Politics & Government

Township Weighs In On Stocking Works II

Allan Smith presented his plans in front of the township supervisors Wednesday so they could ask questions and better understand his vision for Stocking Works II.

 

Developer Allan Smith came before the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors Wednesday to go over his proposals for the redevelopment of the former Stockburger Chevrolet site off South State Street in Newtown Borough. 

The development, Stocking Works II, is currently in the conditional use approval phase with Newtown Borough.  However, Newtown Township has “party status” in the conditional use hearing process that is underway. Party status enables the representing attorney to cross-examine witnesses and object to evidence being placed on the record. 

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The supervisors, who won’t be voting on the proposals, expressed concerns regarding traffic, parking and the overall density of the development.

“I think your plans are very interesting and could potentially be a great use of under utilized space,” supervisor Ryan Gallagher said. However, he noted, traffic will be a concern as the plans move forward. 

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Smith has submitted three plans for consideration by the borough, but the current conditional use hearing is only for Plan A, which includes 121 residential units and 28,900 square feet of commercial space on six acres. That plan also includes a two-deck parking structure for public use as well as underground parking for the residential units.

“One of my main concerns is the density of the housing,” said supervisor Rob Ciervo. He said he had reservations with “so many people and so many vehicles in a small space.”

Supervisor Phil Calabro said he appreciated Smith taking the time to come before the board despite the fact that the decision is ultimately in the hands of the borough.

“I think that our fellow (borough) council members will make the right decision because this is an important decision for them to make,” he said. “I have an opinion, I don’t have a vote on this. I think whatever they pick will be an asset to the borough.”

Smith has also submitted two other plans to the borough for conditional use approval. Plan B features civic amenities such as a creek walk and a public square where the State Store parking lot currently sits off Centre Avenue. Smith said that plan is his personal favorite, due to the amenities that it would bring to Newtown. 

Plan B includes the development of two additional acres -- the State Store property plus the adjacent municipal lot – and includes 109 condos and 42,700 square feet of commercial space. That plan, which isn’t currently being considered because Smith doesn’t own the one-acre municipal parking lot site, also has underground and above-ground parking structures.

The third plan – Plan C -- eliminates the 210-space parking garage that is included in Plan A and B.  Plan C also reduces the number of residential condominiums to 78 and the commercial square footage to 23,155. 

The conditional use hearing for Stocking Works II continues in front of Borough Council on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. at the .


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