The Newtown Township Board of Supervisors expressed opposition to a proposed sewer treatment plant at the Wednesday evening meeting.
The comments came in response to public concerns about the controversial proposal by the Newtown Bucks County Joint Municipal Authority to build a new wastewater treatment plant at 17.5-acre site off Lower Silver Lake Road and University Drive near the Newtown Bypass, which is just a few hundred feet away from the border with Middletown Township.
The supervisors directed the township manager to send a letter to the Newtown Bucks County Joint Municipal Authority stating their position against the project.
“It is my feeling as a supervisor that represents the citizens of this township that I favor suspending any plans for a new plant. I have heard you loudly and clearly. We all have. And you are opposed to the project,” Supervisor Chairperson Ellen Snyder said.
Supervisor Kyle Davis took an event stronger stance.
“I am absolutely opposed to it and I don’t think it should be suspended. It should be outright cancelled,” he said.
The authority previously acquired a 55-acre property for $9 million using eminent domain and intended to build a new treatment plant. Residents expressed frustration about lack of public input and a recent rate increase they believe is tied to the project.
The audience cheered on the comments from the supervisors.
Fran Haller, a Newtown Grant resident, urged supervisors to push for cancellation rather than suspension.
“We won’t be quiet until we hear that it’s cancelled,” Haller said.
In a statement to NewtownPANow.com, the Newtown Bucks County Joint Municipal Authority said they are planning a special meeting on the plant proposal.
“The authority is awaiting receipt of a letter from Newtown Township. In addition, the authority is looking to schedule a special meeting to discuss the project. Once the meeting is scheduled, it will be advertised as is the case with regular meetings,” said authority spokesperson Theresa Katalinas.
Several residents questioned why the authority cannot immediately sell the property.
Township Solicitor David Sander explained there are time restrictions after acquiring land through eminent domain before it can be sold or transferred.
Sander said he would research whether exceptions exist to allow transferring the property to another municipality or back to the original owner sooner.
Supervisor Phillip Calabro suggested the township could potentially purchase the land and designate it as open space to prevent future development.
“Maybe the township could purchase that tract of land and then designate it as open space,” Calabro said. “So nothing could ever be built there.”
Virginia Walsh, an attorney with an office in Newtown Township and Middletown Township resident, suggested exploring ways to increase oversight of the authority.
“Is there something that we can put in place here that would govern the authority of the authority and put some type of ordinance in place?” Walsh asked.
She proposed requiring public notification and input before major decisions like rate increases or use of eminent domain.
Sander said he would need to research whether such oversight could be implemented at the township level or if changes to state law would be required.
While supervisors expressed opposition to the plant, they noted final decisions rest with the sewer authority board.
“We are not the sewer authority, so they have to come out with a statement which sums this all up,” Snyder said. “But none of us can do that here.”
The supervisors indicated they would likely oppose any land development or zoning approvals if the project moves forward.
The project has received opposition from residents in Newtown Township, Middletown Township, and Lower Makefield Township.
In neighboring Middletown Township, the supervisors have worked up a plan to attempt to have a formal say in the project, which could have impacts on their residents.
Related articles on the topic from NewtownPANow.com and LevittownNow.com:
- Authority Says It Takes Wastewater Plant ‘Due Diligence Seriously’
- Residents Flood Newtown Twp. Supervisors Meeting To Oppose Wastewater Plant
- Middletown Draws Up Plan To Have Say In Proposed Newtown Wastewater Treatment Plant
- Grassroots Group Forming To Oppose Newtown Wastewater Plant
- Middletown Residents Voice Concerns Over Proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant
- Newtown Twp. Hears Proposal For New Wastewater Treatment Plant
- Municipal Authority Buys Land For Proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant
- Newtown Joint Municipal Authority Explores Constructing New Water Treatment Plant
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