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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
March 16, 2024 7:51 AM
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Topics include:
Read the entire issue online here: https://www.johnmacknewtown.info/noimar24.html
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johnmacknewtown
March 7, 2024 2:10 PM
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Contents:
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johnmacknewtown
February 27, 2024 2:34 PM
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Welcome to the February 26 2024, Meet Mack Monday Zoom meeting presentation! I’m John Mack, your host and a Newtown Township Supervisor.
The goal of Meet Mack Monday Zoom meetings is to inform residents of township issues that impact them and to get feedback and comments from residents about such issues. This helps me keep better informed of residents’ concerns when I vote on the issues at Board of Supervisors meetings.
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johnmacknewtown
February 21, 2024 9:14 AM
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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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johnmacknewtown
February 15, 2024 1:17 PM
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At the 14 February 2024 #NewtownPA Board of Supervisors public meeting, Mike Fuller, President/Founder of Keystone Lighting Solutions, presented the Final Project Overview for replacing all street lights in town with LED lights.
This is an audio recording of the presentation and Q&A session that followed. You can find the presentation here: rebrand.ly/RSLPPpreso and detailed project specifications here: rebrand.ly/RSLLP_Specs
Afterward, the supervisors approved a resolution to move forward with the "Base Upgrade" (manual controls) using a "Hybrid Approach"; i.e., 4000 K pure white lights for major roads and warmer, 3000 K lights for local roads and residential roads.
A total of 1,613 lights will be replaced at an estimated net project cost (including contingency fees and PECO rebates) of $720,373. The annual operating cost savings will be $43,679 and the payback period is estimated to be 16.5 years.
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johnmacknewtown
January 15, 2024 7:14 AM
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This is my personal summary of the January 10, 2024, meeting of the #NewtownPA Township Board of Supervisors (BOS). This is not a complete nor an official summary.
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johnmacknewtown
October 12, 2023 12:28 PM
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#NewtownPA Township taxpayers will see a 3 mill increase in their municipal tax rate next year under the manager’s recommended budget for 2024 [see chart above].
In his annual budget presentation before the board of supervisors Wednesday night, manager Micah Lewis recommended a 2 mill increase in the township’s fire protection fund and a 1 mill increase in its debt service.
According to Lewis, the millage increase in the fire fund is needed to pay for a $250,000 contribution to the Newtown Fire Association. The fund also anticipates a contribution to its the capital fund of $660,000 for future capital purchases, including a new fire truck to replacing an aging engine.
The one mill increase in the township’s debt service would pay for the conversion of the township’s public streetlights to the more cost efficient LED fixtures along with building lighting upgrades and the purchase and construction of a pedestrian warning beacon at a mid-block crosswalk on Newtown-Yardley Road at Tara Boulevard.
With the proposed tax increase, the township’s millage rate would rise to 13.115 mills, which equates to a total municipal tax bill of $511.10 on a house with an average assessment of $38,971.
Budgeted expenditures are expected to rise to $16 million from $14.8 million in 2024. Expenditures are largely driven by personnel costs, operational expenses impacted by inflation and one time capital purchases.
Salary increases are budgeted at three percent for at-will employees while exempt employees are budgeted in accordance with the township’s collective bargaining agreements.
The township currently has 73 employees. With the five additional employees in the budget, the township will end 2024 with 78 employees.
The draft budget is scheduled for preliminary adoption on Nov. 8 with final adoption on Dec. 6.
Meet Mack Monday Zoom Meeting: 16 October 2023, 7 PM
Review & Discussion of Proposed 2024 #NewtownPA Budget
At this Zoom meeting, Supervisor Mack will review the 2024 DRAFT budget and would like to hear comments from residents.
Complete the RSVP Form to get login information: https://bit.ly/16Oct2023MMMreg
Tell me what budget questions you have and what other topics/issues you think we should discuss. If you are unable to attend the meeting, fill out the form, and I will send you a summary of the discussion.
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johnmacknewtown
May 12, 2023 12:42 PM
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This issue focuses on: Blue Point Grill to Open in July with Bigger Patio, Business Commons "Mixed-Use" Mix-Up, LED Streetlights Study Approved, Recent Meeting Notes, More...
Newtown News is a monthly collection of summaries of articles curated from various news, township meetings, and other sources, focused on topics of interest to local residents.
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johnmacknewtown
May 5, 2023 9:49 AM
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At the April 26, 2023, #NewtownPA Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting, Michael Fuller of Keystone Lighting Solutions (KLS) presented a summary Phase 2 of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) LED Street Light Procurement Program.
After the presentation, the BOS unanimously approved a resolution AUTHORIZING COOPERATIVE PURCHASING AND PARTICIPATION IN THE REGIONAL STREETLIGHT PROCUREMENT PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY THE DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION (specifically authorizing the township to enter into Phase 2 of the DVRPC LED Street Light Procurement Program.
Phase 2 consists of Design and Auditing. KLS will perform the field audit of the existing lights and then prepare a report on the design and cost options. At the end of Phase 2, the Township will decide to work through DVRPC to complete the work. There is typically a 20% reduction on costs through this program than if the municipality did it on their own.
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johnmacknewtown
April 30, 2023 11:52 AM
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LED Street Light Program, Deluca Construction Proposal Violate CM District Zoning, Mixed-Use Residential/Retail Mix-Up, more…
This is my personal summary of the April 26, 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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johnmacknewtown
April 25, 2023 7:51 AM
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Welcome to the April 24, 2023, Meet Mack Monday Zoom meeting! I am John Mack, your host and a Newtown 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 short 14-minute presentation focuses on the following topics:
* Single-Use Plastics Ban – What McCaffery’s Market had to say about it at April 3, 2023 EAC meeting. Some survey results will be presented.
* Business Commons Overlay – Specifications for “Mixed” Residential/Business use presented to Newtown Planning Commission by Bucks County Planning Commission
* PFAS In Our Drinking Water: EPA is proposing drastically lower safe limits. How do these limits compare with measured amounts in our water?
* Lower Dolington Road Trail Fiasco: Residents are disappointed in the progress or lack thereof.
* LED Streetlights Feasibility Study
* New Plan to Fix Villas of Newtown Detention Basin – Another project that has been plagued by delays. Bids accepted for new solution. Will It Work?
* Tractor Trailer Trucks Parked on Lower Dolington Road Are An Eyesore & Hazard – What Can Be Down About It?
* Deluca Construction of 2 single-family houses at 70 Twining Bridge Rd - Seeking relief in connection with a proposed subdivision of a 3.08-acre parcel into 2 lots where the lots will not comply with the dimensional regulations of the CM district. Another potential “historic resource” threatened?
* Wawa Update – Decision by ZHB regarding Amended Challenge to Validity of the JMZO put off to May 4, 2023. Why?
* Blue Point Grill Patio Expansion – The owners are seeking relief to install a 976 sq.ft. patio which will exceed the max. allowable impervious limitation for Newtown Shopping Center. More seating, less accessible parking space?
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johnmacknewtown
January 26, 2023 8:18 AM
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A dozen people (mostly Newtown Twp residents) attended this Zoom meeting, which focused on the following topics (view the presentation):
UPDATE (1/25/2023): #NewtownPA supervisors unanimously APPROVED reduced 25 MPH speed limit for section of Newtown-Yardley Rd between Lower Dolington Rd & Boro border (Elm Ave). https://youtu.be/WvnIagJ7bhs?t=2351
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johnmacknewtown
January 16, 2023 9:23 AM
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Sewer Rate Increase, LED Streetlights, Pedestrian Safety, Pedestrian Bridge, More…
This is my personal summary of the January 11, 2023, meeting of Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS). This is not a complete nor an official summary.
Agenda Items
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johnmacknewtown
September 17, 2022 9:27 AM
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Gun Show Settlement Flaws, Comprehensive Plan, Pedestrian Safety, LED Street Light Program, Women's Right to Choose Resolution, Stormwater Management, More…
This is my personal summary of the September 14, 2022, meeting of Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS). This is not a complete nor an official summary.
Agenda Items
Access the 2022 BOS Chronicle for a more detailed summary of this and other 2022 BOS meetings plus an updated BOS voting record (UNOFFICIAL) for 2022.
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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
January 5, 2022 11:10 AM
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[As reported online by the Bucks Courier Times, January 5, 2022.]
Scott Spitznas and a friend had just left the Green Parrot late Dec. 22 after a holiday get-together with another buddy. The men walked across North Sycamore Street to catch an Uber ride.
They used the brick crosswalk. Spitznas didn't make it across. The beloved husband and father of two from New Jersey didn't have a chance, said Bob Lutz, owner-operator of the Green Parrot restaurant and pub. He died of "massive injuries" at the scene.
"He was doing all the right things," Lutz said.
But, Sycamore Street is just too dangerous, say those who live nearby and work along the stretch.
Spitznas, 56, of Medford Lakes, was the fifth pedestrian to be hit by a motor vehicle on Sycamore Street in a little more than two and a half years, said Newtown Supervisor John Mack. Exactly two months prior to this accident, another man was critically injured on the street, he noted.
Mack called for more safety measures on Sycamore in November and has a petition drive going now for improvements at the dangerous intersection at North Sycamore and Silo Drive. Mack said he will give it to the other township supervisors for their consideration, noting that more than 550 of the signatures have come from people living in Newtown and neighboring communities …
"I think there needs to be more lights because it's dark at night. There are plenty of people walking dogs or going to dinner," said Raime Monahan, a manager at the upscale Anthropologie store on North Sycamore.
"Maybe a blinking light like I've seen in other intersections. I think it's an alert to drivers. People are busy with phones. They need a little reminder to pay attention," said Randi Pasko, an associate at Anthropologie.
At the Bike Works store next door, co-owner Dan Turner said their safety concerns usually focus on bicycle riders but he too thought more lighting on the street would help keep pedestrians safe.
Gabriel Matta, long-time owner of Newtown Pizza across the street from the Green Parrot, offered his advice: "I think they need more likely a traffic light. People cannot cross." He also would like to see the speed limit reduced to 25 miles per hour.
Matta said Sycamore is a street filled with pedestrians, including many who don't use the bricked crosswalks. At night, he said "you cannot see when it's not well lit...You need more lights, stronger bulbs."
Lutz said the Green Parrot plans to hold a drive to collect $7,500 to help the police with the cost of some safety measures and he plans to reach out to Visit Bucks County, the county's tourist bureau to see if a grant could be applied for that would help with some of the costs as well.
He said it doesn't do any of the many restaurants, bars and retail businesses coming to Newtown good if people have to fear getting to or from their establishments.
Mack said he would like to see a Joint Newtown Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Committee formed so that the township and borough could work together on all the Newtown issues involved.
But the immediate concern is making Sycamore Street, which is located in the township but skirts the borough, safer.
"There's a lot of suggestions. The best plan is yet to be determined," Mack said.
As he sat in one of the booths of his pizza shop looking out at the intersection where the accident occurred, Matta reflected on its cost. "If you hit someone or were hit, both families are destroyed," he said.
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johnmacknewtown
November 15, 2021 9:45 AM
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UPDATE (5/5/2023): At the April 26, 2023, #NewtownPA Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting, Michael Fuller of Keystone Lighting Solutions (KLS) presented a summary Phase 2 of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC LED) Street Light Procurement Program. VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/qeuzMc_EiLU
At the November 10, 2021, Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting, Township Engineer Leanna Colubriale of RVE put forward a proposal to authorize approval of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) Regional Streetlight Procurement Letter of Intent.
In an email to BOS members Ms. Colubriale summarized the program:
There are four general phases of the Regional Streetlight Procurement Program (RSLPP), with Phase 1 being the completion of a Feasibility Study. This is prepared by Keystone Lighting Solutions (KLS) through DVRPC at no cost to the Township. After the feasibility study is completed and reviewed between the Township and KLS, the Township makes the decision to enter into the program. Decisions typically are made in December.
If the Township decides to move forward, Phase 2 consists of Design and Auditing, which typically will occur in January through March 2022. KLS will then perform the field audit of the existing lights and develop the database. KLS then prepares the report on the design and cost options. At the end of Phase 2, the Township will decide if they want to contract with Armor Electric through DVRPC to complete the work. There is typically a 20% reduction on costs through this program than if the municipality did it on their own.
The next phases are the PECO rebates, which KLS is responsible for, and then construction. They are generally looking at a construction timeline of summer 2022.
RSLPP Fact Sheet: https://bit.ly/RSLPPphase3FactSheet
I will discuss this and other topics at my Meet Mack Monday via Zoom event on November 22, 2021. Register to attend...
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johnmacknewtown
October 16, 2021 10:05 AM
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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
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