Bristol Township continues blight reduction efforts - Bucks Round-Up

Bristol Township continues blight reduction efforts

Bristol Township’s long-term campaign to clean up blighted properties is seeing steady success. Since launching its initiative in 2015, the township has whittled down its original list of 220 neglected homes to just 21. The Redevelopment Authority of Bucks County (RDA) has taken ownership of three homes, now heading to public bid. Four more properties are under agreement between the township and the RDA, with strict timelines in place for rehabilitation or transfer. Township officials recently flagged three additional blighted homes: 848 Harrison Street, 84 Ice Pond Road, and 68 Indian Red Road. The push is part of a broader effort to stabilize neighborhoods and protect property values through accountability and enforcement.

County leaders honor Adult Probation Department

The Bucks County Board of Commissioners has officially designated July 20–26 as “Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week” to recognize the essential work of the Adult Probation Department. Vice Chair Diane Ellis-Marseglia praised officers for enforcing the law with integrity and professionalism. Chief Adult Probation Officer Christine Shenk noted her team oversees roughly 9,000 individuals under various forms of community supervision, including home confinement and electronic monitoring. The department also supports three treatment courts for defendants battling addiction and mental health challenges, with a special emphasis on veterans. Shenk credited judges, staff, and administrators for their dedication to community safety and rehabilitation.

Bensalem greenlights police pension enhancement

Bensalem Township Council has passed a new ordinance under Pennsylvania Act 49 of 2024, expanding police pension benefits to cover prior service credit. Officers with law enforcement experience in other jurisdictions can now purchase up to five years of credit toward retirement. The move, unanimously approved by council and signed by Mayor Joe DiGirolamo, mirrors long-standing benefits available to military veterans. Director of Public Safety William McVey hailed the ordinance as a strong show of support for law enforcement. “Our police officers put their lives on the line every day,” McVey said. “This was the right thing to do.”

Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490.