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johnmacknewtown
onto Newtown News of Interest July 26, 7:46 AM
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While local government proceedings often look like a sea of mundane motions on paper, the July 22nd 2026 meeting of the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS) proved that the “fine print” of these sessions carries the weight of the town’s future.
From the regional zoning of high-tech infrastructure to the potential dismantling of iconic community institutions, the evening revealed a township in the midst of a profound—and often tense—transition.
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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
July 27, 8:46 AM
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*Matt is referring to the 203 N Sycamore St property - formerly Guru's Indian restaurant - that is being gutted and remade into an upscale restaurant. Many residents have told me that the design does not fit within the Newtown historic district despite the fact that HARB has endorsed the project.
Coincidently (?), the developer Adam Baratta has indicated that he wants to make a film documenting the history of the site.
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johnmacknewtown
July 27, 7:51 AM
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The authority acquired the land by eminent domain for $11.5 million in 2024 with plans to build a wastewater treatment plant at the site.
The Newtown, Bucks County Joint Municipal Authority will meet in special session this week to consider selling a 17.5-acre property on Lower Silver Lake Road, originally proposed for a future sewer treatment plant.
At its July meeting, the authority tabled action on the proposed sale and later scheduled a special meeting for July 28 beginning at 2 p.m. to consider a motion to sell the property or to consider a letter of intent to sell
The former owners subsequently filed for damages totaling $690,000, a motion that was quashed by a judge at the request of the authority.
After acquiring the land, the authority raised rates by 47 percent, 26 percent of which was to fund the acquisition of the property.
The board, which is made up of appointed representatives from Newtown Borough and Newtown Township, has made no decisions on what it would do with the proceeds from a sale of the property.
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johnmacknewtown
July 26, 7:46 AM
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While local government proceedings often look like a sea of mundane motions on paper, the July 22nd 2026 meeting of the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS) proved that the “fine print” of these sessions carries the weight of the town’s future.
From the regional zoning of high-tech infrastructure to the potential dismantling of iconic community institutions, the evening revealed a township in the midst of a profound—and often tense—transition.
With the data center ordinance heading toward a critical public hearing in late August or September, and the Attorney General weighing the fate of Chandler Hall, Newtown finds itself at a crossroads.
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johnmacknewtown
July 23, 12:50 PM
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At the 22 July 2026 Newtown Township Board of Supervisors meeting, several residents spoke out against duplicate billing, Chandler Hall sale and data centers and in support of safer crosswalks.
Regarding the "duplicate" “boiler replacemenT” billing: I obtained the two invoices via a RTK this AM. The first for $25,000 was actually a deposit to purchase the equipment/boiler, NOT the actual "replacement" of the boiler as indicated in the Bills List. The second invoice for $33,500 was for the work done to actually replace the boiler. I don't know why the Assistant Manager did not explain this at the public meeting where I made my comments.
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johnmacknewtown
July 20, 7:53 AM
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Chandler Hall—a long-standing nonprofit, Quaker-affiliated senior care and hospice community—is in the process of being sold to CIG/99 Barclay Propco LLC.
CIG/99 Barclay Propco LLC is a private, for-profit real estate holding entity structured to acquire and hold physical real estate assets, not senior care communities. It is likely, therefore, that the sale would result in the Chandler Hall property being converted into a for-profit senior living housing complex.
The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, or OAG, must review this transaction to ensure that it does not adversely affect the health needs of the community.
There is still time to voice your concern. Submit a comment opposing this sale to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. That is exactly what I intend to do. Read more to find out how...
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johnmacknewtown
July 19, 9:24 AM
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In Falls Township, Pennsylvania, an $800 million Amazon data center project is creating a new kind of friction in local communities. Occupying the site of a former industrial titan, this data center campus—part of a broader $20 billion investment in the state—is testing the limits of local infrastructure, environmental policy, and community patience.
This “Deep Dive” podcast debates the pros and cons of this project based on a news report of the growing tension between Amazon and the residents of Falls Township, Pennsylvania. While Amazon highlights the promise of job creation and tax revenue, local activists and neighbors remain skeptical, fearing that the facility will strain the electrical grid and degrade their quality of life.
Ultimately, this account illustrates the complex regulatory debate in Bucks County as local municipalities and state lawmakers struggle to balance the rapid expansion of AI digital infrastructure with the protection of public resources and residential peace.
As mentioned by a follower on FB: "The jobs are construction and they bring their own crews, often foreign, into the community . These crews have huge amounts of money to spend and therefore the greedy people of the community jack the prices up so locals can no longer afford to live there! Check out Abilene, Texas! Hotel room that went for $110 a couple of years ago are now $300-$700 per night! Rent and housing is unbelievable! The locals pay dearly for these water consuming, noise making things!"
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johnmacknewtown
July 17, 8:17 AM
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Key Financial Takeaway: In 2024, Chandler Hall reported approximately $20.1 million in revenue, $21.4 million in expenses, and a $1.27 million operating deficit.
Back on 28 April, 2026, Chandler Hall issued a disclosure statement that provides an overview of Chandler Hall Health Services, Inc., a non-profit continuing care retirement community located in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
Recall that a for-profit LLC is currently in the process of purchasing Chandler Hall. For more on that, read my Newtown Patch article: "Chandler Hall Sale Q&A Town Hall".
The report serves as a formal regulatory filing under state law, ensuring transparency regarding the organization’s management, affiliations, and reserve funding.
To complete the financial analysis, I accessed For 990 tax filing data from 2021 through 2024 provided by Propublica (here). These data were not fully or accurately presented at the June 3, 2026 "Town Hall" mentioned above.
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johnmacknewtown
July 14, 9:21 AM
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The Newtown Township Board of Supervisors recently held a technical session to refine a proposed zoning ordinance regulating the development of data centers.
To address concerns regarding environmental impact and resource consumption, officials are considering stricter mandates for closed-loop cooling systems, noise mitigation, and the use of the public electrical grid.
The draft also includes rigorous procedural oversight, such as requiring financial bonds for future decommissioning and shifting safety reviews to the Fire Marshal.
Local leaders aim to balance industrial growth with community protections by establishing significant setback requirements and height limits based on emergency response capabilities.
Ultimately, the Board seeks to finalize a legally robust framework that prevents excessive strain on public utilities and protects the quality of life for nearby residents.
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July 14, 8:23 AM
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This news report details a cleanup strategy proposed by Energy Transfer and Sunoco following a massive jet fuel leak that contaminated residential wells in Upper Makefield.
The companies plan to implement a 30-day trial of a multi-phase extraction system designed to remove hazardous vapors and pollutants from the local soil and groundwater.
During a public meeting, community members and local officials expressed significant anxiety regarding the ongoing safety of their drinking water and the logistical impact of the remediation machinery.
While residents advocated for a permanent connection to public water, the current proposal focuses on mechanical recovery and hauling away toxic fluids. State environmental regulators must still review and approve the effectiveness of this plan before it can be fully authorized.
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johnmacknewtown
July 13, 9:14 AM
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[Enlarged infographic]
A developer in Upper Hanover Township successfully avoided strict new regulations by filing a data center application just hours before a legislative vote. Because the proposal was submitted on the same day the Board of Supervisors adopted a zoning amendment, the project is exempt from rigorous standards regarding noise, water usage, and clean energy. This "race to file" highlights a legal loophole that a pending state bill seeks to close by allowing municipalities to pause applications once an item is on the public agenda. While the proposed facility is smaller than others in the region, local residents remain concerned about environmental impacts and property values. Currently, the township is exploring ways to strengthen local laws while the developer's legal team challenges whether the existing zoning was originally valid.
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johnmacknewtown
July 12, 8:24 AM
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[Source: Bucks County Herald, July 10, 2026]
Residents and officials in Upper Makefield recently confronted representatives from Energy Transfer and Sunoco regarding a Remedial Action Plan for a massive jet fuel leak.
Image: Kim Brunnquell came to the podium with a tube covered in plastic. When she unwrapped the canister-shaped filter, she said it had been white when installed at her home three months ago. It was supposed to last a year but the contaminants it was filtering out of her well water had already stained it almost black.
While the companies proposed a multiphase extraction project to remove thousands of gallons of contaminants, local leaders criticized the report for failing to provide a permanent alternative water supply for those with polluted wells.
Community members expressed deep frustration over the slow pace of recovery and the continued reliance on temporary filtration systems that are quickly overwhelmed by fuel. In response to the crisis, state and federal legislators are advocating for stricter pipeline safety laws and increased independent oversight of the environmental cleanup.
State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, D-10, and Newtown Township resident John Mack asked if Sunoco was checking for other potential leaks along the 105-mile long, 70-year-old pipeline. The pipe carries jet fuel from Sunoco refineries in Delaware County through the Philadelphia suburbs, across the river and on to Newark, N.J.
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July 10, 2:17 PM
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This "Deep Dive" podcast recaps the July 8, 2026, Newtown Township Board of Supervisors session.
At the very beginning a public comments by a resident regarding pedestrian safety and request for updates on progress regarding safe crosswalks is met with complete silence. Crickets were heard is how to best describe this,
During the meeting, local officials discussed several infrastructure and safety updates, including pedestrian crosswalk improvements and road maintenance payments. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to reviewing a proposed data center ordinance and specific zoning variances for residential fencing and property additions.
The Police Chief also delivered a monthly report detailing local crime statistics, recent traffic enforcement efforts, and the department's involvement in regional events.
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johnmacknewtown
July 10, 1:25 PM
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This July 2026 newsletter provides a comprehensive update on civic and financial matters affecting the Newtown, Pennsylvania area. It highlights the midyear budget analysis, revealing how tax dollars.
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July 10, 7:50 AM
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On July 8, 2026, Sunoco Pipeline LP (SPLP), an Energy Transfer partnership, held a public meeting to present its Remedial Action Plan (RAP) concerning a jet fuel leak in the Mt. Eyre Manor neighborhood of Upper Makefield Township, Pennsylvania. The leak, discovered in February 2025 from the Twin Oaks-Newark 14-inch diameter pipeline, resulted in an estimated release of 6,500 gallons of jet fuel into the local soil and fractured bedrock.
Listen to this informative podcast summary...
The leak was from a 2.5-inch crack in the pipeline under a Glenwood Drive property, described as a 'slow drip' by pipeline company officials.
At the meeting, Newtown Township resident John Mack expressed concern regarding the 70-year-old pipeline’s proximity to Newtown and the potential for the MPE drawdown to pull contamination toward the Artesian water supply.
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johnmacknewtown
July 10, 7:44 AM
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The July 8, 2026, meeting of the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors addressed critical updates regarding regional land use, infrastructure maintenance, and public safety. The meeting was attended by four supervisors, with Kyle Davis noted as absent.
https://sco.lt/57JvrUA significant portion of the session was dedicated to the Joint Municipal Zoning Ordinance (JMZO) amendment regarding data centers, which has undergone eight substantive and procedural revisions proposed by Wrightstown Township.
Another ver short (40 minute), sparsely attended, BOS meeting! In dact, Mr. Feuer was the only resident in attendanxe.
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johnmacknewtown
July 7, 1:00 PM
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This briefing document provides a comprehensive synthesis of Newtown Township Police Department (NTPD) traffic enforcement activity and citation data for the period of January 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026. The analysis is based on recorded incidents across Newtown Township and Wrightstown.
Listen to this informative podcast summary...
The traffic citation data from the first five months of 2026 reveals a consistent pattern of enforcement, primarily focused on vehicle compliance and administrative regulations. The Newtown Bypass serves as the most frequent site for traffic stops, accounting for a significant majority of all citations issued.
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johnmacknewtown
July 6, 8:38 AM
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5 Surprising Truths About How PA Zoning Hearing Boards Really Operate
While citizens often expect total, unvarnished transparency from any government entity, the PA Sunshine Act and established case law provide ZHBs with a unique set of rules. These rules allow—and sometimes even mandate—privacy in ways that might shock the average resident.
As a civic journalist, I’ve seen how these "hidden" rules can frustrate the public, but understanding them is your first step toward real accountability.
Although boards may hold private executive sessions for legal counsel or quasi-judicial deliberations, they are strictly prohibited from taking final official actions behind closed doors. Furthermore, while the specifics of private discussions remain confidential, the board must publicly announce the reason for the session and record its occurrence in the official minutes.
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johnmacknewtown
July 6, 7:01 AM
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Scoop.It says John Mack is "A watchdog file for Newtown civic life Newtown News of Interest reads like a standing civic file on one Pennsylvania township and its neighbors. The emphasis is not on soft community coverage, but on the machinery of local decision-making: Board of Supervisors meetings, financial reports, and more."
With 1,793 analysed posts and more than 243,000 views across the account, johnmacknewtown Scoop.It is more than an occasional bulletin. It has become a sustained civic record for Newtown-area readers.
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johnmacknewtown
July 3, 8:12 AM
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In 2026 I began using AI (e.g., Gemini) to analyze #NewtownPA Township's biweekly bills list. Part of that analysis was the creation of infographics to summarize where the mony went. You can find many of my AI-generated infographics regarding township finances here...
I decided to feed all the 2026 Bills List Infographics to Gemini and ask it to create a short video overview. The current 7-minute video was the result. Enjoy!
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johnmacknewtown
July 2, 8:09 AM
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Explore a hand-picked collection of Pins about #NewtownPA Infographics on Pinterest.
This is a collection of Infographics created byAI - moslly Gemini and Google Notebook - that relate to Newtown Township PA stories that I publish via my "News of interest" e-newsletter.
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johnmacknewtown
June 30, 6:36 AM
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In a climate where local government proceedings have become increasingly opaque to the average taxpayer, a new force for civic engagement has emerged to dismantle the wall of silence in Newtown Township.
The initiative is spearheaded by a trio of veteran community voices: former Township Supervisor John Mack, advocate Charlie Feuer, and Al Dufault, an independent resident specializing in fiscal oversight. This leadership—specifically Mack’s pivot from the Board of Supervisors (BOS) to an external watchdog role—represents a strategic shift toward a “bottom-up” citizen advocacy model. By operating outside the constraints of the dais, NOG aims to bridge the widening gap between elected officials and the taxpayers they serve, ensuring that community concerns are proactively addressed rather than buried in the minutes.
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johnmacknewtown
June 27, 1:42 PM
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UPDATE (7/8/26): Close Date extended to Jul 13th 2026, 5:00 PM EDT (previously was 8th July).
UPDATE (7/13/26): Close Date extended to Jul 16th 2026, 5:00 PM EDT (previously was 13th July).
In response to bidder inquiries and budgetary requirements, the project has categorized various components into Base Bid and Add/Alternate items. Howell Engineering has answered several questions from potential bidders. I summarize a few important ones with my concerns below (see Responses to Bidder Questions #2 (REBID)...).
I have several concerns regarding the cheaper structural features such as wood piling foundations vs re-inforced concrete and wood post wire mesh railings vs aluminum railings with Steel mesh panels.
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johnmacknewtown
June 25, 10:03 AM
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The Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting held on June 24, 2026, centered on critical zoning legislative changes, regional infrastructure safety, and strategic financial allocations. The most significant legislative action involved the advancement of a data center ordinance, which sparked debate over minimum lot sizing and industrial encroachment protections.
Key administrative outcomes included the approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to obligate opioid settlement funds to Bucks County in exchange for municipal resource officers. Additionally, the Board addressed urgent public safety concerns regarding a 70-year-old Sunoco jet fuel pipeline and its potential impact on the local aquifer.
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June 23, 9:37 AM
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PECO is investing in Newtown Borough and a small portion of Newtown Township as part of the company’s proactive efforts to upgrade the local natural gas distribution system.
This project involves replacing existing natural gas main and service lines with new plastic pipe, which enhances safety, is more durable, improves service, and reduces methane emissions.
The natural gas main and service replacement projects in Newtown Borough and Newtown Township were originally scheduled for completion by the end of 2025. While the majority of planned main installations and service replacements were completed in 2025, the projects could not be fully finished due to permitting delays related to the SEPTA railroad crossing.
SEPTA approval for the railroad crossing work has now been secured, allowing the project to move forward. PECO will complete the remaining natural gas main installation and replace the remaining natural gas service on S. State Street in both Newtown Borough and Newtown Township.
To safely perform this work, temporary road closures will be required with clearly marked detours to support adjusted traffic patterns. Impacts will occur Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Access to all businesses will be maintained for the entirety of the project. Emergency access, mail and package delivery, trash collection, and school bus transportation will remain uninterrupted.
PECO expects the remaining replacement work to be completed in June 2026. Immediately following completion, restoration work will begin and is expected to take approximately two to three weeks. All affected streets will be restored to their pre-construction condition.
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June 22, 2:41 PM
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This "Deep Dive" podcast analyzes the Newtown Township Treasurer’s Report for the period ending March 31, 2026.
This comprehensive financial summary details the allocation of over $11 million in combined cash across various municipal accounts, including the General Fund, Fire Protection, and Capital Projects. The reports include detailed balance sheets that list local assets and liabilities alongside budgetary comparisons for both revenues and expenditures.
Key data points highlight the township's primary income sources, such as real estate and enabling act taxes, while tracking operational costs for public safety, public works, and administrative services. Ultimately, these records offer a transparent view of the township’s fiscal health and spending efficiency through the first quarter of the 2026 fiscal year.
With the data center ordinance heading toward a critical public hearing in late August or September, and the Attorney General weighing the fate of Chandler Hall, Newtown finds itself at a crossroads.