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Newtown News of Interest
These Scoops are excerpts from articles published in local newspapers and other sources that may be of interest to Newtown area residents. Please click on the "From" link to access the full original article. Any opinions and "insights" appended to these article summaries are solely those of John Mack and do not represent the opinions of any other person or entity. Curated by johnmacknewtown |
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johnmacknewtown
August 20, 2024 6:23 AM
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Chicken lovers can now enjoy Skip's famous Lancaster County fried chicken sandwiches, tenders and loaded fries right here in Bucks County.
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johnmacknewtown
June 19, 2024 10:14 AM
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This is a video of the presentation I made at the 17 June 2024 Meet Mack Monday Zoom meeting. The contents include:
* Anti Chick-fil-A at the Bypass Update, Including Petition Results
* Wawa Coming Soon – Will It Sell Beer/Wine 24/7?
* LI/O-LI District Overlay Problems: High Density Housing, More Traffic Congestion
* Corners at Newtown “Garage Core” Apartment Complex: Should We Amend JMZO to Allow This New Use in the Town Center District?
* What’s (not) happening with Pedestrian Crosswalk Improvements?
* Indoor Pickleball Club Proposed for Vacant Bed, Bath, and Beyond Site
* “Pollinator Garden” in Roberts Ridge Park
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johnmacknewtown
May 24, 2024 12:46 PM
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This is my personal summary of the May 22, 2024, meeting of the #NewtownPA Township Board of Supervisors (BOS). This is not a complete nor an official summary.
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johnmacknewtown
May 23, 2024 9:21 AM
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At the May 22, 2024, #NewtownPA Board of Supervisors (BOS) public meeting, DonnaSerdula, a resident from the Wiltshire Walk development delivered a petition to the Supervisors opposing plans for a Chick-Fil-A fast food restaurant at the eastern end of the township.
The online petition was signed by close to 800 of her Newtown neighbors raising “deep concerns”over a zoning application from Newtown Equities LLC seeking variance relief for a new Chick-fil-A fast food restaurant at Upper Silver Lake Road and Newtown-Yardley Road.
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johnmacknewtown
May 23, 2024 7:34 AM
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A resident from the Wiltshire Walk development on Wednesday delivered a petition to the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors opposing plans for a Chick-Fil-A fast food restaurant at the eastern end of the township.
[View the 4-minute video of Ms. Serdula's comments: https://youtu.be/3sogZzzgElw]
During public comment, Donna Serdula presented an online petition signed by close to 800 of her Newtown neighbors raising “deep concerns”over a zoning application from Newtown Equities LLC seeking variance relief for a new fast food restaurant at Upper Silver Lake Road and Newtown-Yardley Road.
Newtown Equities, LLC, filed an application earlier this year with the township seeking zoning relief to build a 6,100-square-foot restaurant with a drive-thru at the former site of the TD Bank at 98 Upper Silver Lake Road near its intersection with Newtown-Yardley Road and the Newtown Bypass.
They had been scheduled to appear before the zoning board this month, but asked the township instead for an indefinite continuance, which the zoning board has granted.
According to township manager Micah Lewis, "the applicant will notify the township if it wishes to re-impose the time limits.”
In its application, Newtown Equities is seeking a use variance to allow drive-thru service; dimensional variances for setbacks, drive aisle width, and to allow the use within 300 feet of Newtown-Yardley Road and the Newtown Bypass; and relief to allow additional signage for the property, including signage facing the bypass.
“While the application has been granted an indefinite extension, this does not mean the issue is resolved,” said Serdula. “It has simply paused the process.”
“Our community has expressed strong opposition to this development for several reasons,” said Serdula. “First, increased traffic and safety risks. The current infrastructure on the Newtown-Yardley Road heading toward the bypass is already inadequate to handle the existing traffic. Adding in a high trafficked drive through and a fast food restaurant would lead to unbearable congestion and potential safety hazards, including blocked emergency access."
"We urge you to reject any zoning changes and variances for this development," Serdula told the supervisors. "While the indefinite extension provides a temporary pause we will remain vigilant. The continued collection of signatures is ongoing and growing. I ask you to consider the voices of your constituents who have spoken clearly through this petition. Please help us preserve the character, the safety and our quality of life.”
Supervisor Elen Snyder, who chaired Wednesday night's meeting in the absence of Dennis Fisher, said nothing will be happening with Chick-Fil-A's application in the immediate future. "We know how people are feeling so thank you for this. This will help," she said of the petition.
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johnmacknewtown
May 14, 2024 4:15 PM
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SPOILER ALERT: The developer was granted an “indefinite extension” for its zoning hearing.
It’s been a real roller coaster ride for those of us interested in Chick-fil-A’s plans to open a second drive-thru restaurant in #NewtownPA Township. See the Timeline below for details.
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johnmacknewtown
May 14, 2024 6:52 AM
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Chick-fil-A developer Newtown Equities LLC has requested an indefinite extension of its zoning hearing application, meaning the controversial application has been withdrawn and will not be scheduled for review unless the developers decide to proceed.
Concerned residents, who blasted the plan to build the fast food eatery at the former TD Bank site on the Newtown Bypass, see it as good news but not a clear win.
“While this is a positive step, it is a conditional and temporary halt, not a definitive victory,” said Donna Serdula, the township resident who has spearheaded opposition to the plan. “The application could be resubmitted in the future, possibly in a different form or location. We must stay vigilant and prepared to mobilize again if necessary.”
The developer’s zoning application shows the restaurant facing Newtown-Yardley Road and Upper Silver Lake Road, with waiver requests submitted that ask the township to allow Chick-fil-A to place signage for its store on the Newtown Bypass.
[Read more about the plan here… “Chick-fil-A Wants to Set Up Shop at Intersection of NT-Yardley Rd and #NewtownPA Bypass”; https://sco.lt/5L9k7U].
Serdula, a Wiltshire Walk resident, said the variances would disrupt the peaceful neighborhood and environment.
“If the supervisors approve the zoning changes and variances, it will be a turning point for Newtown’s future,” she said. “We face a choice: Do we want the Newtown Bypass to remain a bypass, or do we want it to turn into a congested and commercialized business route like Route 1?”
Serdula went on to detail several concerns she and the community have with the proposed development, including increased traffic and safety risks, environmental impacts and emergency access issues.
A petition Serdula started entitled “Stop Zoning Changes Allowing Chick-fil-A Construction in Newtown” garnered more than 700 signatures as of May 12.
“After living in New Jersey for eight years, surrounded by retail stores and fast food restaurants that populate Route 130 in Delran, my family decided to move back to Bucks County. We sought the peace and quiet away from commercial hustle, aiming to return to a quieter area reminiscent of my childhood. I am not against Chick-fil-A as a business.”
“But I firmly believe that a fast food restaurant known for creating insane traffic backups does not belong in our small residential neighborhood, disrupting the tranquil life we chose to return to. The site, previously a quiet TD Bank, is simply unsuitable for such a high-traffic business.
Serdula said the 2025 local elections will be crucial in the fight against overdevelopment.
“The candidates we choose will significantly influence our community’s future,” said Serdula. “Please remain engaged and ready to act. Your continued support is crucial as we strive to preserve the charm and safety of Newtown.”
Speaking of electing supervisors, my term ends December 31, 2025. I shall not seek, and I will not accept, any nomination for another term as Supervisor. Dennis Fisher's term is also up in 2025. Consequently, there may be a possibility to elect up to 2 new supervisors in the 2025 election. IMHO, I think Ms. Serdula should be a candidate to continue the fight against over development in Newtown.
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johnmacknewtown
May 9, 2024 7:26 AM
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BREAKING NEWS (5/10/2024; 9:04 AM): The Twp Mgr just notified supervisors: "The Township has been granted an indefinite extension for the Chick Fil A zoning hearing application. The application will not be scheduled for review unless the applicant notifies the Township of its intent to proceed with the application."
Lots of people love Chick-Fil-A, but some aren't loving its proposed location in Newtown Township.
A petition opposing construction of the popular eatery at 98 Upper Silver Lake Road, near Newtown-Yardley Road, was launched on April 30, and has gotten [more than] 600 signatures, most from local residents.
"As residents living within 500 feet of the proposed construction site ... we are deeply concerned about the potential negative impacts on our community," states the petition, started by resident Donna Serdula.
Serdula, who lives about 1,200 feet from the proposed 6,000-square-foot Chick-Fil-A, said it will be a traffic nightmare for her neighborhood, Wiltshire Walk, and for surrounding residents, too.
"It’s going to be huge. It’s bigger than the Wawa that’s going to be building near it,” she said.
“Why are they building this here? I mean, they already have a Chick-Fil-A that's a seven minute drive away,” she said. “They aren’t building it for the community. They’re building it to draw traffic from (I-295). They’re building it because the Wawa is going to draw traffic for everyone who wants hoagies and gas.
“Essentially, they’re turning Newtown into a truck stop,” she said.
“I opposed the Wawa for several reasons," said township Supervisor John Mack, "but primarily because there’s a lot of issues with the traffic at that intersection. It already backs up from Newtown-Yardley Road,” he said.
Chick-Fil-A has been scheduled to make its first case for variances for setbacks and signage before the township Planning Commission on April 16, but canceled three hours before the meeting, Mack said. [Many] residents had planned to attend. "Chick-Fil-A chickened out," Mack said.
What's Next?
???? The application will not be scheduled for review unless the applicant notifies the Township of its intent to proceed with the application
Related Content:
“Proposed Chick-Fil-A on Newtown bypass now in limbo. Here's why”; https://rebrand.ly/ChickfilAplan-on-hold
“#NewtownPA Twp Chick-fil-A Plan Withdrawn, For Now”; https://sco.lt/8kFNLM|
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johnmacknewtown
May 4, 2024 11:40 AM
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This Zoom meeting focused on Chick-fil-A on the Bypass, Plastic Bag Ban, Corners at Newtown Development, Washington Xing Bridge Replacement, and more...
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johnmacknewtown
May 3, 2024 6:47 AM
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BREAKING NEWS (5/10/2024; 9:04 AM): The Twp Mgr just notified supervisors: "The Township has been granted an indefinite extension for the Chick Fil A zoning hearing application. The application will not be scheduled for review unless the applicant notifies the Township of its intent to proceed with the application."
UPDATE (5/9/2024): I was just informed that the ZHB has granted Chick-fil-A an EXTENSION until July (when many residents will be away) - cheap move on their part - although typical of developers trying to sneak by public opposition!
A Newtown Township resident has launched an online petition drive against a proposal to build a Chick-Fil-A restaurant on the east side of the township.
Newtown Equities, LLC, has filed a zoning application with the township to build a 6,000-square-foot restaurant with a drive-thru at the former site of the TD Bank at 98 Upper Silver Lake Road near its intersection with Newtown-Yardley Road.
[Read “Chick-fil-A Wants to Set Up Shop at Intersection of NT-Yardley Rd and #NewtownPA Bypass”; https://sco.lt/5L9k7U]
The property is diagonally across the Newtown Bypass from the site of the new Wawa convenience store and gas station approved by the township last year through a settlement agreement.
Newtown Equities has not formally presented its plan at a township meeting. It had been scheduled to appear before the planning commission on April 16, but several hours before the meeting asked to be removed from the agenda.
[Read “Chick-fil-A CANCELS presentation before the #NewtownPA Planning Commission Meeting”; https://sco.lt/6k72zw]
Donna Serdula, a resident of the 50-home Wiltshire Walk development, which is located within 500 feet of the site of the proposed restaurant, said she's "deeply concerned" by the proposal.
So much so that she launched an online petition drive this week and said she's working to organize her neighbors in opposition to the plan.
“STOP Zoning Changes Allowing Chick-fil-A Construction in Newtown” petition.
As of 5/10/2024, over 659 people have signed the petition!
"What people don't realize is that this proposed Chick-Fil-A is not on the Newtown Bypass. It's on Newtown-Yardley Road and Upper Silver Lake Road. And Newtown-Yardley Road can't handle the existing traffic. In the morning, you're already sitting through two or three lights to get to the bypass. If there's a Chick-Fil-A there, you're not even going to be able to make a left onto the bypass. It's going to become impossible.
"And we don't even have the Wawa yet," added Serdula. "On top of that, the township is working to change the zoning of the Newtown Business Commons to bring in different types of uses to support the local businesses. That's going to bring in traffic.
"Chick-Fil-A doesn't want to build there because they want to support the community," Serdula said. "They already have a Chick-Fil-A a few miles away. They're building there because they want to pull in business from I-295 and from the drivers getting gas at the Wawa," she said.
Serdula said the township and its residents need to start thinking seriously about what they'd like Newtown to be - a quiet, residential community or a traffic nightmare.
Some comments I received from residents:
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johnmacknewtown
April 17, 2024 8:13 AM
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BREAKING NEWS (5/10/2024; 9:04 AM): The Twp Mgr just notified supervisors: "The Township has been granted an indefinite extension for the Chick Fil A zoning hearing application. The application will not be scheduled for review unless the applicant notifies the Township of its intent to proceed with the application."
Just 3 hours before the April 16, 2024, Planning Commission meeting, lawyers representing Newtown Equities LLC/Chick-fil-A, CANCELED their planned presentation before the Commission. I think they were not prepared to be confronted by the angry residents expected to show up.
When the meeting ended, I spoke to about 6 residents who were still in the parking lot wondering what the next step was. I suggested that they contact their representatives on the Board of Supervisors.
In case you wish to do the same, here’s the names and official email addresses of Supervisors: https://johnmacknewtown.info/contactnt.html
I'm quoted in Phillyburbs.com article:
“There’s a line already to get onto the bypass in the morning from Newtown-Yardley Road. That intersection is going to be quite busy and it’s an important intersection. And obviously I guess it’s going to be developed more like an urban type of intersection,” Mack said.
“I think a lot of people are concerned about the urbanization of Newtown, how it’s changing from when they first came here when it was more of rural atmosphere. Those are some of the comments I’ve been getting.”
Related Content:
“#NewtownPA Resident Launches Petition Opposing New Chick-Fil-A Off The Bypass”; https://sco.lt/8EZWJE
“Proposed Chick-Fil-A on Newtown bypass now in limbo. Here's why”; https://rebrand.ly/ChickfilAplan-on-hold
“#NewtownPA Twp Chick-fil-A Plan Withdrawn, For Now”; https://sco.lt/8kFNLM|
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johnmacknewtown
April 13, 2024 1:53 PM
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BREAKING NEWS (5/10/2024; 9:04 AM): The Twp Mgr just notified supervisors: "The Township has been granted an indefinite extension for the Chick Fil A zoning hearing application. The application will not be scheduled for review unless the applicant notifies the Township of its intent to proceed with the application."
Have you seen this somewhat vague item on the agenda for the 16 April 2024 Newtown Township Planning Commission (PC) meeting?: “Newtown Equities, LLC., 98 Upper Silver Lake Road” (Variance Request #1213-24) under Zoning Hearing Board applications for review by the Commission.
When I saw that, I like many others shrugged, thinking it was just another citizen wanting to build a swimming pool. The "LLC," however, should have tipped me off to the fact that LLC's are usually created by developers to hide exactly who they represent.
So who is "Newtown Equities, LLC" and who do they represent?
It’s a New Jersey Domestic Limited-Liability Company created on June 22, 2021. That tells me nothing, but luckily the Variance Request Document that was distributed to all Commission members revealed that Newtown Equities, LLC is seeking variances for a proposed 6,110sq.ft. drive thru Chick-fil-A restaurant.
Related Content:
“Proposed Chick-Fil-A on Newtown bypass now in limbo. Here's why”; https://rebrand.ly/ChickfilAplan-on-hold
“#NewtownPA Twp Chick-fil-A Plan Withdrawn, For Now”; https://sco.lt/8kFNLM
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johnmacknewtown
June 22, 2022 1:51 PM
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CONTENT:
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johnmacknewtown
May 27, 2022 7:43 AM
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Highlights
For more details, read my Meeting Notes.
For a chronological record of ALL 2022 BOS meetings done in a factual and detailed way, see the 2022 Newtown BOS Chronicle: https://bit.ly/2022BOSchronicle
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johnmacknewtown
May 27, 2022 7:04 AM
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[Image shows proposed plan to add a dedicated right turn lane..]
Relief is on the way for customers of the Newtown Shopping Center tired of traffic backups around the Chick-Fil-A restaurant.
The Newtown Township Board of Supervisors on May 25 voted 5 to 0 to approve a settlement agreement with Newtown Bucks Associates LLP for improvements to the traffic circulation pattern around the fast food restaurant.
The plan includes a dedicated right turn lane into the eatery from West Road, which is designed to prevent traffic backups at the entrance to the restaurant and to allow through traffic headed west to Staples and Bed, Bath and Beyond to continue unimpeded.
Other improvements designed to improve traffic cueing and to eliminate backups include the addition of a bypass lane on the Staples side of the eatery. The bypass lane would allow customers who have already received their orders to drive past the pickup window and exit the lot. Under the current single lane set up, traffic must wait until every vehicle drives by the pickup window.
Under the settlement, which must still be approved by the zoning hearing board, the township has agreed to grant the developer the impervious coverage needed for the Chick-Fil-A improvements.
The settlement agreement, however, does not provide impervious relief for a previously proposed new retail pad site for Old Navy). The developer at a later date can seek development of the pad site if the it first seeks and obtains relief for impervious coverage from the zoning hearing board and obtains final and unappealable development approval from the Board of Supervisors for the pad site.
Read my Meeting Notes for more details.
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johnmacknewtown
April 8, 2021 12:29 PM
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The proposed second Chick-fil-A for the area will have to wait, as the plan was tabled by the Middletown Township Planning Commission.
The planners voted Wednesday evening to table the plan until a future meeting over concerns related to traffic in the area where the fast food company wants to open a second Middletown Township location.
Chick-fil-A is looking to build a 5,200-square-foot restaurant with outdoor seating, indoor seating, and a dual-lane drive-thru in what is now the parking lot between the Starbucks and Inspire Federal Credit Union and in front of Floor and Decor at 1501 East Lincoln Highway.
COVID-19 has led to Chick-fil-A focusing more room for mobile ordering operations, which has proved extremely popular, Martinez said.
Chick-fil-A has already obtained a variances from the zoning heard board for hours of operation – 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday – and impervious service.
Traffic studies were carried out by Chick-fil-A and found lunchtime would likely be the busiest for the location.
Several residents that spoke during public comment raised worries about traffic in the shopping centers that surround proposed location.
“We’re going to have tons of traffic backed up,” resident Michael Gay told planners.
Resident Bob Feather, a former school board member, called for the township to talk to residents and the owners of the shopping centers to fix the problems, including the “traffic nightmare.” He added he had no objections specifically to the Chick-fil-A plans, but the general area needed some improvements.
Rich Nuttall, the vice chairperson of the planning commission, said he liked Chick-fil-A, but said tabling the plan would give some time for options to improve traffic in the area to be discussed.
The Newtown Chick-fil-A is not having much luck solving its traffic problem even though the Planning Commission approved the plan.
Read:
“Proposed Chick-Fil-A on Newtown bypass now in limbo. Here's why”; https://rebrand.ly/ChickfilAplan-on-hold
“#NewtownPA Twp Chick-fil-A Plan Withdrawn, For Now”; https://sco.lt/8kFNLM
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johnmacknewtown
January 14, 2021 8:40 AM
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At it's January 13, 2021, public meeting, the Newtown Board of Supervisors (BOS) voted 3-2 against agreeing to a settlement with Newtown Bucks Association (NBA) regarding Chick-fil-A and a "retail pad" in the Newtown Shopping Center.
NBA intended to make certain traffic/circulation improvements as related to the existing Chick-fil-A restaurant in the Shopping Center, together with a proposed pad that would be used for additional retail space (i.e., proposed Old Navy site).
The agreement would have granted several variances, including allowing additional impervious surface for the retail space, which was the main reason the Zoning Hearing Board originally voted against the application (read "So what's the status of the proposed Old Navy at the Newtown Shopping Center?").The BOS, however, seemed mostly concerned about the plan to "improve" traffic related to Chick-fil-A.
Listen to the discussion leading up to the decision.
The applicant, IMHO, could have avoided this by submitting 2 separate applications. The ZHB would have approved the Chick-fil-A application and denied the "retail pad" application and this settlement would never have come before the BOS to vote on - always an unknown factor.
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johnmacknewtown
September 4, 2020 7:25 AM
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Last month, the Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB) heard an application for the new clothing store, which is proposed to be located in between Acme and Bed Bath & Beyond.
The shopping center sought impervious surface relief, parking relief, and loading berth location relief in its quest to build the 12,500-square-foot store.
The ZHB denied the variance for the impervious surface relief. The other variances for parking and the loading berth were approved.
The impervious surface variance that was denied sought to allow for 61.70 percent impervious surface, where 50 percent is required and 59.65 is currently existing.
Township Manager Micah Lewis said that leaves the applicant with a few options: Resubmit a new application, file an appeal of the denial, or simply do nothing. Lewis said the township has not yet received correspondence from the applicant indicating how they plan to proceed.
The application voted on by the Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB) plans included a 385-square-foot addition to the existing Chick-fil-A restaurant plus a right-turn only lanes leading up to the Chick-fil-A to ease traffic jams.
At the July 8, 2020, Board of Supervisors meeting prior to the ZHB meeting, I questioned if it was the norm to have two applications in one (Old Navy + Chick-fil-A). Township Solicitor Dave Sander replied it is not unusual when a property is owned by one entity and proposes various improvements to some but not all the property to include all relief requested in one application. I saw the need for Chick-fil-A improvements but had concerns over the Old Navy portion of the plan.
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johnmacknewtown
August 9, 2020 12:40 PM
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Figure: 2020 Road Repair showing "base bid" roads. Not shown are "alternate bid" roads that include all of Fountain Farm Lane, Newtown Gate Drive, and a portion of Upper Silver Lake Road. [Read "2020 Road Program Falls Victim to COVID-19"]
The following is a brief summary of the July 8, 2020, Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting via Zoom based upon the official minutes of that meeting.
Reports of Officials
Engineer's Report: 2020 Liquid Fuels Road Program Re-Bid – Bid Award. Ms. Colubriale reported three bids were received on June 18 and after discussion with Township staff it was decided to complete the work included under the base bid and alternate bids 7, 8, and 9. The total is roughly 2.8 township miles and the low bidder for the combination of Base Bid and Alternates, is James D. Morrissey, Inc.
Base Bid
Portions of U. Silver Lake Rd., Penn St., portions of Newtown Yardley Rd., and Swamp Rd.
Alternate Bids
Alternate Bid No. 7 – Silver Lake Road
Alternate Bid No. 8 – Newtown Gate Drive
Alternate Bid No. 9 – Fountain Farm Lane
TOTAL COST: $621,046.75
Mr. Mack added that Commonwealth Drive is not on the list but asked if it was a candidate to be patched with the new milling machine. Mr. Lewis said he is aware of the situation but has no available work force at this time due to having no summer hires and he will have addressed as soon as he is able. Mr. Davis also encouraged caring for this roadway as he has seen it and confirms it is bad. Mr. Lewis said it will be on the list for next year’s road program and will be patched in the interim.
When will construction begin?
Public Safety
Police Report: Chief Hearn reported there were 1,541 calls for service during June including 14 arrests, 8 DUI’s, 45 traffic accidents and 123 traffic citations. The Chief reported two major deployments of resources, one on June 4 to the Garden of Reflection for a vigil and on June 6 for a protest at Washington and Sycamore and both events were peaceful and held without incident.
Reports of Committees, Boards and Commissions
Planning Commission (PC): Newtown Bucks Associates for the Newtown Shopping Center on West Road Mr. Fidler reported the Planning Commission met via Zoom on July 7 and reviewed an amended application for Newtown Bucks Associates for the Newtown Shopping Center on West Road where the applicant is seeking variances to construct a 12,500 square foot building for Old Navy and proposed additions to the existing Chick-fil-A to improve efficiency and traffic circulation. Mr. Mack said he sees the need for Chick-fil-A improvements but has concern over the Old Navy in Newtown.
Board Member Reports
Calabro on Save Outdoor Dining: Mr. Calabro said as businesses begin to expand their services, they must understand the safety regulations they have to adhere to. He added there are rules and regulations that go with protecting the public and said it is important to protect outside diners with barriers.
Mack Opens Up Discussion on E-30 Ordinance: Mr. Mack reported at the Joint Zoning Council meeting the E-30 amendment for the combination convenience store/gas station was finalized. Mr. Sander argued that the draft be first approved by Provco – the Wawa developer that is suing Newtown Township. Mr. Calabro said the BOS is trying to pass this for the betterment of the Township and added we have shown good faith in this ordinance and need to show backbone against Provco. Mr. Mack agreed with Mr. Calabro and said we are getting closer to what Provco originally proposed. The Board’s consensus was bypass the Provco reviews and to send the draft directly to the Bucks County Planning Commission for review.
Fisher on Econsult Surveys: Mr. Fisher reminded all that Econsult has sent out surveys to the Business Commons and the NBA and he encourages all to take the survey; there is also citizens survey on the Township website.
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johnmacknewtown
July 31, 2020 10:03 AM
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The Newtown Township Planning Commission reached a consensus on July 7 to support an amended zoning relief application for a number of new improvements being proposed at the Newtown Shopping Center on West Road. The center is anchored by ACME …
In its amended application, Newtown/Bucks Associates LP is seeking variances to construct a 400 square foot addition to the kitchen of the popular Chick-Fil-A fast food eatery and for a number of roadway improvements to eliminate congestion in and around the restaurant.
During busy days, especially holidays, the drive-thru lanes at the eatery back up onto West Road and sometimes as far as Durham Road creating traffic congestion in and around the shopping center.
The shopping center owner is also seeking variances from the township’s zoning hearing board for the construction of a new 12,500 square foot retail building to house an Old Navy retail store along with 80 new parking spaces.
The proposed new free standing Old Navy store would be built next to the Bed, Bath & Beyond store adjacent to the Acme shopping center and backing up to the Council Rock North property.
The township’s zoning Hearing Board is scheduled to hear the amended application at its August 6 meeting. [For more information about that hearing and how to participate, see John Mack’s Event Calendar: https://www.johnmacknewtown.info/eventcal.html]
BUT...
At its July 8 meeting, the board of supervisors followed the planning commission’s recommendation and voted not to oppose the application, although supervisor John Mack expressed frustration that the proposed Old Navy store and Chick-Fil-A improvements are part of the same application.
Mack, while supportive of the traffic improvements at the fast food eatery, expressed skepticism as to whether Old Navy would be a good fit for the shopping center and for Newtown.
“I think the Chick-Fil-A improvements are really needed, although I’m not quite sure it will work as planned,” said Mack. “But the Old Navy, as far as I’m concerned, is probably something that may not fit in Newtown, but I guess that’s up to the landlord.”
I did not like the idea that both these uses were bundled into one for approval. So how can I vote to oppose one without also opposing the other? It's just another example, as far as I am concerned for how developers manipulate the system.
You might like to see why 69% of the people I surveyed do not want an Old Navy in Newtown: https://patch.com/pennsylvania/newtown-pa/survey-says-newtown-area-residents-oppose-old-navy-box-store
Give me your opinion. Take my survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9KWDX87
Related Content:
Listen to the presentation by representatives of the shopping Center and Chick-fil-A at the January 21, 2020, Planning Commission meeting: http://bit.ly/2uxjN2B
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johnmacknewtown
January 24, 2020 8:11 AM
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Scoop.it!
Newtown Township’s planning commission voted to support zoning variances needed for the projects.
Some big changes are being proposed for the Newtown Shopping Center in Newtown Township.
Township planning commission vice chairwoman Peggy Driscoll told the supervisors at their Wednesday night meeting the planners had voted to support zoning variances needed for a new 12,500-square-foot Old Navy and a 400-square-foot addition to the kitchen of Chick-fil-A.
The Old Navy would be constructed on what is now vacant ground at the center at 20 West Road, just off Route 413, that includes the Chick-fil-A, Applebee’s, Acme, Gap, Staples and other stores. Driscoll said the proposal also includes work that would improve traffic flow within the center.
She said the added kitchen space at the busy Chick-Fil-A is sorely needed. “They apparently can’t keep up with the demand,” Driscoll said.
Listen to the presentation by representatives of the shopping Center and Chick-fil-A at the January 21, 2020, Planning Commission meeting: http://bit.ly/2uxjN2B
Give me your opinion. Take my survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9KWDX87
Meanwhile, the Newtown Planning Commission recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve the application of Love and Honey Fried Chicken to open at the the location formerly housing Halal Guys at the Village at Newtown (read “Two New Restaurants Want to Come to #NewtownPA”).
Wait! There's MORE! Lovebird Chicken on N Sycamore St, Chick-fil-A - which wants to open ANOTHER restaurant off the Bypass! - Wendy's, Farmer's Market, etc., etc.