The “Black Box” of Local #NewtownPA Government

Newtown Borough’s Environmental Advisory Council has opened discussion about regulating gas-powered leaf blowers, citing concerns about noise, emissions and potential health impacts. The EAC says more than 200 communities nationwide have taken action, while nearby Lower Merion and Narberth have adopted phase-outs.

No ban has been proposed yet. Council members discussed options ranging from restrictions on commercial operators only to starting with public education and resident input before considering regulations.

What do you think? Ban them, limit commercial use, or leave the choice to residents?

This Audio Overview focuses on the specific intergovernmental agreements and shared funding decisions that caused split votes among the Newtown Board of Supervisors (BOS) in the period from January through August 2026.

The contentious votes involved Fire Services Agreement with Newtown Borough and Opioid Settlement MOU with Bucks County. Battlegrounds emerge when the township is asked to share its money or services with questionable payback.

A closer look at how Newtown Township's supervisors voted from January through August 2026

Municipal voting records may look like dry tables of numbers and dates, but they are actually the master blueprints of your local community's daily life, public safety, and future development.

Here, we will dive into the unofficial January through August 2026 voting record of the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS) to uncover how local government operates behind the scenes.

Apple Montessori School has withdrawn its proposal to convert the former Rite Aid at Goodnoe Corner into an early childhood learning center. The school also withdrew its request for a conditional-use hearing before the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors. Township officials say it remains unclear whether Apple Montessori will return with a revised proposal.

The proposed center would have served 142 students in seven classrooms and included an enclosed outdoor play area and swimming pool. The plan had drawn concerns from supervisors about placing a school in Goodnoe Corner’s busy parking lot; the Board had previously voted to hire outside counsel to oppose the conditional-use request.

The September 9, 2026 meeting of the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors focused on intense public scrutiny surrounding the failed sewer treatment plant project.

Public comment was dominated by what residents described as the "muddle" involving the Newtown Township Sewer Authority property. Residents expressed deep distrust following the abandonment of an $11.5 million sewer plant project and questioned why sewer rates had been increased by 47% for a facility that will not be built.

The Board clarified that developer DeLuca has a 90-day feasibility window, but that there are currently no active plans to change the property's existing Office/Research (OR) zoning.

The Board also addressed pedestrian-safety grant opportunities, road maintenance complaints, police activity, and financial matters.

At the September 9, 2026 Newtown Township Board of Supervisors meeting, Todd McGonigal delivered a pointed critique of the abandoned sewer treatment plant project and the political and professional relationships surrounding it.

McGonigal repeatedly asked “Who benefited?” He argued that Newtown residents did not appear to benefit: sewer customers received a 47% rate increase, roughly $11.5 million was spent pursuing a treatment plant that was never built, and the property acquired for the project is now being considered for sale and possible residential development.

A major focus of his remarks was Kilkenny Law and its relationship with Newtown government. McGonigal questioned whether political contributions, municipal appointments, and taxpayer-funded legal work create at least the appearance of a pay-to-play conflict of interest. He cited controversies involving the firm in other Pennsylvania municipalities and stressed that these facts do not by themselves prove wrongdoing in Newtown, but said they warrant scrutiny.

McGonigal concluded by asking the Board of Supervisors to take two actions: reconsider whether Kilkenny Law should continue representing Newtown Township and refuse to rezone the former sewer-treatment-plant property for residential development.

His central message was that before anything further happens with the property, residents deserve a complete accounting of what happened, why millions were spent, who made the decisions, and who ultimately benefited.

Newtown Township faced a tight 18-month deadline to obligate approximately $133,000 in opioid settlement funds (which grew to the final $167,240.04 disbursement in September 2026). Ultimately, the Board of Supervisors voted on June 24, 2026, to approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to transfer these funds to Bucks County, because the township lacked the healthcare infrastructure to run drug rehabilitation and treatment programs locally. In exchange, the county committed to supporting the continuation of its co-responder program, which embeds social workers within the local police force to handle emergency substance abuse and mental health calls.

This briefing document provides a detailed synthesis of the financial activities for Newtown Township, as recorded in the Bills List dated September 9, 2026. The total expenditure for this period across all funds is $1,921,548.57.

The township’s financial focus during this period is characterized by significant inter-fund transfers for capital reserves, heavy investment in public safety infrastructure—specifically police vehicle procurement and upfitting—and the fulfillment of substantial administrative and legal obligations, including a $167,240.04 opioid settlement payment.

While the "cloud" is often marketed as an ethereal, weightless medium, its physical footprint is staggering. In the real world, the digital age is composed of steel, heat, and a million-gallon-a-day thirst for water. As these industrial-scale facilities begin to migrate from massive tech hubs into residential suburbs, local governments are finding themselves in a high-stakes game of regulatory catch-up.

On September 3, 2026, the Newtown Area Joint Zoning Council (JZC) met to tackle this looming shift.

The most consequential portion of the application was the proposed Kiddie Academy parcel: it seeks approval for a 2.117-acre lot where the CM district normally requires 10 acres, 36.81% impervious surface where 15% is permitted, a 59.20-foot front setback instead of 100 feet, front-yard play areas, and relief from the five-acre child-care lot requirement. The document also reports proposed disturbance of 17.5% of total woodlands and 44.8% of agricultural soils.

The applicant argued that the unique physical conditions of the property—including irregular parcel shapes, extensive protected natural resources, and a long-standing non-conforming restaurant use—create an unnecessary hardship that justifies the requested relief.

All 4 of the ZHB members present voted to deny the variances.

Comprehensive Analysis of Municipal Expenditures and Fund Allocations

The primary financial drivers for this period include significant investments in professional inspection services, seasonal community recreation programs, and essential public safety infrastructure. Notable highlights include a $74,674.80 payment for monthly inspection fees, over $32,000 in fuel procurement, and nearly $40,000 in capital project acquisitions including a specialized drone and grooming mower.

[Source: Bucks County Herald;]

In Newtown Township, community members have voiced significant opposition to the proposed sale of a 17.5-acre property to the developer DeLuca.

The property is located on Lower Silverlake Rd and is being offered for sale by the Newtown Sewer Authority, which had to abandon plans to build a sewer treatment plan on the site due to opposition by local residents.

The builder intends to construct townhomes on the site, a move that would require a zoning variance for the land previously designated for a wastewater plant. Residents at a local board meeting cited concerns regarding increased traffic, lack of transparency, and the potential waste of public funds already spent on the site.

The potential $11.5 million transaction remains in its preliminary stages, pending official municipal oversight and further public debate.

5 Takeaways from the Newtown Township Public eMailbox

At the recent 12 August 2026 Newtown Board of Supervisors (BOS) public meeting, a resident's inquiry about meeting procedures was met with a suggestion from the chairman to "send an email" and start a private discourse. 

Neighbors for Open Government & Accountability (NOGA) characterizes this as a “Black Box” tactic to avoid public accountability and on-the-record answers.

My recent "No Canopy For You!" post generated a substantial response on social media. Many commenters questioned the decision to reject the Donatelli's Italian Steakhouse canopy at the former Brick Hotel property, while others raised questions about historic preservation, signage, consistency, and whether approval should have been obtained before the canopy was installed.

Although the comments reflect different opinions, the overwhelming theme of this particular social-media discussion was skepticism about the canopy decision. Many commenters argued that the canopy is attractive, useful in bad weather, and preferable to the temporary tent previously used at the property.

Others raised a broader question: How should Newtown balance historic preservation with the need to keep historic properties economically viable and welcoming to new businesses?

There were also legitimate questions about whether the canopy should have received approval before installation, whether its lettering causes it to function as a sign, and how the Historic Architectural Review Board's (HARB's) standards are being applied to comparable properties.

UPDATE: The canopy has been removed!

BlackRThis is a summary and agenda for the Newtown Township Planning Commission meeting held on August 18, 2026.

The records detail several zoning variance requests, including residential improvements involving drainage solutions and easement adjustments.

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on a commercial subdivision intended to accommodate both a restaurant and a new BlackRock childcare facility. Commissioners evaluated these proposals based on environmental impact, neighbor concerns, and public safety regarding traffic. 

The Commission took "no position," which allows the project to proceed to the Zoning Hearing Board for the required judicial relief, while ensuring the township's concerns are officially filed on the record.

Newtown Preschool Proposal Faces Parking and Safety Opposition

In suburbs across the country, the "ghost store"—a large, vacant retail footprint—has become a familiar sight. In Newtown, the former Rite Aid at Goodnoe Corner has stood as a silent, 10,000-square-foot monument to the slow-motion collapse of the traditional pharmacy model since it shuttered its doors in August 2025. Now, exactly one year into its vacancy, a proposal by the New Jersey-based Apple Montessori Schools seeks to breathe life back into this brick-and-mortar shell.

The plan involves an ambitious adaptive reuse project, transforming the pharmacy into an early childhood learning center for 142 students. While the conversion of retail to education is a growing national trend, the specific details of this makeover reveal a complex intersection of urban design, community safety concerns, and the evolving utility of our shared commercial spaces. As the proposal moves toward a pivotal September hearing, four key realities of this transformation stand out.

Although a marked crosswalk is present, many motorists fail to yield to pedestrians attempting to cross at the Eagle Road intersection of Jonquil and Marigold. Residents regularly experience long waits before a safe gap in traffic occurs, and many have witnessed or experienced dangerous near-misses due to vehicles not stopping as required by Pennsylvania law. This crossing is used by families, children, walkers, runners, cyclists, seniors, and other residents traveling throughout the neighborhood.

The purpose of this petition is to respectfully request that the appropriate agency:

• Evaluate the installation of a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) or another pedestrian-activated crossing system and improved lighting.
• Review traffic speeds, vehicle yielding rates, sight distance, and pedestrian activity.
• Prioritize safety improvements that will help prevent future injuries and improve driver compliance at this crosswalk.

SIGN THE PETITION...

A Resident's Question Sparks a Debate on Transparency

At the recent 12 August 2026 Newtown Board of Supervisors (BOS) public meeting a resident's inquiry about meeting procedures was met with a suggestion from the chairman to "send an email" and start a private discourse. 

Neighbors for Open Government & Accountability (NOGA) characterizes this as a tactic to avoid public accountability and on-the-record answers.

Open government requires clear rules about how public officials talk to the people and each other. Public discourse happens in open meetings and public forums where everyone can see and hear the choices made. Private email happens behind closed doors, which can hide important choices from the public eye. 

In Lansdale, concerned citizens are advocating for the creation of a formal traffic committee to address long-standing issues with speeding, parking, and road safety.

Local advocates Dominic Visturia and Francisco Lopez proposed this idea after observing a successful citizen-led commission in nearby Middletown Township, which facilitates collaboration between residents, police, and traffic engineers.

This proposed board would offer a transparent, actionable framework for evaluating resident complaints and recommending safety improvements like stop signs or speed studies. By adopting a similar structure, proponents believe the town can build a culture of accountability while streamlining the workload for existing municipal departments.

While the borough has already allocated funds for infrastructure fixes, this new committee would provide an ongoing, structured way for the community to influence transportation policy.

At the 12 August 2026 Newtown Board of Supervisors meeting, numerous residents from Newtown Grant and surrounding areas pleaded for improved safety measures at specific crosswalks.

Jonquil Dr and Marigold Dr: Resident Nicole Ketterer requested Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at the north crosswalk at Eagle Rd. Data presented suggests RRFBs have a 90-95% yielding success rate compared to 45% for standard entry signs.

Charlie Feuer commented that "it's not the first time we've heard about pedestrian, bicycle, and wheelchair safety in Newtown, is it? On that note," continued Feuer, "I'm familiar with where Ms. Ketterer was talking about, and it's not the only one in Newtown. So I believe an engineering study is appropriate." Mr. Feuer also asked for an update on the two ongoing pedestrian projects. One being an update on the crosswalk at Chandler Hall, which is a rapid rectangular flashing beacon project and the other is a safe sidewalk along Newtown-Yardley Rd, which is part of the Newtown Trail leading into the Borough.

Unfortunately, neither the Engineer nor any Supervisor gave him an update on those projects that have supposedly been in the works since October 2025.

The BIG QUESTION remains "What Are We Waiting For? Another Death?" 

A major multi-year land dispute on the Newtown Bypass and Lower Silver Lake Rd is officially taking a new direction. The Newtown Bucks County Joint Municipal Authority (NBCJMA aka Sewer Authority) has voted to approve an $11,500,000 agreement of sale for its 17.5-acre parcel to local developer DeLuca Newtown, LLC. The full, executed purchase agreement was officially released to me on August 7, 2026, in response to a Right-to-Know request.

• The Development Plans: DeLuca Newtown, LLC plans to construct a townhouse development on the site. A similar plan was denied by the township.
• Contingencies & Timelines: The sale is far from a done deal. The agreement includes a 75-day due diligence window followed by a 365-day approval period. DeLuca must successfully secure a zoning change, preliminary land development approval, and sewer capacity (EDUs) from Newtown Township to move forward. Good luck with that! Read my analysis...

Reported in the New York Times, 5 August 2026.]

Recent reports reveal that American water infrastructure is currently facing a widespread wave of cyberattacks suspected to be orchestrated by Iranian hackers.

These security breaches have impacted dozens of municipalities* across several states, leading to operational disruptions and precautionary measures like boil-water advisories.

Experts suggest that these utilities remain highly vulnerable because many facilities use outdated security protocols and lack the funding or federal oversight necessary to defend against digital threats.

Although the Environmental Protection Agency previously attempted to mandate stricter safety guidelines, those efforts were legally blocked, leaving many systems exposed to remote intrusion.

While no water supplies have been poisoned yet, the scale of the infiltration indicates a significant national security risk to critical public resources. This ongoing crisis highlights a long history of neglected warnings regarding the fragile state of the nation's decentralized water networks.

4 Takeaways from the New “Hyperscale” Rush

This interactive tracking map monitors the rapid expansion of large-scale data centers across Pennsylvania, focusing on facilities expected to consume at least 100 megawatts of power.

The data highlights a significant surge in development, specifically noting recent updates for massive campuses in the Lehigh Valley and the Philadelphia suburbs.

To ensure accuracy, the researchers verify each entry through official documents, news reports, and interviews with local government officials. The map visualizes the current status of these projects, distinguishing between those under construction, those in preliminary phases, and those that have been rejected or withdrawn.

By documenting both Amazon-backed sites and speculative builds, this resource provides a comprehensive overview of how hyperscale digital infrastructure is reshaping the state's landscape.

[Reported 8/4/26 in the Bucks County Courier Times.]

Officials in Falls Township are proactively revising their zoning ordinances to specifically address the unique demands of data center developments. This legal maneuver follows significant public backlash regarding a previously approved Amazon Web Services project, which critics fear will strain local water resources and increase noise pollution. By declaring their current codes "substantially invalid," the board aims to establish clearer regulations and utility requirements for future facilities.