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Board approves PGE Reynolds land development with buffering and tree conditions
Summary
The board approved preliminary and final land development for a PIP‑district industrial use at 95 Lower Mowersville Road, after the applicant committed to restrictive covenants, a tree buffer and retaining wall to avoid disturbing wetlands and steep slopes abutting a residential neighborhood.
The Falls Township Board unanimously approved preliminary and final land development for PGE Reynolds at 95 Lower Mowersville Road on Nov. 24 following a presentation by the applicant's team and questions from board members and consultants.
Chelsea Crocker Jackman, representing the applicant, and owner Russell Proas/Protest explained the existing 27,000‑square‑foot industrial building will continue as the primary facility and that additional laydown/parking areas are proposed. The applicant said they had sought and received planning‑board support and offered to execute a restrictive covenant delineating allowed uses, and to provide a significant buffer along the west property line adjacent to residences.
Township consultants and board members pressed on environmental protections. Mr. Jones said wetlands exist on the property but the proposed disturbance would not impact the wetlands; wooded steep slopes constitute an environmentally sensitive area, a 50‑foot buffer would be maintained along the west property line, and limited disturbance at one corner would be mitigated by a retaining wall. The applicant offered to place required trees toward the front of the lot where those plantings would be visible and to otherwise comply with the township's approved planting list.
The board identified tree‑replacement options and confirmed the ordinance allows a list of approved species; board members acknowledged fee‑in‑lieu is sometimes used when on‑site planting is impractical.
The board then voted to adopt the resolution approving the land development (recorded as resolution 25 2025‑27) by voice vote.
Representative quote: "99% of the business...is a very niche and neat business...he has a lot of public and quasi public clients, particularly SEPTA, Norfolk Southern and Amtrak," an attorney for the applicant said during the presentation.
Next steps: the applicant and township solicitor will finalize any required restrictive covenant and implement the approved buffer and erosion controls as part of the final plan.
