The second phase of the Steeple View development is being re-worked after the property was purchased by local businessman Jim Worthington and a business partner.
Worthington, who owns the Newtown Athletic Club, confirmed to NewtownPANow.com that his company, Center Off State LLC, purchased the land.
Bucks County property records show the sale was recorded in March for $6 million.
Previous owner Allan Smith’s plans for the site, which were approved by the Newtown Borough Council in late 2023, featured seven buildings with retail, a restaurant, and 56 residential condominiums.
Worthington said he and his partner are “tweaking” the plans to include more residences and less retail space. He cited a shrinking desire for retail in the borough.
According to Worthington, his team has met with local residents and business owners and learned that people want to move to the borough, neighbors don’t want more traffic from retail stores, and nearby businesses want more customers who live close by.
The updated plans will include a larger piazza, increasing its size from 5,000 square feet to more than 13,000 square feet. Other proposed changes include updates to a walking trail, improved barn restoration, and a gateway entrance from State Street.
Smith, the original developer, didn’t respond to a request for comment, but he indicated in 2023 that he was getting tired of the project dragging out.
Worthington, who is also working to develop the Goodnoe farmstead in Newtown Township, explained he appreciates Smith’s vision and that he picked him and his partner to take over the project.
Worthington said borough officials have been kept informed of the updated proposal, which has yet to be presented at a Newtown Borough Council meeting.
“We’ve talked to businesses, the people near it,” Worthington said.
The second phase of Steeple View is located at the former Stockburger Chevrolet and liquor store site that sits in the heart of the historic borough. The dealership closed 14 years ago.
The businessman added that the team is working to maintain the historic character of the borough in the revised project.
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“I see this as a legacy project” that will complement the community, he said.
Worthington said he wants to replace the “blighted” former liquor store on the property with something that better fits the borough.
“I want to do something exemplary,” he said.
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