“We are looking for ways to revitalize the Newtown Business Commons, to both preserve the business office district and address the recent changes in the business environment, where workers are increasingly working from home,” said Peggy Driscoll, Chair of the Newtown Planning Commission NTPC, at the April 26, 2023, Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting.

The most recent proposal by Bucks County Planning Commission (BCPC) laid out the details for “Mixed Use” newly constructed apartment buildings in the OLI/LI Overlay Zones; e.g., in the Business Commons area, like the ones shown here in this video (source: BCPC).

“We are optimistic that we will be able to add some residential uses to the Commons to help us attract and retain younger residents to the area,” said Ms. Driscoll.

The problem, however, is that the NTPC and BCPC seem to be at odds about how to implement “mixed-use” residential/retail in the business commons.

[Image shows proposed sidewalk project.]

Newtown Township has been awarded $534K in state funds from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Local Share Account Statewide Program.

The grant was announced by State Senator Steve Santarsiero and State Rep. Perry Warren.

The township will use the funds to construct ADA curb ramps and improve its current stormwater management system throughout the business commons area. This will be done in conjunction with an ongoing sidewalk project, ultimately improving pedestrian safety and the walkability of the business commons.

642 Newtown Yardley Road, part of the corporate campus of Newtown Commons West, on the edge of Newtown Business Commons. 642 is a brick & steel building, approximately 15 years old, 3-stories and elevator-served. 15,000+ SF on each floor.

For lease is Suite 205 is 5,397 SF on the second floor. Some custom fitout* possible. 

Plenty of parking. $23/SF annual rental rate. The only additional costs are $2/SF for electric and the tenant's own in-suite janitorial.

In my opinion, food trucks offer an alternative to brick-and-mortar "eating places" recommended by Bucks County Planning Commission (BCPC).

Newtown Township hired the BCPC to develop an “Overlay Zone” in the OLI/LI district that would allow more uses in certain areas of the district, especially in the Business Commons area.

Of all the proposed uses, I am most concerned about “Eating Place.” we have many eating places in Newtown and residents are getting weary of seeing them come and go – but mostly keep coming along with parking and traffic issues.

Read why I think food trucks are a better alternative...

On September 20, 2022, Jeremy Stoff and Lisa Wolf of the Bucks County Planning Commission (BCPC) presented their concept of an LI/OLI district overlay plan to the Newtown Township Planning Commission (NTPC).

Also attending this public meeting were members of the Newtown Economic Development Committee, which originally proposed that an Overlay be implemented to allow more uses for the Business Commons area of the township.

View the video...

Gov. Wolf Announced $47.8 Million Investment in 56 Multimodal Projects to Improve Safety, Mobility, Local Economies.

Newtown Township will receive $873,000 to construct sidewalk connections in the township’s Business Commons area to close existing trail and sidewalk gaps. The project includes construction of 0.5 mile of five-foot wide concrete sidewalks, stormwater management improvements, construction of ADA curb ramps, improved striping and signage, installation of benches, and landscaping.

At the March 9, 2022, Board of Supervisors meeting, a resolution was passed to authorize a request for “a Statewide Local Share Assessment grant [see the grant application] of $994,920.00 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority to be used for design and construction of the Business Commons Sidewalk Connections project." For background, read "Revitalization of Newtown Township's Business Commons District".

[Image does not show the actual proposed charging stations, which are yet to be determined.]

On January 18, 2022, the Newtown Planning Commission heard from Variance to permit the installation of three (3) electric vehicle charging stations (G-16 use) which is not a permitted use in the LI District and would require relief from the parking standards.

The applicant is Cameron C. Troilo & Olga Jean Troilo, applicants/owners, Homewood Suites, 110 Pheasant Run, Newtown Business Commons, Newtown Township, Newtown, PA.

These charging stations will be for shared use by hotel guests, the office complex, and any member of the public.

Listen to the discussion...

Reports from Planning Commission, Technology & Communications Committee and Environmental Advisory Council; Engineer's update: PennDOT Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant, MS4 Annual Report; Legal Action Agains KVK Tech; Weed Ordinance; Police Report; Hybrid Meetings; LED Streetlights; More...

This is my personal summary of the October 13, 2021, meeting of Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS). This is not a complete summary.

Contents

• Public Comment - Toll Bros settlement process appears to be "a deliberate effort to keep the discussion ... out of the public eye. The process has gone awry," said a resident
• Reports of Committees - rezoning Business Commons, Newtown Twp website analytics reveal low committee pageviews, EAC on single-use plastics, 2020 census data for the Jointure
• Reports of Officials - NT will take KVK Tech to court! Seeking grant to connect disconnected sidewalks. September police report
• Bills List - invoices to be paid total $976,275.46
• Old Business - Hybrid meetings
• New Business - LED street lighting; NT locked into early 20th century technology
• My Personal Notes - unique insights

More details....

You might have been tempted to attend the in-person September 21, 2021, Newtown Economic Development Committee (EDC) meeting to learn more about “Economic Development projects for 2022 budget” – which was an item on the publicly advertised agenda.

This was the first mention I have seen of the 2022 budget in ANY official agenda for a public meeting. Not even supervisors know what projects will be in the proposed preliminary 2022 budget, which will not be presented to the Board of Supervisors (BOS) until October 18, 2021.

However, the EDC discussion actually focused on the Bucks County Planning Commission (BCPC) REVISED proposal for Planning Services to Develop an Overlay District to the LI and OLI Zoning Districts.

Learn more about what is planned for the overlay of these districts...

Township Planner Michele Fountain was a guest speaker at the May 4, 2021, Newtown Planning Commission (PC) Zoom meeting. The topic was "LI & OLI Zoning District Land Use." It is the first of a planned series of presentations.

The goal of Ms. Fountain's presentation was to start a discussion among PC members regarding new uses that should be allowed in these districts to attract new businesses with high-paying jobs.

How important do YOU think it is to bring new businesses to Newtown? TAKE MY SURVEY

Watch the video…