Proposed Chick-Fil-A on Newtown bypass now in limbo. Here's why

JD Mullane, Bucks County Courier Times
Updated ·2 min read

In Newtown, a new Chick-Fil-A has been delayed. For now.

Township Supervisor John Mack said Newtown Equities LLC, representing the popular fast food chain, has put its plans on hold for acquiring zoning variances on a property occupied by the shuttered TD Bank on Upper Silver Lake Road.

Mack said he was notified of the holding pattern on Friday, May 10.

"Apparently, the township has granted them an indefinite extension, something I've never come across," he said.

When asked that, township Manager Micah Lewis sent this response via email: "The applicant has granted the zoning hearing board an indefinite continuance from the time limits under the (Municipalities Planning Code). The application has not been withdrawn."

The fast food restaurant is facing headwinds from residents, with a Change.org petition racking up more the 700 signatures opposing the shop. If built, it would be across from a Wawa that will have gas pumps and likely draw truck traffic from I-295 and the busy Newtown bypass.

“There is significant opposition, as I see it," Mack said. "I don't know if they were prepared to meet that kind of opposition.”

Chick-Fil-A's representatives were expected to appear before the township Planning Commission on May 21, then the Board of Supervisors on May 22, and tentatively the Zoning Hearing Board on June 6. All of that is on hold, apparently.

"No reason was given to me,” Mack said.

The site of a proposed Chick-Fil-A in Newtown Township
The site of a proposed Chick-Fil-A in Newtown Township

Newtown resident Donna Serdula launched the petition, which she hopes scuttles the plan.

“Why are they building this here? I mean, they already have a Chick-Fil-A that's a seven-minute drive away,” she said. “They aren’t building it for the community. They’re building it to draw traffic from (I-295). They’re building it because the Wawa is going to draw traffic for everyone who wants hoagies and gas.

“Essentially, they’re turning Newtown into a truck stop,” she said.

Cow meme published a Change.org petition opposing a Chick-Fil-A store on Upper Silver Lake Road in Newtown Township. Hundreds have signed, hoping to thwart the project.
Cow meme published a Change.org petition opposing a Chick-Fil-A store on Upper Silver Lake Road in Newtown Township. Hundreds have signed, hoping to thwart the project.

Mack previously said that part of the township could come to resemble the Business Route 1 corridor, a honky-tonk of malls, car dealerships and other commercial/retail businesses.

JD Mullane can be reached at 215-949-5745 or at jmullane@couriertimes.com.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Chick-Fil-A planned for Newtown Bypass is on hold