Council, Public Split on Stocking Works II Support

What many are calling a visionary development project at the former Stockburger Chevrolet property is being billed by others as too extreme for the historic borough.

Developer Allan Smith is seeking to build a mixed-use development on the nine-acre property on South State Street. There will also be access from Centre Avenue. The proposal, Stocking Works II, is in sketch form only and includes features like retail, residential, dining, public gathering spaces, and a parking garage. It would utilize the Newtown Creek, revitalizing the banks as a sort of creek walk.

About 75 residents turned out Tuesday for a presentation of the sketch plans in front of Borough Council. Smith, along with architect J. Robert Hillier, provided the public with their concept and vision for what many say would be the most significant development project in the borough in several decades.

Smith, who grew up Newtown, said he wants this new project to compliment the charm and beauty that draws people to the borough to live, shop, and eat.

“My goal here is to have architecture, while not of the same era, that’s of the same quality,” Smith said. “I want the feeling of this new project to give you the same feeling you have when you’re in the business district. Not the way you’re feeling at Genuardi’s.”

Hillier, who recently sold his world-renouned firm, Hillier Architecture, provided an overview of the plan’s features.

The existing entrance and parking lot into the State Store on Centre Street would be transformed into a public piazza, where there would be a small skating rink in the winter.

Surrounding the piazza would be a mix of residential, office, and retail, including dining spots with outdoor eating areas. A creek walk along the Newtown Creek would be incorporated into the plan. “This could become a Newtown square for you, a gathering spot,” Hillier said.

There’s also a second square or public space with a fountain and a rotary traffic circle for cars. Ideally, Hillier said, a small ampitheatre would work well in the plan, too.

One section of the project is totally residential and features four- and five-story condominium buildings that overlook the creek and plaza. Parking for those residential units would be in an underground facility. “We will have ample parking for the whole downtown, plus to take care of the condo residents,” Hillier said.

Smith said he has not finalized exactly how many residential units he plans to construct. Elements like retail square footage and parking were not discussed in detail either, as the project is in sketch form only.

No vote was taken on the proposal because a formal plan has not been submitted. If and when Smith submits formal plans to the borough, an approval process that would include input from Council, the Planning Commission, and the public would ensue. However, Tuesday's presentation was an opportunity for the public and Council to weigh in.

And many liked what they saw.

Several residents, including Cathy Fink, who lives adjacent to the development, applauded the plan. “This is so bold, so brave, and it takes a lot of courage. I’m shaking inside. This is overwhelmingly exciting,” she said.

Fink, who has lived in the borough for 40 years, said the project has vision. “I say we all should work with these people and be so thankful that we have this opportunity,” she said.

Eric Johnson’s State Street property touches the site proposed for Stocking Works II. He’s lived in Newtown for 66 years. “I heartily embrace this project. Something is going to go there and I sure hope it’s done by Mr. Smith because I know him, I trust him. It’s going to get developed, so why not have someone that can do it right.”

However, others think it’s too much for the historic borough. “We lost a car dealership and we seem to be building a city. It seems a bit extreme,” said Steve Laskey, a Penn Street resident.

Joseph White, who moved to a historic home in the borough a year ago, said he chose to live in Newtown because of the beautiful architecture and small-town feel. “I want to keep the borough as it is. I love it, I want it to stay the same,” he said.

Council also had mixed feelings.

Council President Julia Woldorf said the project has vision and is what Newtown needs to keep its place on the map. “I think this town needs a kick in the pants real quick,” she said. “What Newtown started as and what Newtown has become has been an evolution over time,” Woldorf said. “I’m very excited about the prospect of this development.”

Woldorf added that whether or not people like it, that site will inevitably be developed. “We can do something really interesting now or we can take our chances and see what happens later,” she said.

And while “there are kinks that need to be worked out,” Woldorf said, “overall, I’m supportive of this plan.”

Councilman Mike Sellers said he supports the concept of the project because it looks towards the future.

“My caution is that this requires a much more expansive view. It requires us to look into the future and have the vision,” Seller said. 

But Councilman Gerard O’Malley said he has concerns about the traffic and parking impacts on the borough that would result from such a large, dense development.

The plan, O’Malley said, seems too aggressive for Newtown. “This feels just a bit ambitious for us. There is a balance and I don’t know if we have the balance right.”