The Newtown Borough Council granted final land development approval last month for the redevelopment of 110 North State Street, which is being dubbed “Patriot Place.”
The decision clears the way for demolition of an existing building and the subdivision of the property into three new parcels for construction, subject to a comprehensive list of conditions and waivers.
The project that was proposed by 1 State Street Associates LP had previously received preliminary approval from the borough and recommendation from the Planning Commission.
“This resolution grants conditional final approval,” explained Borough Solicitor Greg Heleniak.
The developer plans to expand an existing home and subdivide the southern portion of the lot to build two new homes that face North State Street.
The council’s approval included a series of waivers to borough code provisions, many of which had been discussed during earlier stages of the review.
Borough Engineer Michelle Fountain outlined several of the deviations allowed for the project.
A portion of the discussion centered on street lighting and historic preservation.
Councilmember Julia Woldorf raised questions about the street lights proposed by the applicant and whether the plan properly accounted for local aesthetic standards.
“I know the Planning Commission looked at the street lights that were proposed by the applicant and they liked them,” Woldorf said.
“But HARB [the Historic Architectural Review Board] has to review and approve any light fixtures on any property. Should that comment be included in the resolution?”
Heleniak confirmed that while the resolution would not waive HARB’s jurisdiction.
Further discussion revealed ambiguity over whether the lighting on North State Street should replicate that used in front of the nearby theater or follow the style of decorative light poles installed on South State Street.
“Since we have no real standard in Newtown,” Woldorf noted, “the decision that would need to be made by HARB and I guess council is: is the intent that North State Street is going to mimic what’s in front of the theater, or is it going to be an extension of South State Street?”
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The applicant told the council that no lights had yet been purchased and that they were willing to coordinate with HARB.
In response, the council amended the resolution to specifically note that any proposed lighting must receive HARB approval and that the demolition of the existing building is subject to review by the Joint Historic Commission.
Following the approval of the land development plan, the council turned to the necessary sewage planning module, which was approved.
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