Mack's Newtown Voice

This podcast is a "Deep Dive" into proposed revisions to #NewtownPA SALDO regulations concerning plant installation in land development. These revisions, which were summarized at the September 2 Planning Commission meeting, emphasize a 100% native plant requirement for all new plantings in subdivisions and developments, explicitly prohibiting invasive species and their cultivars. The updates also introduce new diversity standards for species, set stricter tree protection zone requirements, and revise approved plant lists to favor hardy, native, and disease-resistant options while removing non-native and invasive selections. Furthermore, the changes mandate the use of native, pollinator-supporting vegetation in stormwater management areas and establish more rigorous landscaping requirements for parking lots, buffer yards, and multi-family developments, all while adhering to updated planting and nursery standards for quality control.

The New Town Township Zoning Hearing Board convened a meeting on September 4, 2025, to address a zoning appeal, number 1236-25, concerning the property at 255 North Sycamore Street (Mélange on Sycamore). The applicant sought permission for six window signs, each 5.6 feet in size, which significantly exceeded the permitted two square feet per sign and were not allowed under previous grants of relief. During the meeting, the applicant's council failed to appear, leading the board to an executive session to discuss the matter. Due to the applicant's absence, the board denied the relief and dismissed the application without prejudice, allowing for a future reapplication. A board member expressed concern about the existing, unapproved window installations, clarifying that enforcement would be handled by the board of supervisors, code officer, and zoning officer, as the zoning hearing board's role is solely to hear appeals and variance requests.

These memoir excerpts by John Mack offer a multifaceted look into his life. "In My Brother's Shadow" explores his academic and anti-war activism during the Vietnam era, highlighting his decision to leave a Ph.D. program to pursue community organizing. "More Cow Valve Please!" details his recent, life-saving heart surgery, where a cow valve replaced his aortic valve, emphasizing the unexpected and vital role this object plays in his continued health. "My Major Life Work" recounts his transition from various professional roles to an elected township official, describing how he "stumbled" into public service but found it to be a calling for communication and community improvement. Finally, "Unforgettable Family Member" paints a vivid picture of his father as the family patriarch, sharing anecdotes like a childhood incident involving wine-making and the simple joy of a handmade toy.

This presentation made before the #NewtownPA Planning Commission on 2 September 2025 focuses on the revised landscape ordinance for the township, specifically the new requirement for 100% native plants in development projects. Kim Flanders, a registered landscape architect with CKS Engineers, defines native plants as those that have evolved in a given place, forming complex relationships with their environment and other organisms, and distinguishes them from cultivars, hybrids, and adaptive plants. The discussion highlights the benefits of native plants for wildlife, particularly insects and birds, and addresses common misconceptions, such as them being easier to grow or immune to diseases. Challenges with implementing the new ordinance are explored, including plant availability, specific growing conditions, and the need for planting diversity to mitigate disease impact. The presentation also touches on practical considerations like street tree placement to avoid infrastructure damage and the importance of professional landscape review.

This podcast was created by Google NotebookLM based on the text from a comedy routine delivered by Newtown Township Supervisor John Mack. Mack, who is retired and identifies as "old," uses humor to discuss the unexpected realities of local politics and the challenges of being a public servant. The routine covers a range of local issues, from the abundance of fast-food chicken establishments to controversies surrounding a proposed sewage treatment plant and even opposition from "dead residents" regarding a sidewalk project. Mack playfully laments the low pay and high demands of the role, ultimately suggesting that stand-up comedy might offer more respect than public service.

How a Hiccup in Rules Exposed a Battle for Heritage I provided NotebookLM with the transcript from a YouTube video featuring Craig Deutsch's Comments at 13 August 2025 Newtown Board of Supervisors meeting (https://youtu.be/zERFq8CajU0) and it generated this podcast. The video features a discussion concerning violations of historic district regulations by an applicant (Mélange on Sycamore). The central issue revolves around the unapproved replacement of historically compliant windows with single-pane windows, and the addition of etched glass signage, without proper review or permits. Concerns are raised regarding the absence of a building permit requirement for window replacements in the historic district, a loophole that hinders enforcement. The conversation highlights the importance of preserving the historic integrity of the township and the need for new ordinances to mandate permits for changes to historic properties, ensuring compliance with architectural standards and review processes by the Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB). The discussion also touches upon the demolition of a bar without a permit, with existing code enforcement actions underway for these violations.

I provided NotebookLM with the transcript from a YouTube video featuring Craig Deutsch's Comments at 13 August 2025 Newtown Board of Supervisors meeting (https://youtu.be/zERFq8CajU0) and it generated this podcast. The video features a discussion concerning violations of historic district regulations by an applicant (Mélange on Sycamore). The central issue revolves around the unapproved replacement of historically compliant windows with single-pane windows, and the addition of etched glass signage, without proper review or permits. Concerns are raised regarding the absence of a building permit requirement for window replacements in the historic district, a loophole that hinders enforcement. The conversation highlights the importance of preserving the historic integrity of the township and the need for new ordinances to mandate permits for changes to historic properties, ensuring compliance with architectural standards and review processes by the Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB). The discussion also touches upon the demolition of a bar without a permit, with existing code enforcement actions underway for these violations.

Discussion regarding EDUs.

At the 8 July 2025 public meeting of the NBCJMA (Newtown Bucks County Joint Municipal Authority, aka Newtown Sewer Authority) Board, two items were discussed/voted on that are of interest to residents: (1) Adoption of Policy for Conduct of Authority Meetings, and (2) Approval of the 2025/2026 Budget. Item (1) actually concerns the intent of the Board to limit public comments. As the Solicitor said the "desire" of the Board is to remove the paragraph in the resolution that says "For ALL (emphasis added) on the agenda, the Board will accept public comment prior to each official action." This may not be acted upon until the August 2025 or September 2025 Authority Board meeting. Item (2) is the votes to approve the 2025/2026 Budget, which was not released to the public. Of interest is the comments by the Authority Manager Mike Menditto who said there is NO rate increase and there is "no section or category for waste water treatment plant."

At the 24 June 2025 public meeting of the Newtown Bucks County Joint Municipality Authority (aka Newtown Sewer Authority) Advisory Board, several residents in attendance voiced opinions about several issues including making these meetings more accessible to the public. Residents also had questions about the future of the land purchased by the Authority. At the end of the meeting, the Board discussed a new policy for public comments at meetings as if to say, "We heard you. Now we need to codify/limit(?) how the the public can make comments at our meetings." At a Newtown Board of Supervisors public meeting, resident Valerie Mihalek asked if the Sewer Authority meetings could be moved to the evenings and videotaped to be more convenient for residents to attend (view the video. She made the same request as did Supervisor John Mack at the Sewer Authority Board meeting. At the BOS meeting, Chairperson Elen Snyder said it would be difficult for her to attend another evening meeting and the Authority members felt the same. But if she resigns from the Board, which she unofficially indicated she will do, perhaps the Authority would be open to having public meetings at night when it is easier for working residents (and Board members) to attend.

At the 11 February 2025 Newtown Bucks County Joint Municipal Authority (aka Newtown Sewer Authority) Advisory Board public meeting, several residents from Newtown and Middletown demanded answers to their questions regarding the sewage treatment plant that the Authority is planning to build on Lower Silver Lake Rd in Newtown. [For more on that, read "Opposition Builds to Proposed #NewtownPA Sewage Treatment Plant'; https://johnmacknewtown.info/ntnu_feb2025.html]. Most people were incensed about the recent 47% rate increase. The Authority did not answer the questions posed but suggested that residents email them and they will respond. Newtown Supervisors John Mack requested that all such questions with answers be posted to the Authority's FAQ list web site. Mack likened the way the land was purchased after condemning to a shot gun wedding -their purchase price ($9 million) was an offer that could not be refused.. Plus it blocked any chance that the township could compete to buy the land to keep it undeveloped open space - an issue that was brought up at a recent joint Newtown Environmental Advisory Council meeting.

At the 14 January 2025 Newtown Sewer Authority public meeting, residents from Middletown and Newtown had several questions regarding the proposed Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP, aka Sewerage Treatment Plant) on Lower Silver Lake Road abutting Middletown. One important question had to do with ACT 537, which currently provides: "The Township's continued use and expansion of the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority's (BCWSA) conveyance system that includes the Neshaminy Interceptor for sewage conveyance to the City of Philadelphia's Northeast Water Pollution Control Facility." This act would have to be modified by BOTH Newtown Township AND Newtown Borough to allow the use of a local sewage treatment plant that would send its effluent to Lake Luxembourg. Read "Water Treatment Expert Comments on Proposed Newtown WWTP"; https://rebrand.ly/RayPostonPatch

At the 16 October 2024, Newtown Sewer Authority Board meeting, Mr. Mark Friend, who lives at 15 Stoopville Rd in Newtown, questioned the high increase in his sewer bill. Mr. Friend has well water. His sewer rate increased from $90 per quarter at the end of 1992. In 2023 the rate went up to $125. Now (2025) the rate is $183 per quarter. A 100% increase over 2 years. Hear what the sewer authority told him.

At the September 23, 2024, Meeting Mack Monday Zoom meeting, participants discussed several issues including road paving, Blue Zones, Wawa delays, new sewage treatment plant, crosswalk on Bypass, working with the Middletown Traffic Committee, 2025 police & fire budget, Silver Lake Park, etc.

At the 16 December 2024 Middletown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting, Middletown Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) Vice Chair Andy McAloon expressed concerns about potential flooding caused by the plant, which will dump million of gallons per day of effluent into Core Creek.

At the 16 December 2024 Middletown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting, Kevin Deeny - a member of Middletown's Environmental Advisory Council - expressed concern about the environmental impact of the proposed Waste Water (aka Sewage) Treatment Plant (WWTP) that the Newtown Sewer Authority plans to build on Lower Silver Lake Rd on the border with Middletown. Mr. Deeny specifically mentioned that effluent (treated water discharge from the plant) will pass through one of the primary recreational resources that's totally within Middletown Township and its impact on lake Luxembourg. "We've been watching Lake Luxembourg for quite a while," said Mr. Deeny. "We're interested from a water quality standpoint an from environmental standpoint." He said the lake has already been determined by the state and federal government to be “impaired” by nitrogen and phosphorus, and the plant could “offset all of our efforts to restore it.” Read: “Proposed sewer plant in Newtown Township inflames Middletown residents“; https://rebrand.ly/Herald_WWTP Related Content: "Middletown Residents Voice Concerns Over Proposed Newtown Twp. Wastewater Treatment Plant "; https://sco.lt/5eTxSq

Presentation and Discussion Audio. Agenda: * Sewage Treatment Plant: Environmental Concerns * Proposed Pedestrian Sidewalk Along NT-Yardley Rd * Grant Awarded for Newtown Creek Bridge * Gas Leaf Blower Ban Survey Results * Pennsylvania Affordable Housing Survey * Changes to the 2025 Budget * 11 December 2024 BOS Meeting Agenda Privilege of the Floor: Open discussion with attendees

Host John Mack in Q&A session with attendees at the October 2024 Meet Mack Monday Zoom meeting.

This a recording of the Q&A session at the 16 October 2024 meeting of the Newtown Water & Sewer Authority public meeting. At issue was the 43% rate increase starting in 2026 (read "#NewtownPA Sewer Authority Rates to Increase 43%!"; https://sco.lt/8o4g9A) and the proposed sewage treatment plant down Lower Silver Lake Rd from the Wawa site on the Newtown Bypass (read "#NewtownPA Sewer Authority Purchases Land for Sewage Treatment Plant"; https://sco.lt/6VZozw).

At the 29 April 2024 Meet Mack Monday Zoom meeting, several attendees had a lively discussion regarding the proposal to build a drive-thru Chick-fil-A restaurant "on the Bypass" (actually at the northeast corner of the Bypass and Newtown-Yardley Rd diagonally across from the soon-to-be built Wawa). Specifically, the applicant is seeking relief for a proposed 6,110sq.ft. restaurant with drive-thru (Chick Fil-A) on and existing 3.21-acre corner property, with frontage on Newtown-Yardley Road and Upper Silver Lake Road, where a bank (TD Bank) with drive-thru are currently located. The proposed restaurant with drive-thru will require a use variance for the inclusion of a drive-thru service; dimensional variances for setbacks, drive aisle width and to allow the use within 300ft. of Newtown-Yardley Road and Newtown Bypass; and relief to allow additional signage on the property; and to allow a sign to face the Bypass.

17 June 2024 Meet Mack Monday Zoom meeting attendees discuss what's on their minds including: * Tara Blvd crosswalk safety improvements * The possibility of Wawa selling beer 24/7 * Problems with the LI/O-LI Overlay proposal * and other issues

On April 4, 2024, the #NewtownPA Zoning Hearing Board granted Appeal 1210-24: i.e., Newtown Artesian Water Company (NAWC), requested variances from and a special exception pursuant to the Joint Municipal Zoning Ordinance of 2006, as amended, specifically Section 404(C) to permit a rear yard setback of 36.46 feet where a minimum of 50 feet is required; Section 404(C) to permit a building height of 40 feet where a maximum of 35 feet is permitted; to permit the construction of a PFAS filtration plant. Supervisor Mack - a "party to the case" requested that a tree barrier be installed on the border with the Country Bend common ground to mitigate any noise generated by the facility.

At the 25 March 2024 Meet Mack Monday Zoom meeting, a resident asked how people were notified about a recent "shelter-in-place" alert in #newtownPA and suggested that residents sign up for Nixle to receive such alerts via text to their cell phones.

Attendees of the 25 March 2024 Meet Mack Monday Zoom meeting learn about the problems with the recently installed Lower Dolington Rd trail guiderail. The guiderail needs to be relocated because it was incorrectly installed, but the contractor - Associated Paving - refuses to respond to the township's requests that it do so!

Attendees of the 25 March 2024 Meeting Mack Monday Zoom meeting weigh in on the proposed replacement of the Washington Crossing Bridge.

At the 25 March 2024 Meet Mack Monday Zoom meeting, Environmental Advisory Council member Jan Filios discussed the proposed #NewtownPA Roberts Ridge Park meadow conversion plan.

Barbara Simmons, former Director of the Langhorne Peace Center, and currently a member of the Executive Board, NAACP Bucks County, attended the February 21, 2024, Newtown Human Relations Commission (HRC) meeting. Ms. Simmons informed HRC members of her work on the Bucks County Mural Project, which invites police and community members to paint murals in Bucks County. The goal is to allow people to get to know one another, begin to build trust and a relationship. The project includes murals in Morrisville, Falls Township Community Park, and Bristol Township Community Park. At the NT HRC meeting, Ms. Simmons discussed the possibility of doing a mural involving three communities: Newtown Township, Newtown Borough, and Middletown. This is an edited audio recording of that discussion.

This discussion took place at the April 14, 2022, meeting of the Newtown Township Human Relations Commission.

At the 14 February 2024 #NewtownPA Board of Supervisors public meeting, Mike Fuller, President/Founder of Keystone Lighting Solutions, presented the Final Project Overview for replacing all street lights in town with LED lights. This is an audio recording of the presentation and Q&A session that followed. You can find the presentation here: https://rebrand.ly/RSLPPpreso and detailed project specifications here: https://rebrand.ly/RSLLP_Specs Afterward, the supervisors approved a resolution to move forward with the "Base Upgrade" (manual controls) using a "Hybrid Approach"; i.e., 4000 K pure white lights for major roads and warmer, 3000 K lights for local roads and residential roads. A total of 1,613 lights will be replaced at an estimated net project cost (including contingency fees and PECO rebates) of $720,373. The annual operating cost savings will be $43,679 and the payback period is estimated to be 16.5 years.

On February 6, 2024, BET Investment presented to the #Newtown Planning Commission a revised plan for Newtown Corners, now called “Newtown Place.” The owner seeks a text amendment to the Joint Municipal Zoning Ordinance (JMZO) to allow a “Parking Core Apartment Building” in the TC (Town Center) district of Newtown Township. The current zoning does not allow for such a structure. Consequently, BET proposes to add this “B-11” use to the JMZO. This is a recording of the Q&A session. For more details and a summary, go to https://johnmacknewtown.info/6feb2024pc.html

The Borscht Belt Deli appealed the township's notice that the neon sign in its window is in violation of the township's signage ordinance that prohibits “any sign which is illuminated by inert gas or any form of exposed tubes…” (read “Borscht Belt Delicatessen Seeks Variance to Allow Neon Sign in Window”; https://sco.lt/58eUaW). The Newtown Township Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB) heard the case at its January 4, 2024, meeting; https://www.johnmacknewtown.info/4jan24zhb.html but put off its decision until its February 1, 2024, meeting. In a January 31, 2024 Facebook post, the deli owners asked supporters to "make their voices heard" before the February 1 meeting, fully expecting the ZHB's “Final Answer” to go against them “even though we proved our case by a mountain of evidence.” (listen https://sco.lt/5l1x7A). The ZHB's answer DID go against them in a 3-1 vote. After the decision, the deli's co-founder, Mike Dalewitz met with about 15 people outside the meeting room. He urged them to continue the fight. “With your involvement,” he said, “we can send a powerful message to local authorities and demonstrate the significance of preserving cultural landmarks and equal justice. Together, we can work towards fair and just enforcement of codes, ensuring that no one is unjustly targeted in the future.”

Review of Borscht Belt Neon Sign Zoning Hearing, Revitalization of the Human Relations Commission, Multi-Story Apartment Buildings Coming to the Li/OLI District, Residential Trash Pickup, Pedestrian Bridges Survey Update, and more...

At the 4 January 2024 meeting of the Newtown Township Zoning Hearing Board, the Borscht Belt attorney cited several businesses that he claims have neon signs in their windows such as Acqua e Farina at 50 Richboro Rd. This case was discussed by residents at the 22 January 2024 Meet Mack Monday Zoom meeting.

At the January 4, 2024, hearing before the #NewtownPA Zoning Board, Kathleen Donovan, owner of Barks County Dog Grooming testified in defense of her application for a variance to allow the operation of a dog grooming business located in a townhouse unit in Newtown Crossing where such use is not permitted as a Home Occupation or Accessory Office (H-1 use). Ms. Donovan testified that the Home Occupation or Accessory Office shall not constitute a possible nuisance to neighbors because of noise levels, odors, significantly increased traffic, extra lights and or night activity, the production or storage of hazardous products and by-products, or the keeping of dangerous animals. Several residents also spoke in favor of the application and it should be noted that the Board of Supervisors did not oppose this application. In the end, the Zoning Board granted approval of the variance as long as Ms. Donovan is the owner of the property.

Members of the public spoke up at the January 4, 2024, #NewtownPA Zoning Hearing Board regarding Borscht Belt Deli's appeal of a Notice of Violation issued by the township declaring that the neon sign in its window violation the JMZO's zoning ordinance. Read more about this here: https://sco.lt/58eUaW "This is a very troubling situation," Eric Pomerantz told the Newtown Zoning Hearing Board. "Why wasn't there an investigation done to assess the number of other businesses in violation before issuing the violation to the Borscht Belt? Because we hear that they only respond to complaints," he said. "So you present to our community that you're doing the bidding of this person who has demonstrated hostility. It certainly feels like selective enforcement given that all the other businesses operated their signs without issue. It certainly feels like the Jewish community has been singled out for enforcement while others are not," he said. "We're part of the community. What's happening here is not something you should be proud of. So what's your solution? If I were in your position, I would invite them (the Borscht Belt) to submit an application for a variance because legally Mr. Sander may be right, but morally he is wrong. And this will be something the community will not forget," said Pomerantz. As reported in the Newtown Patch, Rabbi Charles Briskin from Congregation Shir Ami in Newtown spoke in support of the appeal, speaking about the letter of the law and the spirit of the law. "The spirit of the law says this is a business that has a lovely sign in the window, that does not say anything offensive. It is not blinking and it's not obnoxious," he said. "It is a sign that is simply here to announce a business, a culture, a tradition. I hope that this board could find that compromise between the letter of the law and the spirit of the law. "Perhaps the letter of the law says there was a violation. The spirit of the law is that Mike and Dave simply want to have a lovely sign that announces this wonderful restaurant, this wonderful addition to our community." Resident Brandon Win, the former president of Congregation Brothers of Israel in Newtown and a former member of the zoning hearing board, said "I am repulsed by the notion that people are using the term antisemitism about a sign. What we have here is the enforcement of an ordinance that has been in place for decades," he said. "If it's a selective enforcement, it is the applicant's prerogative to take up a claim in the appropriate forum. This is not that. This is an argument about an appeal about whether or not they violated the code that is in place today and has been. It is no more. It is no less."

As reported in the Newtown Patch: In arguing the township's case before the board, Township Solicitor Dave Sander asked the zoning hearing board to uphold the law and to reject the appeal. “This is a zoning case limited to a sign that is neon that appears in the front window of a business in the township. A complaint was received by the zoning officer. She investigated it. She saw what she believed to be a violation of the sign ordinance. “The sign is what it is,” said Sander. “It is a neon sign that's hanging in the front window and it violates the zoning ordinance. There's no question about that. The issue that there are other (neon) signs (at other businesses in the township) is not at issue here. "The appellants have made this a case of disparaging treatment, of singling this business out based on content because it is a Jewish deli. It's being made into something that's much more suited for argument before the federal bench. This is a very simple case. This is an illegal sign. This person was cited. Others were cited and are now in compliance ... So let's not go down the rabbit hole of selective enforcement and antisemitism and content-based enforcement.” Sander asked the zoning board “to focus its decision and first hold that it was not timely filed based on the paperwork filed, but secondly, the sign is in violation of the zoning ordinance and the zoning officer issued a true, correct and proper enforcement notice.” “There has been selective enforcement of this zoning code in that there are examples throughout this township that have allowed these neon signs to exist,” argued Alan Nochumson, the Borscht Belt's lawyer. “We're asking that the board stop any kind of monetary fines because of this selective enforcement. “It's an either-or scenario," said Nochumson. "Either you prohibit every single neon sign or you allow every single neon sign in the township. You cannot condone this activity that has been perpetrated by this zoning officer who has turned a blind eye to other people because of the content of the speech.”

Several residents made comments prior to the #NewtownPA Board of Supervisors (BOS) 4-1 vote (Kyle Davis voting nay) to approve the Single-Use Plastic Bag ordinance, which will go into effect on April 9, 2023. Speakers include: Bradley Cooper, John D'Aprile, Elaine McCarron, and Elen Snyder.

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 (LINK: https://rebrand.ly/PlasticsBan_v6a). 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?"

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.

At the 17 October 2023 meeting of the #NewtownPA Planning Commission (PC), members failed to agree unanimously to recommend approval of certain aspects of Capital Grille's signage plan. Specifically, some members had problems with the huge 13ft 4" by 6ft 0" (80 square ft) sign that Capital Grille proposes to affix to the rear facade of the building that faces Silo Drive. The rationale for such a big sign in an unusual location is to make it easier for people driving North on South Eagle Rd in the shopping center to find the restaurant. Edward Murphy, Esq., Wisler Pearlstine, representing Capital Grille, said the dimensions of the sign should be measured based on the size of the lettering and that the black background should not figure into the calculation to determine if it is up to code. PC Member Terry Christensen, however, said "changing the way the square footage of signage is calculated by only counting the letters...that's an argument that I don't think we are competent to work on" versus the wording of the ordinance.

At the 17 October 2023 #NewtownPA Planning Commission (PC) meeting, I spoke up about my concerns regarding the O-LI/LI ("Business Commons") Overly Plan. Find the plan here: The PC - working with Bucks Planning Commission (BCPC) experts - is near to finalizing the Plan to recommend to the Board of Supervisors (BOS). Before this comes to a vote by the supervisors, I expressed a need to have more discussion of the plan's details. This is an audio recording of my comments made at the PC meeting. I specifically have major concerns about "mixed-use" development, which is a major aspect of the Overlay Plan. See related content: * "The Ground-Floor Window Into What's Ailing "Mixed Use" Development: A Lesson for #NewtownPA?"; https://sco.lt/7gzl1U * “Live, Work, Play? Developers Are Eyeing Mixed-use Centers for Bucks County...But Are They Attractive to Residents?”; https://sco.lt/4jVaVs * “#NewtownPA Business Commons ‘Mixed-Use' Mix-Up”; https://sco.lt/586HnU * “Challenging Traditional "Euclidian Zoning" As It Applies to Newtown Township”; https://www.johnmacknewtown.info/euclidzonevid.html

This 30-minute discussion was recorded at the 16 October Meet Mack Monday (MMM) Zoom meeting, which focused on the draft 2024 #NewtownPA budget. See the video presentation that was made prior to the discussion: https://youtu.be/arT6ui-fx2M MMM attendees commented on the proposed tax increase, road program, and other aspects of the budget. One resident asked if the budget was reviewed by an outside expert. It should be noted that many aspects of the budget followed the guidelines of a 5-year plan prepared by outside consultants. Find that plan here: https://www.johnmacknewtown.info/UserFiles/files/Newtown_ESI_Final_STMP_Report_10-13-20.pdf Also discussed were updates on Wawa construction, plans for a sewage treatment plant, and an update on a developer's challenge to Newtown zoning.

Mary Donaldson - a member of the Economic Development Committee (EDC) - discusses how an Overlay to the LI and OLI zoning districts would allow for additional uses that are currently not permitted. Her comments were made at the September 21, 2021, EDC public meeting.

This is my complete recording of the first 80 minutes or so of the meeting - I had to leave early. Mr. Hanney offered a more detailed summary of PennDOT's rationale for the above position in a September 16, 2021, letter sent to the Township and participants (https://bit.ly/PennDOTresponseLtr). The letter responds to the community's concerns and clarifies why certain alternatives are not acceptable and provides additional information about each alternative and reasons for why it is or is not acceptable.

The 75-minute audio recording of the September 20, 2021, Meet Mack Monday meeting (via Zoom). The major issue discussed was the Toll Bros proposed settlement. For links to resources relevant to this, see my meeting notes: https://www.johnmacknewtown.info/mmm20sep2021.html

Lisa Wolff Reviews 2020 Census Jointure Race Data

Lisa Wolff Reviews Change in Jointure Population

Lisa Wolff Reviews Jointure Population Trend

Lisa Wolff Reviews 2020 Census Data on Jointure Housing

At the 18 Sept 2023, #NewtownPA BOS meeting, Supervisor John Mack secured his right to hear and judge the evidence provided by KRE Upper Macungie Associates, LLC (“Applicant”) in its challenge to Newtown's zoning. During the hearing, Mr. Mack asked the applicant's expert witness - Town Planner Thomas J. Comitta - to clarify remarks he made in his testimony. Recall that KRE is seeking to build a multistory, 245-unit apartment building on Lower Silver Lake Road and has claimed that the Town's Zoning is unconstitutional because it doesn't allow such as use. Mr. Mack focused on the applicant's claim that experts such as the Bucks County Planning Commission believe that the township requires such a use to satisfy the needs of a forecast of a substantial increase in population.

This is an edited recording of the discussion I had with residents who attended the 11 September 2023 Meet Mack Monday Zoom meeting. Among the topics discussed were; (1) Lower Dolington Road Trail problems identified by residents and by the township engineering firm, and (2) The proposed plan to amend the zoning to allow the development of a 120-unit "Garage Core" apartment complex off of South Sycamore Street, behind the 711.