Issues

In 1970, Newtown Borough had more residents than Newtown Township (2,216 in the Borough vs. 2,002 in the Township). But over the decades, Newtown Township experienced rapid development and population growth—reaching nearly 20,000 residents today. The Borough, by contrast, has remained relatively stable with about 2,200 residents.

Newtown Township was able to grow because it had the most essential resource for development: land. Today, that resource is running out. The amount of buildable, undeveloped land in Newtown has been significantly reduced.

What happens to the land that remains will shape the future of our community. Every new development affects traffic congestion, school enrollment, stormwater runoff, and long-term tax burdens. Preserving open space isn’t just about protecting nature—it’s about protecting the quality of life in Newtown.

If elected to the Newtown Board of Supervisors, Melissa and Ed will work to preserve the remaining open space and ensure that any future development is thoughtful, sustainable, and aligned with the community’s long-term interests.

Source: Newtown Borough Comprehensive Plan (1970 population data): link

A leak of the Twin Oaks-Newark pipeline owned and operated by Sunco was discovered on January 31st, 2025 in Upper Makefield Township (UMT), and was found to have contaminated private water wells in the Mt Eyre neighborhood.

State Senator Steve Santarsiero and State Representative Perry Warren are actively working with the state of Pennsylvania and Sunoco to resolve the current situation in UMT.  Lawmakers Call On DEP To Take Action Against Sunoco Over Upper Makefield Pipeline Leak | Newtown, PA Patch

This pipeline runs through Newtown, and as Newtown residents, we are concerned about the pipeline, as we are sure you are as well. As Board of Supervisor members we would make it a priority to take action to ensure the safety of Newtown, its residents, and our drinking water.

This would include: 

  • Working with Sen. Steve Santarsiero and Rep. Perry Warren to ensure Sunoco is doing what is necessary to update and maintain the pipeline in Newtown
  • Have Newtown Twp obtain an independent inspection of the pipeline 
  • Work with Newtown Artesian Water Company to understand how they are testing and monitoring the water they supply for early detection if there were a leak
  • Follow litigation performed by neighboring townships and support them where possible

As candidates for Newtown Township Board Of Supervisors, we would like to clearly state our position on building a sewage treatment plant in Newtown.

We will not support the construction of a sewage treatment plant in Newtown if elected. We will also not support amending the Act537 plan, which would be needed for such work. 

Newtown Township has limited open space remaining, and as such we will work towards preserving the seventeen acres off of Lower Silver Lake Road as protected, undeveloped land.

As supervisors, one of our main goals is to support the small, independent businesses that make Newtown unique. We believe Newtown’s strength comes from its historic character and walkable, community-centered atmosphere—not from chains and strip malls. Neighbors we talk to consistently say they value having access to local shops and restaurants, but do not want to see Newtown lose the historic charm that sets it apart.

We are committed to:

  • Strengthening programs and policies that help small businesses thrive.
  • Encouraging thoughtful development that fits Newtown’s historic character.
  • Protecting against traffic congestion, safety issues, excess competition that come with overdevelopment.
  • Ensuring that growth supports, rather than erases, the aspects of Newtown that residents cherish.

By prioritizing local business and local charm together, we can keep Newtown vibrant without losing what makes it special.