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Residents are asking for a sewer rate refund because the authority previously raised sewer rates to purchase land for a sewer project that has now been canceled.
The Newtown Bucks County Joint Municipal Authority (NBCJMA) originally borrowed money to purchase a property for $11.5 million, which caused residents' rates to increase. Now that the authority is abandoning the project and selling the land to DeLuca's Newtown LLC for the same price of $11.5 million, residents believe they should get their money back or see a rate reduction.
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Comments:
I submitted an Right-to-Know (RTK) request for “The ‘agreement of sale”’ of Lower Silverlake Rd property to DeLuca Newtown LLC as approved at the July 28, 2026, NBCJMA Board meeting. Plus any other communication with DeLuca Newtown LLC regarding this agreement” and am waiting for the response.
Meanwhile, I heard a rumor that DeLuca is in cahoots with Kushner Real Estate (KRE) with plans to develop townhouses on the site. There is always seems to be enough sewer connections for these projects! However, recall that an apartment complex project proposed by KRE/42 University LLC (i.e., Jim Worthington) was denied by the township because it's not a permitted use in that district. If we denied Worthington, we should also deny DeLuca/KRE.
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The municipalities of Newtown Township, Upper Makefield Township, and Wrightstown Township are proposing a joint amendment to the Newtown Area Joint Municipal Zoning Ordinance (JMZO). The amendment seeks to create a new land use category, G-17 Data Center, and permit it as a conditional use within the QA-A Quarry/Agricultural Zoning District.
[The Newtown BOS will hold a public hearing on this amendment at its 12 August 2026 meeting.]
Recognizing data centers as an emerging land use, the Joint Municipal Zoning Council aims to proactively regulate these large-scale facilities to ensure they remain compatible with local infrastructure and community character. The ordinance establishes rigorous standards for dimensional requirements, utility consumption, noise mitigation, and lighting, while mandating comprehensive decommissioning protocols backed by financial security. Public hearings for the adoption of this ordinance are scheduled for August 2026 across the three participating townships.
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Comments:
The Newtown Board of Supervisors at its 22 July 2026 meeting moved to advance a revised data center ordinance to the Jointure, the multi-township zoning agreement with Wrightstown and Upper Makefield, despite vocal pushback from residents like Kim Caputo, who labeled the draft “weak” compared to national standards.
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The Newtown Creek Pedestrian Bridge project is currently facing a significant financial crisis as construction bids have repeatedly exceeded the available grant funding. Although the township secured nearly one million dollars for the work, a substantial portion has already been consumed by administrative and legal fees, leaving only $836,025 for actual building costs. Despite efforts to reduce expenses through simplified design specifications, the most recent contractor proposals still far outpace this remaining budget. This persistent gap has led to sharp criticism regarding the engineering firm’s ability to align the project’s scope with its economic reality. Consequently, local leaders must now decide whether to seek a third round of bids, replace their current consultants, or cancel the bridge project entirely.
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Comments:
Is a “Three-Peat” Needed?
I believe the same fate awaits the ReBID – rejection of all bids. The question then will be SHOULD A NEW ReBID process be launched – i.e., a “Three-Peat”? Does the bridge need a redesign? Is Howell Engineering up to task? Should Newtown disengage with Howell Engineering and demand a refund for failed execution, which can be used to hire a new engineering company for a complete redesign?
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The Newtown Township Bills List for July 22, 2026, details a total expenditure of $550,533.96 across various municipal funds. This total comprises $514,773.49 in vendor checks and $35,760.47 in ACH and fund transfers.
The primary driver of expenditure is the General Fund, which accounts for approximately 71.5% of the total budget. Significant costs within this period include professional inspection fees, quarterly insurance and workers' compensation premiums, and essential infrastructure repairs.
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Comments:
To date in 2026, the township paid Worth & Company Inc. a total of $83,509.33 (not including HVAC maintenance agreement cost of $7,640.00) on Admin Bldg boiler repair/replacement.
I challenge you to find the monthly Treasurer’s Reports on the township website. It sure would be easier if there was a link to the list on the BOS meeting agenda.
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While local government proceedings often look like a sea of mundane motions on paper, the July 22nd 2026 meeting of the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS) proved that the “fine print” of these sessions carries the weight of the town’s future.
From the regional zoning of high-tech infrastructure to the potential dismantling of iconic community institutions, the evening revealed a township in the midst of a profound—and often tense—transition.
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Comments:
With the data center ordinance heading toward a critical public hearing in late August or September, and the Attorney General weighing the fate of Chandler Hall, Newtown finds itself at a crossroads.
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