Welcome!
My name is John Mack and on November 5, 2019, I was re-elected to serve a 6-year term as a Newtown Supervisor. I would like to thank all the citizens who came out and voted that Tuesday and especially those who voted for me. I will do my best to work in the best interest of all Newtown residents.
Honesty · Integrity · Experience
As a Supervisor, I keep busy learning about and making decisions about issues of concern to residents, including the pollution of our streams and lakes, perfluoronated hydrocarbons (PFAS) in our drinking water, preservation of open space, traffic and parking, public safety, fiscal management, and development. On average, I spend more than 40 hours every month on official Supervisor activities including interacting with residents, preparing for meetings, and attending meetings (read "What's the Hourly 'Wage' of a Newtown Township Supervisor?").
Newtown Zoning Hearing Board Denies Wawa's Request for Zoning Variances
At its September 20, 2021, meeting, the Newtown Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB) voted 4-1 to grant a special exception for the Wawa convenience store/gas station, which the Township did not oppose, but DENIED ALL VARIANCES by a 3-2 vote.
That means that the Wawa can operate at the proposed location on Lower Silver Lake Road, however it will be limited to 6 gas pumps (Wawa asked for 8), and there will be no signs other than what is allowed by the E-30 Special Exception ordinace. For more details about the signage variances requested, listen to the testimony: "Newtown Township Versus Wawa: Round 1, Signage."
The ZHB has 45 days from September 20, 2021 (i.e., until November 4) to issue its written decision and the Applicant will have 30 days from the date of the written decision to file an appeal to the Court of Common Pleas of Bucks County if it chooses.
Per the ZHB solicitor, the ZHB votes on the Wawa application went as follows:
- On the Special Exception: Wall, Cohen, Potero, and Vlastaris voted in favor. Iapalucci voted against.
- On the Variances: Wall and Cohen voted in favor. Potero, Vlastaris, and Iapalucci voted against.
