Construction at Old Acme Hinges on Sewer Permit

Anthropologie is back as the main prospect of anchor tenant at The Promenade but sewer availability is holding up the project, according to an investor.

The clothing and home décor store was initially planning on coming to Newtown but late last year retracted its interest in the mixed-use development slated for the former Acme site on Sycamore Street.

Now, the store is again interested in becoming the anchor tenant, provided the project is completed by July 2015, according to project investor Jim Worthington.

But that promise hinges upon sewer availability, Worthington said.

“Anthropolgie will not sign a lease without a definite date of completion,” Worthington said. And construction can’t begin until the project gets sewer approval.

Bucks County has imposed a moratorium on building permits because the sewer line is hydraulically overloaded, according to officials.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Mike Gallagher said at the August meeting of the Newtown Joint Municipal Authority Board that the lack of sewage capacity is causing local development projects to halt.

Worthington said he is working with local officials to solve the issue and hopes to secure a sewer permit in the near future.

When complete, The Promenade will feature 20,000 square feet of retail space in two buildings. 

There will be five retail tenants, as well as 26 one-bedroom apartment rental units. No full-service restaurants with liquor licenses will be permitted in the development. 

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