Township of New Britain

The board discussed several items, including personnel and litigation matters from executive sessions. They approved the regular and prepaid bill lists, an escrow release for Birch Run Toll Midatlantic LP, the separation with the township manager, and the hiring of an interim township manager. Additionally, the board approved the 2026 road program and the Bucks County Consortium material bid award recommendation. Finally, the board held a discussion regarding the Environmental Advisory Council recommendation on grading, erosion, and sedimentation control, focusing on soil requirements and residential disclosure statements.

The board meeting agenda included several key actions and discussions. Key items involved the separation from the current Township Manager and the hiring of an interim replacement, approval of the 2026 Road Program, and the Bucks County Consortium Material Bid Award recommendation. Additional discussions covered EAC recommendations regarding grading, erosion, and sedimentation control, as well as a naturalized landscape ordinance. The board also addressed zoning hearing board applications, the hiring of appraisers for Open Space Preservation, and general departmental, engineer, and administrative reports.

The board meeting commenced with an invocation and an acknowledgment of a prior executive session held to discuss personnel and litigation matters. A significant portion of the meeting involved a presentation by Fox Lane Homes regarding a proposed development at 1400 Manor Drive (Lot 2 in the New Britain Corporate Center). The proposer sought to rezone the property from C3 commercial zoning to support an active adult community, presenting data on the success of similar 'move down buyer' demographics in their High Point at New Britain development. However, the Board expressed reservations, primarily stating they were not interested in more townhomes in that area due to density concerns and congestion, suggesting senior apartments might be better received. Following this discussion, the Board moved to the consent agenda, approving the minutes from the February 2nd, 2026, meeting, regular and prepaid bill lists, and an escrow release for 4359 County Line Road. Action items addressed the North Branch Park Playground improvements, including the replacement of the existing playground and pavilion with a new system and structure, estimated to cost approximately $400,929, with in-service costs bringing the total to around $475,000. Discussions covered the layout adjustments required to maintain safety clearances concerning a gas line and baseball field, and plans for addressing the removal of several trees, including two memorial trees, by offering families the option of replanting or installing an engraved bench.

The Board of Supervisors held a postponed meeting to discuss the formation and potential participation in a stormwater consortium, presented by representatives from the Nishaminy Watershed Consortium and the Bucks County Conservation District. The discussion focused on addressing watershed problems such as pollution and flooding through collaboration among municipalities. Key elements of the proposed consortium model included shared capacity, grant support, public education and outreach (MCM1), and public involvement (MCM2), with an annual membership fee of $850 per municipality. The consortium aims to provide centralized best practices, assist with grant applications, and handle required public engagement tasks for MS4 reporting. The Board representatives expressed positive impressions regarding leveraging resources from other established collaborations and mitigating costs.

The meeting included executive sessions on February 18th to discuss personnel and litigation matters. Key discussions involved a Sketch Plan for a development at 1400 Manor Drive. Action items included approving North Branch Park Playground Improvements, considering Ordinance 2026-01 to vacate a portion of Chapman Road, and Ordinance 2026-02 to approve a 4-Way Stop at New Galena and Sellersville Road. The board also considered approving a vendor for the Township file digitization project, approving Kimmel Architecture Amendment #1, adopting Resolution 2026-04 regarding a Neshaminy Consortium Memorandum of Agreement, approving the First Amendment to a Lease Agreement with Chalfont Fire Company, and approving a Settlement Stipulation for 52 Chapman Road. Information items included departmental reports from Park & Recreation, Public Works, and Police, as well as the Engineer's Report.