Week in Review: Skate Park Remains Closed, Council Rock Holds Budget Forum

Here's a look at the news in Newtown over the past week (April 10 through 16):

Monday: Bagel Junction owner Steven Seidner spoke out. Seider said he's in "total shock" after the Bucks County Sheriff’s Department seized cash and property from the bakery because of more than $87,000 in debt and interest due to their landlord, Centro Properties Group. Seidner said the Bagel Junction was negotiating in good faith with Centro and thought it had until April 21 to come together on a restructured lease agreement. The attorney for Centro declined to comment.

Tuesday: At its Tuesday meeting, the Newtown Borough Council decided to delay action on an . Councilman Gerard O’Malley asked that advertisement of the ordinance be delayed until May to ensure all affected residents are adequately notified.  The proposed ordinance would require residents of the following streets to obtain free parking permits: Court Street, Center Avenue from State Street to South Congress, Mercer Street from State to Congress, and Penn Street from State to Congress.

Wednesday: Superintendent Mark Klein announced that the district closed a $14.2 million budget gap with a combination of spending cuts, fund balance application, and staff salary concessions. More than $9 million in spending cuts are proposed for the 2011-2012 budget, including the reduction of four administrator positions, 42 teaching positions, and 19 support positions.

Also Wednesday, the and a sound test at the municipal Skate Park, which has been closed since late March. However, the park will likely remain closed through April, officials said.

Thursday: On Thursday, which will be held May 22. The event, hosted by the Newtown Business and Professional Association, will be held on Sycamore Street this year. Organizers are looking for volunteers. Also Thursday, we gave the details on a to balance the school budget.

Friday: Want to see the Easter Bunny this weekend?