General Greene Inn in Buckingham to remain thanks to Welch purchase – Bucks Round-Up – October 21, 2025
General Greene Inn in Buckingham to remain thanks to Welch purchase
The General Greene Inn at the intersection of York and Durham roads in Buckingham Township will avoid demolition and undergo renovations now that Robert J. Welch, an investor and township resident, has purchased the building and the 6.53 acres on which it sits. The property went a long stretch without an occupant, falling into disrepair. In an online statement, Township Supervisor Paul Calderaio (R) called Welch’s decision “an incredible win for our community” and added that “it’s also thanks to the The General Greene Inn Preservation Society’s passion and efforts in bringing awareness to this piece of Buckingham history.” He expressed gratitude toward Buckingham Historical Society President Chris Valeri and his colleagues for “keep[ing] our local heritage in the spotlight.”
Delco man sentenced for supplying guns used in Philly crimes
A Delaware County man will spend up to 25 years in state prison for acting as a “straw purchaser” in a gun trafficking case that tied multiple firearms to Philadelphia shootings and a homicide. Tahir Zahir, 30, of Sharon Hill, pleaded guilty in August to a series of firearm and conspiracy charges and was sentenced Monday by Bucks County Judge Stephen A. Corr to 12 to 25 years in prison plus two years’ probation. Prosecutors say Zahir purchased 14 firearms between 2018 and 2023 from stores in Bucks, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties — including six from Auger Precision Firearms in Croydon and one from The Bunker Gun Shop II in Chalfont. Five of the weapons were later recovered at violent crime scenes in Philadelphia, including one used in a March 2020 homicide. Authorities said Zahir exhibited all the hallmarks of a straw purchaser — buying identical guns in short intervals and reporting them stolen after they surfaced in crimes. The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office said the stiff sentence underscores its commitment to curbing illegal firearm trafficking across county lines.
Man charged in Pennsbury School District burglary, van theft
Falls Township Police have charged a New Jersey man accused of breaking into the Pennsbury School District warehouse, damaging property, and stealing a district van over the weekend. Sean Bower, 33, of Runnemede, allegedly smashed a window, destroyed computers and equipment, and fled the Cabot Boulevard facility in a school-owned GMC van Sunday morning. New Jersey State Police later stopped Bower for erratic driving in Wall Township, discovering his intoxication and multiple outstanding warrants. He admitted to the break-in and theft. Bower faces five felony burglary counts and will be extradited to Bucks County for arraignment.
FCP awards over $70K to support Bucks County youth programs
Foundations Community Partnership has awarded its fall Partnership in Youth Services grants to 16 local nonprofits aiding children, teens, and families throughout Bucks County. This cycle, the Doylestown-based foundation doubled its available funding, granting $52,925 across youth-serving organizations and an additional $17,479 in emergency and growth grants. Recipients include A Woman’s Place, Lakeside, the YWCA of Bucks County, Joe Hand Boxing Gym, and several first-time partners addressing mental health, homelessness prevention, and community leadership. Board Chair Tracy Pasternak Willis said the increased support reflects “the growing needs of our nonprofit partners and the families they serve.”
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490. Bradley Vasoli is the senior editor of The Independence.
