NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENT
23 September 2026 BOS Meeting Summary
Chandler Hall Sale, Silver Lake Road Development, La Scala's Fire, Road Improvements. Linton Hill Rd repairs, bills list & More
The September 23, 2026, Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting focused heavily on public concern regarding two major local developments:
- Preserving Chandler Hall's Mission
- The potential residential development of the Newtown Water and Sewer Authority property on Lower Silver Lake Road
- Bills List Approval
- Conflict of Interest Allegation
- Conditional Use Approval of La Scala Fire restaurant
- Engineering & Infrastructure regarding the Linton Hill Road paving project
- Environmental Afvisory Council Reorg?
John Mack formally requested that the Board adopt a resolution supporting the position of State Senator Steve Santarsiero and State Representative Perry Warren regarding the proposed sale of Chandler Hall.
The Central Concern
The proposed transition from a nonprofit organization to a for-profit LLC raises concerns about preserving Chandler Hall's Quaker-based mission and maintaining the quality of skilled nursing and memory care.
The eviction of the YMCA fitness and childcare centers was highlighted as a sign of shifting priorities.
In addition, Salute2Service, a nonprofit organization that provides food, clothing, counseling, and other services to veterans and their families, was also asked to leave the building it occupied (see image below).
Requested Board Action
Mack asked the supervisors to support the state legislators' position and urge the Pennsylvania Attorney General (OAG)/Orphans' Court (see below) to require legally enforceable protections for existing residency agreements and staffing levels as a condition of the sale.
Senator Santarsiero's and Representative Warren's letter
Update from the PA Attorney General's Office
According to a recent update from the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, this matter was turned over to the PA Orphan’s Court, which s a specialized division of the county Court of Common Pleas. Despite its historical name, its primary role today is overseeing the protection and administration of vulnerable individuals, estates, trusts, and fiduciary assets. Chandler Hall filed a formal petition for the sale of assets and transfer of operations with the Bucks County Orphans' Court.
- The Core Matter: Chandler Hall, a nonprofit, Quaker-affiliated senior care facility, has petitioned the court to approve the transfer of operations and the sale of its 13-acre facility and assets to a private entity/operator (SilverWave / Propco).
- Operational Continuity: In its petition, Chandler Hall stated that operations as an assisted living/senior care facility will continue.
- Charitable Assets Review: Because nonprofit healthcare assets are held in a public trust under Pennsylvania law, Orphans' Court approval is required to review whether the transaction complies with charitable asset protections and serves the community's health needs.
- Attorney General's Position: The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General (OAG) confirmed that it will not object to Chandler Hall's petition.
It is ultimately up to the Orphans' Court judge to rule on the petition and decide whether to impose conditions of operation, such as those outlined by Senator Santarsiero and Representative Warren.
Multiple residents expressed significant opposition to a rumored 87-unit townhome project on the 17-acre property owned by the Newtown Sewer Authority.
The Authority has an agreement to sell the land to DeLuca Builders, pending a due diligence period.
Current Zoning and Board Position
- Current zoning: The property is zoned OR (Office/Research), which allows single-family homes at a density of one per acre but does not permit high-density multifamily units.
- No zoning change proposed: The Board clarified that there are currently no plans or applications to change the zoning.
- Previous proposal: An earlier attempt to develop apartments was denied.
- Board position: The Board signaled continued pushback against similar density increases.
When Does the Due Diligence Period Expire?
Resident Fran Haller referred to a 90-day due diligence period regarding the sale and noted that it expires around October 5.
However, the sale agreement, approved at the July 28, 2026, Sewer Authority meeting and obtained through Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know law, specifies a 75-day Due Diligence Period.
During the due diligence period, the buyer has the right to study and investigate the property to determine whether it is suitable for the buyer's contemplated use.
Counting only business days, the 75-day due diligence period expires around October 5, as stated by resident Haller in her comments to the BOS
Buyer Must Submit a Sketch Plan to the Township
According to the agreement, DeLuca specifically agrees to take the following actions during the due diligence period:
1. Township Engineer and Staff Review
Submit a Sketch Plan and request a meeting with the Newtown Township engineer, staff, and township professionals, and post any required escrow to facilitate that meeting.
2. Proposed Variances
Submit a Sketch Plan and list of proposed variances, including citations to the ordinance and explanations of why the variances are required.
3. Planning Commission Review
Submit a request for a meeting with the Newtown Township Planning Commission and provide all required documents to facilitate its review.
Throughout the due diligence period, DeLuca has the right to terminate the agreement for any reason whatsoever.
According to the Board Chair at the September 23, 2026, meeting, there had been no communication from DeLuca regarding its plans.
3. Bills List
23 September 2026 Bills List was approved
Major expenses include:
- Road Paving & Infrastructure: $110,373.74 to Harris Blacktopping Inc. for the 2026 Road Program Payment Certificate 3
- Inspection & Municipal Services: $40,183.20 to Barry Isett & Associates Inc. for monthly inspection fees; this brings the total paid so far this year to $436,708.60 whereas the budget calls for $360,000 for the yearly total. It should be noted that Isett’s bills include 60% of the collected inspection fees – which is a major portion of the bills. In addition, Isett charges $120 per hour. See 2026 Isett Bills.
- Financial Consulting: $21,306.25 to Wiesner Consulting LLC for finance consulting services (i.e., preparation of monthly Treasurer’s Reports)
A resident raised concerns regarding Kilkenny Law serving as Township Solicitor while also representing the Municipal Authority.
- Transparency regarding legal fees.
- Potential conflicts arising from Kilkenny Law's representation of both the Township and the Municipal Authority.
- Concerns involving Jerry Richmond's dual roles in pushing the failed sewer plant project and hiring legal counsel.
These concerns were also raised during during the 9 September 2026 BOS Meeting.
Following a public hearing, the Board granted conditional use approval for La Scala's Fire restaurant at 2948 South Eagle Road in the Village at Newtown. Ardana’s is currently at that location. The plan for the site, which I received via a Right-to-Knw Request from the township - is EXACTLY THE SAME as the existing Ardana site plan.
Approval Conditions
- Operating hours: 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM.
- Employees: Maximum of 30 employees per shift.
- Outdoor audio: No outdoor speakers.
- Trash and deliveries: Coordination required to prevent traffic queues.
The "Drive-in" (E6) zoning designation was applied to allow takeout services, consistent with other restaurants in the shopping center.
Linton Hill Road Paving
Residents and Board members criticized the coarse base material used in recent road repairs.
Resident Charles Feuer noted that “ihe curent patches do not fill the excavation of old pavement by the contractor in the defined patch area in order to be level with the existing pavement creating a sharp edge that creates a tire hazard. Further, the sharp edge acts as a dam for water/ice which serves to deteriorate the "uniform" road surface over time at an accelerated rate.”.(See photo below.).
The work is a two-step process. The existing base material is functional, but the top coat, or surface course, is planned for a future budget cycle.
Road Striping and Fog Lines
A dispute arose regarding the absence of fog lines, the white pavement markings that identify the outer edge of the roadway. Resident John Mack suggested that these markings improve safety, especially for elder drivers like himself driving at night.
The Township Engineer will coordinate with Public Works to ensure the lines are replaced.
UPDATE (9/24/26): It was noticed that work was being done on Linton Hill Road to address the issues raised by Mr. Feuer. However, no repair of fog lines were seen at that time.
Chandler Hall Crosswalk Delayed
The Chandler Hall crosswalk project remains delayed.
PennDOT suggested moving the RRFB (Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon) to Barclay Street.
Board members and residents argued that relocating the flashing beacon would defeat the purpose of improving safety at the existing high-traffic crosswalk used by seniors and YMCA staff.
Supervisor Elen Snyder requested that the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) be restructured tinto a project-based format.
Current EAC meetings reportedly lack sufficient member-led initiatives. A project-based structure was proposed to encourage more active participation and specific environmental initiatives.
Connect With Us