Westcorp Makes Case for Signage Variances at PC Meeting

Wescorp, located at 1 Pheasant Run in Newtown, PA, is planning on a reconstruction project and would like to "upgrade" two signs - one facing Pheasant Run and one facing Penn Street above the entrance (see images on left).

In this 30-minute audio clip from the June 15, 2021, Newtown Township Planning Commission  (NTPC) meeting, representatives of Wescorp make their case for the requested variances, which raised several interesting issues:

Jerry Schenkman - a Newtown solicitor - revealed that a multi-story apartment building has been proposed to be located next to Wescorp on Penn Street (see aerial view). How will a lighted sign impact local residents, including those in this building if is built?

There are specific limitations on signage within 1,000 feet of the Newtown Bypass and some Zoning Hearing Board members may be very strict on adhering to those limitations. The size of the signage may also be an issue.

Wescorp proposes to remove several trees in order to make the large sign above the entrance more visible from the road.

In spite of those concerns, the consensus of the NTPC was that the Board of Supervisors (BOS) not oppose this application, which will go before the Newtown Zoning Hearing Board after the BOS makes its decision.