I asked local area residents their opinion on the proposed 4-story, 73-unit apartment building at the historic Goodnoe Homestead.

As of August 20, 2025, 360 responses have been received.

🗳 Resident Feedback

• 73% STRONGLY OPPOSE

• 10% SOMEWHAT OPPOSE

• 5% SOMEWHAT IN FAVOR

• 5% STRONGLY IN FAVOR

🚫 Top Concerns

• Traffic & Parking: Added congestion, too few spaces.

• Overdevelopment: “City-style” density not fitting for Newtown.

• Historic Character: Loss of Goodnoe heritage and small-town feel.

• Environment & Infrastructure: Stormwater, flooding, tree loss, sewer strain.

• Housing: Apartments seen as too costly, not affordable for most.

✅ Supportive Views

A minority believe the project could revitalize Sycamore Street, boost tax revenue, and beautify the area, though some suggest reducing its size and improving parking/landscaping.

⚖️ Bottom line: The majority of Newtown Township residents strongly oppose the project, citing traffic, density, and historic character concerns — while a smaller group sees potential benefits if scaled back.

More details...

🏛 Meeting Overview

• The meeting opened with routine proceedings (moment of silence, pledge).
• Consent agenda items G and H were removed and will be revisited later.

📢 Public Comment

1. Crosswalk Safety at Chandler Hall
• Residents raised concerns about near misses at the midblock crosswalk.
• Suggestions included adding flashing beacons due to pedestrian, daycare, and delivery traffic.
2. Veterans Park Baseball Fields
• Representatives from Council Rock Newtown Baseball requested township support to bring running water to fields.
• Lack of irrigation is creating unsafe conditions and costly refurbishments.
• The group pledged to fund water lines if the township installs a meter/connection (~$10K request).
• Over 500 children use the fields; safety concerns emphasized.
• The township confirmed the project is in next year’s budget.
3. Sewer Authority Transparency
• A resident urged that sewer board meetings be moved to evenings and televised.
• Supervisor Fisher promised to press the issue at future meetings.

📋 Planning Commission Report (Aug 5)

• Malange Restaurant (Sycamore Street):
  Seeks approval for six etched-glass window signs, but replaced historic windows without permits.
• Violations discussed; enforcement actions and possible fines underway.
• Strong calls to tighten ordinance enforcement in the Historic District.
• Newtown Bagels (Swamp Road):
  Expansion into adjacent space with more seating and employees recommended for approval.
• Zoning Ordinance Amendments:
• Recommended adoption of off-premise advertising sign amendment.
• Wireless communication amendments tabled pending clarity.

👩‍💼 Board & Committee Reports

• Fire Chief Glenn Foresight honored for 50 years of service.
• Supervisors reported attendance at sewer, HARB, Planning, and fire association meetings.
• Discussion of Wawa grand opening and corporate partnership commitments.
• Concerns raised about HOA issues (speeding shortcuts, sidewalk installation quality, lack of communication with HOAs).

💰 Financial & Consent Agenda

• Payment of bills and transfers approved (some items voted separately).
• Sidewalk project at Business Commons discussed; concerns about grading, weeds, trees, and HOA communication. Issues still in “punch list” stage.

⚖️ Solicitor’s Report

• Supplemental Appropriations Approved: $170,000 allocated for two new firefighters (rest of 2025).
• Grant Ratification: BOS ratified filing for a DCED multimodal transportation grant for Newtown-Yardley Road sidewalk.
• Malange Zoning Application: BOS directed solicitor to advise zoning board that approval must be conditioned on compliance with HARB and historic ordinances.

✅ Key Takeaways

• Public safety concerns (crosswalks, baseball fields) dominated public comment.
• Historic preservation enforcement became a major issue with Malange’s violations.
• Township invested in fire safety (hiring new firefighters, honoring Chief Foresight).
• Infrastructure projects (sidewalks, grants) are progressing but face communication and quality challenges.

The Bucks County Peace Center, founded in 1982 as the Bucks Alliance for Nuclear Disarmament (B.A.N.D.), is closing after more than 40 years of work. Originally focused on anti-nuclear activism, it later became a key local resource for peace education, anti-bullying programs, conflict resolution, and domestic violence prevention.

Executive Director Danny L. Thomas announced the closure in August 2025, citing federal funding cuts and growing political opposition to diversity and inclusion efforts in schools. Former director Barbara Simmons emphasized the organization’s decades of impact in schools and communities but lamented increasing resistance to peace-building programs.

The center will begin phasing out operations in September 2025, leaving behind a legacy of nonviolence advocacy, school programming, and community engagement.

“We need peace-building more than ever," said Barbara Simmons,  the center’s executive director from 1991 until 2020.

Craig Deutsch, member of the Newtown PA Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB), requests that permits be required in for work in the historic district of town.

The discussion that ensued focused specifically on Melange Restaurant (Sycamore Street), which is seeking approval for six etched-glass window signs, but replaced historic windows without permits.

Summary of Main Discussion

• Violations discussed; enforcement actions and possible fines underway.
• Strong calls to tighten ordinance enforcement in the Historic District.

A back-deck bar was also demolished without a permit. Code enforcement has issued violation notices, and the township is considering stronger ordinances to require permits for exterior changes in the historic district to better protect Newtown’s historic character.

At the 13 August 2025 #NewtownPA Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting, Council Rock Newtown Baseball board member DJ Pascone urged supervisors to partner with the league to bring running water to Veterans Park baseball fields.

The group, which invests over $30K annually in field maintenance and upgrades, warned that dry conditions make the fields unsafe and shorten their lifespan. The league offered to fund $15K in water lines if the township covers a $10K water meter connection, stressing the need to protect both community investment and the safety of 500+ children who play there each season.

“We desperately need your help,” said Pascone.

On Aug. 7, 2025, Jim Worthington (Goodnoe Homestead, LLC) submitted a sketch plan for a 4-story, 73-unit garden apartment building at the historic Goodnoe Family Homestead on N. Sycamore St., Newtown.

The plan preserves the farmhouse (as a residents’ lounge) and silo, and includes 88,074 sq. ft. of residential space plus limited retail. Parking: 45 garage spaces + 84 surface spaces.

The proposal seeks multiple zoning variances, including for height, building length, setbacks, parking requirements, and mixed-use ratios.

More...

A local youth sports leader is calling on Newtown Township Supervisors to take urgent action in support of the township’s young baseball players.

DJ Pascone, a Newtown resident and board member of the Council Rock Newtown Athletic Association (CRNAA), submitted a letter to township officials asking for assistance in installing running water to three baseball fields at Veterans Park. The request comes after more than a year of challenges involving broken water lines and missed opportunities to coordinate needed repairs.

“We desperately need your help,” wrote Pascone, stressing that water access is essential for both field maintenance and player safety, especially during the hot and dry summer months. “Without water to spray down the infield dirt, the hops become dangerous and unpredictable for the children.”

Highlights from the July 2025 Newtown Township Police Department Report:

• 2,309 Total Incidents (versus 2024 monthly average of 2,475)
• 11 AUTO V. DEER incidents (75 YTD versus 162 in 2024)
• 183 Traffic Citations, 9 DUI arrests, 8 reportable traffic crashes
• 19 Fraud incidents (103 YTD versus 183 total in 2024 and 162 in 2023)
• 4 Retail Theft (29 YTD versus 53 in 2024); e.g., At approximately 1:45 pm police responded to Lululemon on South Eagle Road for the report of a retail theft that occurred earlier that day. The total value of loss was $476.
• 4 Narcotics Possession (32 YTD versus 49 in 2024)
• 1 Non-Fatal Overdose (6 YTD versus 6 in 2024)
• 127 School Checks (1,659 YTD versus 2,618 total for 2024)

See the complete report...

Guru’s Indian Cuisine, a beloved restaurant in Newtown Township, PA, has announced a major transition.

Owners Chef Ashni “Baba” Kumar and Priya Trivedi have resumed ownership and shifted the restaurant to a takeout-only model as they plan a move to a more affordable location.

After returning from India with their newly adopted daughters, the couple is focused on keeping Guru’s dream alive despite financial challenges.

Their message to the community: This is not goodbye—just a pause before a fresh start.

This is my personal summary of the 5 August 2025 Newtown Township Planning Commission Meeting. This is NOT a complete nor is it an official summary.

Agenda
      Mélange on Sycamore - It was emphasized that etched glass, even without wording, counts as signage under township ordinances. Also, potential deviation from the historic district’s character.
      Newtown Bagel - The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the conditional use application. The recommendation is contingent on several factors...
      Amended Billboard Ordinance - Planning Commission members confirmed satisfaction with the current draft, pending one small clarification.
      Wireless Communications Ordinance - the Commission voted to table further discussion as the drafts provided still have a number of unresolved questions.

More...

Homes in Lyondale Meadows (Rte 413 and Twining Bridge Rd) will be as large as 5,000 square feet and offer as many as six-and-a-half bathrooms, according to details released by Toll Brothers.

Newtown Manager Micah Lewis informed supervisors that the habitat/meadow projects (Roberts Ridge & Silver Lake) will be delayed due to funding issues.

According to an email from Teddi Stark, Watershed Forestry Program Manager, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR):

"I am so sorry to have to inform you that the planned Watershed Forestry projects for Bucks County on which you are a cooperating partner will likely be delayed. We had previously discussed getting the project bundle out to bid late this summer, with project implementation beginning in the fall of 2025. However, due to the ongoing state budget impasse, we are currently unable to move forward according to this previously planned timeline.

"While the funding for these projects is secure, we must wait for the state budget to pass in order to for the funds to be appropriated for spending by DCNR. Without a state budget, we are unable to move forward with getting these projects out to bid to eligible contractors."

[This is a summary by ChatGPT of a story published in the 8/7/25 issue of the Philadelphia Inquirer.]

Immigrant and civil rights advocates are expressing alarm after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested two men inside courtrooms at the Bucks County Courthouse in Doylestown, Pennsylvania—an unprecedented move in the county.

The arrests occurred on July 21 and 28 during scheduled court hearings for misdemeanor charges. According to defense attorneys, ICE agents acted without prior notice to the public defender's office and detained the individuals after judges deferred their sentencing.

The incidents have sparked concerns over the growing presence of ICE in spaces traditionally considered safe and neutral, such as courthouses. Court officials confirmed that ICE informs deputy sheriffs on duty about their presence, but court staff receive no advance warning. ICE's actions were conducted under new federal interim guidance, allowing enforcement in and around courthouses when agents have credible information about an individual’s undocumented status—particularly if they have prior criminal convictions or deportation orders. Still, officers are advised to act discreetly and avoid interfering with non-criminal court functions.

Adding to the controversy is the Bucks County Sheriff's Office’s participation in ICE’s 287(g) program, which deputizes local law enforcement to act as federal immigration officers. Sheriff Fred Harran and 15 members of his department completed the training, although he claims they are not currently conducting enforcement activities. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Pennsylvania has filed a lawsuit seeking to block implementation of this program, arguing it was enacted without proper legal authority.

Advocates warn that ICE operations in courthouses risk undermining the judicial system by deterring immigrants—regardless of legal status—from appearing in court, seeking protection orders, or cooperating as witnesses. Critics argue that such practices not only compromise justice but also public safety by discouraging crime reporting and participation in legal processes. A court hearing on the legality of the sheriff's ICE partnership is scheduled for September.

At its 5 August 2025 public meeting, the Newtown Township Planning Commission approved the latest revisions to the township’s billboard ordinance, marking what officials hope is the final step before adoption.

The ordinance, which regulates off-premises advertising signs, underwent minor updates since its March 2025 review. Key changes include renaming “outdoor advertising signs” to “off-premises signs”, introducing a definition for agricultural off-premises signs, and moving government and directory signs to the list of allowed signage.

A small clarification is still required to confirm that the one-acre minimum lot size applies only to Wrightstown Township and not Newtown’s commercial district.

The Joint Zoning Council previously approved the solicitor’s cleanup of conflicting language on June 10, 2025.

With a unanimous vote, the Planning Commission recommended adoption of the ordinance, expressing confidence that the revisions address prior concerns and align the regulations with township and county planning guidance.

Newtown, PA – August 6, 2025 — Newtown Emergency Medical Services Chief Evan N. Resnikoff is urging all municipalities served by the agency to formally support Pennsylvania House Bill 1152 (HB1152), a proposed legislative measure aimed at reforming how EMS providers are reimbursed by commercial insurance companies.

In a memo dated August 5, Resnikoff outlined how HB1152 would amend the Insurance Company Law of 1921 to bring consistency, fairness, and efficiency to ambulance service payments across the Commonwealth. The bill, introduced by Representative Cooper and co-sponsored by 33 lawmakers, is currently under review by the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness.

If passed, HB1152 would:

• Require commercial insurers to reimburse EMS agencies at 350% of the Medicare rate, regardless of whether the EMS provider is in-network.

• Mandate that payments go directly to EMS agencies within 45 days of claim submission, instead of being sent to patients.

• Prohibit EMS agencies from "balance billing" patients, except for co-pays and deductibles.

• Allow agencies to continue running subscription drives to support operations.

Resnikoff emphasized that the reforms would stabilize EMS agency revenues, reduce administrative workload, and minimize patient confusion and inconvenience during the billing process.

Several Bucks County municipalities — including Northampton Township, New Britain Township, Doylestown Borough, Langhorne Borough, Langhorne Manor Borough, and Penndel Borough — have already adopted resolutions in support of HB1152. Bristol and Falls Townships are expected to follow suit later this month.

In his appeal, Resnikoff asked municipal leaders to join the growing list of supporters and to urge their state representatives and senators to back the legislation.

“This is not only a step forward for EMS agencies,” Resnikoff wrote, “but also for the residents we serve.”

The 2025 Ukrainian Folk Festival will be held at the Ukrainian American Sport Center on August 24 from noon to 8 p.m.

During the festival’s formal opening ceremony at 1:30 p.m., speakers will honor the lives and sacrifices of Bobby Pietrangelo and Corey Nawrocki, two local men who died will fighting in the Ukrainian military. Pietrangelo, 23, of Hilltown, a Pennridge High School graduate, was killed in action in January 2025 near Pokrovsk, Donetsk Oblast, while Nawrocky, 41, of Lansdale, a North Penn High School graduate, was killed in action during a reconnaissance operation in the Bryansk region in October 2024.

The ceremony will include a reading of a tribute to both men in English and in Ukrainian, a formal dedication of the concert program to the memory of the two fallen heroes.

In attendance will be members of Congress, local and state officials, wounded Ukrainian soldiers recovering in the U.S., Ukrainian refugee families, clergy, and members of the general public. The families and childhood friends of both heroes will be present to receive the community’s deepest gratitude, respect and recognition, said the release.The festival will feature Ukrainian folk music, dance, foods and arts and crafts. Guests can experience the rich color and deep symbolism of the delicate “pysanka” (Ukrainian Easter Egg), the thunderous, power, rhythm and strength of “HOPAK,” an ethnic dance, and “Kolomiyka” (polka) and soulful folk songs, said a Ukrainian American Sport Center press release.

Other offerings include traditional Ukrainian foods and baked goods, a BBQ pit, standard picnic fare, a vendors’ grove, Ukrainian arts and crafts displays and bazaar, cool refreshments, live reenactments from Living Ukrainian History Exhibitors and Ukrainian hospitality.

A “Celebrate Liberty and Unity” outdoor summer concert will be held from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. The artists have created a dynamic and integrated collaborative program that will excite the senses. Following the concert will be a performance from VOX ETHNIKA BAND, featuring Ukrainian, East European, traditional, ballroom, rock and modern routines, said the release.

At the June 2025 Joint Zoning Council (JZC), representatives of Newtown Township, Wrightstown, and Upper Makefield (aka, Newtown Area Jointure) authorized the  Solicitor to advertise an Electric Vehicle Charging (EVC) station ordinance for adoption.

Coming at a time when there’s a shortage locally of charging stations for electric vehicles, the Newtown Area Jointure now allows EVC stations at single-family and multi-family residences, as well as at manufactured homes.

Wrightstown was the last member of the Jointure to approve the ordinance, following earlier approval by Upper Makefield and Newtown townships. The three municipalities, regulating zoning matters through a jointure, have been working on the ordinance for several years.

“It’s been a long haul,” said Chester Pogonowski, supervisor, Wrightstown Township [and JZC Chair]. “This was the final step. The regulations take effect immediately.”

According to the new law, owners must situate the stations inside a garage or on the exterior wall of the garage/residence behind the building setback line.

“Residential property owners are prohibited from collecting a service fee for using the charging station,” he said. “Property owners are also required to ensure the stations are functioning properly.”

The ordinance also addresses the use of charging stations at non-residential properties like commercial, industrial and institutional sites. Those stations can be open to the public, and a fee charged, the ordinance states.

More...

The owners of Mélange, a new restaurant to be located at the Sycamore Grill site at 255 N. Sycamore St,, are seeking a zoning variance to add six (6) etched sycamore tree window signs (see image), to be 27” x 30” each, on the four (4) windows (60” x 34”) on the left side of the entrance and two (2) windows on the right side of the entrance facing Sycamore Street. Such signs exceed the maximum number of signs allowed and size of signs allowed in accordance with the Newtown Township Joint Municipal Zoning Ordinance.

According to the variance application “The Sycamore Tree holds historical and natural significance and would serve as a symbol of strength, stability and community – qualities that reflect the values of our township.”

I was unaware of any “historical significance” of the sycamore tree to Newtown and decided to ask ChatGPT, the AI assistant, “What is the significance of sycamore tree to Newtown Township PA?”

Read ChatGPT's insightful response...

It took a pedestrian death in 2021, many resident complaints, a petition signed by 850 people, waiting for grant money, and several years of effort to get these crosswalk improvements. What about safer sidewalks? Read the whole story…

90USLR-PA Owner, LLC submitted a "Sketch Plan" for a "Mini Storage Facility" to be developed on a site located on the northeast corner of Upper Silver Lake Road and Newtown-Yardley Road in Newtown Township,

The site is currently developed with a vacant TD Bank. It is proposed to raze the existing site and construct a three-story mini-storage facility consisting of 109,245 SF total, inclusive of an 800 SF office and a 1,000 SF manager’s apartment (The Project).

Access to the site is currently provided via one full-movement driveway along Upper Silver Lake Road opposite the 861 Newtown-Yardley Road driveway. It is proposed to maintain the existing access configuration.

This site is located diagonally across the Newtown Bypass from the Wawa site. Recall that Chick-fil-A previously sought to relocate or open a second site at that location, but it "chicken out" in the face of overwhelming resident protest - specifically a petition signed by hundreds of residents.

The issue with Chick-fil-A  was increased traffic. I have yet to review the traffic impact study for this project. More to come. Typically, sketch plans are first reviewed by the Planning Commission at a public meeting. No date for this review is currently available.

The plan superimposed on an arial view of the site is shown above.

You can mention Royal Farms, Sparta or 7-11, but the best convenience store in the Commonwealth gets narrowed down to two businesses: Wawa and Sheetz.

So which one has the better customer service, sandwiches, slogans, gas, snacks, restrooms, location, and grab-and-go offerings?

Help us settle the great debate...

In the 2nd quarter of 2025 (April through June), I spent a total of 83 hours engaged in official Supervisor activities.

I keep track of the time spent on the following activities:

• Attending “Required” Meetings (BOS regular & special meetings and Executive Sessions; Supervisors are not required to attend Work Sessions)
• Preparation for BOS Meetings
• Attending Optional Meetings/Activities
• Interaction with Residents
• Travel To & From Meetings

More details...

On 21 July 2025, nearly 56 years after the Beatles walked across Abbey Rd in London, several Newtown residents and notable politicians gathered at the Tara Blvd pedestrian crossing for what was billed as an "INFORMAL INAUGURAL" ceremony.

State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Perry Warren (D-31) hosted a press conference at the event to celebrate the state and local partnership resulting in Newtown Township's newest pedestrian safety improvement. They also did the same at new the Silo Dr crosswalk on N Sycamore St (see "North Sycamore Street Pedestrian Safety Timeline"). Supervisors John Mack and Dennis Fisher also said a few words at these events.

Supervisor John Mack thanked the residents of Newtown Walk for being proactive, showing up at township meetings, and voicing their concerns. "I know it took a couple of years, but we now have a much safer crossing." (Read "Pedestrian Crossing Warning Signals Debut At 2 Newtown Twp. Locations").

Getting these crosswalk improvements made was a long process. Too long in my opinion (see "Tara Blvd Crosswalk Improvement Timeline"). In fact, the Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons were not operational until - suspiciously - one hour before the event!

The next pedestrian safety project to keep an eye on is the concrete walkway along Newtown-Yardley Rd so that people crossing that road safely at Tara Blvd can safely walk to the Borough.