Good! The last thing in the world we needed was McDonalds. Fast food is killing this country and all you have to do is to look at the success of Corner Bakery as an alternative, as well as it's ability to turn an eyesore of yet another building sitting empty in our town into one that is thriving. Yes, I know that it is a chain restaurant and no, I've never been there myself nor have any affiliation with it.
I liked our town better before fast food restaurants were allowed in. I'd like to see a return of privately owned small business here in Newtown. If it's good, it will be supported, no matter how large or small it is.

What a great idea! Let's turn away an American business that provides much needed jobs in a crappy economy. Way to go Newtown! Don't come crying when your taxes go up eventually because businesses keep your property taxes low. I thought Republicans were all about small business and job growth? Oh..I guess that's only true if its caloric content is acceptable by Newtown standards. Can't have too many fat people around here...who cares because everyone will have health insurance with Obamacare!

Make sure the nanny state approves of your menu before you make an application to start a business in Newtown comrades! Welcome to Newtown PA, in the united socialist states of Amerika.

Good job, people of Newtown! What a great example of ordinary people working together for a common cause.

The last thing we need here is a McDonald's.

An emergency care facility seems like a good alternative...we dont have that option now. Looks like a "no brainer" to me...

word on the street is that McDonalds is looking at another location in Newtown

I expect that everyone who does not want the McDonald's did not patronize Wendy's during the power outages caused by Sandy.

For those of you that want the McDonald's...you obviously do not live in Cliveden Estates. It is not the McDonald's we objected to...it was the location.

@ Eve I agree with you wholeheartedly, the last thing we need here is a food establishment that is not only unhealthy for kids and adults but also looks bad. The reason we moved to Newtown was because it was charming and represented America the way it used to be. We don't want it looking like US 1 around here!

The comments here are absolutely comical to me. This borough/township was DESTROYED over 20 years ago and why cry about it now? We used to have (on State Street), a family owned pharmacy, a family owned 5 & 10, a family owned butcher shop, a community center that offered many classes/activities, our own bowling alley, and on and on. When the first "chain" rip off store was permitted to build here on the corner of Sycamore & Centre, it was the beginning of the end. Newtown will never be the same and it makes me laugh to hear you people comment that the "last thing we need is a McDonald's". The last thing we needed was a 7-11, five strip shopping centers, ten banks, Dunkin Donuts, Wendy's, Chick Filet, Subway, Slack's, Lee's, 6 pizza places, overpriced bars, etc. This town and area used to be a beautiful, uncluttered, and GREEN area. Look at it now. It's shameful if this is what we consider progress.

Yay. Hurry up. Son can't wait

I am not promoting McDonald's, (think it's a bad idea) but 20 years ago we did not have the same economy. Thanks goodness these establishments bring revenue and jobs to Newtown. As long as they are constructed moderately, tastefully and with proper zoning restrictions and enforcement it certainly looks better than boarded up store fronts/car dealerships. Yes, green is good, but at least our residents can patronize their own town and not have to drive to the Oxford Valley Mall if they want to dine out on something other than a sandwich, or buy a new pair of pants.

What's wrong with the Township turning down an application for a tenant who cannot meet the zoning standard? Those laws exist for a reason. They could have used that site if they came back with a plan that satisfied the ordinance and no one could have done anything about it. I like the new plan because it sounds like this new tenant will provide services our community needs and won't generate as much traffic in a part of the town that is already too busy. Becky, I miss the old Newtown too and wish some of that development didn't happen but the township is really built out now so they have to be more careful.

To clarify, the township didn't actually turn McDonald's down. The application was withdrawn by McDonalds. They said they were going to resubmit but didn't. Now the building will be rented by a different party, instead of sold to McDonald's for demolition to make way for a restaurant. Hope that clarifies.

I am glad the property owner is looking at less intense use of this land parcel. It can still be viable business use and provide jobs without creating traffic hazards. I applaud the property owner and McDonalds for realizing this was not the proper use for the parcel. I hope, should McDonalds decide to apply at another land site, they do their homework and do it with consideration of the community and without the need for a bunch of zoning reliefs.

next question...what kind of urgent care facility??? anyone have info on that???
and no, i did not frequent a fast food establishment during the power outage. i try to avoid that kind of food, no offense, mcd's!
it's all about the almighty dollor, people. quaint is gone b/c proprieters can't afford the rent here.