Middletown board approves two subdivision plans, adds truck‑parking restriction and will oppose proposed Bagel drive‑through

The Middletown Board of Supervisors on May 1 approved two land‑development actions and instructed township counsel to oppose a proposed drive‑through at a busy shopping center.

For 706 Sunflower Avenue, engineer Larry Burn described a minor subdivision to construct one new house and rehabilitate an existing dwelling in the Parkland area. The applicant agreed to comply with the township subdivision and zoning ordinances, address outstanding consultant review comments and provide a fee in lieu of sidewalks. The board approved the minor subdivision (SLD‑23‑1) by voice vote; the motion carried 5‑0.

On 1501 East Lincoln Highway, attorney Mike McGinnis represented Waterstone Properties seeking to re‑create a previously approved but unrecorded 1.88‑acre outparcel that could be used by Chick‑fil‑A or another commercial tenant. McGinnis said the approval would not authorize construction and that any future commercial tenant would need to return for land‑development approvals. He also offered an explicit condition to prohibit truck or van parking as a principal use. The supervisors approved the major subdivision (LD‑23‑2) as amended to include that truck‑parking restriction; the motion carried 5‑0.

Separately, Solicitor Mister Esposito briefed the board on a zoning hearing board application by Manhattan Bagel to convert the former Einstein Bagel at Summit Square Shopping Center to a Manhattan Bagel with a drive‑through. Esposito expressed concern about traffic flow and reduced parking—an application would require variances including a minor increase in impervious coverage and reduction of required parking spaces—and recommended the township oppose the application. The board voted to send the solicitor to oppose the variance at the zoning hearing board; motion carried 5‑0.

No construction approvals were granted for the Chick‑fil‑A parcel; McGinnis said any future developer must obtain land‑development approvals and satisfy township engineering and traffic conditions before building. Board members emphasized that the approvals on May 1 were procedural and subject to standard conditions and consultant review.