The Bensalem Township School Board is evaluating multiple options for constructing a new middle school to serve grades 6 through 8. As the district looks to expand its educational facilities, two potential locations are under consideration.

Potential Sites for the New Middle School

One option is to build the new school on land in front of Robert K. Shafer Middle School on Hulmeville Road. Another possibility is reclaiming the former site of Neil A. Armstrong Middle School, a property that has been entangled in ownership and zoning challenges since its sale in 2020 for $7.3 million to Jignesh “Jay” Pandya, owner of the Boston Market chain.

Background on the Armstrong Site

Originally home to Bensalem High School from 1953 to 1969, the Armstrong site later served as a middle school but was shuttered in 2011. The property was sold to make way for a large-scale mixed-use project called “The Hub,” but those plans fell through when Pandya filed for bankruptcy. The land, now facing a sheriff’s sale, remains unsold and in limbo.

Key Considerations for the District

The Schrader Group, the district’s architect, is assessing the feasibility of constructing two or three physically separate buildings that would share common spaces such as the cafeteria, gym, and auditorium, forming a campus-style layout. If the Armstrong site is selected, the district would need to regain ownership and rezone the land back to school use, as it was previously changed to mixed-use zoning for the abandoned development project.

Next Steps

The district’s architect will present further analysis and recommendations before the Bensalem School Board in February. Community members and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed as plans for the new middle school take shape.

Impact on Bensalem Real Estate

The development of a new middle school could positively affect home values and buyer interest in the area, making this a key issue for local homeowners and potential investors. A well-located, modern school facility can enhance property demand and neighborhood desirability.

Stay tuned for updates on this project, and check our blog for the latest Bensalem real estate news!

Source: Bucks County Courier Times, January 24, 2025