Bensalem Township, Pennsylvania
Bensalem Township is a township in
Bucks County,
Pennsylvania,
United States. The township is composed of many communities, including Bensalem,
Trevose,
Oakford,
Cornwells Heights,
Eddington, and
Andalusia. As of the 2000 census, the township had a total population of 58,434, which at the time made it the 10th largest municipality in Pennsylvania. However, the 2005 population estimate shows Bensalem Township as the 9th largest, taking
Lower Merion Township's place. The township is almost as old as the state of
Pennsylvania itself, having been founded in 1682.
Bensalem is the southernmost township in
Bucks County and is bordered by
Philadelphia to the west and south,
Croydon to the east,
Bristol Township to the northeast,
Hulmeville and
Middletown Township to the north, and
Lower Southampton and
Trevose to the northwest. Across the
Delaware River in
Burlington County, New Jersey to the southeast, there are
Beverly,
Delanco Township, and
Edgewater Park Township.
According to the
United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 54.3
km² (21.0
mi²). 51.7 km² (20.0 mi²) of it is land and 2.6 km² (1.0 mi²) of it (4.77%) is water.
The
Fall line, which separates the
Atlantic Coastal Plain region from the
Piedmont region, runs through Bensalem, and is visible around the Neshaminy Mall area. [
1] [
2]
Bensalem has a large and fast-growing foreign-born population, which includes concentrations of
Indian,
Mexican,
Russian,
West Indian and
Korean immigrants. Like other
suburbs, the influx of new people means that the township is succumbing to
urban sprawl.
As of the
census² of 2000, there were 58,434 people, 22,627 households, and 15,114 families residing in the township. The
population density was 1,129.8/km² (2,926.7/mi²). There were 23,535 housing units at an average density of 455.0/km² (1,178.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the township was 82.90%
White, 6.93%
African American, 0.22%
Native American, 6.61%
Asian, 0.05%
Pacific Islander, 1.64% from
other races, and 1.65% from two or more races.
Hispanic or
Latino of any race were 4.29% of the population.
There are 22,627 households of which 30.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.6% were
married couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.2% were non-families. 26.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.14.
In the township the population was spread out with 23.1% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 32.5% from 25 to 44, 24.5% from 45 to 64, and 11.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 99.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.9 males.
The median income for a household in the township was $49,737, and the median income for a family was $58,771. Males had a median income of $39,914 versus $30,926 for females. The
per capita income for the township was $22,517. 7.4% of the population and 6.0% of families were below the
poverty line. Of the total population, 6.8% of those under the age of 18 and 10.6% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.
Bensalem is home to
Philadelphia Park Racetrack, a 1 mile thoroughbred horse racing track. This facility opened in November 1974 as Keystone Racetrack. The name was changed to Philadelphia Park in 1984. The track has become notable for being the original home of 2004
Kentucky Derby and
Preakness Stakes champion
Smarty Jones.
In 1987, the people of Bensalem voted to become a second-class township with a 5 member council and a mayor. The township also has its own 9-member school board. The current Republican mayor, Joseph DiGirolamo, is in his 4th consecutive term.
Bensalem was a township mostly of older homes and well established businesses throughout the 20th century. The major places to shop were the Neshaminy Mall, the Woodhaven Mall and many small "mom and pop" businesses. However beginning in the late 90s, but mostly in the 21st century, Bensalem made a rapid transformation. As many people began to move to the township, mostly Asian immigrants and Philadelphians, significant growth began. The Neshaminy Mall was no longer a "dead" mall. Two huge shopping centers were constructed, with one still being developed, an antiquated juvenile detention camp was demolished, and single-family homes were constructed there in 2005-2006. Corporate centers can found all over the township, along with restaurant chains, large hotels, and dozens of new housing developments, which have caused property values in Bensalem to rise much higher. Also, a new slot casino is slated to be constructed on the grounds of the Philadelphia Race Track, along with a large hotel,and a housing development. Major road construction is planned to accommodate the soon-to-be built casino in 2007, and all the traffic which will be caused by it, and to ease traffic on
I-95,
U.S. Route 1, and the
Pennsylvania Turnpike, which are all within five miles of this future casino. Also one can find many ethnic stores and restaurants. There are significant numbers of
Indian,
Mexican,
Chinese,
Japanese,
Korean, and
Arab supermarkets, novelty shops, and restaurants. Local urban developers plan to overhaul the industrial area along the
Delaware River known as Lake Louis, turning parts of the area into a waterfront promenade.
The Indian population since 2000, has grown drastically. A recent census estimation has Bensalem's
Asian percentage well over 10%, with more than half of it being of Indian descent, which is the main reason for such strong growth. With many new, upscale housing developments underconstruction, significantly Wellington Estates and Belmont Ridge, over 80% of the houses are occupied by people of Indian descent.
Neshaminy Mall is located within Bensalem. It was one of the first malls to be constructed in the country. It has four main anchors
(three department stores and 1 movie theatre) and over 120 smaller shops and eateries.
Main Anchors:*
Sears*
Strawbridge's (Opened 1968 as Strawbridge & Clothier. In 2006, will change name to Macy's)*
Boscov's (Opened 1995. Former location for Lit Brothers{1974-1977}, Pomeroy's{1977-1987}, and The Bon Ton{1987-early 1990's})*
AMC Neshaminy 24 Theatre
(opened 1998, which made it the largest theater in Pennsylvania)Minor Anchors
*
Modell's Sporting Goods
(In location of former AMC Premiere Twin Theatre)*
H&M (In location of former Woolworth's)It's reported that
Ben Franklin flew his famous kite in Bensalem, at the
Growden Mansion. At the time, the
Galloway family owned the mansion and all of present day Bensalem Township. Franklin would travel through
Bucks County dozens of times to visit his daughter living on the
Delaware River in Bensalem. The rumor seems to be substantiated by the fact that on signs entering the township, a picture of
Ben Franklin's likeness and an electrified
kite are shown.
Katharine Drexel's shrine and body are located in the township.
Joseph Growden received his grant of land from
William Penn, and eventually settled on the name "Bensalem" for the township. The township celebrated its tricentennial in 1992.
Interstate 95,
U.S. Route 1,
Pennsylvania Turnpike, and
U.S. Route 13 all flow through Bensalem. Exit 351 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (which connects with U.S. Route 1), is located in the Trevose section, about 1 mile from the Philadelphia border.
The first
Rita's Water Ice has its home in Bensalem, and the headquarters still remain in Bensalem.
*
Bensalem Township Home Page*
Bensalem Township School District
