Credit: Tom Sofield/NewtownPANow.com
Plans to construct a new Chick-fil-A in Newtown Township have been put on pause, according to Supervisor John Mack.
Mack announced on social media Friday that the municipality has granted an indefinite extension to the zoning hearing application for the proposed drive-thru restaurant. However, the developer can make a future request to bring the proposal back before township officials.
The project called for transforming a closed TD Bank branch at the intersection of Upper Silver Lake Road and Newtown-Yardley Road into a restaurant with drive-thru.
The plan has faced public opposition since news of it broke in April.
Residents have expressed concerns about potential noise, odor pollution, and increased traffic.
A petition started by Donna Serdula, a resident of the nearby Wiltshire Walk development, has already collected over 700 signatures.
“We fear this development will bring noise, smell pollution, traffic congestion, and block emergency access to several houses due to increased traffic. Moreover, it poses an environmental threat as it is situated right by Silver Lake,” Serdula said.
At a Newtown Township Board of Supervisors meeting in April, a letter from a concerned resident was read aloud. It focused on the risks of building near residential areas.
Newtown Equities LLC, the developer, is seeking multiple variances for a 6,110-square-foot establishment on the 3.21-acre site, which is near the Newtown Bypass and diagonally opposite the recently approved Wawa.
The current zoning regulations require variances for drive-thru services, setbacks, and signage.
The existing Chick-fil-A at Newtown Shopping Center is known for having traffic congestion during peak hours.
It remains unclear whether the Newtown Shopping Center location will remain open if the new site proceeds.
Chick-fil-A also operates near Sesame Place in Middletown Township and has plans for another location on East Lincoln Highway near the Lowe’s Home Improvement store.
