24 June 2026 BOS Meeting Summary

Executive Summary

The Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting held on June 24, 2026, centered on critical zoning legislative changes, regional infrastructure safety, and strategic financial allocations. The most significant legislative action involved the advancement of a data center ordinance, which sparked debate over minimum lot sizing and industrial encroachment protections.

Key administrative outcomes included the approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to obligate opioid settlement funds to Bucks County in exchange for municipal resource officers. Additionally, the Board addressed urgent public safety concerns regarding a 70-year-old Sunoco jet fuel pipeline and its potential impact on the local aquifer. The Board also processed various land development applications, including historic preservation certificates and residential variances.

Zoning and Land Development

Data Center Ordinance

The Board moved (3 to 2) to send a proposed data center ordinance to the Jointure for a public hearing. This legislation aims to define and regulate data centers within the township.

• Proposed Standards: The ordinance defines data centers as a permitted use within the QA (Quarry Agricultural) district. This legislation aims to limit data center development exclusively to Wrightstown Township, a proactive measure to prevent industrial "creep" into residential or environmentally sensitive zones within Newtown. Read G-17 Data Center Zoning Framework.
• Lot Size Friction: A central point of contention was the proposed 25-acre minimum lot size. Resident John Mack advocated for a 100-acre minimum to align with stricter regional models, expressing concern that smaller minimums might allow for industrial encroachment. For more on that, read G-17 Data Center Ordinance vs PennFuture Model.
• Technological Safeguards: The Board agreed to include a requirement for periodic reviews of the ordinance to ensure regulations remain current with rapid technological advancements.

Wrightstown Rezoning

The Board approved sending a Wrightstown-specific rezoning ordinance to the Jointure. This is a corrective measure addressing a split-zoned parcel created by a previous subdivision and does not introduce new permitted uses.

Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB) and HARB Applications

The Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB) serves a vital role in balancing the protection of community zoning standards with the preservation of private property rights. The Board reviews these appeals to determine if specific variances or special exceptions are warranted by unique property hardships. The following appeals are scheduled for the July 2, 2026, ZHB meeting:

Property	Project Description	Status/Action
36 Richboro Road	Seeking a C-3 Commercial School use in CC District.	Certificate of Appropriateness granted by BOS.
16 Eldridge Road	New single-family home construction on conservation land/floodplain.	Planning Commission recommended no position if neighbors are satisfied with moving the building forward.
203 N. Sycamore Street	Restoration of historic structure with addition; deck enclosure and vestibule reducing parking spaces.	COA reviewed under Historical Architectural Review Board items.
7 Lakeview Drive	Variance to build an addition exceeding impervious coverage limits.	Scheduled for July 2, 2026, ZHB meeting.

Infrastructure and Public Safety

Sunoco Jet Fuel Pipeline

Public comment brought significant attention to a 70-year-old pipeline located in Upper Makefield.

• Environmental Risks: Residents expressed concerns regarding potential leaks infiltrating the aquifer that supplies Newtown’s drinking water.
• Advocacy: There is a formal request for township representation at a July 8th meeting to demand more robust remediation guarantees from Sunoco.

For more on this, read Sunoco Submits Plan for Jet Fuel Pipeline Leak.

Fire Department Operations

• Performance: The department responded to 157 calls during May 2026.
• Personnel: The Board acknowledged the retirement of Mike Gallagher after 28 years of service. A "Promotion and Awards" ceremony is scheduled for June 29th , 6 PM, at Station 45 in the Borough.

Financial and Administrative Actions

Opioid Settlement Allocation

The Board authorized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to obligate the township's portion of opioid settlement funds to Bucks County.

• Strategic Exchange: In return for these funds, the county has guaranteed the provision of resource officers to assist with major municipal actions.

General Expenditures

The Board approved the following financial transactions:

• Bills: $168,921.53
• Transfers: $2,423.93

Read Newtown Township 24 June 2026 Bills List Analysis.

• Fuel Bids: Approval of the 2026-2027 Bucks County Fuel Bids.