Morrisville OKs Williamson Park as part of riverfront redevelopment area
Morrisville Council voted 4-3 Tuesday to amend the boundary of the borough's redevelopment area to include Williamson Park, allowing for further steps toward a major overhaul of the old town's Delaware River waterfront — if Bucks County's Orphans Court allows.
A group of residents filed suit in court earlier this fall to prevent the park being taken for redevelopment, citing Pennsylvania legal restrictions on donated parks being taken for development when they are still being used as recreation spaces. A hearing date for the suit has not yet been set.
A development group called Select Morrisville, headed by local developer Joseph McGrath, is proposing to build a 600-plus apartment and retail complex on the riverfront, valued at more than $125 million.
For subscribers: Developer says Williamson Park could be a 'game changer' for Morrisville. But is it a loss for Little League?
But opposition to the plan has been fierce, including many longtime residents and the Morrisville Little League that plays on the fields in the park.
The developer has proposed new baseball fields, other athletic facilities and a walking trail along the Delaware on 40 acres of redevelopment land off Pennsylvania Avenue south of the Route 1 Expressway.
The council members who voted in favor of expanding the redevelopment border included Justin Bowers, Helen Hlahol, Scott Robinson and Michael Yager. Voting against it were Council President Ted Parker and members Robert Paul and Nancy Sherlock.
"This town needs a spark ...The park has areas that are clearly blighted," said Councilman Michael Yager, as fellow Councilman Scott Robinson noted that business people who had invested in the borough spoke in favor of the plan.
Dan Rice, a resident who is a leader in the group fighting the redevelopment of the park, said following the vote, "I'm disappointed but not surprised."
Earlier in the meeting, he said that the group would start their fight at Orphans Court but that similar suits against redeveloping other parks in Pennsylvania ended up before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and preservation won. He and other residents urged the council not to waste taxpayer money on the court battle.
More: Morrisville residents file suit to save Williamson Park from development
Inside the plan: Developers look to move forward with $125M riverfront project in Morrisville
The council also voted 4-3 to request Bucks County to allow the borough to raise its tax millage for its general fund to 35 mills to support its general fund, an increase of 1.65 mills. Borough Council earlier this fall decided against enacting an earned income tax to help cover its 2022 budget.
And, in other business, the board voted to allow roosters to remain as borough residents, voting against their ban from the borough.
To contact Peg Quann, email mquann@couriertimes.com.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Williamson Park in Morrisville can be redeveloped in riverfront deal
