News Summary
Bristol Township is evaluating a proposal from Crystal Windows to establish a window manufacturing facility at the site of the former Franklin D. Roosevelt Middle School. This development, which comes after the school closed, is expected to create hundreds of jobs in the region. The plans presented include options for a large manufacturing building and potential retail spaces, with community engagement ongoing to address local concerns. Crystal Windows aims to revitalize the site while incorporating community amenities like parks and trails.
Bristol Township Evaluates New Window Manufacturing Facility at Former School Site
Bristol Township is considering a proposal from Crystal Windows and Door Systems, a New York-based manufacturer, to establish a new window manufacturing facility at the vacant site of the former Franklin D. Roosevelt Middle School. The 31.7-acre property, located at 1001 Veterans Highway, has been unused since the school closed in March 2023.
The Bristol Township School District sold the property to Crystal Windows for $18.3 million, with court approval granted in October 2024. The development is projected to create hundreds of jobs in the region, as suggested by the size of the facility.
During a recent meeting, Crystal Windows presented two preliminary design options to the Bristol Township Planning Commission. The first option proposes a standalone 425,000-square-foot manufacturing building. The second option includes a smaller manufacturing facility alongside separate retail spaces along Veterans Highway. While the manufacturing facility will primarily focus on window fabrication, it will also incorporate storage and logistics capabilities.
Logistics and Retail Aspects
A separate logistics center located in Benton Township, Columbia County, will manage the distribution processes. However, the retail component of the second design option remains unclear, as it is yet to be defined whether Crystal will manage or sell the commercial spaces.
Public Response and Community Engagement
Initially, the plan included three design proposals, one of which suggested residential housing. This option was removed due to strong opposition from the local community. In response to residents’ concerns, Crystal Windows has held community engagement events, one of which attracted 50 to 60 attendees. Residents voiced concerns regarding several issues, including the building’s height, lighting emissions, traffic effects, and the visual impact on surrounding properties. Some attendees also questioned whether their feedback had been adequately addressed in the proposed plans.
Company’s Commitment
Representatives from Crystal Windows have indicated their commitment to incorporating community amenities into the final design. Potential additions may include features such as a dog park or walking trail to enhance the appeal of the facility to local residents.
Next Steps for Crystal Windows
While the Planning Commission did not take any formal action on the proposal during the recent meeting, they acknowledged that the plans remain in the preliminary development stage. Crystal Windows must submit detailed land development plans that cover various aspects of the project before any further progress can occur.
To address community concerns and gather more input from residents, the company plans to conduct another meeting, keeping communication open as they refine their proposal.
Context of School Closure
The Franklin D. Roosevelt Middle School closed its doors in March 2023, leaving the substantial property vacant. The sale to Crystal Windows represents a pivotal move to revitalize the site and bring new economic opportunities to Bristol Township, reinforcing the area’s manufacturing base while potentially addressing community needs through thoughtful planning and development.
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Additional Resources
- Levittown Now: Window Manufacturing Company Presents Early Plans for School Site
- Wikipedia: Manufacturing
- Levittown Now: Large Industrial Building Being Proposed
- Google Search: Industrial Development Proposals
- Patch: Worker ID’d in Fatal Lower Bucks Co. Industrial Accident
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Economic Development
- Billy Penn: Philly Water Settlement
- Google News: Bristol Township News
