Summary of October 10, 2018, BOS Public Meeting

The following is a brief summary of the October 10, 2018, Newtown Board of Supervisors (BOS Definition) meeting based upon the official minutes of that meeting, which you can find here. See how Supervisors voted on motions (click here).

Crime

Police Report: Interim Police Chief Harris reported on the police activity for September: Calls for service: 1,423; 121 citations, 64 traffic accidents, 3 DUI arrests, 2 narcotics arrests, and a series of minor property crimes (for details, read "September 2018 Newtown Police Calls Report"). There were a few details on Swamp Road specific to commercial vehicles which yielded three inspections and two violations. In addition to resident requests, there was also a multi‐jurisdictional detail on Swamp and the Bypass and Durham and the Bypass. There were 34 commercial vehicles inspected which yielded multiple citations including one arrest for impaired driving and a few vehicles put out of service.

[I noticed that there were 9 speeding citations handed out on Swamp Road between September 20 and September 26, 2018. This compares with just one such citation made in the previous 8 months of 2018! I assume that this increased police activity on Swamp Rd was in response to residents’ complaints made at the September 12 meeting when PennDOT was here to answer questions about the safety issues of Swamp Rd. See video below.]

Ordinances

Conservation Overlay – Wrightstown Township: Establishing a Overlay Zoning Definition district for properties at least 50 acres and are now or will be subject to a Conservation Easement Definition in favor of conserving the property and limiting the use. Ag uses, accessory uses to a winery, would allow micro‐breweries, micro‐distilleries, art studios, etc. Motion for authorization for Jointure Definition to advertise for a public hearing before the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors passed 5-0.

Fireworks: Establishing consumer fireworks can be sold in PA, with restrictions to aerial displays. New use is “consumer fireworks facility” allowing for a permanent fireworks retail store as defined within a QAA (quarry) zoning district, in Wrightstown, and temporary seasonal structures for the sale of fireworks prior to holidays. Motion for authorization for Jointure to advertise for a public hearing before the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors passed 5-0.

Medical Marijuana: State legislature has required that all municipalities must provide for medical marijuana dispensaries and medical marijuana grower/processors. Dispensaries are to be treated as other commercials uses are treated; the grower/processors shall be treated as manufacturing uses. Dispensaries will only be located in the VC‐1 village commercial district in Upper Makefield, and provides for the medical marijuana grower/processors in the LI district in Newtown Township. Motion for authorization for Jointure to advertise for a public hearing before the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors passed 5-0.

Posted on 25 Oct 2018, 01:56 - Category: Board of Supervisors Minutes