Supreme Court To Decide How Public Officials Can Use Social Media?!

The following is an upcoming Newtown Board of Supervisors meeting that you may wish to attend. 

Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting:
6 December 2023, 7:00 PM
TOWNSHIP MEETING ROOM, 100 MUNICIPAL DRIVE, NEWTOWN, PA  18940. 

Also live via Cable TV: Channel 22 (Comcast), Channel 40 (Verizon). Live streaming via Youtube: https://bit.ly/3xeFpiL 

Emailed comments sent to Comments@newtownpa.gov during the meeting will be read aloud at the meeting. Please keep your comments as brief and to the point as possible. All public comment must contain the commenter’s name and address. You may also make comments if you attend in person.

Agenda Includes:

•  2024 Budget adoption – Resolution 
• Consider enacting plastics ordinance 
• Police Report – Chief Hearn 
• Establish tax rate for 2024
• Establish exempt personnel pay for 2024 – Resolution
• Public Comment

[Image: According to the SEPTA ROUTE CHANGES DOCUMENT [LINK: https://www.septabusrevolution.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SEPTA-CHANGE-SHEETS-09-08.pdf] “Route 130 will be shortened and realigned.” Dashed lines represent proposed discontinued route section.]

Bucks County has a serious public transportation problem.

Not enough routes, inefficient schedules and failed attempts to serve a widespread and dispersed riding public has caused the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority to rethink the way it allocates its resources in Bucks County and throughout its network.

SEPTA is considering changes to routes 129 and 130.

Route 129would be streamlined in Philadelphia and in Bucks County to provide faster and more direct service between Frankford-Knights and Oxford Valley Mall in Middletown.

Route 130would be shortened to connect Neshaminy Mall and Bucks County Community College in a simple and direct way. Riders could use this service for local trips or to connect with other services.

The Newtown Borough Council has announced a new timeline for the approval of the Steeple View redevelopment project.

With an extension of time for the project set to expire by the end of December, revised preliminary as final land development plans are scheduled to go before the planning commission at its Dec. 4 meeting.

Following that review, the plan is tentatively scheduled to go before the borough council at its Dec. 6 work session. A final vote could happen as early as the Tuesday, Dec. 12 council meeting. The council's other option is to grant an extension of time for project approval.

The project, which has been years in the making, will be the largest redevelopment project in the town's history. It includes the redevelopment of nine acres of land extending from Centre Avenue behind the Starbucks south to the former Stockburger property off of South State Street.

Envisioned by developer Allan Smith as a mixed-use community, the project includes a combination of residential, retail and restaurant uses. Over the years, Smith has also redeveloped the Brick Hotel, the Stocking Works, and the White Hall Hotel among other projects in town.

His current plan proposes the construction of a new pedestrian bridge that would cross over Newtown Creek between Newtown Borough and Newtown Township at Carl Sedia Park.*

There are currently TWO #NewtownPA Creek pedestrian bridges proposed - one at Frost Lane and Edgeboro Road in the Borough connected to North Sycamore Street in the Township and one at the other end of town connecting the proposed Steeple View development in the Borough to Carl Sedia Park in the Township. 

The Newtown Board of Supervisors already approved the application for a grant to cover the cost of the Frost Lane bridge (read more about that here). The Steeple View bridge is just a concept, but the developer has already asked in confidence for opinions from Newtown BOS members (read more about that here).

What’s Your Opinion?

In general, how much are you in favor of/opposed to these proposed bridges?

This is my personal summary of my notes regarding the November 21, 2023, meeting of the #NewtownPA Township Board of Supervisors (BOS). This is not a complete nor an official summary.

* 2022 Audit Presentation
* Advertisement of Single-Use Plastics Ban Ordinance
* 2024 Budget Discussion
* Detailed Notes
* Official Video
* Video Transcript

More...

At the 21 November 2023 #NewtownPA Township Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting, supervisors approved by 4-1 vote (Kyle Davis voting nay) to advertise the proposed Single-Use Plastics Ban Ordinance (find it here).

The discussion focused on revisions from previous version regarding enforcement and exemptions. It also includes comments from residents and a discussion of recyclable paper bags answering the question "Why are businesses allowed to charge customers for recyclable paper bags?"

Last week, Newtown Borough Council voted to advertise a proposed budget of roughly $4 million.

The proposed spending plan includes a one-mill tax increase, which will equal about $45 extra in the yearly tax bill.

The slight tax hike is proposed to put three-quarters of a mill for Newtown Fire Rescue, which covers the borough and township. A quarter of a mill will go to support the Newtown Ambulance Squad, which supports the borough and several nearby municipalities.

Council President Tara Grunde-McLaughlin said the budget is about $1 million higher than last year, but the increase is due to the borough’s hope that a grant for a pedestrian bridge to span the Newtown Creek* will be approved by the state. The grant request is for just under $1 million.

Council Member Kris Bauman said the 2024 budget would have no negative impact if the grant is not awarded in 2024, and the extra million dollars budgeted would not be spent.

Mack's #NewtownPA News of Interest:

• 2024 Budget Available,
• A Bridge Too Far to Nowhere,
• Plastic Bag Ban Proposal,
• Stop Signs Still Stymied!,
• more...

Several #NewtownPA Twp area residents attended this Zoom meeting, which focused on the proposed single-use plastics ban, Steeple View bridge - is it a bridge too far going nowhere?, more work needed to finish Lower Dolington Rd trail, is Capital Grille asking for too much signage?, Borscht Belt Deli asks for variance to allow neon sign in window, the 2024 preliminary budget available for viewing - are there enough funds for pedestrian safety and road repairs? the sale of Shady Brook Farm - is Newtown involved?

• Opening Presentation and Following Discussion
• Single-Use Plastics Ban
• Steeple View Bridge Discussion
• Shady Brook Farm Sale Discussion

More...

The popular farm —known for its annual holiday light show among other events —will be reducing its size as the Fleming family prepares to turn over the property at 931 Stony Hill Rd. to a fifth generation.

The Fleming siblings who jointly own Shady Brook Farm plan to sell about 80 acres of the 130-acre property to a partnership including DeLuca Homes, the Bucks County Courier Times reported.

The property along the Newtown Bypass is near where DeLuca Homes is developing Prickett Preserve, which includes Bucks County's second Wegmans store.

this discussion took place during the November 13, 2023, Meet Mack Monday Zoom meeting. Supervisor John Mack presented his questions regarding the utility of this bridge to Newtown Township and suggested it would benefit primarily Steeple View residents in the Borough.

Newtown Environmental Advisory Board member Jan Filios pointed out the environmental concerns, which may be insurmountable due to zoning ordinances that are in place regarding flood plains.

[Image: Elaine McCarron, Vice Chair of the #NewtownPA Environmental Advisory Council, presented details of a proposed ban of single-use plastics at the November 8, 2023, Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting. VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/m1e--Erjkfc]

The Newtown Township Board of Supervisors is expected to vote at its Nov. 21 meeting to advertise a new ordinance that would ban certain single-use plastics in the township beginning in 2024.

If adopted, the ordinance would restrict restaurants and businesses in the township from using single-use carry out plastic bags and Styrofoam food containers except when required for food safety. It would also prohibited restaurants and businesses from providing single-use plastic straws and utensils except upon request by the customer.

The proposed ordinance would require businesses to post signage informing the public of the upcoming change, according to McCarron.

There will be exceptions, said McCarron. Plastic bag would be allowed to pack perishable items including fruits, vegetables, grains, candy, etc.

The EAC proposed the ordinance as a way to:

• Curb plastic bag litter on the streets, in the parks, and in the trees.
• Protect local streams, rivers, waterways and other aquatic environments.
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and solid waste generation.
• Promote the use of reusable, compostable, and recyclable materials within the township.
• And preserve the natural, scenic, historic, and aesthetic value of the township.

More...

This is my personal summary of my notes regarding the November 8, 2023, meeting of the #NewtownPA 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, Discussions, Decisions, and More:

• Environmental Advisory Council Presentation: Single-Use Plastics Report and Proposed Resolution to Ban Use in Newtown
• LDR Multi-Use Trail Still Needs Work!
• October 2023 Police Report
• Detailed Notes
• Official Video
• Video Transcript

More...

Back in June, 2023, #NewtownPA Township Manager received a letter via email from attorney Timothy J. Duffy, representing Steeple View, L.P. which presently has pending before Newtown Borough Council a revised Preliminary and Final Land Development Plan.

The Steeple View plan includes seven new “mixed use” buildings being proposed on nearly nine acres of land along with a public greenway along the Newtown Creek. Also proposed is a footbridge connecting Newtown Borough to Newtown Township at Carl Sedia Park (see image). [Background: “Planners Begin Review Of Revised, Multi-Million Steeple View Project”]

In the letter to the township, Mr. Duffy asked: “...as we move toward final approval in the Borough, both my client and the Borough would like to determine whether the Township - on a non-binding basis, of course - is interested in the bridge or, to the contrary, has no interest.” Mr. Duffy asked that the Township Manager “...put the question to the Board for its comment.” Supervisors just recently received a copy of the letter. I am not sure how how other supervisors feel about this bridge, but I have some concerns.

Is this a Bridge Too Far?

Lest we forget, Newtown Twp supervisors just recently approved the application for a Statewide Local Share Assessment grant of $999,979.20 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority to be used for a different pedestrian bridge over the Newtown Creek at the other end of town, which link Edgeboro Road/Frost Lane in the borough to North Sycamore Street in the township (read “Newtown Creek Coalition Proposes a NEW Pedestrian Bridge to Supervisors”).

As a Newtown Supervisor, I have to weigh the benefits versus the costs to the township of these projects. While the Frost Lane bridge has some marginal benefit to businesses located on North Sycamore Street and the Newtown Village Shopping Center, the Steeple View bridge is too far from any township business and only seems to benefit Newtown Borough residents and, more specifically future Steeple View residents. The township should not have to pay a dime to help developers provide amenities to their clients.

More...

Quoting Julia: "When I first heard about a potential traditional neighborhood development in the center of Newtown Borough, which later became known as Steeple View, I was excited by the possibilities it offered to reinvigorate the business district and address the ongoing lack of parking in town. However, the current plan no longer provides many of the benefits originally touted, and will make the borough’s parking problem worse.

"In a 5–1 vote on Sept. 20, Newtown Borough Council granted conditional use approval for a controversial shared parking plan, permitting up to 40% of the required parking for the Steeple View development to be accommodated remotely at the Stocking Works, 1/4 mile south on State Street. By its own calculations, the developer intends to provide only a few parking spaces onsite at Steeple View beyond those required for the residential units planned.

"A major principle of conditional use approval is that a proposal be in the best interests of the borough, and be a benefit to the community and to the public welfare. Eliminating a popular, heavily used, convenient public parking facility is none of these things. State Street businesses will experience that loss quickly, according to the most recent plans.

"For almost 14 years, I had been one of this project’s strongest supporters. But within the past year and a half, I, along with many Newtown residents, have come to realize that, in its current form, and especially with the approved parking plan, Steeple View no longer offers the benefits to the public and business community promoted by the developer."

More...

The Newtown Township Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the advertisement of the proposed 2024 budget that included a proposed slight tax increase.

Its budgeted revenues are projected to be $14,291,936 million, an increase from the previous year, according to the proposed budget.

Meanwhile budgeted expenditures are projected to rise to $16,001,653 million. The budgeted general fund deficit is projected to decrease to $2,386,265. 

The proposed spending plan includes a tax hike of two mills for the fire protection fund and an additional mill to reduce debt service costs.

Under this plan, the typical municipal tax bill would increase to $511 for properties with average assessment.

[11/13/23 UPDATE: "The Borscht Belt Cuts The Ribbon On New St. Mary Medical Center Deli" (see image).]

The Borscht Belt Delicatessen, a popular New York-style Jewish deli in Newtown, will celebrate the opening of its second location inside the St. Mary Medical Center cafeteria on Monday, Nov. 13.

Through a partnership with Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic, the owners of the Borscht Belt will operate the deli inside the hospital's cafeteria Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The deli will be available to patients, visitors and employees.

“We are thrilled to offer a variety of delicious new menu offerings from The Borscht Belt Delicatessen right here in the St. Mary Medical Center cafeteria,” said Suzette Cunicelli, vice president of Professional and Support Services at St. Mary Medical Center. 

A ribbon-cutting will be held at the St. Mary cafeteria at 10 a.m. on Monday, November 13 to mark the opening of the Borscht Belt at St. Mary. Attendees will be treated to free samples of a variety of bagels and spreads from the Borscht Belt.

Bucks County native and celebrity chef Nick Liberato, co-founder and executive chef at the Borscht Belt, will be present at the grand opening event.

Santander Bank on Thursday secured the variances it needed for signage at its future home at the Village at Newtown Shopping Center.

Bank officials appeared before the township’s Zoning Hearing Board on 2 November 2023 to request relief for five signs that will be comparable in size to other banks the shopping center.

The bank, now located at 3 Terry Drive will be relocating its Newtown branch from the Newtown Business Commons to the Village at Newtown Shopping Center on Eagle Road.

This is my personal summary of my notes regarding the October 25, 2023, meeting of the #NewtownPA Township Board of Supervisors (BOS). This is not a complete nor an official summary.

Planning Commission Report

• Capital Grille Signage
• Durham Road Development: Medical Office and Day Care Buildings
• Business Commons Rezoning Overlay Plan

Engineer’s Report/Topics

• Lower Dolington Road Multi-Use Trail
• Newtown Creek Pedestrian Bridge Grant Proposal

Budget Discussion

• SAFER Grant and Future New Taxes
• Tara Blvd RRFB Project

Other Items of Interest

• Detailed Notes
• Official Video
• Video Transcript

More...

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in two key cases about how public officials use social media.

The cases explore whether two school board members in California and a city manager in Michigan violated the First Amendment by blocking constituents posting criticism on their personal social media pages. The constituents in the cases believe these social media pages were actually operating as an extension of government work.

More...

Oregon’s U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley has teamed up with California Rep. Jared Huffman to introduce the bicameral Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act.

The legislation is described as the most comprehensive plan ever introduced in Congress to address the plastic pollution crisis that is poisoning our air, water, and land, and disproportionately impacting communities of color and low-income Americans.

The bill would shift the burden of cleanup and waste management to where it belongs — on the corporations that produce this waste — by:

• Requiring big corporations to take responsibility for their pollution.

• Establishing aggressive source reduction targets for single-use plastic products and beverage containers.

• Creating a nationwide beverage container refund program, which has been successful in 10 states.

• Reducing and banning certain single-use plastic products that are not recyclable.

“We’re at a crisis point with plastic pollution and we need action. Plastic pollution harms our oceans, climate, communities, and wildlife," Oceana Campaign Director Christy Leavitt said. "The solution is to stop plastic pollution at the source by reducing the production and use of unnecessary single-use plastic and move to refillable and reusable systems. The Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act does just that. We applaud Senator Merkley, Congressman Huffman, and their colleagues for introducing this important bill. Cities and states have been leading the way on plastic reduction policies, and it’s time for federal action so we can turn the tide on plastic pollution before it’s too late."

October 23: Shortly before 8 a.m., police were dispatched to a Wrightstown Township home for the report of a disturbance. As a result of the investigation, a woman was charged with ethnic intimidation and criminal mischief (damage to property).

More...

This is the video edition of the October 23, 2023, #NewtownPA News of Interest (NOI) e-newsletter.

The cover features Spooky Stop Sign Sawer! Just in time for Halloween! You can video the spooky story behind the #NewtownPA Stop Sign Sawer here: https://www.johnmacknewtown.info/blog...

Topics in the October 2023 issue of NOI include:
(1) 2024 Budget Highlights
(2) Capital Grille Signage Debate
(3) Neon Signage Showdown
(4) Sewage Treatment Plant
(5) Business Commons Rezoning
(6) More Paid Firefighters Needed

To receive the newsletter in via email, become a subscriber: https://www.johnmacknewtown.info/news...

You can unsubscribe at any time.

The Mysterious Case of the Sawed Off Stop Sign

It was a recent bright sunny afternoon when I received a horrifying cell phone text image form a local resident. The stop sign at Yorkshire Drive on the west side of Lower Dolington Road (LDR) was sawed off! A gruesome piece of the pole was still sticking up from the ground and the rest of the pole lay within the Woods of Saxony shrubbery nearby (see photo). The sign itself was nowhere to be found! WHO DID THIS HORRIBLE MASSACRE OF PUBLIC PROPERTY?

Read more about this mystery...

At the 25 October 2023 #NewtownPA Board of Supervisors meeting, I asked the township engineer some questions about the Local Share Account (LSA) Grant application, which requests $999,979.20 for the construction of a pedestrian bridge across Newtown Creek connecting the Borough and Township.

Specifically, I had several questions about funding, especially if the total amount of the grant if awarded is less than required to complete the project or if there are cost overruns.

When this proposal was first presented to the BOS in 2019, Mike Sellers, a member of the Newtown Creek Coalition, pointed out that the major portion of the real estate involved is in Newtown Township and consequently, Newtown would be responsible for the majority of any costs involved. For more on that, read “Newtown Creek Coalition Proposes a NEW Pedestrian Bridge to Supervisors”; LINK: https://www.johnmacknewtown.info/blog/?viewDetailed=201909210148

If there are any costs not covered by this and/or other grants, I would not be in favor of moving forward with the project unless we can find other sources of funding such as donations from local township businesses that would benefit from the increased foot traffic.

View the application: here: https://bit.ly/LSA_BridgeGrant_Application