Newtown Board of Supervisors 24 September 2025 Meeting Summary
Source: Official meeting transcript
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- Residents pressed the Township on parking enforcement and Summit intersection safety.
- Board skeptical of a manager’s apartment in the 98 Upper Silver Lake Rd mini-storage sketch.
- Fire services talks with the Borough are strained; pedestrian bridge cooperation agreement failed 0–4.
- Engineer directed to pause Chandler Hall crosswalk study pending a formal vote.
- Fire Dept reported 146 calls, 2 new hires, and is probing a Roberts Ridge arson.
1. Public Comments & Community Concerns
Newtown Gate Parking DisputeSpeaker: Chet Zaremba (President, Newtown Gate HOA). Residents of this community are complaining about a surge in tickets on Fountain Farm Lane despite limited alternatives.
- Lack of alternatives: Court parking is signed “No Parking,” leaving the Lane as the only option for 300+ residents.
- Inconsistent enforcement: Alleged un-ticketed violations (e.g., tractor-trailer) create a perception of double standards.
- Unmet safety requests: Prior asks for speed bumps and presence to address speeding remain unresolved.
“You don’t change the rules of the game midway through the fourth quarter.” — Chet ZarembaThe sources for the following "Deep Dive" podcast comprise several emails between Newtown Township residents and Supervisor Mack regarding ongoing safety and parking issues along Fountain Farm Lane and surrounding streets. 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.
2. Planning & Development Proposals
Planning Commission Recommendations (Sept 16)- 16 Armstrong Circle: Recommend variance for rear-yard setback (one-story addition).
- 211 Upper Silver Lake Rd: Recommend 3-lot subdivision; sidewalk waiver contingent on BOS decision.
- 98 Upper Silver Lake Rd (Sketch): Support concept for mini-storage; no position on manager’s apartment variance.
Three-story, ~800 units at former TD Bank. The manager’s apartment drew the most scrutiny (residential use not permitted with LI use).
Arguments For Mgr’s Apt
- On-site security 24/7
- Cleanliness & site upkeep
Arguments Against Mgr’s Apt
- Conflicts with LI zoning
- Sets problematic precedent
- Safety risk to resident(s)
- School district impact questions
The Commission also questioned project intensity, potential height variance up to 42 ft, and the breadth of requested relief.
3. Intergovernmental Affairs & Agreements
Fire Services Agreement with Newtown Borough- Talks characterized as strained; Township objected to public commentary in local media mid-negotiations.
- Township request: $275,000/year for 3 years (described as firm/fair).
- Context cited: Borough’s $2.1M police budget; questions of priorities raised.
- Township disputes reliance on “mutual aid” as not reciprocal in practice.
- Read “#NewtowPA Boro & Twp Remain Far Apart Regarding Fire Services Agreement”
- Proposed cooperation agreement (Township would lead and invoice Borough) failed 0–4.
- Concerns: trust in reimbursement, front-loaded financial risk, undefined maintenance/landscaping costs.
4. Township Operations & Administrative Actions
Consent AgendaApproved unanimously 4–0. Question raised about an $8,000 Gorski Engineering invoice; Fire Chief clarified it funded preliminary study/site analysis for a possible new station.
Engineer’s Report — Crosswalk Studies- Summit Trace: Proceeding per prior formal vote; design options in progress with PennDOT input.
- Chandler Hall: Work initiated from informal direction; Board instructed a pause until a formal agenda item and vote.
- Calls: 146
- Personnel: Two new firefighters on board
- Incidents: Investigating Roberts Ridge Park arson (trees); responded to serious Waterford Place garage fire
5. Zoning Enforcement Deliberations
“Mélange Louisiana” Restaurant — Enforcement Status- Cease & desist applies to external work; internal renovations may continue.
- No Certificate of Occupancy until external violations (e.g., unapproved windows) are corrected.
- Owner missed ZHB appearance, delaying resolution.
Broader Sign Ordinance Enforcement
Board members questioned consistency (e.g., compliant bookstore vs. nearby unaddressed violations). Solicitor outlined due-process steps:
- Complaint filed → zoning officer investigates
- If confirmed: notice of violation issued
- Owner has 30 days to appeal to ZHB
- If unresolved: Township may pursue court action; daily non-compliance may accrue fines
Assistant Manager to direct third-party zoning officer to investigate the cited sign issues.
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