Summary of the 9 September 2026 BOS Meeting
The September 9, 2026 meeting of the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors focused on intense public scrutiny surrounding the failed sewer treatment plant project, the possible future development of the Sewer Authority property, pedestrian safety, road maintenance, and government transparency.
Executive Brief
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.
Sewer Authority & Land Disposition
The "Backroom Deal" Allegation
Resident Todd McGonigal raised concerns about a perceived conflict of interest involving Kilkenny Law, pointing to the firm's dual role as solicitor for the Township and legal counsel for the Sewer Authority. Listen to his comments:
Mr. McGonigal also presented the following chart:
Financial Fallout
Residents focused heavily on the approximately $11.5 million spent on the sewer plant project before it was canceled in November 2025.
They also questioned why the 47% sewer rate increase, originally justified in part by a claimed lack of sewer capacity, remains in place if the proposed treatment plant is no longer necessary.
What About the Zoning?
The Sewer Authority property is currently zoned OR – Office/Research.
The Board Chairman noted that single-family homes are technically permitted in the OR district and stated that there is "zero intent" at this time to rezone the property for high-density residential development.
The zoning code cross-references the Conservation Management District for residential dimensional and performance standards. That would mean a minimum one-acre lot for a single-family dwelling. For more details, read “Newtown’s Office Research (OR) District Workshop.”
Where Does the Developer Stand?
The Board said the previous applicant, KRE, has withdrawn. Potential purchaser DeLuca now has approximately 90 days to investigate the feasibility of the property.
Infrastructure & Public Safety
Pedestrian Safety: Are Grant Opportunities Being Missed?
"Crosswalk Charlie" Feuer criticized the Township for missing what he characterized as several opportunities for "free money" to fund pedestrian-safety improvements.
He cited the ARLE grant deadline in March and a Multimodal grant deadline in July, and urged the Township to pursue the October 30 Pedestrian/Bicycle grant for the proposed Chandler Hall crosswalk.
Residents Blast Road Repaving
Residents expressed significant dissatisfaction with repaving work on Lincoln Hill Road and Wright's Road, describing portions of the work as "terrible" patchwork.
The Board acknowledged a potential problem with the existing contract: if the contractor's work technically satisfies the contract specifications, the Township may be obligated to pay even if officials and residents are unhappy with the quality of the finished product.
Newtown Pedestrian Bridge
The Board approved a $985,850 bid for construction of the Newtown pedestrian bridge, subject to additional funding from the Newtown Creek Coalition.
August 2026 Police Report
| Category | August 2026 |
|---|---|
| Calls for Service | 998 |
| Patrol Miles | 20,500 miles |
| Arrests | 14 |
| DUIs | 6 |
| Traffic Crashes | 57 |
Police also reported a notable hit-and-run involving a pedestrian at Main and Overton.
Financial Oversight
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Bills Approved – September 9 | $626,408.77 |
| Bills Approved – August 26 | $301,555.86 |
| General Fund Balance | $8,830,763 |
For more details, read 9 “September 2026 Bills List Analysis”.
Transparency Concerns
Several residents complained about the Township's use of the Consent Agenda, arguing that the format can make substantial expenditures difficult for the public to identify or understand.
One resident cited a $1.3 million transfer that was initially presented essentially as a number without an accompanying explanation of its purpose.
The "Hypocrisy" Argument
One participant pointed to what was characterized as a contradiction in the Township's position: last year officials argued that Newtown lacked sufficient sewer capacity, helping justify construction of the treatment plant; this year, the possibility of a 77-87 unit residential development is being discussed for that same property.
Bottom Line
The September 9 meeting demonstrated that the abandoned sewer plant and the future of the Sewer Authority property remain major sources of controversy. Questions about the $11.5 million already spent, the 47% sewer rate increase, potential residential development, zoning, and the decision-making process surrounding the property continue to generate strong public scrutiny.
At the same time, residents pressed the Township on more immediate quality-of-life issues—including pedestrian safety, missed grant opportunities, road-paving quality, financial transparency, and public safety.
Connect With Us