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Newtown News of Interest
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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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This is my personal summary of the September 28, 2022, meeting of Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS) based on review of the agenda and video archive (I was unable to attend this meeting due to COVID). This is not a complete nor an official summary.
Includes:
- Resolution Supporting A Woman’s “Right to Choose”
- Review of Changes to the LI/OLI Zoning District
- Review of the Joint Comprehensive Plan - Nine "Guiding Principles"
- Provco Pinegood Newtown LLC (Wawa) Land Development Application
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"I didn’t run for this office to have this battle," Newtown Township Supervisor Kyle Davis said Wednesday night. "I ran for this office to stop overdevelopment like Arcadia, like Village of Newtown, too many shops in the shopping center and public safety when it comes to fire and police."
It sounds to us like Davis is in local government for the right reasons and the editorial board applauds his Wednesday "no" vote on a township resolution supporting a woman's right to choose. It's too bad that he was in the minority when his colleagues, by a 3-1 margin, passed a resolution affirming the "supervisors' commitment to valuing reproductive rights and supporting access to abortion."
Our editorial board's stance on abortion is immaterial here. Had the resolution affirmed the "supervisors' commitment to valuing the sanctity of human life in the womb" we'd still be telling the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors to stay in their lane*.
johnmacknewtown's insight:
What is our lane? Title 53 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes that govern Township Supervisors says:
The board of supervisors shall: (1) Be charged with the general governance of the township and the execution of legislative, executive and administrative powers in order to ensure sound fiscal management and to secure the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the township.
Undoubtedly, women's health and welfare is in the "lane" of the duties of supervisors and making abortion illegal without exceptions - which is being advocated by some PA legislators and one Governor hopeful - could have a negative impact on the health, safety, and welfare of a pregnant woman.
Related Content:
- “Regarding Reproductive Rights, #NewtownPA Residents Speak Up For Religious Tolerance”; https://sco.lt/7aJl56
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By a vote of 3-1 The Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS) at its September 28, 2022, meeting, approved a Reproductive Rights Resolution, which may be the first such resolution passed by a Bucks County Township.
Voting in favor were Elen Snyder (who put forward the resolution), Dennis Fisher, and Phil Calabro. Voting against was Kyle Davis. I was absent and missed the 3+ hours of comments due to a second bout with the COVID virus.
The Resolution states “the Board of Supervisors of Newtown Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania hereby affirms and commits to supporting access to reproductive healthcare, including abortion, and condemning any act by the Pennsylvania General Assembly or Congress of the United States to restricting access to that care.”
American Freedom & Tolerance
For the second time many residents filled the meeting room and made comments in favor and against the Resolution (the first time was at the September 14, 2022, BOS meeting).
Many comments against the Resolution were made by Christians who believe every “procured abortion is a moral evil.” However, other residents with different beliefs spoke out in favor of the Resolution.
Long-time Newtown Township resident Steve Cickay and Rabbi Aaron Garber, of the Congregation Brothers of Israel, spoke about the need for tolerance in these divisive times.
Read and hear their comments here...
johnmacknewtown's insight:
Although ALL people who made comments at the meeting - either con or pro - were respectful, at least one comment received by supervisors AFTER the meeting spewed insults, hate, and intolerance.
As an elected township leader, I look upon all our residents as valued American citizens whom have the honor to serve.
Further Note: It's been reported by the Bucks County Beacon that "Approximately 14 Pennsylvania municipalities have issued resolutions with matching verbiage [to the Women's Reproductive Rights Resolution recently passed by Newtown Supervisors]."
The article further states: "The Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS) provides template-like wording to its member communities to ensure that every municipality conveys the same message to legislators."
I have had no luck finding that template on the PSATS site and have made inquiries. I am also a member of PSATS and have not received any notice from the organization of the existence of such a template.
The Bucks County Beacon appears to be biased and may be engaging in spreading misinformation as part of its mission to acts as a "catalyst for community organizing and action, and progressive change." IMHO, it's fine to be progressive, but not OK to promote misinformation, which I believe this is until the publication cites its sources for the above claims.
UPDATE (10/2/22): From David M Sanko, Executive Director, PA State Association of Township Supervisors: "Sadly, as we have come to learn, the media sometimes makes mistakes." which I take to mean that PSATS did NOT provide any template resolution.
Related Content:
- “Supervisor Snyder Proposes Pro Abortion Resolution”; https://youtu.be/4HL_Gt1AWWI
- "Women's Right to Choose" Resolution Tabled But Not Dead After #NewtownPA BOS Hears Comments From The Public; https://sco.lt/9GAadk
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Several emergency service associations in Bucks County are being awarded grants from FEMA to assist them financially.
The Newtown Fire Association is receiving $177,072, the Bensalem Rescue Squad receiving $271,304, the Levittown-Fairless Hills Rescue Squad receiving $46,800, and the Morrisville Fire Company receiving $21,238. Each organization will be able too use the funds to continue their operations and keeping their respective areas safe.
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Women's Right to Choose Resolution Not Dead Yet, Pedestrian Safety Improvements, Anti-Gun Show Settlement Flaws, More...
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"I hate it," he said. But, why? "Well, it's just [expletive] stupid," he responded. "What is it even supposed to be?"
Bill Kindle is no art critic, no architect, nor historian. He sells cars on Business Route 1 and he hates the Middletown Monument.
Kindle can't quite explain his disdain for the four-story artifice at Oxford Valley Road and Lincoln Highway (also known as Business Route 1).
But he's not alone. In online reviews, users have described the Middletown Monument as "amazingly awful" and "one of the most ugliest things ever."
Catalyst Outdoor began construction on the Middletown Monument in 2018, which doubles as an electronic billboard at the corner of Lincoln Highway and Oxford Valley Road.
And recently announced plans for an $11 million overhaul of the intersections it stands over had many motorists hopeful the road upgrades may lead to the monuments demise. Not so fast, PennDOT said. The "M" isn't going anywhere.
The monument was approved by Middletown board members who no longer serve on the township's board of supervisors. On Sept. 7, this news organization reached out to five current members of the board.
None of the current board members responded to requests for comment on the Middletown Monument.
johnmacknewtown's insight:
It should be noted that back in 2016, Catalyst salesman Robert DeGoria made at least two pitches to the Newtown Board of Supervisors to erect a similar "monument" sign on the Bypass on Township owned land at Silver Lake Park.
Mr. DeGoria will serve probation for lying to federal investigators about intended bribe payments that former Lower Southampton public officials sought in exchange for promises of a favorable outcome for an electronic billboard proposal. More...
According to the minutes of the June 8, 2016, BOS meeting, a second presentation was called for by Supervisors Phil Calabro and Jen Dix:
Mr. Calabro reminded the Board that it had recently seen a presentation from Catalyst sign company which would install signage that could generate revenue to the Township. Mr. Calabro said that he was interested in the gateway concept and thought it deserved further consideration.
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[Image: Future Land Use Map]
In the past two and a half years the Newtown Joint Zoning Council (JZC) has worked with the Bucks County Planning Commission (BCPC) to update the 2009 Newtown Area Comprehensive Plan. This process sometimes was slowed down because of the pandemic and difficulties just getting JZC members together.
The Comprehensive Plan is a formal planning document mandated by the Municipal Planning Code (MPC). The Comprehensive Plan is not designed to address all aspects of township governance. In developing the plan, the JZC narrowly focused on issues related to land development and zoning.
On September 20, 2022, BCPC consultants, Lisa Wolfe and Jeremy Stoff, provided a high level review of the plan to the Newtown Planning Commission (NTPC). The NTPC had some questions and comments, which will be shared with the Board of Supervisors and then back to the JZC.
This plan contains nine principles that will be used to guide actions and decisions of the townships within the Jointure.
Learn more about the 9 Guiding Principles...
johnmacknewtown's insight:
Guiding Principle # 2: Promote Sustainable Development and Protect Natural Resources, "recognizes the threat to the future of our community and our families posed by climate change."
This was a recommendation made by the Newtown Environmental Advisory Council (EAC). Find an updated list of recommendations from the EAC here...
Related Content:
- “Jointure Comprehensive Plan Survey: Summary of Responses From Newtown Township Residents”; https://sco.lt/7bBrOK
- “It’s Time for Newtown Township to Update Its Comprehensive Plan!”; https://sco.lt/8AK3yC
- “Middletown to Hold Public Meeting On Its Comprehensive Plan. Newtown, Upper Makefield & Wrightstown Township May Be Next”; https://sco.lt/7D4gwS
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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.
johnmacknewtown's insight:
Related Content:
- “Newtown Economic Development Committee Discusses LI/OLI Overlay Zoning and New Uses for the Business Commons Area”; https://sco.lt/5km2jY
- “Newtown Township Supervisors Discuss Ways To Attract New Business to the Newtown Business Commons District”; https://sco.lt/4ibWc4
- “Bringing New Businesses to Town”; https://johnmacknewtown.info/edclerta.html
- “Highlights From Selected February 2021 Newtown Township Public Meetings”; https://johnmacknewtown.info/ntmn18feb21.html
- “EDC Memo to BOS Re ReZoning for Businesses”; https://bit.ly/EDCmemo
- PODCAST: “Newtown Supervisors Discuss Ideas for Revitalization of LI & O-LI Districts”; http://bit.ly/3u8kU3c
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Joel Winston of the Cohen Law Group answered questions from Newtown Joint Zoning Council (JZC) members regarding updating the draft JZC 5G Small Cell Antenna Ordinance. This discussion was recorded on September 1, 2022.
A New Ordinance Will Be Drafted
The JZC subsequently hired the Cohen Law Group to provide legal assistance that would include, but not be limited to, the following:
- A review and legal assessment of the draft Ordinance.
- Responses to certain issues raised by residents, including the health effects of radio frequency emissions and due process concerns regarding possible objections to wireless facility applications at the Zoning Hearing Board or other local body.
- A review and responses to comments provided by a New York State wireless expert*.
johnmacknewtown's insight:
*At the May 25, 2022, Newtown Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting there was a lively debate regarding whether or not to send the 5G wireless JMZO amendment back to the JZC with the changes, corrections, additions suggested by the CKS, the Township Planner. There was a disagreement as to whether and WHEN other changes such as those suggested by Mr. Andrew Campanelli, ESQ. (read "An Expert's Critique of the JMZO 5G Wireless Ordinance") should be passed on to the JZC.
Related Content:
- “Residents Concerned About Health Issues Caused By 5G Wireless Technology”; https://sco.lt/8N4jmS
- “Study Indicates 5G Radiation May Have Increased Severity of COVID-19 Pandemic”; https://sco.lt/8ALPpA
- “Children’s Health Defense Files Emergency Injunction to Stop Rule Allowing 5G Antennas on Homes”; https://sco.lt/5aeFoO
- “5G Technology Near You, Me, Schools. Is It Safe?”; http://bit.ly/5GinNT
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Several residents of Newtown Walk are concerned about pedestrian safety at the intersection of Tara Boulevard and Newtown-Yardley Rd. On September 12, 2022, Newtown Township Manager Micah Lewis notified supervisors of additional safety improvements to this crosswalk, which allows residents access to the Newtown Township Trail, Newtown Borough, and points East along Newtown-Yardley Road
The new safety measures include:
- Extension of the center median further west on Newtown Yardley Road and to use flexible reflective delineators to create a refuge island in the center of the road.
- Installation of additional “Pedestrian Crossing Ahead” signage in both the east & westbound lanes.
- Adding white pavement markings leading up to the crosswalk in the east & westbound lanes reading "PED-XING"
The work will be completed in-house by the Public Works Department once the materials are received.
Will this satisfy the residents who have concerns? More…
johnmacknewtown's insight:
UPDATE (10/3/22): While work has begun on these "improvements," many residents of Newtown Walk are not satisfied and some even wonder if the "improvements" hinder the safety of pedestrians. "What happens when it snows??," asked one resident? "Previously the snow plows would clear the center of the road. Now, because of the pylons in the center of the road, the plows will be leaving the section of the crosswalk in the middle of the road filled with snow. Unless the Township plans to shovel the snow from this section of the crosswalk, we will have another safety issue added to the current safety issues as a direct result of something that was supposed to be a solution. It seems the concern was more targeted at a quick fix than a proper solution."
What do residents think is a "proper solution?" Lowering the speed limit on NT-Yardley Rd is top of the list.
Related Content:
- “Newtown Borough Implements "Walk Friendly Newtown" Pedestrian Safety Outreach Campaign”; https://sco.lt/8zlKGu
- “Newtown Supervisors Act To Improve Pedestrian Safety”; https://sco.lt/6efhVQ
- “Sycamore Street Is Popular, But Is It Safe?”; https://sco.lt/4jmHZo
- “Pedestrian Struck and Killed on North Sycamore Street in Newtown Township While Catching an Uber”; https://sco.lt/5ZbqZE
- “Silo Drive & North Sycamore: A Dangerous Intersection in Newtown Township!”; https://sco.lt/5TA4WW
- “Crosswalk Visibility Study: Which Type of Crosswalk is Most Visible to Motorists?”; https://sco.lt/960gSG
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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
- Reports of Committees, Boards and Commissions
- Planning Commission - Review of the Joint Comprehensive Plan
- Flaws in Anti-Gun Show Settlement
- DVRPC Regional Streetlight Procurement Program – Authorization to Submit Letter of Intent to Participate
- Resolution Supporting Women’s Right to Choose
- Authorization of advertisement of Stormwater Management Ordinance Update
- Manager's Report (Wawa, Toll, 2023 budget, Public Works Report, Police Report)
- Official Video
johnmacknewtown's insight:
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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At the September 14, 2022, Newtown Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting, supervisors authorized the advertisement of a Stormwater Management Ordinance Update to meet DEP MS4 requirements.
MS4 stands for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System. MS4s are conveyances or systems of conveyances including roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, man-made channels, or storm drains that are owned or operated by a public entity, are designed or used for collecting or conveying StormWater Definition, and are not a combined sewer or part of a publicly owned treatment works.
Find the ordinance here: https://bit.ly/StormWaterOrd
Some quick takeaways from a Newtown expert (personal communication):
- I expect that since the MS4 requires meadows and native plants, and specific mowing times o avoid invasives getting hold, that the current specifications for different types of turf grass would no longer be appropriate requirements for MS4. There are different runoff formulas for each; native grasses slow stormwater better and provide deeper roots for rainwater filtration into the ground water.
- The new ordinance goes much further, which is great. Essentially, there should beLow Impact Development (LID) practices incorporated into stormwater systems. LID a system that further combines green infrastructure and engineering. Basically, more methods need be incorporated to prevent erosion and flooding by slowing down rainwater and getting it to infiltrate on site, rather than channeling it willy-nilly into streams. In the case of MS4, we already have impaired streams. Examples of GI/LID practices in addition to rain gardens and vegetate swales are pervious pavements, green roofs
johnmacknewtown's insight:
The Lower Dolington Road Trail project originally included rain gardens but this plan was rejected by the Bucks County Conservation District. It now relates on underground “infiltration tranches” to manage stormwater runoff.
Related Content:
- “Newtown Township's Pollution Reduction Plan: How Will It Impact Our Parks?”; https://sco.lt/8NEM1Q
- “(The Other) Newtown Township Establishes Rain Gardens to Help Meet MS4 Permit Requirements”; https://sco.lt/9H3lY
- VIDEO: “Supervisors Approve REVISED Pollution Reduction Plan”; https://www.johnmacknewtown.info/approveprp.html
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At the September 14, 2022, Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting, resident Frank McCarron criticized the anti-gun show agreement between the township and the Sports Training Center located at 116 Pheasant Run and 209 Penns Trail in Newtown Township.
Under a zoning enforcement settlement agreement reached between the board of supervisors and the Newtown Athletic Club (NAC) which operates the center, the Sports Training Center will be allowed to host event-style shows at the venue, just not gun shows.
More about this agreement...https://sco.lt/6PW5my
The details of the settlement were announced by Newtown Township Solicitor Dave Sander at the August 10, 2022, board of supervisors meeting. Download the settlement agreement here: https://bit.ly/NAC_GunShow_Agreement
Mr. McCarron specifically focused on the meaning of "primary purpose," which is not defined by the agreement and thus opens a loophole to allow the Center to host at least one event every year that sells all kinds of guns - including assault rifles. The loop hole - according to Mr. McCarron - is that as long as less than 50% of the tables at the event sells guns, then it's primary purpose is not the sale of guns. As Mr. McCarron points out, many large official "Gun Shows" would satisfy that requirement.
johnmacknewtown's insight:
It should be noted that this settlement specifically applies to the NAC Sports Training Center. Other venues may allow such shows under their certificates of occupancy. It is possible, therefore, that such a show may pop up at another location within the township.
Related Content:
- “Residents Voice Concerns Regarding Newtown Gun Show”; https://sco.lt/8WdHqS
- Over 40 Emails from Residents Opposing the Newtown Gun Show; https://bit.ly/3ICdbku
- “John D’Aprile Accuses Resident of Being a "Cry Baby" for Asking Questions About Newtown Gun Show”; https://sco.lt/72KjpI
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At the September 14, 2022, BOS meeting, supervisors voted 3-2 to table the motion to vote on the "Women's Right to Choose" resolution proposed by Supervisor Elen Snyder (listen to her comments: https://youtu.be/4HL_Gt1AWWI).
The resolution states "...the Board of Supervisors of Newtown Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania hereby affirms and commits to supporting access to reproductive healthcare, including abortion, and condemning any act by the Pennsylvania General Assembly or Congress of the United States to restricting access to that care."
The room was packed with residents who mostly opposed the resolution. Many cited passages from the bible to justify their opposition, but most commenters said it was not in the purview of the supervisors to pass such resolutions, which, in any case, do not speak for the township as a whole.
View the video of the decision starting with the motion and public comment: https://youtu.be/OHq-gyeSGks?t=3306
Supervisors voted 3-2 to table the motion the decision on this resolution. It will be on the September 28, 2022, BOS meeting.
johnmacknewtown's insight:
As reported by Brett Duffey in the Bucks County Herald, Supervisor John Mack - who voted to table the motion on resolution - said, “I just wanted to say that we’ve heard a lot from one side of the issue tonight, we haven’t had the ability to hear the other side and I want to table this so that we have an opportunity to organize maybe the other side to come and make public comments.”
Related Content:
- “Supervisor Snyder Proposes Pro Abortion Resolution”; https://youtu.be/4HL_Gt1AWWI
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Members of the Philadelphia City Council announced plans Wednesday to introduce legislation aimed at protecting access to abortions inside city limits — including a bill proponents said would be one of the nation's strongest privacy protection laws.
The measures would bar the voluntary sharing of information about reproductive health choices for the purpose of prosecution or civil lawsuits and update the city's antidiscrimination laws to include protections for reproductive health decisions. It also would create a right of patients and providers to counter-sue if they are sued by out-of-state residents under one of several laws seeking to prevent people from traveling across state lines to seek abortions.
The legislation will be introduced at Thursday's City Council meeting.
A resolution calls on the city to bar city resources from being used to cooperate with out-of-state lawsuits, prosecutions or investigations related to abortions, to work with providers to increase safety at clinics, to create an abortion access task force and to support allocating additional city funds to help offset the costs of abortions and reproductive care among other requests.
johnmacknewtown's insight:
At the September 14, 2022, BOS meeting, supervisors voted 3-2 to table the motion to vote on this resolution. View the video of the decision starting with the motion and public comment: https://youtu.be/OHq-gyeSGks?t=3306
Related Content:
- “Newtown Township Supervisors Agree to Draft An Abortion Rights Resolution”; https://sco.lt/916WdE
- “Supervisor Snyder Proposes Pro Abortion Resolution”; https://sco.lt/9Gy5JI
- “Gov. Wolf Signs Executive Order Protecting Out-of-State Patients Seeking Abortions in Pennsylvania”; https://sco.lt/8DmcK0
- “Abortion Rights Ordinance in Radnor Township Stops Police From Investigating Abortion Cases”; https://sco.lt/7gFkW0
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It’s been a long hot summer and much has happened while we were on vacation. The Newtown Board of Supervisors (BOS) has received many comments from residents this summer regarding several issues – especially pedestrian safety, Lower Dolington Road trail delays, and women’s reproductive rights (i.e., abortion). Residents joined me via Zoom to discuss these and other issues at the September 12, 2022, Meet Mack Monday meeting.
Some residents were concerned about the Women's Reproductive Rights Resolution. What does this resolution say? Whose opinion does it represent?
Find out by reading the summary here...
johnmacknewtown's insight:
At the September 14, 2022, BOS meeting, supervisors voted 3-2 to table the motion to vote on this resolution. View the video of the decision starting with the motion and public comment: https://youtu.be/OHq-gyeSGks?t=3306
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Republican Senate nominee Mehmet Oz rallied in front of a crowd of supporters Saturday night in Bucks County, making his third stop in the Philadelphia region in five days as he targets a vote-rich portion of the state, though one where the GOP has struggled in recent years.
johnmacknewtown's insight:
Visible in this photo are Newtown Supervisor Kyle Davis and NAC owner Jim Worthington.
Meanwhile, the Newtown supervisors will vote on a resolution supporting women's #reproductiverights - something Oz (and I guess supervisor Kyle Davis) opposes.
UPDATE: At the September 14, 2022, BOS meeting, supervisors voted 3-2 to table the motion to vote on this resolution. View the video of the decision starting with the motion and public comment: https://youtu.be/OHq-gyeSGks?t=3306
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From
www
[Image: Warren Gormley, Authority Manager at Newtown Bucks County Joint Municipal Authority (NBCJMA), advised supervisors at an August 10, 2022 public meeting, that the sale of the BCWSA sewer assets to a private company (Auqua PA), is “just not a good thing for the rate payers."]
Bucks County's proposed $1.1 billion sale of its sewer and water operations is off, according to Essential Utilities Inc. [parent company of Aqua PA]
The company reached an exclusive one-year agreement to discuss purchasing the county's wastewater operations in July. That led to public objections to sewer operations, now controlled by the public Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority, being controlled by a for-profit operation. Those complaints led to a reversal Tuesday by the authority against such a deal.
"While we were surprised and disappointed by the sudden turn of events yesterday, we respect the opinions of the Bucks County elected officials," according to a statement from Christopher Franklin, chairman and chief executive officer of Essential Utilities.
Franklin said government-owned systems have suffered "tragic events associated with long-term deferred maintenance."*
johnmacknewtown's insight:
*Currently, Newtown's sewage is handled by the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority, which sends some of its waste to Philadelphia's overloaded system," Newtown Joint Municipal Authority Board of Directors Chairman Eric Johnson explained in 2013. "Their systems are falling apart. They are leaking raw sewage all over the place," Johnson said.
The process comes with a hefty price tag for Newtown—on average, the Municipal Authority pays about a quarter of a million dollars a month to treat local waste, an expense that is passed on to ratepayers.
Related Content:
- “Bucks Commissioners To Authority: End Sewer Sale Talks With Aqua”; https://sco.lt/5UGix6
- “Bucks County Commissioners Have Lots of Questions for BCWSA Regarding Sewer Sale to Aqua PA”; https://sco.lt/7YgQQS
- “BCATO Opposes Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority Sale”; https://www.johnmacknewtown.info/blog/?viewDetailed=202207221053
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Agenda Items:
- Consideration to send a letter in accordance with the BCATO request related to the potential BCWSA sewer sale
Public Hearing - Blue Point Grill (BPG), 3 West Road - Conditional Use
- Piccolo Trattoria, 32-34 West Road – Conditional Use
- Consider approving zoning enforcement settlement agreement re Gun Shows at the NAC Sports Training Center
- Consider adopting a Resolution authorizing the placement of a referendum on the November 8, 2022 general election ballot seeking voter approval of an additional one-half mill of real estate tax annually to support ambulance, rescue, and other emergency services
- Authorization to draft a Resolution supporting Abortion rights
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From
patch
Bucks County Commissioners Bob Harvie and Diane Ellis Marseglia are asking the Bucks County Water & Sewer Authority to end consideration of a proposed sale of its sewer conveyance system to Aqua, Inc.
Marseglia said after carefully reviewing all the information available regarding the sale, "I cannot recommend that the BCWSA continue to entertain Aqua, Inc.’s proposal.
"While the financial aspect of this deal is a reasonable alternative given the expensive infrastructure work ahead, what we heard from the public was clear, nonpartisan, and near-universal: do not sell off the publicly-run BCWSA sewer system to a private entity... Fear of ballooning rates, as evidenced by similar takeovers around the country, and loss of a well-managed, highly-regarded public utility topped the feedback I have received," said Marseglia.
johnmacknewtown's insight:
Related Content:
- “Bucks County Commissioners Have Lots of Questions for BCWSA Regarding Sewer Sale to Aqua PA”; https://sco.lt/7YgQQS
- “BCATO Opposes Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority Sale”; https://www.johnmacknewtown.info/blog/?viewDetailed=202207221053
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From
wpst
Get ready for the Grand Opening weekend of The Halal Guys in Newtown. It will be happening Friday, September 9th through Sunday, September 11th.
There's going to be lots of giveaways. Let me fill you in.
The first 50 people in the store on Friday (September 9th) will enjoy a FREE platter or sandwich. The next 50 people will get a BOGO (buy one get one free) deal. Everybody who shows up during the Grand Opening weekend will get a free 2-piece falafel with the purchase of a meal and a coupon to come back another day.
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Newtown Township provides substantial financial support to the Association. Newtown Township levies, collects and remits a portion of .875 mills of real estate taxes to the Association. During the year ended December 31, 2021 , Newtown Township remitted real estate taxes of $160,000 to the Association. Because of the significance of the Association's financial relationship with Newtown Township, the Association is considered to be a component unit of Newtown Township for Newtown Township's financial reporting purposes. Other primary sources of revenue and support are donations from the general public and investment income.
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Image: Work has been halted on the Lower Dolington Rd Trail (LDRT) for so long that weeds are growing out of the cones! Photos taken on 8/24/22.
In May 2022, the Township Engineer informed the Board of Supervisors that the LDRT project encountered some “unexpected utility conflicts” during construction, which impact the underground infiltration trenches designed as part of this project. This is predominately in the area between Stanford Place and Everett Drive. Lumen – the company that owns the utility cable in question – was scheduled to relocate their conduit last year, which became January, then April, and now possibly the beginning of October!
Considering that Lumen will need 2 weeks to complete its job, work on the trail is not likely to restart until November!
johnmacknewtown's insight:
Meanwhile, the site remains unsightly. It would cost the township $800-$1,000 to "redeploy" the contractor to come back to the site and do the job of removing these unneeded barrels and netting and debris (such as the cut cable, which remains but is blocked off by netting). In my opinion they should have done a cleanup BEFORE they left the site long ago.
Related Content:
- “Lower Dolington Road Trail Further Delayed: ‘A Lot of Feet Need to Be Held to the Fire!’"; https://sco.lt/5M1uLI
- VIDEO: “Lower Dolington Road Trail Trash Tour”; https://sco.lt/77RKNc
- “Lower Dolington Road Trail Trash”; https://sco.lt/77RKNc
- “Lower Dolington Road Trail Construction Barricades Present a Safety Hazard!”; https://sco.lt/75iAZE
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Scoop.it!
Job Announcement: #NewtownPA Assistant Fire Chief: $95,000 Annual Salary, Plus Excellent Benefits
Newtown Township is currently accepting resumes for the full time/Exempt position of ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF. Resumes must be submitted to the Fire Chief's Office no later than September 30, 2022 at 4:30 PM. Send resumes to glenn@newtownpa.gov.
Applicants must process the following:
- Bachelor's Degree in Fire Administration or a related field
- Masters degree and or graduate of the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program preferred
- Previous fire marshal experience and NFPA 1033 National Certification preferred
- Possess a valid Pennsylvania Class C Drivers' License required
- Current Fire Inspector Certification required
- Knowledge of modern fire suppression and prevention principles, practices, procedures, regulations, equipment, and techniques used in firefighting or disaster control
- Knowledge of Public Administration, accounting principals, fiscal management, budget preparation, expenditure control, records keeping, and public relations.
- PEMA Emergency Management Local Level Certification required
- EMT Certification required
Qualifying applicants will be required to complete background clearance checks, and medical and psychological evaluations.
johnmacknewtown's insight:
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Scooped by johnmacknewtown |
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From
patch
Newtown Township Police Officer Jules Ferraro was in his element as he gave out stickers to youngsters at the Middletown Grange Fair.
As kids and parents surrounded him, the 72 year old officer didn’t miss a beat, handing out sticker after sticker and making sure that each child got one.
It seemed appropriate that his last duty as an officer would be at the Grange Fair where he could interact one final time with youngsters, parents and the community before heading off to retirement.
After 40 years in law enforcement, including the past 13 years with Newtown Township, Ferraro is retiring his badge and planning to enjoy the quieter side of life with his family.
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Among other items discussed, John Gyllenhammer – a non-voting member of the HRC – suggested that members of the HRC meet with Police Chief Hearn to learn more about crime statistics, bias training as part of accreditation, and establish regular communications with the Police Department.
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