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Residents press for action after New Town Road fatality; board declares 231 Brier Drive blighted and cites state law change to support firefighter hires
Summary
A resident urged the board to address speeding after a fatal crash on New Town Road; the board also declared a fire‑damaged house at 231 Brier Drive blighted for county redevelopment and discussed a recent state law change enabling higher fire‑fund spending and authorization to hire additional paid firefighters.
During public comment July 18, resident Pat Vers described widespread neighborhood alarm after a recent fatality on New Town Road and urged township action when the investigation concludes, citing high speeds (an average of 39 mph cited by police) on a 25‑mph street and multiple school bus stops along the route.
The board acknowledged the concern and said investigations are ongoing and staff will follow up after investigative steps are completed. Board members asked residents to report concerns to staff and indicated further traffic safety measures would depend on the outcome of investigations and engineering recommendations.
Separately, the board unanimously approved a resolution declaring 231 Brier Drive blighted under the Pennsylvania Urban Redevelopment Law. Staff described the property as a long‑standing fire‑damaged and unsecured frame that has posed safety and nuisance concerns since a May 2019 fire. Township staff said they have expended an estimated $5,000–$10,000 in manpower to secure and maintain the site and that the Bucks County Redevelopment Authority can proceed under state law to acquire and resell the property for responsible redevelopment.
Township Manager Thomas Scott also briefed the board on a recent state change to the Second Class Township Code that raises allowable fire‑fund spending caps for paid firefighter wages and benefits. Scott said the change gives municipalities more flexibility to fund firefighters without drawing on other funds; he said the Emergency Management director has been authorized to hire an additional full‑time firefighter (an authorization to proceed with recruitment, subject to budget and hiring steps). Solicitor comments clarified related emergency services funding provisions.
No formal actions were taken on New Town Road at the meeting; the board approved the blight declaration and instructed staff to proceed with appraisal and notice steps required for redevelopment authority action.
