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's Residential Dwelling Analysis Overview for Newtown Area Jointure

On December 20, 2022, the Newtown Planning Commission reviewed a sketch plan submitted by Kushner Real Estate (KRE) Group to construct a multi-story residential apartment building/complex containing 225 luxury apartments on a 17.87-acre parcel. Access to the site is proposed via two, two-way driveways along the Bypass and Silver Lake Road.

At the outset of the meeting Edward F. Murphy, Esq (Wisler Pearlstine, LLP), representing KRE,  claimed that the proposed use was NOT an allowed use currently anywhere in the JMZO. 

At the end of the meeting it was revealed that rather than go before the ZHB to obtain variances to the OR zoning (as mentioned above), KRE would prefer that the Jointure amend the JMZO to include the use that KRE is proposing.

Synopsis of the discussion by PC Chair Peggy Driscoll
[Listen to "KRE Sketch Plan Q&A at the December 20, 2022, Newtown Planning Commission Meeting" to hear the complete Q&A discussion.]

The Jointure does not permit such a residential use in any of our zoning districts. Attorney Ed Murphy indicated that the plan would require a zoning amendment, which the applicant preferred over a use variance.

The Commission members had many concerns about the size and intensity of the project and had many questions about traffic, economic impact, and preservation of wetlands and woodlands. We discussed the impact of such a large building on the school district.

The sketch plan seemed to indicate that the appearance from the bypass would be relatively unchanged.

The applicants presented a series of photographs of a similar project in Bedminster, New Jersey, which seemed to feature some commercial components but there are no plans for commercial uses, like a coffee shop of café at this development.

As this was a very preliminary presentation, the applicants plan to take the Commission’s comments and questions and attempt to address them, providing some additional information of traffic studies and demographics of prospective tenants.

The Commission members were generally hesitant to support such a complete change in existing zoning, however we are willing to continue to work with the applicant and learn more about their plans and their successes in other municipalities.

Kushner RE Lawyer Wants to Amend JMZO to Allow "Apartment Complex" Use

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.

Kushner RE Lawyer Wants to Amend JMZO to Allow "Apartment Complex" Use

Mack's Newtown Voice

Recent comments

User 315257524

Related tracks