Boards & Committees
We acknowledge, with special thanks and recognition, citizens of Newtown Borough whose names are listed on this web site and who serve in a voluntary capacity as members of the following boards and committees. Their generous donation of time and effort to retain the character of Newtown Borough, preserve our heritage, and support our government are highly valued and appreciated by Borough Council.
Committees of Council regularly meet in Council Chambers, 23 North State Street, Newtown, unless otherwise advertised.
The Council meets monthly on the Wednesday prior to the second Tuesday for Work Session in Council Chambers.
The semi-monthly meetings of the Council are held on the second Tuesday and when applicable, the fourth Thursday in Council Chambers.
The Board of Appeals is a three member board with a five-year term. They meet on call.
This judicial board was established to hear and rule on appeals, requests for variances, and requests for extensions of time arising under the PA Uniform Construction Code (UCC) for matters related to the Borough's Building Code. In addition, the Board may hear and rule on appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the Borough Fire Code Official relative to the application and interpretation of the adopted Fire Code. Members shall be qualified based on training and experience in building construction, such as licensure as an architect or engineer, experience in the construction industry or training or experience as an inspector or plan reviewer, certified fire inspector or fire plans examiner. Further qualifications shall include experience and training in fire hazards, explosions, hazardous conditions or fire protection systems.
Board of Appeals members do not receive compensation. No member of Borough Council nor any code official employed by the Borough may serve on the Board of Appeals. If Borough Council is unable to find a sufficient number of qualified individuals who reside within Newtown Borough, it may appoint a qualified person(s) who resides outside of the Borough to fill a position. In accordance with the PA UCC, the Board of Appeals shall not act upon appeals, requests for variances or requests for extensions of time relating to accessibility.
Additional information regarding the Board of Appeals can be found in pertinent chapters of the Newtown Borough Code.
Members:
Warren Woldorf - Chair/Secretary
Kevin Dippolito
Rob Wagner
Three member board, six year term. Meets on call.
Civil Service Commission
Member, Bernie Sauer | |
Member Michael Adams Member, Philip Mitchell Recording Secretary: Heather Lewis | |
Alternate, Patricia Beasley Alternate, Dennis O'Brien Alternate, Vacancy |
Six member board, four year term. Meets on call.
Emergency Management Committee
Director | Glenn Forsyth | (215) 968-2800 x255 |
Borough Coordinator | Mayor John Burke | (215) 962-2753 |
Newtown Fire Association | Glenn Forsyth | (215) 968-2800 x255 |
Newtown Borough Police Department | Chief James J. Sabath | (215) 860-7835 |
Newtown Township Police Department | Chief John L. Hearn | (215) 968-2800 |
| Newtown Ambulance Squad | Joseph Swerk | (215) 968-3500 |
Seven member board, three year term. Meets on the second Monday of every month at 7:00 p.m.
Environmental Advisory Council Liaison: Julia Woldorf
Co-Chairs: Tim Markey and Samantha McGraw
Secretary: Gerard O'Malley
Members:
Glenn Beasley
Katherine Borish
Patrick Foster
Bob Mirales
Newtown Borough EAC is a group of community residents, appointed by the elected officials, to advise them and other municipal officials about the protection, conservation, management, promotion and use of natural resources.
Click Single Use Plastics Ordinance - FAQs QR Code for information regarding this Ordinance adopted on March 12, 2024.
Seven member board, three year term. Meets the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7:30 PM
Historic Architectural Review Board
The Borough Zoning and Historic District Ordinances require that all plans for exterior changes to buildings within the Historic District (which can be seen from any public way) be reviewed for appropriateness by HARB and the Council. HARB meets the fourth Wednesday of each month, except for November and December when they meet the third Wednesday (because of the holidays); the meetings are held in Borough Hall at 7:30 PM. DEADLINE: Completed applications must be submitted to the Zoning Office no later than 30 days before the HARB meeting in order to be placed on the HARB agenda for that month's meeting. For information on guidelines under which HARB will operate, see "Design Guidelines and Historic District Ordinance 594" at Borough Hall. Pick up copies of all HARB booklets in Boro Offices at 23 N. State Street, Newtown or click on links below. HARB - Guidelines for Signs & Awnings HARB - Guidelines for Wood Windows HARB - Rehabilitation Standards HARB Application_rev082022.docx and HARB application Part II complete both forms | |
| Only after review by HARB and approval by Borough Council can a Certificate of Appropriateness be issued by HARB COA Administrator, Ana Gindhart buildingandzoning@boroughofnewtown.com. |
Chairperson | Jim McAuliffe | |
Vice-Chair | Mike Hutchinson | |
Member | Bob King | |
Member | Marcia Lincoln-Heinz | |
Member | Judy Ritter | |
Member | Karen White | |
Member, Building Inspector | Ana Gindhart | |
Preservation Consultant | Margaret Newman | |
| Non-Member Recording Secretary | Leslie Dunleavy | |
| Council Liaison | Kris Bauman |
The Commission was established to ensure that all persons, regardless of actual or perceived race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, marital status, age, mental or physical, etc. are afforded equal opportunities for employment, housing and the use of public accommodations. If an individual feels discrimination has been involved, this commission will review their formal complaint as presented in this Human Relations Commission Discrimination Inquiry Form. Confidential contact to the HRC Chair can be made by emailing hrc@boroughofnewtown.com.
7 member board that meets as needed
Mary Gonzalez, Chairperson
Jack Byer
Catherine Anne Porter
Paula Raimondo
Vacancy
Vacancy
Vacancy
Josh Phillips, Borough Liaison
Eight member board, four year term. Meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 PM.
Joint Historic Commission
The Joint Historic Commission's primary responsibility is the protection and preservation of historically and/or architecturally significant structures in Newtown Borough and Newtown Township. The Commission is comprised of four residents from each of these two municipalities. Meetings are held in Newtown Borough Hall, 23 North State Street.
As an advocate for historic preservation, the Joint Historic Commission can be a resource for property owners and Borough and Township boards and committees regarding historic and/or architecturally significant structures.
Owners of properties seeking to obtain permission to demolish all or part of a structure must initially file an application for a "Determination of Significance" with the respective municipality. This authorizes the Joint Historic Commission to conduct a review of the structure that may include archival research, site investigation, and formal discussion. The results of this work, and a recommendation to approve or deny the request for demolition, are submitted in a written report to Newtown Borough Council or the Township Board of Supervisors.
PLEASE NOTE: Completed applications for demolition requests must be received by the Zoning Officer by the second Monday of the month in order to be placed on the Joint Historic Commission agenda for that month.
Chairperson (Township) | Bill Mahler | (215)630-6337 |
Vice-Chair (Township) | Craig Deutsch | |
Treasurer (Borough) | Marcia Lincoln-Heinz | |
Borough | John Donato | |
Borough | Sean Irwin | |
Borough | Charissa Stone | |
Township | Annamarie Kaminski | |
Township | Vacancy | |
Non-Member Recording Secretary | Leslie Dunleavy | |
Liaison (Borough) | Kris Bauman | |
| Liaison (Township) | Kyle Davis |
Seven member board. Meets monthly on the first Monday of each month at 7 PM.
Planning Commission
|
Chair | Don Hayden | |
Vice-Chair | Matthew Neuman | |
Member Member Member Member Member | Courtney Lang Heather Lewis Nicole Rodowicz Charles Swartz R. Scott Williams | |
Non-member Recording Secretary | Leslie Dunleavy | |
| Borough Liaison | Gail Foley |
Five member board. Meets on call.
Police and Non-Uniform Pension
Fund Committee
|
Administrator | Pennsylvania Muncipal Retirement System (PMRS) | (800) 622-7968 |
Member | Mayor John Burke | (215)962-2753 |
Member | James Sabath | (215) 860-7835 |
Member | Judy S. Musto | (215) 968-2109 x 0 |
| Member | Emily Heinz | (267)210-0450 |
| Member | Borough Manager - TBD | (215) 968-2109 x 3 |
Nine member board. Meets quarterly. Scan our QR Code to sign up for the Recreation Board email list. 
Visit the website at https://newtownboroughrecboard.org/
Recreation Board
Co-Chair Co-Chair | Tracey Osecki Jenna Ball | |
Treasurer | Derek DeBenedetto | |
Member Member Member Member Member Member Non-member Recording Secretary Council Liaison
| Amelia Aspell Colleen Curtin Michael Hurley Joe Michelin Bob Musto Malloree Neuman Vacancy Josh Phillips |
Shade Tree Commission Newtown Borough Resident Information Meets: Every other month or as needed to review permit applications or conduct pertinent STC business. Philosophy: Trees are a natural resource and improve air quality, lower air temperature, reduce storm water runoff, raise property values, and contribute to the aesthetics of Newtown Borough and the well-being of its residents. The Shade Tree Commission advocates for the planting and maintenance of trees in the Borough.
Purpose: The Newtown Borough Shade Tree Commission has the authority to plant, remove, maintain and protect shade trees on public rights-of-way in the Borough: All trees in the right-of-way require an approval prior to planting, pruning, removing, injecting, fertilizing, etc. Please complete the application below and submit to the Borough Secretary at jmusto.newtown@gmail.com Planted or removed a shade tree recently in Newtown Borough? LET US KNOW!The Newtown Borough Shade Tree Commission (STC) responds each year to the Tree City/Arbor Day Foundation to renew our designation as a Tree City! The year 2023 marks our 39th year! The data collected through this application informs Tree City and The Arbor Day Foundation about the tree canopy in our area. The STC obtains this data from permits submitted for trees planted and removed in the rights of way and public parks but has no means to acquire data about private property, although this info is requested on the application. A shade tree is a large tree whose primary role is to provide shade in the surrounding environment due to its spreading canopy and crown. It also provides a habitat for wildlife. If a shade tree is planted on your property please help us by responding to me via private message with the type of tree planted. The address is not necessary. If a shade tree was removed from your property please let us know the type, and age or approximate diameter. Again, address is not necessary. Thanks so much, Newtown Borough STCMembers:
Links: Shade Tree Inventory: Shade Tree Inventory click on Plant Inventory-294 Tree Pruning; Why Tree Topping is Wrong: https://extension.psu.edu/dont-top-trees Find an Arborist: Please contact an ISA Certified Arborist® (International Society of Arboriculture)If you need an evaluation of the health of a tree. A reputable tree service will have access to a certified expert. Or use the ISA website below. https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/findanarborist Newtown Borough Shade Tree Ordinance: https://ecode360.com/33519381#33519381 Newtown Borough Shade Tree Right of Way Work Permit: Newtown Borough is pleased to have been designated a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation since 1984. | ||||||||||||||
Meets the 3rd Thursday of each month, if needed, at 7:00 PM
Zoning Hearing Board Liaison, Maryellen Raymond
Chair - Mike Sellers
Member - Bob Abrahamson
Member - Paul Salvatore
Alternate - Marvin Cohen
Alternate - Andrew Northup
Walk Friendly Newtown Committee
The "Walk Friendly Newtown" Committee is a standing committee, established to address concerns related to traffic and pedestrian safety within Newtown Borough. Its mission is to improve the quality of life in Newtown Borough for residents and visitors by ensuring the ability to safely walk and drive throughout the borough. |
Co-Chairs: Courtney Lang & Don Hayden Members: Jean Bohr Sam Cler Amy Lustig Jillian Mabin Patrick Molloy Laura Shepherd Gregg Taylor Scott Williams Cheryl Wood |
Borough Liaison, Kris Bauman |