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Curtain rises on Bucks riverfront project

Bucks County's largest municipality is the latest to join the region's riverfront development craze. Just days after New Jersey officials announced a major Camden waterfront project, Bensalem officials on Friday released details of their long-awaited plan to transform 675 acres along the Delaware River over the next two decades.

An artist's rendering of part of a proposed plan to transform 675 acres along the Delaware River over the next two decades, dubbed the "River Renaissance in New Bensalem."
An artist's rendering of part of a proposed plan to transform 675 acres along the Delaware River over the next two decades, dubbed the "River Renaissance in New Bensalem."Read moreBensalem Township
    by Matthew Nussbaum, Inquirer Staff Writer
    Published 

Bucks County's largest municipality is the latest to join the region's riverfront development craze.

Just days after New Jersey officials announced a major Camden waterfront project, Bensalem officials on Friday released details of their long-awaited plan to transform 675 acres along the Delaware River over the next two decades.

They dubbed the plan "River Renaissance in New Bensalem."

"Right now, Bensalem is at a crossroads. One path leads to obsolescence, the other path leads to relevance. With this plan, we are choosing to be relevant," said Matthew Takita, director of building and planning for the township. "This is a renaissance for all of Bensalem."

The announcement took place as Bensalem is working to lure developers through an expedited review process and a modification of zoning laws to encourage mixed-use development. Officials said they hope to see the riverfront offer housing, offices, parks and a high-tech manufacturing center.

"We've been working on this for years," Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo said. "It can happen."

Still, he cautioned, the transformation "won't happen overnight."

The announcement took place at Waterside, an emerging "urban village" where riverside development is no longer just a vision.

The Waterside development, spearheaded by Huntingdon Valley-based Mignatti Cos., has been in the works for over a decade and is slated to eventually include 600 homes along with shops, offices, and restaurants. Much of the lot is still under construction, but 60 units have been sold and some families already live at Waterside.

Bensalem officials pointed to Waterside as proof for interested businesses and developers of the town's dedication to pursuing a vibrant riverfront.

Already the largest municipality in Bucks and one of the largest statewide, Bensalem is home to about 60,000 residents, Parx Casino and the Neshaminy Mall. Still, it has long pushed for riverside development as a way to stimulate the local economy and lure young professionals and families.

Large posters were on display at the event depicting dreams for the 675-acre Renaissance zone, bounded by the Delaware River, I-95, Station Avenue, and Street Road. One poster, labeled "Natural Areas," showed lush trails and a bird-watcher. Another, called "Regional Technology and Manufacturing Center," listed hopes for "economic growth and increased employment."

For now, however, these are largely just hopes.

"The economy's going to dictate it," DiGirolamo said after the event.

But the signal, he said, should be clear: Bensalem is serious about riverfront development.

"The township is certainly leading the way," said County Commissioner Charles H. Martin. "Hopefully, the rest of the county will follow."

mnussbaum@philly.com610-313-8114 @MatthewNussbaum

    MN
    Matthew Nussbaum, Inquirer Staff Writer