Newtown Supervisors Vote Against C-R Zoning Amendment

The Newtown Township Board of Supervisors voted unanimously against the Commercial-Residential (C-R) zoning amendment, as it currently stands, at Monday night's meeting. 

Supervisor John Nawn abstained from voting as he lives in one of the areas proposed for rezoning.

A motion to approve the amendment with some changes including an increase of a buffer, berm, plantings, fencing and restricted business hours in the proposed West Chester Pike area, was presented by Vice Chairman Ed Partridge but not seconded and not voted upon due to the lack of a second on the motion. 

No other motion, regarding C-R was presented on Thursday. 

The Newtown Township Planning Commission had proposed the board of supervisors adopt a zoning amendment ordinance to change three areas of the township—a West Chester Pike corridor, Winding Way area and Rhoads Avenue area—to mixed use, Commercial-Residential. The majority who attended a public hearing on the matter in July were against the change however there were a handful of residents who voiced opinions in favor of the zoning change. 

The supervisors reviewed the comments from the public hearing and discussed the issue prior to voting and most seemed to agree that change was coming to the township and the areas proposed for rezoning but they did not agree on how to protect the township. 

Chairman Joe Catania said if they do nothing, the township is taking a gamble as to what may be developed in the areas and the township will have less control, giving control to the courts, if a developer were to file a lawsuit.

"If we don't do something, we could get something we don't want," Catania said. "You're asking me to ignore what I know is a serious possibility."

However, he said, based on the resident response it appeared the majority is willing to roll the dice. 

Partridge said he wanted to protect the residents not from the development and traffic that is in the township now, but what is soon to come. He suggested increasing the berm between the residential areas on West Chester Pike to protect them from noise and traffic. However, the height at which he suggested the berm to be, 15-feet, was not possible since the width needed, 60-feet, to create that height, is not available. 

Supervisor George Wood said he agreed with the resident comments that restricting restaurants and bars may be a good idea but also said there needed to be better architectural design restrictions in the ordinance. 

Wood agreed that something needs to be done however and suggested hiring a township planner who can do a better job of creating an overall plan and vision for the township.

"The problem is bigger than us," Wood said. 

Nawn, who did not comment directly on the C-R amendment, said the board has every intention of updating the township comprehensive plan. There was no money in the budget for the experts needed to update the plan this year, however the budget is expected to include the updating of the comprehensive plan next year, he said. 

Following the vote, Catania said the board would be a reactive board since the zoning amendment was denied. 

"The board is doing what the public wants, but it's poor planning for the township," Catania said.