John Mack Newtown

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#What You Need to Know About the #NewtownPA Sewer Authority Land Sale Agreement

A major multi-year land dispute on the Newtown Bypass and Lower Silver Lake Rd is officially taking a new direction. The Newtown Bucks County Joint Municipal Authority (NBCJMA aka Sewer Authority) has voted to approve an $11,500,000 agreement of sale for its 17.5-acre parcel to local developer DeLuca Newtown, LLC. The full, executed purchase agreement was officially released to me on August 7, 2026, in response to a Right-to-Know request.

The Development Plans: DeLuca Newtown, LLC plans to construct a townhouse development on the site. A similar plan was denied by the township.

Contingencies & Timelines: The sale is far from a done deal. The agreement includes a 75-day due diligence window followed by a 365-day approval period. DeLuca must successfully secure a zoning change, preliminary land development approval, and sewer capacity (EDUs) from Newtown Township to move forward. Good luck with that! Read my analysis...

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Newtown Creek Bridge: A Bridge Too Far Above Budget

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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Opposition to Chandler Hall Plan Builds

Several Newtown area residents have sent comments to the PA Office of the Attornet General (OAG) opposing the sale of non-profit Chandler Hall to a for-profit real estate LLC. The must review this transaction to ensure that it does not adversely affect the health needs of the community.

Residents have argued that the sale WOULD adversely affect the health and wellbeing of the community.

  • “The YMCA rental of space in Chandler Hall facilities provides the local community with ready access to exercise equipment and healthy living activities,” notef one resident. “I personally use these facilities for weight management and strength maintenance. Like many of this YMCA’s clients I am an older retired individual, who would find it a hardship to seek these services elsewhere.”
  • “The sale of Chandler Hall Health Services to the proposed buyer, CIG/99 Barclay PropCo, LLC. a commercial real estate development project would not serve the best interests of Chandler Hall residents, employees, Newtown Borough, Newtown Township, Bucks County or Pennsylvania unless the buyer is bound by conditions preserving the current Quaker-based mission and operating practices, including the YMCA and child care leases, as well as published capital improvements to Chandler Hall’s infrastructure,” said another resident.

I invite you to read “Why I Oppose the Chandler Hall Sale.” If you are interested in communicating your opinion regarding this sale to the Oaf, please take a look at the SAMPLE EMAIL/LETTER I have created. 

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