Discover the Latest #NewtownPA information about Roadwork, Fate of the Washington Crossing Bridge, Planning for Future Housing Projects, and More…
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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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Discover the Latest #NewtownPA information about Roadwork, Fate of the Washington Crossing Bridge, Planning for Future Housing Projects, and More…
Read the online version: https://www.johnmacknewtown.info/noiapr24.html
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This is my personal summary of the March 27, 2024, meeting of the #NewtownPA Township Board of Supervisors (BOS). This is not a complete nor an official summary.
Access the 2024 BOS Chronicle for detailed summaries of all 2024 BOS meetings to date. Also, access the (UNOFFICIAL) 2024 BOS Voting Record.
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UPDATE 3/27/24: The Newtown Township Supervisors approved the 2024 Road Program.
Joseph Schiavoni, Director of Public Works, has evaluated the bids and has put a paving package together to remain under the budgeted amount. The township had allocated $755,000 in the budget for paving to be paid by the General Fund, Highway Aid Fund, and American Rescue Fund.
This item was included in the 27 March 2024 BOS meeting under the Engineer’s Report. The Supervisors unanimously approved the Program.
The recommended paving includes (see map):
Base bid:
Alternate bids:
For a total of $744,507.05
This totals 1.99 miles of township roadways. Note that there are approximately 71 miles of township roads requiring repaving every 20 years. Therefore, to merely keep up with current roadway conditions 71/20 or 3.55 miles of roads should be repaved per year. At this rate, the township is falling behind at about 1.5 miles of roads per year needing repair but not getting it!
Related Content:
I am disappointed that Wexley Drive, which was an alternative bid item (see below), in my development was not included.
The Contractor - James D. Morrissey Inc. - submitted their bid for the Base Bid work in the amount of $542,114.10, for the various Alternate Bids as follows:
Alternate Bid No. 1 – Cliveden Drive $62,787.00
Alternate Bid No. 2 – Cypress Place $70,660.00
Alternate Bid No. 3 – Coach Wood Court $43,005.45
Alternate Bid No. 4 – Mulberry Place $24,053.65
Alternate Bid No. 5 – Monterey Place $30,890.05
Alternate Bid No. 6 – Mahogany Walk $33,783.80
Alternate Bid No. 7 – Wexley Drive $77,437.00
Alternate Bid No. 8 – Meridian Circle $94,488.00
Alternate Bid No. 9 – Remy Place $42,300.15
Alternate Bid No. 10 – Leslie Place $34,845.50
Alternate Bid No. 11 – Andover Place $31,545.40
Alternate Bid No. 12 – Carmel Place $39,027.45
Alternate Bid No. 13 – Derby Place $35,829.30
Alternate Bid No. 14 – Adrian Place $36,421.70
Alternate Bid No. 15 – High Street $95,637.75
Alternate Bid No. 16 – Willow Court $73,151.50
Alternate Bid No. 17 – Union Street $114,182.00
Alternate Bid No. 18 – Jasmine Court $45,299.25
Alternate Bid No. 19 – Thistle Lane $19,220.80
Alternate Bid No. 20 – Bucks Meadow Lane $115,534.25
Alternate Bid No. 21 – Chandler Field Parking Lot $25,099.00
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This is my personal summary of the February 14, 2024, meeting of the #NewtownPA Township Board of Supervisors (BOS). This is not a complete nor an official summary.
Access the 2024 BOS Chronicle for detailed summaries of all 2024 BOS meetings plus the BOS voting record (UNOFFICIAL) for 2024.
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My videos got 4,840 views in 2023! The following are the TOP TEN viewed videos in 2023 in rank order. Click on the video name to view the video.
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Summary of 11 October 2023 BOS Meeting: 2024 DRAFT budget presentation
https://www.johnmacknewtown.info/11oct23bos.html
Proposed 2024 Budget Highlights
* Tax Millage Rate
* 2024 Road Program
* Fire Protection
* Debt Service – LED Street Lights, Pedestrian Crossings
* Calabro Speaks to Need for Future Tax Increases
There's a lot of pressure on Supervisors to keep #NewtownPA taxes low. Even with a 3 mil increase as proposed by this budget, our municipal tax millage rate is still lower than most neighboring towns and boroughs.
The new taxes are to cover fire services and for a loan to upgrade street lights to LEDs and for a pedestrian safety project on Newtown-Yardley Rd.
Of course, there will be pressure to lower the increase in propose taxes and my fear is that the debt service tax will be top of the list to eliminate. This, in my opinion, would be a mistake. Brighter LED lights not only save money, they can be adjusted to be brighter, which is a crime deterrent where needed. And the pedestrian safety initiative can save lives.
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Now that the Lower Dolington Road (LDR) Multi-use Trail is complete except for minor "punch list" items, the repaving of LDR began on August 14, 2023. The first step is milling, which is shown in this 4-minute video.
Originally, repaving was planned from Frost Lane to Lower Silver Lake Road. But it appears that repaving will include the section below Frost Lane to almost Newtown-Yardley Road.
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Newtown Township supervisors approved]a road repaving base bid listing parts of six roads totaling 2.32 miles, and alternate bids listing parts of 11 roads totaling 2.18 miles. Not all the "alternate" roads made the cut due to lack of funds.
Supervisor John Mack remarked on the rising cost of repaving roads, noting that this year’s program will cost somewhere around $300,000 a mile.
How the roads for repaving are determined is a mystery to me. Obviously, Lower Dolington Road needs repair now that the trail work is complete.
Related Content:
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Arcadia/Mayfield Contract Violations, Single-use Plastics Ban Plans, Bid Awarded for 2023 Road Paving Program, Consortium vs Sale of Public Sewer System, NESD Report, more…
This is my personal summary of the March 22, 2023, meeting of Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS). This is not a complete nor an official summary.
Access the 2023 BOS Chronicle for detailed summaries of all 2023 BOS meetings plus the BOS voting record (UNOFFICIAL) for 2023.
Agenda Items
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The March 2023 Issue of Mack’s #NewtownPA News of Interest
CONTENTS:
Full issue: https://www.johnmacknewtown.info/noimar2023.html
Not yet a subscriber to my monthly newsletter? SUBSCRIBE NOW! You can unsubscribe at any time with a single click!
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Welcome to Meet Mack Monday for February 20, 2023. This short, 15-minute presentation covers recent issues of interest and decisions by township supervisors, including:
* 2023 Road Repaving Program: How Are Roads Selected?
* Earned Income Tax: 2022 Data, Future Concerns
* Reduced Speed Limits: What’s Next for Newtown-Yardley Road and Sycamore Street?
* 2022 Speeding Citations: Which Roads Saw The Most Citations? Which Saw None?
* Newtown Shopping Center Traffic Study
* Environmental Advisory Council Update: Earth Day Celebration, Single-Use Plastics Ban, and Solar Power
Related Content:
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[image shows a section of the 2023 Road Paving program Map.]
The township will advertise a base bid listing parts of six roads totaling 2.32 miles, and alternate bids listing parts of 11 roads totaling 2.18 miles. The base bid is budgeted at $703,514 and the alternate bids at $638,994, though true costs won’t be known until bids come back.
Township Engineer Leanna Colubriale said the tentative schedule is to advertise for bids the week of February 13, open bids March 14, and award a bid on March 22.
Supervisor John Mack remarked on the rising cost of repaving roads, noting that this year’s program will cost somewhere around $300,000 a mile.
More details can be found here: February 20, 2023 Meet Mack Monday Zoom meeting
3/3/2023 UPDATE:
2023 Liquid Fuels Distributions List Released
The state Department of Transportation has released the 2023 municipal liquid fuels allocations report, which is available here. This year’s total allocation is $470.2 million, up 3.1% from the 2022 distribution of $455.885 million.
Newtown Twp will receive $575,798.55. Note that $530,000 was the estimated amount when bidding was made. Thus, the township will have $45,799 more to work with.
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Planning Commission Report, Earned Income Tax Trends, Joint Zoning Council, 2023 Liquid Fuels Program, Sycamore Street Speed limit Reduction, More…
This is my personal summary of the February 8, 2023, meeting of Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS). This is not a complete nor an official summary.
Access the 2023 BOS Chronicle for detailed summaries of all 2023 BOS meetings plus the BOS voting record (UNOFFICIAL) for 2023.
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[In an attempt to maintain vital transportation funding that is being lost as gas tax revenues go away, Oregon has a program for a mileage-based fee to be paid on electric vehicles in lieu of a gas tax to fund infrastructure repairs. Currently the fee is less than 2 cents per mile. Pennsylvania is considering a similar proposal which will be important to townships for help in funding road repairs.]
For Oregonians who drive, chances are that the vehicle they use to get around is much more fuel efficient than models from just a few decades ago — particularly if it's a hybrid or electric vehicle.
That's a net positive for drivers and for the environment, but not for the Oregon Department of Transportation. The agency relies heavily on revenue from gas taxes, and the money pays for upkeep on roads, bridges and other transportation projects.
In Oregon, the state part of the gas tax is 38 cents a gallon. For Washington drivers, it's 49 cents a gallon. Both state transportation agencies are feeling the fuel efficiency squeeze.
As more people go hybrid or electric, there's a looming eventuality that gas tax revenue will fall off a cliff.
I recall that this issue came up at a Jointure meeting when discussing a possible ordinance regarding electric car charging stations.
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Welcome to Meet Mack Monday (MMM).
I am John Mack, your host and a Newtown Township Supervisor.
Each month I host a Meet Mack Monday Zoom meeting to inform residents of items that are of interest to them and to get feedback and comments from them. This helps me keep better informed of residents’ concerns when voting on important issues at supervisor meetings.
This video was presented at the October 17, 2022, MMM meeting via Zoom. It included the following discussion Topics:
* 2023 Budget Highlights
* Newtown/Wrightstown Police Services Agreement
* NO TURN ON RED - Pedestrian Safety
* Old Business: Wawa Update, Toll Bros Update
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The Supervisors authorized the award of the 2022 road program to Harris Blacktopping in an amount not to exceed $811,794.50 (see twp engineer's recommendation). This was enough to pave 3.4 miles of roads.
Related Content:
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Russian Stock Divesture, Planning Commission on Wawa Land Development Plan, SIngle-Use Plastics Resolution, Billboards on the Bypass? Sycamore Street parking, 2022 Road Program, More...
This is my personal summary of the April 13, 2022, meeting of Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS). This is not a complete nor an official summary. See my meeting notes for more details.
Access the 2022 BOS Voting Record (UNOFFICIAL).
Agenda items:
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Legalization of Cannabis, LOVE is LOVE, EV Charging Stations, Blue Point Grille: Transfer of Liquor License, 2022 Road Program, Sycamore Street Improvements, Divestiture of Russian Stock, Live Stream Video of BOS meetings, Fire Services Agreement with Newtown Borough, First Phase of ARP Spending, More...
This is my personal summary of the March 9, 2022, meeting of Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS). This is not a complete nor an official summary.
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The Municipal Liquid Fuels Program funds a range of projects to support the construction, reconstruction, maintenance, and repair of public roads or streets.
The amount of a municipality's allocation is based on its population and miles of roads on its approved liquid fuels inventory. To be placed on the system, a road must have a minimum of 33-foot right-of-way in a township and 16 feet in a borough. The "cartway" (drivable surface) must be a minimum width of 16 feet, and the road must be a minimum of 250 feet in length.
Newtown Township has 67.29 miles of roads that meet these criteria.
In 2022, Newtown will receive $558,474.88 in liquid fuels funds vs. $552,277.09 in 2021 – only a 1.1% increase.
Meanwhile, in 2019, the township received $611,209.38 in Liquid Fuels funds [LINK: https://sco.lt/6cVfMG] A PSATS video [LINK: https://youtu.be/tCtMp0qejRw] explains that the amount of liquid fuels funds have decreased in recent years "due toe the growth of alternate fuel vehicles and more fuel efficient cars."
“We appreciate that PennDOT recognizes that local government is an important partner of the transportation network in Pennsylvania, being responsible for 2/3 of the road miles in the commonwealth,” said Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS) Executive Director David Sanko. “This liquid fuels distribution is an integral part of local funding, but by no means enough to cover the costs of building and maintaining our portion of the network.”
More road improvement is very much needed in Newtown Township.
In 2019, 2.7 miles of roads were repaved at a cost of $706,000 or about $260,000 per mile! In 2021, the cost to pave 2.95 miles of roads was about $670,000 or $227,000 per mile. Using these two numbers, the road repaving cost average = $244,000 per mile.
American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds held by the township can be spent on paving roads. Even if $430,000 of that money was used to pave roads in 2023, only 4.5 miles of roads could be repaved if the township contributes the same amount of money as is budgeted for 2022.
Although that is somewhat more than the minimum necessary of 4 miles to maintain the current overall condition of our roads, it is not a significant improvement.
NOTE: Lower Makefield, whose Township Manager Kurt Ferguson was the former Newtown Twp Manager, will spend $3 million to pave 11.41 miles of roads in 2022 ($263,000/mile). $750,000 of that will come from ARP funds (see https://sco.lt/7JQwca).
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The township supervisors at their Jan. 19 meeting unanimously voted to advertise for bids on the 2022 road improvement program estimated to cost about $3 million.
Board members also approved advertising for bids on painting three of the four township swimming pools and repairing four tennis courts at the township’s Community Park on Edgewood Road.
In addition, the supervisors at the meeting unanimously voted to approve a $307,500 settlement of a lawsuit filed by a former police officer who had been fired by the township.
On the road program, the township will advertise for a base bid on repaving all or parts of 56 roads totaling 11.41 miles. In addition, two alternate bids will ask for prices on doing some parking lot paving at Memorial Park on Woodside Road and repaving some roads in the Yardley Run development, township Engineer Andy Pockl said.
Township Manager Kurt Ferguson said this year’s plan represents a dramatic expansion of the road improvement program, which for the last several years has repaved an average of about 2.5 miles a year.
His proposals to fund the 2022 program include taking out a $1.65 million loan and using about $750,000 of American Rescue Plan Act money.
In contrast, Newtown Township in set to advertise for bids to repave only 1.73 miles of road as a "base bid." The 2022 Budget only includes $300,000 for road repairs. See the 2022 Newtown Road Repair Map.
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Concrete Replacement Work
Week of 8/30/21: Chestnut Dr, Candlewood Ct, Chesapeake Dr, Commonwealth Dr
Week of 9/6/21: Jonquil Dr, Sibelius Dr, Cypress Pl, Quince Cr
Sterling St, Norwood Ave, Grant St
Roadway Milling
Week of 9/20/21: Chestnut Dr, Candlewood Ct, Chesapeake Dr, Commonwealth Dr
Milling/Paving
Week of 9/27/21: Chestnut Dr, Candlewood Ct, Chesapeake Dr, Commonwealth Dr
Jonquil Dr, Sibelius Dr, Cypress Pl, Quince Cr
Sterling St, Norwood Ave, Grant St
Paving
Week of 10/04/21: Jonquil Dr, Sibelius Dr, Cypress Pl, Quince Cr
Sterling St, Norwood Ave, Grant St
Please note that the schedule will be revised on a weekly basis due to any unforeseen issues that may arise. Please email any questions or concerns to pwdirector@newtownpa.gov
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The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites the public to a virtual plans display regarding the Swamp Road Bridge Rehabilitation Project, located over a Tributary to Neshaminy Creek in Newtown Township, Bucks County. This project will rehabilitate the bridge by reconstructing a stone masonry retaining wall and repairing the existing stone masonry bridge components.
Traffic Impact
During construction, traffic will be detoured around the project area. The proposed detour route will use Worthington Mill Road to Route 413 (Durham Road) to the Newtown Bypass. Vehicular access to the neighborhoods and homes on Swamp Road will remain available when the detour is in place.
Project Schedule
The project is currently in preliminary engineering and construction work is expected to begin in fall 2024. Following the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 mitigation efforts, a virtual plans display is available for review and comment online from August 1, 2021, to August 30, 2021.
The traffic on Durham Road will be horrendous! I assume this means even more heavy quarry truck traffic on Durham Rd exiting perhaps onto Stoopville Road or perhaps straight down to the Bypass! Download the Public Comment Form.
Meanwhile, In Case You Missed It: Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC is planning to close Swamp Road between Sawmill Lane and Liberty Drive in Newtown Township, beginning Tuesday, Aug. 10, for pipe repair, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced. The closure will be in place 24/7 through Tuesday, August 24. Same detour route!
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The recently completed Newtown Citizens Survey reveals that many residents are concerned about the condition of roads, streetlights, etc.
Question 8 of the survey asked respondents to rate several services as Excellent, Good, Fair, or Poor. Responses weighted using scale of 1 to 4, with 1 being “poor” and 4 being “excellent.”
Snow removal, street cleaning, street lighting, and street maintenance received were among the services receiving the worst ratings.
One of the goals of the Newtown Township 5-year financial plan is to attract new business to Newtown and help all businesses thrive. When asked to identify the two TOP priorities that the township should focus on for attracting new business, Public Infrastructure was the top choice with 45.6 % of respondents.
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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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While municipal officials across Bucks County have said an accurate gauge of the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on their finances won’t be known for several more weeks or months, some are starting to take cost-saving steps.
The Newtown Township supervisors voted at their recent virtual meeting to shave more than $1 million from this year’s road paving program. They also voted to transfer one mill of property tax revenue, about $360,000 to $370,000, into the general fund to help pay for operational expenses.
In Newtown Township, officials had originally planned to pave about five miles of road this year using a $1 million loan to be paid back over three years and more than $600,000 from the township’s $685,000 share of the state tax on gasoline and other liquid fuels.
Instead, the supervisors voted at the virtual meeting to skip the $1 million loan and pave only about 2.5 to 3 miles of road using $600,000 in liquid fuels money already on hand.
[Read “2020 Road Program Falls Victim to COVID-19” https://bit.ly/2020roadprogcut]
Such moves are necessary to prepare for the pandemic’s expected impact on the EIT and other revenue sources, township officials said.
“It is anticipated that Newtown will see a drastic decrease in earned income tax revenue, which is the primary source of revenue in the budget,” township Manager Micah Lewis said in a newsletter [https://preview.mailerlite.com/v6h1c7] produced by supervisor John Mack and sent to residents throughout the Newtown area.
“Additionally, it is anticipated that real estate transfer tax, building and life safety permit revenue and park & recreation revenue will be drastically decreased,” Lewis added.
For Middletown
The EIT is down about $130,000, with $1.86 million collected through April as compared to $1.99 million at the same time last year [a 6.5% decrease]. Real estate transfer taxes are down more than $270,000 ($207,757 compared to $481,934), the amusement tax down more than $6,000 ($2,366 compared to $9,078) and license and permit fees down more than $30,000 ($300,035 compared to $331,297)
Middletown officials also reiterated they will likely be scaling back their capital projects this year.