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Web Site Index: Links to web pages/podcasts/videos
Article Index: Links to articles published in John Mack's e-newsletters & articles written by John Mack in the Newtown Patch
Recently Added Content
MEETING: 8 September 2025 Environmental Advisory Council
Overall theme: The #NewtownPA Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) is moving forward with hands-on ecological projects (pollinator garden, bird habitat) while also tackling policy initiatives (landscaping equipment restrictions, native plant ordinance). Partnerships with schools, HOAs, businesses, and neighboring municipalities are key strategies. Details…
PODCAST: Mélange on Sycamore Window Zoning Variance Denied
The New Town Township Zoning Hearing Board convened a meeting on September 4, 2025, to address a zoning appeal, number 1236-25, concerning the property at 255 North Sycamore Street (Mélange on Sycamore). The applicant sought permission for six window signs, each 5.6 feet in size, which significantly exceeded the permitted two square feet per sign and were not allowed under previous grants of relief.
During the meeting, the applicant's council failed to appear, leading the board to an executive session to discuss the matter. Due to the applicant's absence, the board denied the relief and dismissed the application without prejudice, allowing for a future reapplication. Listen to the podcast below or on Soundcloud
NEWS: September 2025 Issue (Vol. 1) of Newtown News of Interest
This compilation provides an overview of various local topics and issues impacting the Newtown area. The articles highlight community resistance to development projects, such as the Goodnoe Homestead redevelopment and Holy Family University's proposed student housing, due to concerns about traffic, density, and historic preservation. Debates surrounding infrastructure, zoning changes, and affordable housing are also prominent, with officials warning of a worsening housing crisis in Bucks County. Furthermore, the publication covers disputes over historic district adherence, exemplified by the Mélange on Sycamore window alterations, and challenges faced by local events, like the Newtown Holiday Parade, due to expanded size and scope. Finally, the collection touches on enforcement of local ordinances, specifically the removal of an illegal Brixmor billboard sign. Read it now...
BLOG POST: Native Plants: Ecology, Cultivation, and Township Ordinances
A proposed ordinance revision aims to mandate 100% native plants in new developments. Native plants are defined as species naturally occurring in a region prior to European settlement, emphasizing their ecological importance for wildlife, especially insects and pollinators, which often have evolved dependencies on these specific plants. The updated ordinance would include an approved plant list, requiring a waiver with justification for using non-native species, to be reviewed by professionals like Registered Landscape Architects (RLAs). Read it now…
Most Viewed Web Pages
August 2025
There were 4,676 pageviews in August 2025. The following pages - not including the home page and menu pages, etc. - were among the top most viewed pages in August 2025:
- BLOG POST: Proposed "Goodnoe Homestead" Development
- BLOG POST: CRNAA Board Member Urges #NewtownPA Township to Help Make Veterans Park Fields Safer
- PAGE: #NewtownPA Residents STRONGLY OPPOSE Worthington's Goodnoe Plan
- MEETING SUMMARY: 5 August 2025 Planning Commission Meeting
- BLOG POST: What is the Significance of the Sycamore Tree to Newtown?
Year 2024
The following pages - not including the home page and menu pages, etc. - were among the top most viewed pages in the Year 2024, during which there was a total of 16,129 page views::
- PAGE: Meet Mack Monday
- PAGE: Breaking News
- MEETING SUMMARY: 12 June 2024 BOS Meeting
- MEETING SUMMARY: 11 December 2024 BOS Meeting
- PAGE: Development Issues
Most Viewed News Stories
Year 2024
The following stories from the News of Interest and Newtown News Update email newsletters were among the top 5 most viewed news stories in 2024:
- Newtown Zoning Officer Cracks Down on Signage Violations
- #NewtownPA Supervisors Approve 2024 Road Repair Program (Pub: 9 April 2024
- Newtown Residents Think a Gas Leaf Blower Ban Would Be "Overreaching"
- Resident Submits “Stop Chick-fil-A” Petition to #Newtown Supervisors
- Construction Expected to Begin Soon on #NewtownPA Wawa
Most Viewed Videos
August 2025
The following are the Top 5 viewed videos in August 2025. Click on video image or link below the image to see the video.
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TOP 5 Videos Viewed in 2024
In 2024, there were 6,756 views of videos on my "Newtown's Voice" Youtube channel. The following are the Top 5 viewed videos in 2024. Click on the links below to view the videos.
- Wawa Berm Drive By
- Donna Serdula Submits Petition Opposing Chick-fil-A Plan
- Wawa Drive By No.2
- Newtown Bypass Street Views: Before and After Wawa
- The Case for a Sidewalk Along Newtown-Yardley Road
Recently Curated Content
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I "scoop" - curate - stories from regional and local news sources and pages of my website that may be of interest to Newtown Township area residents. Each "scoop" is an edited summary and links back to the original source article and related information. Any opinions and/or insights appended to these article summaries are solely those of John Mack and do not represent the opinions of any other person or entity. |
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Most Listened To Audio Podcast
August 2025
In August 2025, there were 194 plays of audio recordings/podcasts on my "Newtown's Voice" Soundcloud channel. The following is the TOP podcast/audio listened to in August 2025.
TOP 5 Audio Podcasts in 2024
- #NewtownPA Artesian Water Wins Zoning Variances to Build PFAS Filtration Facility
- Meet Mack Monday Attendees Discuss Chick-fil-A on Bypass Plan
- Borscht Belt Deli's Mike Dalewitz Remarks After ZHB Denial
- Barbara Simmons Talks About a Mural Project in the Newtown Area
- Planning Commission Review of "Newtown Place"
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