated fault-reporting nodes are no longer functioning. Officials confirmed that the original lighting vendor went out of business and the automation features never fully worked, leaving the township reliant on standard photocells and visual reporting.
Traffic Safety and Speeding on Newportville Road
Residents of Mayfield Terrace raised serious safety concerns regarding heavy cut-through traffic, speeding vehicles, and commercial trucks violating weight limits on Old Rodgers Road, presenting a petition for traffic calming measures.
Proposed Earned Income Tax Rate Increase
Consultants proposed doubling Bristol Township's earned income tax from 0.5% to 1% to close projected budget deficits driven by rising personnel and operating costs. Because most working residents already pay 1% in other municipalities due to reciprocity rules, the increase would redirect millions back to the township's general fund rather than outside municipalities.