'Historic Gem' at Risk as Developer Seeks to Backpedal on Restoration Agreement

A farmhouse labeled as a “historic gem” that was supposed to be restored as part of construction at the Villas of Newtown development is at risk.

Supervisor Jen Dix calls it “another episode of builders behaving badly.”

McGrath Homes is seeking permission from Newtown Township to tear down a historic farmhouse and instead replace it with a dozen villas at its 55-plus development under construction on Upper Silver Lake Road.

Restoration of the farmhouse, which is estimated to date back to circa 1840, was a condition of approval when McGrath received the go-ahead to construct the development back in 2006.

“McGrath has let it go for eight years and now wants to be rewarded for his neglect of this property by not only tearing it down, but putting 12 times the housing density there,” Dix said.

The farmhouse was in good condition when McGrath acquired it eight years ago, Dix said. In a detailed report, members of the Joint Historic Commission called the home a “historic gem” based on the architecture. The commission recommended the home be preserved to “protect this distinctive piece of Newtown history.”

Since then, it has deteriorated due to neglect, Dix noted.

Last month, McGrath Homes submitted an application to the township for a permit to demolish the farmhouse, which is described in the Joint Historic Commission’s report as being a “unique structure” with many “fine details.” 

McGrath’s plans to demolish the historic structure and build 12 additional homes will go before the planning commission and then to the Board of Supervisors. 

The Board of Supervisors review will likely be sometime in September, Dix said.