At the December 2, 2021, Joint Zoning Council meeting, Bucks County Planning Commission representatives (Jeremy Stoff and Lisa Wolff) presented an analysis of new dwelling units demand through 2030 versus the supply land potentially suitable for development. The projected population growth for the Jointure by 2030 will be 1,000 people, which would require 410 housing units. Approximately 50% of these units (193) will be in residential development areas (RDAs). The RDA zones suitable for development would allow 992 units. Thus, there is a surplus of 799.

Multi-family dwellings were also discussed. To match the average in Bucks County, the Jointure should have 4,200 such units. It currently has about 4,600 units.

BCPC RDA Analysis Overview for Newtown Area Jointure

As reported in the Newtown Patch: In arguing the township's case before the board, Township Solicitor Dave Sander asked the zoning hearing board to uphold the law and to reject the appeal.

“This is a zoning case limited to a sign that is neon that appears in the front window of a business in the township. A complaint was received by the zoning officer. She investigated it. She saw what she believed to be a violation of the sign ordinance.

“The sign is what it is,” said Sander. “It is a neon sign that’s hanging in the front window and it violates the zoning ordinance. There’s no question about that. The issue that there are other (neon) signs (at other businesses in the township) is not at issue here.

"The appellants have made this a case of disparaging treatment, of singling this business out based on content because it is a Jewish deli. It’s being made into something that’s much more suited for argument before the federal bench. This is a very simple case. This is an illegal sign. This person was cited. Others were cited and are now in compliance ... So let’s not go down the rabbit hole of selective enforcement and antisemitism and content-based enforcement.”

Sander asked the zoning board “to focus its decision and first hold that it was not timely filed based on the paperwork filed, but secondly, the sign is in violation of the zoning ordinance and the zoning officer issued a true, correct and proper enforcement notice.”

“There has been selective enforcement of this zoning code in that there are examples throughout this township that have allowed these neon signs to exist,” argued Alan Nochumson, the Borscht Belt's lawyer. “We’re asking that the board stop any kind of monetary fines because of this selective enforcement.

“It’s an either-or scenario," said Nochumson. "Either you prohibit every single neon sign or you allow every single neon sign in the township. You cannot condone this activity that has been perpetrated by this zoning officer who has turned a blind eye to other people because of the content of the speech.”

Closing Arguments at the Borscht Belt Deli ZHB Neon Sign Hearing

At least 40 residents attended the two-and-one-half hour December 9, 2020, Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS) Zoom meeting and many expressed their opposition to the preliminary 2021 budget. For some, this was the first time they have participated in local government affairs and several “raised” their hands ands made comments! These a just a few of the comments heard. You can listen to the entire meeting here: https://bit.ly/09Dec20BosArchive

Resident Comments Regarding 2021 Preliminary Budget

I have been a resident of Newtown, PA since 1995. I am currently a member of the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors. The opinions expressed here are solely those of John Mack and do not represent the opinions of any other person or entity.

Closing Arguments at the Borscht Belt Deli ZHB Neon Sign Hearing

Mack's Newtown Voice

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