New Plans Surface For Closed Bank Site In Newtown Township

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA ? The site of a closed TD Bank, once considered for redevelopment into a Chick-Fil-A, is now being eyed for a self-storage facility.

At its September meeting, the planning commission reviewed sketch plans for 98 Upper Silver Lake Road.

The plans are calling for the demolition of the former bank at Yardley-Newtown Road and the Newtown Bypass and the construction of a three story building with up to 800 storage units and an apartment for a caretaker or site manager.

While the storage unit is a ?by right? use, meaning it?s allowed in the light industrial zoning district without a variance, the district does not allow a dwelling unit in combination with a business.

During a review of the plan, the commission spoke generally about the variances that would be needed if the plan moves forward and agreed that the use was an appropriate one for the site.

Unlike the previous plan for a fast food restaurant that met with considerable community opposition, the planners said a storage unit facility would not impact traffic and would be sufficiently screened from the Newtown Bypass.

The only sticking point during the discussion was for the proposed apartment, which is not allowed in the light industrial zoning district. The developer told the planners the apartment would be used by a caretaker who would watch over the property at night.

The planners engaged in a lengthy discussion regarding the apartment use with the commission eventually voting 5 to 3 to support the sketch plan concept.

The members who were opposed to the apartment favored upholding the current ordinance that does not support the combined uses.

The members who recommended that the board take no position agreed that round the clock presence of an employee at the site would be an enhancement to the site?s security and in keeping the site clean.

Last week, planning commission chair Peggy Driscoll briefed the board of supervisors on the project, which is in the very early stages of the land development process.

During a brief discussion, several supervisors also objected to the apartment use and raised concerns over the proposed building height. One asked whether the planners suggested reducing the number of storage units being proposed.

In early 2024, Newtown Equities, LLC, filed an application with the township seeking zoning relief to build a 6,100-square-foot restaurant with a drive-thru at the former bank site. Newtown Equities eventually withdrew its plans.