Borough Council to Weigh In On Mixed-Use Development

The Newtown Borough Council will vote Tuesday on an ordinance that permits mixed-use development within the borough. The new Traditional Neighborhood Development ordinance allows for residential and retail development to exist on the same parcel.

Mixed-use development, which combines residential and business, is not currently permitted in the borough. Under the new ordinance, though, that would change.

The Borough Council unanimously approved the ordinance for advertisement at its January meeting.

The intent of the ordinance is to encourage “a diversity of uses, dwelling unit types, lot sizes and open spaces in a compact arrangement” that promotes “pedestrian circulation” throughout the borough, according to a draft of the ordinance.  The draft states that tracts must be a minimum of two acres to be eligible for mixed-use development.

"The proposed ordinance would serve to ensure that new development is visually and functionally compatible with surrounding areas," Warren Woldorf, chair of the borough’s Planning Commission, said at the January Borough Council meeting.

Under this Traditional Neighborhood Development ordinance, several kinds of mixed uses will be permitted in certain borough zoning districts, including single and multifamily homes, banks, business offices, and retail. Other permitted uses include a performing arts center, medical offices, libraries, museums, restaurants, and a community center, said the draft ordinance.

If the ordinance is passed, the concept plan for redeveloping the former Stockbuger Chevy site would be first mixed-use proposal, Woldorf said.

Under the new ordinance, a minimum of 20 percent of the gross acreage of the site must remain or be developed as open space.

According to Woldorf, the proposed ordinance is aimed to ensure that new development maintains compatibility with existing borough buildings by instituting design standards, setting review procedures, and designating use regulations, such as lot size and setback.

Tuesday's Borough Council meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Chancellor Center. To view the full agenda, click here.