Board grants preliminary/final approval for Oxford Valley Mall redevelopment plan with pedestrian commitments

The Middletown Board of Supervisors granted preliminary and final land development approval Sept. 19 for a redevelopment project affecting the Valleys portion of the Ring Road at Oxford Valley Mall.

Applicant representatives Ed Murphy and project engineer Justin Genotti presented plans showing multiple proposed buildings (including 5,920- and 5,600-square-foot retail/restaurant structures and a 6,345-square-foot split restaurant/retail building with a potential drive-through component), reconfigured parking, onsite stormwater management to meet township and DEP regulations, and new sidewalks through and around the property.

Murphy said the redevelopment will replace the former Bally's building footprint and improve pedestrian connectivity to the mall; the applicants agreed to withdraw a sidewalk waiver and provide full sidewalk connectivity through the site. Murphy also said the applicants proposed an off-site contribution of $60,000 to help fund a signalized pedestrian crossing across Middletown Boulevard, which he described as "more than represents our obligation" toward the crossing.

Board members asked about tenant commitments (applicants said tenants have expressed interest but no signed leases were ready for public comment), parking (applicants said 75 parking spaces are proposed across two parcels; one parcel would be technically noncompliant if parcels remain separate, but the overall project provides adequate parking), landscaping (applicants reported more than 600 plantings proposed) and timing (applicants anticipated agency approvals and potential construction start in mid-next year).

The presiding officer moved to approve preliminary and final land development for 130 Middletown Blvd and 2340 Lincoln Hwy with standard conditions: full compliance with the township subdivision and zoning ordinances, resolution of Allcom review comments and required outside agency approvals including PennDOT. The motion was seconded and passed 4-0.

Next steps include addressing outstanding review comments, finalizing plans and securing approvals from PennDOT and other outside agencies before permit issuance or construction.