$6 million Bristol Borough makeover includes multimillion-dollar fire station – Bucks Round-Up – March 26, 2026
$6 million Bristol Borough makeover includes multimillion-dollar fire station
Bristol Borough is ready to spend $6 million to improve borough-wide recreational facilities and a centralized state-of-the-art fire station off of Jefferson Avenue. Bristol Borough Council approved a quick start for an ambitious plan designed to improve and upgrade its recreational facilities, ballfields, and parks with lighting and new and special equipment in all four playgrounds. It would also improve walkability, extending and repaving the Spurline Trail and connecting it to Radcliffe Street. Many of the sites will be outfitted with security cameras and new surfaces for wheelchair accessibility. The project will be completed in phases and the project coordinators expect work on the playgrounds and Otter Street ballfields to begin within a few months. The $6 million endeavor will be funded by the borough as a one-time expense.
Pennsbury renews school superintendent’s contract
The Pennsbury School Board approved a five-year contract for Superintendent Dr. Thomas Smith this week. The agreement goes into effect August 1 and extends through July 31, 2031. Smith is entering his sixth year with the Pennsbury School District, which serves students in Falls and Lower Makefield townships as well as Tullytown and Yardley boroughs. Under the new contract, Smith will receive a starting salary of $226,229.67. The document includes a 1.5 percent annual pay increase and a $2,000 yearly stipend for his doctoral degree. Additionally, the district will provide a $600 monthly stipend to cover vehicle and telephone expenses related to his professional duties. Smith’s contract comes at a time when the school district is implementing a strategic plan, and the construction of a new high school.
Newtown Township ready to begin roadway project
Thirteen township streets are scheduled for paving and repairs under a contract awarded Wednesday by the Newtown Township supervisors. Construction could begin within the next two months as part of the township’s 2026 road improvement program and continue into the summer. The low bidder, Harris Blacktop, will be paid $827,086 for paving and maintenance work on thirteen township streets. The project includes replacement of inlet tops, frames, and grates, pavement base repairs; asphalt mill and overlay construction; and replacement of existing pavement markings, replacement of concrete curb and sidewalk, concrete driveway aprons, as well as replacement of existing curb ramps with ADA-compliant ones. Roadways slated for improvements are Eagleton Farm Road, Union Street, Jonquil Drive, Everett Drive, Columbine Circle with Goldenrod Court, Hidden Valley Lane, North and South Sycamore Street, Wrights Road, Linton Hill Road, Westwood Court, Oak Street, Brentwood Court, and Briarwood Court.
Pat Wandling is a veteran journalist, formerly of the Bucks County Courier, and was a mainstay on WBCB for over 20 years.
