The February 9th meeting focused on advancing several key community projects, most notably the progress of a new religious facility on Hulmeville Road. Council approved a sewage facilities resolution (Act 537) for three parcels located across from the Bensalem Library, which will serve as the future home of the Bensalem Masid. The approval confirms that the regional sewer systems have enough capacity to support the new mosque. This “sewage plan amendment” is a required state step before the project can move forward with construction.
What Else Happened:
- Police Record Sharing: Council accepted a $118,900 grant from the Bucks County Redevelopment Authority to fund a records management system that allows 39 police departments across the county to share data instantly.
- Graffiti and Trash Removal: A $175,000 grant was approved for the “Towns Against Graffiti” (TAG) program, which will now also fund trash pickup along state and township roads, including areas near I-95.
- Life-Saving Plasma Program: Bensalem EMS received a $21,150 grant for the “Orion program,” which will equip supervisor vehicles and a stroke truck with specialized refrigerators to transport live plasma for on-site blood transfusions.
- Industrial Expansion Tabled: A proposal by Creative Architectural Metals to add a 3,000-square-foot storage building at 1642 Woodhaven Drive was delayed until March 9th because the plans lacked required details on stormwater runoff and fire safety lanes.
- New Stop Signs: Council passed an ordinance to install stop signs on Amwell Street at Judson Drive, turning the intersection into a three-way stop to curb speeding in the neighborhood.
- Sidewalk Waiver: A homeowner at 4423 Master Avenue was granted a waiver from installing sidewalks (as none exist on that block) but must pay a $14,850 fee to the township’s sidewalk fund and still install required street curbs.
The Council reviewed several escrow releases, which occur when a developer finishes a portion of promised work (like paving or drainage), and the Township returns a corresponding part of the security funds held to ensure the project’s completion.
While most were routine, the Council was notably strict about “trust but verify” procedures, even tabling one release due to weather-related inspection issues.
Escrow Status Summary
| Project Name | Location | Release Amount | Status/Notes |
| Faith Unity (Phase 1) |
Richlieu Rd | $8,500 | Approved. Covers underground infrastructure. The Township is holding back $4,000 until a fire hydrant is installed and modifications are finished. |
| 700 Bristol Pike | Bristol Pike | $100k+ (Requested) | Tabled. The Council refused to release funds because the site superintendent’s notes indicated items “need to be checked once area is accessible” (likely due to snow). |
| TIC Associates (Phase 1) | Somerton Rd | $88,329.65 | Approved. Phase 1 is nearly complete, with only minor striping work remaining. |
| TIC Associates (Phase 2) | Somerton Rd | $279,750.20 | Approved. The Township is retaining $100,000 to ensure landscaping is completed in the spring. |
| 2500 State Road Holdings | State Rd / Imperial Ct | $40,923.88 | Approved. This covers adjacent parcels being handled under a single development plan. |
| Federation Housing | Somerton Rd | $123,963.70 | Approved. This senior housing project is nearly finished; remaining funds cover final landscaping and contingencies. |
What This Means for the Township
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Accountability: The Township Engineer emphasized that funds are only released after a physical inspection confirms the work is “legit” and satisfactory.
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Financial Security: For every release, the Township verifies that the remaining balance is enough to finish the project if the developer were to walk away.
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Quality Control: Projects like Faith Unity had to completely redo their stormwater systems after previous versions failed, and the Council is monitoring the new infrastructure “stringently” before releasing the final thousands.
Assistance Programs for Energy and Heating Bills
During the February 9th Council meeting, local officials highlighted several programs available to residents struggling with winter utility costs.
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
This federal program provides one-time cash grants to help low-income families pay for heating bills.
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Availability: Applications for the 2025–2026 season are open from December 3, 2025, to April 10, 2026.
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Eligibility: Residents must generally have a gross annual income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Limit. For 2026, this is approximately $23,475 for an individual or $48,225 for a family of four.
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Cash vs. Crisis Grants:
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Cash Grants: Standard one-time payments (typically $200–$1,000) sent directly to your utility vendor.
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Crisis Grants: Emergency assistance for households in immediate danger of being without heat (e.g., fuel shortage, equipment failure, or shut-off notice).
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How to Apply: You can apply online via COMPASS, by phone at 1-866-857-7095, or in person at the Bucks County Assistance Office in Bristol.
Dollar Energy Fund (Pennsylvania Hardship Program)
This is a secondary hardship fund for residents who may not qualify for LIHEAP or have already exhausted those benefits.
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Eligibility: Household income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Limit.
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Requirement: Applicants must have made a “sincere effort” of payment, typically paying at least $150 toward their bill in the last 90 days ($100 for seniors aged 62+).
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Application Tiers:
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February 1–28: Open for services that are currently off or in threat of termination.
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After March 1: Open to all eligible applicants regardless of service status.
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Bucks County Opportunity Council (BCOC)
The BCOC provides emergency assistance to help residents overcome temporary barriers to self-sufficiency.
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Emergency Services: Provides one-time financial aid for residents with utility shut-off notices.
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Weatherization: A free program that offers home repairs (such as insulation or furnace repair) to reduce overall energy costs.
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Contact: Reach out to the local Client Services office or call 211 for a referral to these local assistance agencies.
Utility-Sponsored Programs
Many providers offer internal Customer Assistance Programs (CAP) that provide monthly bill credits or arrearage forgiveness.
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PECO HELP: Offers up to a $750 credit for electric or gas bills for those who might not qualify for other programs.
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Hardship Grants: Contact your utility provider directly to ask about “customer assistance” or “hardship” programs specifically sponsored by the company.
What It Means for You:
Residents near Amwell Street should prepare for new traffic patterns with the upcoming three-way stop.
Next Meeting:
The next Town Council meeting is scheduled for February 23, 2026.
