Board approves preliminary/final land development for rail‑vehicle outfitting business on Lower Morrisville Road

On Nov. 24 the Falls Township Board of Supervisors approved preliminary and final land‑development plans for a commercial/industrial operation at 95 Lower Morrisville Road.

Chelsea Crocker Jackman, representing the applicant, summarized the project as an expansion to an existing industrial facility of about 27,000 square feet with additional laydown/parking areas. The applicant’s firm said the business outfits vehicles to operate on railroad tracks — serving clients such as SEPTA, Norfolk Southern, Amtrak and Conrail — and requested a set of waivers tied to slopes, parking and tree requirements. The planning commission earlier recommended approval.

Jackman said the owner, Russ Proas, is willing to execute a restrictive covenant limiting the property to the described use and to establish buffering along the residential property line. Township staff confirmed areas of steep slope and wetlands along a 50‑foot buffer on the west property line; where disturbance is needed, the applicant plans a retaining wall. Questions from supervisors addressed tree‑replacement standards, native species lists and mitigation options; staff noted the ordinance includes an approved planting list and that applicants sometimes pay a fee in lieu if full replacement planting is impractical.

The board moved and approved the resolution to allow the development to proceed (recorded in the meeting as Resolution 25‑2025‑27). Counsel and planning staff will finalize required covenants and any permit conditions before the project advances to construction.