Looking Ahead: What To Expect In Doylestown In 2021

DOYLESTOWN, PA — As we look to put 2020 in the rearview, it's important to look ahead at what's to come, and in Doylestown, there's plenty on the agenda for 2021.

Planners for the borough and township will have their hands full as they decide the fate of several big-ticket development projects. Meanwhile, youth sports returns in the new year, and local bars and restaurant owners can resume indoor dining as early as Jan. 4.

Here's what else is coming in 2021:

Coronavirus Vaccinations

More than 4,500 Bucks County healthcare workers and others have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to state health officials, and while the first phase of the vaccine rollout is limited mainly to healthcare workers, EMS first responders and vulnerable populations, millions of Pennsylvanians can look forward to getting the vaccine in the comings months as the doses become more widely available to the general population.

Strict Mitigation Will Expire As Planned On Jan. 4

Gov. Wolf Tom Wolf announced this week that additional coronavirus mitigation measures announced in mid-December will expire as planned on Jan. 4. That means bars and restaurants can resume indoor dining, gyms can open up and youth sports can resume. Read more

New Borough Hall, Police Headquarters and Broad Street Park

In 2021, construction will continue on the $11 million Broad Street Gateway Park, Central Bucks Regional Police Headquarters and Borough Hall project at the former PennDOT maintenance facility at North Broad Street and Doyle Street. The borough will completely remodel the existing building to create a 16,800 square-foot Borough Hall and a 13,400 square-foot police department, about five times larger than the borough's current facilities on West Court Street, according to Borough Manager John Davis. The development project is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.

The Old Intelligencer Property

At a December planning meeting, developer Cornerstone Tracy presented plans for a mixed-use, four-story building at the corner of North Broad Street and Atkinson Drive, the former location of the Intelligencer newspaper offices. A total of 233 apartments are proposed for the site, along with a public park. The plans come as planners weigh the impacts of another project recently proposed across the street, which brings us to our next item...

Proposed Apartments, Commercial Space On North Broad Street

Arcadia Land Company is proposing to build commercial space, apartments and a parking garage at 280 N. Broad St. The project could include anywhere from 150 to 180 market-rate apartments of varying units. The site is currently occupied by the Tilley Fire Equipment Company. The property is split between Doylestown Township and Doylestown Borough, which means the project will need approval from both municipalities. While township planners are reviewing the project, the developer is slated to present the plans to the borough in January. Read more

County Theater Expansion Project Nearing Completion

The County Theater in downtown Doylestown is preparing for a big run in 2021. Barring any unexpected obstacles, the theater plans to open in February, when COVID-19 restrictions will likely still be in effect. The historic venue closed in mid-January to begin a $5 million expansion project to build a new lobby and a third theater. While management initially planned for a partial reopening over the summer, the onset of the coronavirus pandemic led to the decision to remain closed through 2020 and finish construction sooner. Read more

Nockamixon Shooter To Answer To Homicide Charge

On Wednesday, the Bucks County District Attorney's Office announced the arrest of Kenneth Heller in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Jason Kutt on Sat., Oct. 24, at Nockamixon State Park. Heller is charged with criminal homicide in the teen's death, which happened while Kutt was watching the sunset at the park with his girlfriend. Heller was hunting at the park when he accidentally shot the teen from about 550 feet away, according to District Attorney Matthew Weintraub. Heller is expected to plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter during a formal arraignment in April. Read more

Children's Boutique Coming To State Street

Expansion At Biotechnology Center In Buckingham

Construction on a $19 million expansion of the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center in Buckingham Township began in September and will continue in 2021. The expansion at PABC, which is on Old Easton Road next to the Doylestown Airport, will create new jobs in the area. The project includes a 37,000 square-foot addition, including 15,000 square feet of new laboratory space and a larger main entrance. Other features include more offices, conference rooms, and a 200-seat event space. Read more

Central Bucks Looking For New School Board Director

The Central Bucks School Board is still looking for candidates to fill the seat left vacant by Beth Darcy, who resigned from her position. Interested candidates can email a resume to School Board Secretary Stephanie Radcliffe at sradcliffe@cbsd.org by Jan. 5. Read more

Click here to get Patch email notifications on this or other local news articles or get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our app. Download here. Have a news tip? Email peter.blanchard@patch.com.