Mack's Newtown Voice

This "Deep Dive" podcast delves into the October 2025 v2 issue of the Newtown News of Interest newsletter , which provides an overview of local government news and controversies in Newtown, PA, primarily focusing on topics discussed at various Board of Supervisors meetings in late 2025.

The source provides a detailed transcript of a Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting held on October 22, 2025, primarily focusing on the 2026 budget presentation for the township. Key financial topics include projected revenues, a structural deficit in the general fund that is currently offset by fund balance but may require a future tax millage increase, and specific increases proposed for the fire protection fund and rescue squad fund. The meeting also features extensive public comment regarding several contentious issues, including the recent and unexplained parking ticketing at the New Town Gate development and confusion and controversy surrounding the status and costs associated with a proposed, but now confirmed "dead," sewer plant project. Additionally, the board addresses various zoning applications and planning commission recommendations, ultimately voting on issues such as the proposed height and residential unit for a new mini-storage building.

The provided excerpts from the Newtown Township 2026 Proposed Manager's Budget offer a comprehensive look at the municipality's financial planning and departmental operations. These documents outline the fund structure, detailing various governmental funds, their major revenue sources, and the services they provide, such as the General Fund supporting Public Safety and Public Works, and special revenue funds for fire and rescue services. Furthermore, the text gives an overview of departmental descriptions and staffing levels, noting proposed capital purchases and personnel changes, including a planned increase in full-time employees from 79 in 2025 to 82.5 in 2026, primarily due to additional firefighters. Financial details include a history of real estate tax levies showing a significant millage increase over the last five years, a debt service summary for General Obligation Notes, and a detailed look at the General Fund's budgeted versus actual surplus/deficit history, which relies on applying surplus fund balance to offset planned deficits in 2026.

The October 21, 2025, #NewtownPA Planning Commission meeting showcased how details define Newtown's character—from the right tree species to the right wall sign direction. It's easy to dismiss these sessions as technical, but in reality, they shape how our township looks, feels, and functions. The tone was cooperative, the debates civil, and the outcome pragmatic. If supervisors follow suit, residents can expect steady progress on both environmental stewardship and responsible redevelopment.

The provided source is the "Newtown Borough Fire Protection Study 2022," prepared by the Governor's Center for Local Government Services in Pennsylvania to assess the fire service costs for Newtown Borough, Bucks County. This analysis was requested by the municipality to evaluate the cost of fire protection, which is currently provided through a symbiotic relationship with Newtown Township. The report examines the history and current structure of fire protection, noting that the service is delivered by a combination of the Newtown Fire Association and the Newtown Township Department of Emergency Services. A major component of the study is the Fair Share Cost Analysis, which calculates various potential fee structures for the Borough's contribution to the Township's fire protection budget using methods like the ratio of calls, population, and assessed valuation. Ultimately, the document presents several fire protection options for the Borough, ranging from reaching a new long-term agreement with the Township to establishing its own municipal fire department.

This "Deep Dive" podcast concerns ongoing negotiations between Newtown Borough and Newtown Township regarding a new intermunicipal agreement for fire protection services, as the current agreement is set to expire.

The provided documents detail a Variance Request (#1237-25) submitted to the Newtown Township Zoning Hearing Board by the Newtown Racquetball Association, operating as the Newtown Athletic Club (NAC), regarding an existing wall sign. The core issue is that the NAC installed an illuminated "NAC" wall sign in 2019 that violates existing zoning regulations concerning sign location, number of signs, and maximum allowed sign size. Specifically, the club seeks variances to allow the sign to remain in its current location facing the Bypass, permit two signs on one street frontage, and increase the maximum allowed sign size from 16 square feet to 31.389 square feet. The application includes historical context, showing that the NAC had previously received sign variances in 2014 and 2019, but a recent notice from the Zoning Officer indicated the new sign was unauthorized and non-compliant.

The sources for this "Deep Dive" podcast are excerpts from the October 8, 2025, Newtown Township Board of Supervisors meeting where members of the Newtown Gate Townhouse Association voiced strong complaints regarding traffic congestion, speeding, and a sudden, strict enforcement of parking regulations on Fountain Farm Lane. Chet Zaremba, the association president, detailed the residents' anger over new ticketing after 35 years of unhindered parking and questioned the fairness, pointing out that a township-employed tow truck driver was previously allowed to park there with impunity despite safety concerns. Another resident, John Lagomarsino, suggested modifying the road's classification and white fog lines based on his engineering research, proposing designated parking zones as a solution to both the parking shortage and traffic issues. Supervisors acknowledged the problem, with Supervisor Fisher committing to walking the area to seek solutions and Supervisor Mack suggesting hiring traffic experts, while the Police Chief confirmed that ticketing would continue due to the public safety hazard of cars encroaching into oncoming traffic to bypass parked vehicles.

This "Deep Dive" documents the administrative and project-based activities of Newtown Township, focusing on municipal projects. The Board of Supervisors Meeting Agenda for October 8, 2025, outlined upcoming actions, including a public hearing for a PRD variance, considering payment of bills totaling over $750,000, and authorizing the solicitor to address fire services and a pedestrian bridge agreement. In the Newtown Gate community, a long-simmering frustration has boiled over. After decades of an established parking culture, the township has suddenly begun issuing tickets to residents parking along Fountain Farm Lane, igniting a firestorm of protest from residents who feel blindsided and ignore Also discussed is a detailed briefing on the Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement (IGA), which confirms the partnership between the Township and Newtown Borough for the $999,979 Newtown Creek Pedestrian Bridge Project, explaining the shared funding responsibilities, the Township's role as grant recipient, and the mandatory arbitration process for dispute resolution.

This "Deep Dive" podcast reviews Newtown Township Ordinance No. 2018-0-8, also known as the Newtown Township Anti-Discrimination Ordinance, enacted in November 2018, which establishes the Newtown Township Human Relations Commission. This ordinance broadly prohibits discrimination in areas like employment, housing, and public accommodations based on numerous characteristics, including race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability. More to the point with regard to recent news, the document explicitly prohibits "Conversion Therapy" for use with minors by mental health professionals. Furthermore, the law established a local Human Relations Commission and details the procedures for filing complaints with the newly created Commission, including options for a fact-finding conference or expanded investigation procedures. Finally, the ordinance ensures an aggrieved person has a private right of action to pursue remedies, such as emotional distress and exemplary damages, in court.

This a "Deep Dive" podcast into Newtown Township Supervisor John Mack's September 2025 timesheet, detailing his work activities, hours, and compensation for the month. This records tracks 31.17 total hours worked, categorized by type, with preparation for meetings consuming the largest percentage of time at 42%. Specific activities include attending various township meetings like the Board of Supervisors (BOS), Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB), and Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC), as well as interactions with residents concerning issues such as traffic safety, property lines, and Little League field maintenance. The timesheet also calculates the hourly rate based on the yearly stipend and breaks down hours by day and category, illustrating the distribution of the supervisor's time across required and optional duties.

The provided source for this "Deep Dive" podcast is an Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement between the Township of Newtown, the Borough of Newtown and the Newtown Creek Coalition. Only the township and borough, however, are the designated signatories to this agreement. This formal document outlines the planning, funding, and construction of a pedestrian bridge over Newtown Creek, which is being called the "Bridge Project." [Refer to the Briefing Document for a detailed summary: https://rebrand.ly/NTcreekIGAbriefing] The agreement specifies that the project is funded primarily by a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania grant of almost one million dollars and mandates cooperation among the entities for aspects like contract management, bidding, cost-sharing for non-grant expenses, and the handling of disputes through arbitration. It also assigns the responsibilities for design, construction oversight, and long-term maintenance among the three parties, confirming their mutual benefit from the project. Approval of this agreement by the township is to be considered at the 8 October 2025 Board of Supervisors meeting.

This "Deep Dive" podcast reviews the working draft for a Joint Municipal Zoning Ordinance (JMZO) for the Newtown Area, specifically addressing Sign Definitions as of September 4, 2025. This extensive list offers precise definitions for numerous types of signs, ranging from permanent and temporary displays like "MONUMENT SIGN" and "FEATHER FLAG SIGN" to signs categorized by location, such as "AWNING SIGN" and "ROOF SIGN." The text also defines technical aspects of signage, including types of illumination ("HALO ILLUMINATION SIGN," "NEON SIGN") and movement ("ANIMATION," "MECHANICAL MOVEMENT SIGN"), alongside regulatory classifications like "ABANDONED SIGN" and "NONCONFORMING SIGN." Furthermore, the draft includes legal and administrative references, such as the "BUILDING CODE" and existing definitions indicated with an asterisk, demonstrating its function as a comprehensive regulatory framework for signage within the joint zoning area (Newtown, Wrightstown, and Upper Makefield)..

The sources for this podcast comprise several emails between Newtown Township residents and officials regarding ongoing safety and parking issues along Fountain Farm Lane and surrounding streets. The correspondence reveals that residents like Ed McCorry and Steve Bacher have repeatedly raised concerns about speeding, illegal parking that obstructs traffic, dangerous stop sign violations, and the lack of pedestrian crosswalks. In response, an official relays that the police chief acknowledges the enforcement issue but notes that resources are limited, confirming that illegal parking on the fog line will result in ticketing. Conversely, other residents, including Gary and Janice Malanowski and Vincent Luisi, express anger and surprise at the recent ticketing for parking on Fountain Farm Lane, arguing that this practice is new and asking for clarification on where residents and visitors should park, especially during the upcoming holiday season.

Upper Silver Lake Storage Unit Sketch Plan Discussion The provided text contains excerpts from a Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS) transcript that focuses on a sketch plan review for a proposed three-story mini storage facility at 98 Upper Silver Lake Road. The discussion involves Planning Commission representative Peggy Driscoll and BOS members, primarily addressing variances and waivers sought by the developer, 1784 Holdings. A major point of contention is the plan to include one apartment for a caretaker manager, which is not permitted under the current LI (light industrial) zoning district when combined with an industrial use. Supervisors expressed concern over setting a legal precedent by allowing the residential unit, while the Planning Commission generally favors the sketch plan and views the on-site presence as an enhancement to security. Other key issues mentioned include the building's proposed height (42 feet), the large number of storage units (800), and the limited number of loading docks.

The source for this "Deep Dive" podcast is a transcript from the 24 September 2025 Newtown Board of Supervisors meeting, detailing several key discussions and resident concerns. Public comments focus heavily on a parking enforcement issue at Newtown Gate, where a resident representative argues against recent ticketing on Fountain Farm Lane and alleges a double standard in enforcement. Another resident addresses traffic and pedestrian safety issues at the intersection of Summit and Newtown Gate, specifically requesting a right-turn lane and better crosswalk provisions. The meeting includes a Planning Commission report discussing land development applications, including a proposed mini-storage facility that requires several variances, notably for a manager's apartment that is not a permitted use. Finally, board members discuss an ongoing, contentious fire services agreement negotiation with Newtown Borough and provide updates on local infrastructure projects, such as sewer line replacements and the status of a proposed pedestrian bridge that the board ultimately voted against approving the current agreement for due to financial concerns.

The source for this "Deep Dive" podcast is a transcript excerpt from a Newtown Board of Supervisors meeting on September 24, 2025, specifically focusing on a public comment and subsequent discussion regarding zoning enforcement and code violations. A resident, Charlie Feuer (pronounced Foy·er), raised concerns about the status of a cease and desist order issued to a restaurant named Melange Louisiana on North Sycamore Street for unauthorized construction, emphasizing the importance of preserving the historic nature of the area. Mr. Feuer also noted that the restaurant's representatives failed to appear at a subsequent zoning hearing. The Board and its solicitor clarified that the restaurant cannot open without a certificate of occupancy and compliance with zoning regulations, even if internal refurbishment continues. The discussion broadened to a general concern about inconsistent zoning enforcement across the township, particularly regarding sign ordinances, with supervisors asserting that due process and the zoning officer's role must be followed to address violations through fines or court action to prevent non-compliance from becoming widespread. NOTE: The number of Melange's potentially illegal signs is 7, not nine. There are 2 other signs, which by themselves would be allowed by the signage ordinance.

This podcast summarizes a stand-up comedy routine delivered by John Mack, who is a Newtown supervisor and a retiree. Mack uses his time on stage to joke about his experience as an elected official, highlighting the often trivial nature of local political complaints in his community, which he compares to "Pleasantville" issues. The would-be comedian jokes about the extraordinary number of chicken restaurants in Newtown and recites in the "Bubba Gump" mode the many varieties of chicken available. Even the dead have complaints says Mack who related how "people" at the local cemetery opposed a propose sidewalk abutting the cemetery on a busy road. He concludes by sharing that despite the low pay he receives for his supervisor role, he decided to become a comedian after a resident called him a "clown," assuring his audience that he is happy to serve both the living and dead residents of Newtown.

The source for this podcast is an excerpt from a September 22, 2025, "Meet Mack Monday" Zoom meeting transcript, which serves as an in-depth summary of local government topics and community concerns, led by Supervisor John Mack. The discussion covers a wide range of issues, including a controversial mixed-use development proposal by Jim Worthington (Goodnoe Homestead), various concerns about historic preservation and signage at a new restaurant called Melange, and the ongoing saga of the sewer authority's land dispute and rate increases. Much of the meeting focused on pedestrian and traffic safety concerns at specific crosswalks and intersections, as well as updates on road paving and a planned pollinator garden community planting event. Finally, the meeting covered the Council Rock North Little League's request for water access at Veterans Park and proposed changes to the local landscape ordinance concerning native plants.

Newtown Planning Commission Synopsis: September 16, 2025 This synopsis of a Newtown Township Planning Commission meeting details, discussions ,and recommendations for two land development proposals. The first proposal concerns subdividing a 5.11-acre parcel on Upper Silver Lake Road into three residential lots, with the Commission recommending approval contingent upon the requirement of sidewalks, crosswalks, and handicapped ramps. The second discussion centered on a sketch plan for a three-story mini-storage facility at 98 Upper Silver Lake Road, replacing a former bank. A significant point of contention was the proposed inclusion of a manager's apartment, which is not permitted under current Light Industrial zoning. Despite the zoning conflict, the Commission ultimately voted to support the sketch plan, though there was division regarding the proposed dwelling unit variance, with supporters citing enhanced site security as a benefit.

The 16 September 2025 presentation by the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority (BCWSA) and Carol Engineering covered several key environmental and infrastructure topics relevant to Middletown and Newtown Townships, including the Neshaminy Interceptor replacement project, challenges with infiltration and inflow (I&I), water supply, and associated planning and operational concerns.

The Newtown Township Board of Supervisors 10 Sept 2025 public meeting covered several key topics, beginning with a special proclamation honoring Chief Glenn Foresight for 50 years of distinguished service in fire services, which includes a personal address from the Chief himself. The public comment section featured residents from Chandler Hall advocating for improved crosswalk safety on South Sycamore Street, citing increased traffic and the vulnerability of elderly residents, supported by a petition. Additionally, there's discussion regarding a proposed large apartment complex on Sycamore Street, with some residents expressing concern over perceived overdevelopment and the board's receptiveness to large businesses. The meeting also included the approval of signage for two new businesses, a tattoo parlor and a dog grooming salon, along with a public hearing for Newtown Bagel's expansion into an adjacent vacant space. Finally, the meeting touched upon routine administrative items and a police chief's report detailing August's activities and crime statistics, including concerns about vehicle thefts and e-bike regulations.

During a Newtown Township Board of Supervisors meeting on September 10, 2025, resident Bradley Cooper expressed significant concern regarding a proposal by Jim Worthington to develop the Goodnoe's Farmstead on Sycamore Street into a large apartment complex with ground-floor businesses. Cooper argued that Newtown Township supervisors consistently favor business development over the interests of residents, citing a pattern of approving large-scale projects despite widespread public opposition. He highlighted that residents frequently attend meetings to oppose such developments, yet their concerns about overdevelopment, increased traffic, and the destruction of existing character are often disregarded. Cooper specifically mentioned an incident where a Wawa representative allegedly became aggressive with the planning commission after receiving a negative recommendation, suggesting that powerful developers often get their way. He concluded by urging the supervisors to prioritize the well-being of Newtown residents over developers' interests, emphasizing that these businesses often show little regard for the community.

At the 10 September 2025 Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting, residents and the CEO of Chandler Hall advocated for enhanced crosswalk safety. Speakers, including Laura Lee Stucky, CEO John Whitman, and Marcia Stemer, highlighted increased traffic, the advanced age and reduced mobility of residents, and previous close calls and accidents as reasons for concern. They specifically requested the installation of brighter, more active flashing lights at the existing crosswalk, similar to a successful installation nearby, to improve pedestrian visibility and driver awareness. BOS Chair Elen Snyder promised to have the township engineer review the issue and perhaps conduct a traffic study. After the meeting, supervisor Mack suggested the issue be formally presented as a motion and voted on at the next BOS meeting before the township engineer begins work.

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.