Three years after a fire destroyed Levittown Lanes, the Falls Supervisors put the wheels in motion for the site of the long-time bowling alley to be home to a 24-unit apartment building.
During Monday’s meeting, the board voted unanimously to grant preliminary and final land development approval to owners Allen and Mary Ella Episcopo of 8815 and 8821 New Falls Road.
The plan calls for construction of an 11,875-square-foot, three-story apartment building on the 1.5-acre parcel, which includes the original bowling alley site and parking across the street.
Michael Meginniss, the property owner’s attorney, said construction is expected to begin within 90 days.
Meginniss said the family is “pouring all of their savings and money into this project to make sure they do it correctly.”
The Episcopo family had owned the property for more than 50 years and will continue to own the apartment building, he said. Units will not be age-restricted, he said, adding that a property management company will oversee its operations and undertake various functions such as landscaping.
Allen Episcopo said his family has been in Falls Township since 1962 and intends to stay.
“We want to do something to improve the property and improve Falls Township,” he told the board. “The building that we proposed is a beautiful building.”
His son, Michael, shared how, as a result of the fire, “we lost our whole world.”
“I’m going to continue my parents’ legacy to my children and have something that I can pass to them,” Michael said. “I hate seeing the empty lot.”
Residents in attendance echoed his sentiments about an empty lot, but said they opposed a three-story building in proximity to homes. Residents noted that a digital petition circulating has more than 400 signatures of residents who oppose the project.
Supervisor Jeff Boraski said he had one resident reach out to him regarding Levittown Lanes, expressing concerns about the placement of the dumpster. Boraski said he never saw a petition and did not receive phone calls or emails.
“I understand people’s concerns,” Boraski said. “I feel for the residents, and I feel for the property owners as well.”
Meginniss and the property owners agreed on Monday that the dumpster would be relocated away from residences and enclosed to prevent kids from playing on or around it.
In addition, Meginniss said 70 parking spaces will be provided for the 24 units, eliminating the need for overflow parking. Most of the parking – 56 spaces – will be situated across the street, while the remaining 14 will be on the same parcel as the apartment building.
Officials said the project will help with stormwater management and drainage in the area by reducing the impervious surface by 32 percent. A vegetative perimeter is also planned, as are sidewalks along the frontages on New Falls Road, and along Orchard Drive. Crosswalks are also planned.
