Tinicum residents push back on winery’s transformation – Bucks Round-Up – September 9, 2025
Tinicum residents push back on winery’s transformation
Tinicum Township residents are voicing mounting frustration over the ongoing transformation of the former Sand Castle Winery into Blind Fox Vineyards, saying the project has gone too far without proper oversight. At this month’s supervisors meeting, neighbors described months of large-scale construction at the site, including a new stage, altar, and glass pavilion. Several argued the work has been carried out without the necessary permits. They also cited a loud nighttime party held at the winery last month as evidence the new owner intends to operate more as an event venue than a daytime vineyard. Joe Volpe purchased the winery in May and hopes to reopen it this fall. But longtime residents fear his plans will disrupt the quiet, rural character of the township. Township officials confirmed they have issued notices of violation, a move appealed by Volpe. Solicitor Scott Holbert said the matter is now weighed down in litigation. Neighbors also raised concerns about law enforcement response. Supervisors assured residents the matter is being treated as a high priority. Board chair Eleanor Breslin confirmed three appeals of zoning determinations will go before the zoning hearing board on September 25. The township could look to remove all unpermitted structures if the appeals fail.
Doylestown GOP expects high township tax hike, supervisors chair predicts otherwise
On Sunday, the Doylestown Republican Committee called on the Doylestown Township Supervisors and Finance Committee to publicize a property tax proposal for 2026. The committee fears an increase will exceeds the 1.55-mill hike projected in the 2025 adopted budget, noting the real estate tax this year rose 3.6 mills, double the rise anticipated by the 2024 budget. “They are purposefully keeping the true size of the property tax increase from voters ahead of the supervisor elections,” Doylestown Republican Committee Communications Chair Ed Sheppard said in a statement. “Considering the cost overruns the township had this year, it’s almost a guarantee that it’ll be more than the doubling of last year’s projection.” Doylestown Republicans also rebuked the Democratic majority for a decrease in capital reserves from $15.6 million in 2023 to $7.3 million in 2025 while the GOP said road and bridge funding has gone from $4.8 million down to $1.3 million. Supervisors Chair Jennifer Herring (D) told The Independence that any property tax change will result from public budget discussions on October 9 and October 21. A formal proposal will become public in November and receive a vote on December 16. She said budget talks that have already occurred suggest a smaller tax hike than the current budget anticipates. “In discussion with some of our finance team, it looks like we are working our way down,” she said. “So I’m hoping that we are working our way towards closer to zero for 2026.” She added that spending on roads and bridges has declined because Doylestown’s Accelerated Road Program, implemented from 2022 to 2024, addressed the third of township roads that needed the most costly repairs.
Shapiro signs off on SEPTA lifeline; Bucks riders will benefit
Governor Josh Shapiro approved a short-term financial lifeline for SEPTA this week, granting the transit agency permission to tap nearly $394 million in capital funds to cover its operating budget. The decision spares Bucks County riders from looming service cuts, though higher fares are set to arrive alongside restored service. The infusion of funds, authorized Monday through PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll, will allow SEPTA to reverse cutbacks on several lines. For Lower Bucks commuters, that means bus routes 127 and 128 will be back on the road, and regional rail service along the Trenton Line — with stops in Bristol Borough and Croydon — will resume. Service is slated to return Sunday, Sept. 14. Without this stopgap measure, SEPTA officials had warned of deep reductions across the system. “This action preserves existing service levels and prevents disruptions riders can’t afford,” Shapiro said in announcing the approval. Even so, riders won’t avoid added costs. SEPTA has confirmed a 21.5% fare hike will take effect on the same day service returns. The agency argues the increase is necessary to stabilize operations for the next two years. The capital transfer, according to officials, is significant, but is not a substitute for permanent state funding. For Bucks County residents, the immediate impact is mixed: Key routes are restored, and commutes will continue, but at a steeper price. Riders in Bristol, Croydon, and across Lower Bucks will see their daily travel preserved for now, while still facing uncertainty about what lies beyond 2026 when temporary funding runs out.
Bucks County marks National Recovery Month
September is National Recovery Month, and Bucks County officials formally recognized the occasion last week with a proclamation and words of support for those battling substance use disorder. The commissioners highlighted the work of treatment professionals and community organizations dedicated to helping residents maintain sobriety. Jennifer King, executive director of the Council of Southeast PA, told commissioners that recovery is not just about treatment, but about building connections. “Recovery is a solution based in community and belonging,” she said, adding that county investments in programs allow people to “find places to belong” and use their strengths on the path to recovery. Minority Commissioner Gene DiGirolamo, a Republican, spoke candidly about his own family’s experience with addiction. With a son in recovery, DiGirolamo emphasized that treatment can and does work. “As probably many families here in Bucks County who have a loved one — as I do — recovery is not only possible, but highly successful,” he said. He praised county agencies, treatment providers, and the District Attorney’s office for collaborating on what he described as a “team effort.” The proclamation designates September as Recovery Month in Bucks County, part of a national push to reduce stigma and promote treatment. According to county leaders, the goal is to both honor those in recovery and remind residents that help is available locally. Anyone seeking assistance with substance use disorder can contact the Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission at 215-444-2700 or visit bcdac.org for more information.
Pennsbury Superintendent highlights strength of schools
The Pennsbury School District is just two weeks into the new academic year, and Superintendent Dr. Thomas Smith is pointing to what he sees as the foundation of the district’s success: small, neighborhood schools with strong personal connections. At a recent school board meeting, Dr. Smith contrasted Pennsbury’s approach with districts that consolidate into massive elementary schools. He said the district’s model — where principals know every student by name — fosters a culture of care, support, and accountability. “It really makes a difference in the nurturing of our students, along with creating a positive environment for our staff members,” Smith told the board. Another factor, he noted, is Pennsbury’s comparatively small class sizes. That, combined with programs designed to help students succeed both academically and socially, provides what Smith described as a setting where “learning can truly take hold.” Beyond core academics, the superintendent highlighted how Pennsbury goes above and beyond state requirements in areas such as arts, music, world languages, library access, and nursing services. These programs, he said, ensure that students receive a well-rounded education while also strengthening community ties. Smith’s comments come at a time when many districts across Pennsylvania face pressure to consolidate schools or scale back programs due to costs. By emphasizing Pennsbury’s neighborhood model, he underscored the district’s commitment to keeping education personal and connected to the community.
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490. Bradley Vasoli is the senior editor of The Independence.
