John Mack - Newtown Supervisor

Highlights from the November 25, 2025 Newtown Township Board of Supervisors Meeting

The November 25, 2025 Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting featured major decisions on the now-terminated sewer plant project, several controversial zoning applications, a still-unsettled 2026 budget, and continued tension over fire services with Newtown Borough.

Quick Highlights

  • Sewer Plant Project Terminated: Newtown Sewer Authority unanimously voted to terminate the controversial Lower Silver Lake Road sewer treatment plant.
  • Zoning Variances Opposed: BOS will send the solicitor to oppose both the First Trust Bank and Melange on Sycamore sign applications.
  • Fountain Farm Lane Study: BOS authorized the Township Engineer to review traffic and parking conditions on Fountain Farm Lane.
  • 2026 Budget Still Unresolved: Heated debate over road paving, police vehicle purchases, and a 4-mil tax increase produced no consensus.
  • "Drug Education Vehicle" Delayed: $110,000 opioid-funded “Drug Education Vehicle” purchase was pulled from the agenda and pushed to January.
  • Fire Code Updated: BOS adopted the 2021 International Fire Code with local amendments.
  • Fire Services Dispute Continues: Fire services agreement with Newtown Borough remains unresolved.

Newtown Sewer Plant Officially Terminated

Supervisor Mack reported that at the November 18, 2025 Newtown Sewer Authority meeting, the board voted unanimously to TERMINATE the proposed sewer treatment plant on Lower Silver Lake Road, rather than simply pausing or suspending it. The Authority also acknowledged it had mishandled public interaction and suggested that a project of this magnitude should have been subject to a public referendum.

The Authority manager further announced that all future Sewer Authority meetings will be recorded and posted to YouTube within 48 hours, representing a modest step toward greater transparency.

During public comment, resident Tom McGonagal raised concerns about the future of the property, noting there is a 90-day window during which the developer can repurchase the land. He urged the BOS to work with the developer to recoup money spent by sewer ratepayers. Supervisor Mack stated his personal preference that the land remain undeveloped, similar to Silver Lake Park.

Zoning Hearing Board Applications: BOS Takes a Stand

First Trust Bank – 11 Durham Road

The applicant requested variances to erect a halo-lit monument sign in the PennDOT right-of-way, including relief for an additional sign on the Durham Road frontage, sign area (22.9 sq ft vs. 20 sq ft maximum), and height (6.8 ft vs. 5 ft maximum). The Planning Commission recommended that the BOS take no position.

After a lengthy discussion, supervisors concluded that the proposal:

  • Would effectively create a third sign, not a second;
  • Is located within the PennDOT right-of-way; and
  • Exceeds the township’s height and area limits.

The BOS voted unanimously to send the Township Solicitor to the Zoning Hearing Board to oppose the application.

Melange on Sycamore – 255 N. Sycamore Street

Melange requested permission for nine additional window signs, each 5.6 sq ft where the maximum allowed is 2 sq ft. The applicant had previously removed original windows without permits. The Planning Commission recommended that the township oppose the application.

Supervisors cited a history of non-compliance and what they called “disrespectful” behavior by the applicant. Although the Township Solicitor described the graphics as decorative “frosted windows,” he confirmed that they meet the broad definition of a “sign” under the ordinance. The BOS voted unanimously to send the Solicitor to oppose this application at the ZHB.

Vecchia Osteria – 20A Richboro Road

Vecchia Osteria requested a variance to provide 59 parking spaces where 82 are required to support a 24-seat expansion into an adjacent 500 sq ft space. The Planning Commission recommended that the BOS take no position.

It was noted that the Newtown Sewer Authority has already approved the expansion, contingent on the restaurant staying within its maximum quarterly sewer flow limit. The BOS voted to take no official position on this zoning application.

Fountain Farm Lane: Traffic, Parking & Safety Concerns

Following a formal letter from the Newtown Gate HOA, the BOS discussed ongoing parking and safety problems on Fountain Farm Lane. The HOA requested:

  • A temporary moratorium on parking enforcement;
  • A township-funded professional traffic engineering study;
  • Reclassification of the street from “arterial” to “non-arterial” to permit legal on-street parking; and
  • Immediate safety measures such as completed crosswalks and “No Through Traffic” signage.

The BOS voted 3–0 to authorize the Township Engineer to review existing traffic conditions on the lane as a first step.

Land Development & Resident Complaints

  • 473 Lower Dolington Road: A proposal to subdivide a 10.65-acre parcel into three single-family lots, requiring 22 SALDO waivers, was pulled from the agenda before the meeting.
  • Woods of Saxony Sidewalk Project: The Township Engineer, Leanna Colubriale, reported via email that a contractor has not satisfactorily completed punchlist items and that payment is being withheld. Supervisor Mack was unable to ask follow-up questions about grading issues because he learned that the Township Manager and BOS Chair had instructed the engineer not to attend the meeting despite her intention to be present.

2026 Budget: Roads vs. Police Vehicles & a 4-Mill Tax Increase

The BOS continued its debate over the 2026 draft budget, highlighting sharp disagreements in spending priorities:

  • Road Paving: Supervisor Fisher proposed adding $150,000 from the General Fund to the road paving program.
  • Mack’s Counter-Proposal: Supervisor Mack argued that $150,000 would pave less than half a mile of road. He reiterated his proposal to cut the purchase of new police vehicles from four to two, saving approximately $170,000. Combined, the $320,000 would still fall short of the 3.56 miles per year needed to maintain current road conditions.
  • Status Quo Position: Chairperson Snyder expressed her preference to pass the budget as drafted, including a 4-mil tax increase, without reallocating funds. She maintained that all four new police vehicles are necessary.

The discussion grew contentious as Supervisor Mack pressed for more public justification of big-ticket line items, including the police vehicles and a new IT position. No consensus was reached, and the final budget decision was deferred to a future meeting when all five supervisors are present.

“Drug Education Vehicle” Purchase Pulled & Postponed

A consent agenda item to authorize the $110,000 purchase of a so-called “Drug Education Vehicle” using opioid settlement funds was removed from the agenda by Chairperson Snyder approximately one hour before the meeting. The item is expected to return in January 2026.

Supervisor Mack, whose term ends before January, restated his opposition, arguing that the vehicle is essentially a tactical police unit rather than a public health outreach tool. He cited its key features:

  • Police Pursuit Vehicle (9C1) chassis with surveillance-mode lights;
  • Prisoner-transport style rear doors and windows;
  • Full emergency lights, siren, and push bumper;
  • Long-gun storage and an evidence-grade safe;
  • Tactical encrypted radio system;
  • Axon Fleet 3 camera with Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) and real-time surveillance;
  • Police command-center style interior;
  • Procurement entirely through police vendors; and
  • Design intended for integration into the enforcement fleet.

In Mack’s view, these characteristics are inconsistent with a vehicle meant for community-based drug education and recovery work.

Major Expenditures & Contracts

The BOS approved a bills list totaling $217,001.68. Major vendor payments over $10,000 included:

  • Armour & Sons Electric Inc. – $50,385.86: Street lighting project and traffic signal/light repairs.
  • Remington & Vernick Engineers – $32,292.02: General engineering, 2025 Road Program support, project inspections.
  • Howell Engineering – $18,605.36: Progress billing for the Newtown Creek Pedestrian Crossing.
  • PECO Energy Company – $18,324.18: Electricity for street lights, traffic signals, and township buildings.
  • Petroleum Traders Corp. – $13,889.83: 6,000 gallons of gasoline for township vehicles.
  • Kilkenny Law LLC – $12,619.07: General legal services for the BOS and Planning Commission.
  • Standard Insurance Company – $10,703.72: Employee life and disability insurance policies.

The board also voted 3–0 to approve a building maintenance/janitorial contract with Schlupp’s Maintenance Company, Inc. for 2026. The contract replaces the longtime custodian, who is retiring, and will cost approximately $38,000 per year.

Adoption of 2021 International Fire Code

The BOS voted 3–0 to adopt the 2021 International Fire Code as the Township’s official fire code, replacing the 2018 version. The new ordinance includes local amendments and updates certain provisions, including:

  • Extending a key fire safety mandate deadline from January 1, 2025 to January 1, 2026;
  • Updating fine limits and related enforcement provisions.

Fire Service Agreement with Newtown Borough Still Stuck

Under “Other Business,” the board discussed the ongoing impasse with Newtown Borough over the fire service agreement:

  • The Township Solicitor sent the Borough a draft agreement with a $350,000 annual contribution request.
  • Email communications suggest the Borough might be willing to pay $275,000, but no formal response letter has been received.
  • A recent meeting involving a state-level committee reportedly failed to resolve the dispute, with Borough officials said to have “fought it tooth and nail.”

The matter remains unresolved, pending a formal response from Newtown Borough. Supervisor Mack left the meeting during this discussion.

Source: Briefing document prepared after the November 25, 2025 Newtown Township Board of Supervisors meeting.