On Tuesday, August 11, Newtown Borough Board of Burgesses held a regular meeting to discuss possibly creating an ad hoc committee to address the installation and maintenance of trees within the Borough.

Warden Jay Maher said, “As you know, it was a topic last month regarding trees within the Borough, and, something that we’re typically not accustomed to, is the removal of trees that have been installed.”

As warden, Maher has had the “responsibility” of selecting where trees were planted and which were replaced. He said that Burgess Sarah Phillips has a “different vision.”

Phillips said that she wanted to make a long-term plan to replace the “maple tree line along Main Street.” She wants to bring in different community members to create an ad hoc committee to discuss where trees need to be replanted.

Burgess John Madzula said that he likes the idea, but sugar maples, once they root, can grow up to six or seven feet a year. This rapid growth is not always taken into account when they are first planted, which causes them to grow into each other as they mature. He suggested to “consider the spacing to be more proper.”

Maher asked if the committee would be populated with residents from the Borough. Phillips answered Yes, and that she had a few people who are not involved yet that could be.

Burgess Jim Gaston said he thought it was a good idea, too. Madzula offered a place where the Borough could obtain trees for a good price, Arbor Day Foundation, and said that when he had to replace a tree on his property, he was willing to pay for it himself. Madzula said he thinks some residents in the Borough may assume the costs themselves, which would be a big help for the already tight budget. Gaston said that he would pay to replace a tree in his yard if he lost one, too.

Phillips added that there are some grants they could apply for to help offset the costs, too. Maher said there is $1,500 in the line item for trees available to use. Phillips will come back next month with a list of possible candidates for the committee.

The next discussion was about displaying banners in town regarding town-wide events.

Maher said, “As you may know, you can no longer hang banners off the railroad bridge.” Due to the construction at 57A Church Hill Road, the equipment needed to hang the banners cannot safely operate. Closing Church Hill Road for the occasion would also not be feasible.

When Gaston was warden, he assumed the responsibility of changing the banners. When Maher was voted in as warden, Gaston continued to oversee the banner hanging for the Borough. He said he has received e-mails and phone calls from residents asking to display banners on the railroad bridge.

“I have to tell them we can’t do it anymore. Basically, we’re getting feedback that ‘you guys should really find another place,’” Gaston told the board.

Gaston talked about displaying banners across Queen Street, but that is also no longer available. He thought about possibly putting in their own poles on Queen Street, but was quoted $20,000 for the job. Gaston wants to explore the option more to see if he can find a better price.

Burgess Peter Schwarz suggested the fence at Fairfield Hills by Wasserman Way. Gaston explained he asked Fairfield Hills Authority and it said Yes, but Rob Sibley, director of Planning & Land Use, said it was not in the zoning regulations.

“Maybe Public Works can put [poles] in, which would save us money. Maybe the town will throw in some money, but I think the public is looking for the Borough because it’s in the Borough … It’s looking for the Borough to solve this problem, and there really is a need for them,” Gaston said.

Following that discussion, Maher informed the group that the intervenor status for the “proposed settlement agreement” was denied on July 21. Maher also said that there was a complaint on August 4 from the Eric Thompson group regarding the Castle Hill development about “unreasonable, potential destruction of the Washington-Rochambeau trail.”

Ann Scaia To Step Down, Historic District Appointments

“The next bit of business,” Maher began, “is painful for me. But, as many of you know … Ann Scaia no longer resides in the Borough of Newtown. As an officer, in her role as Borough clerk and Borough treasurer, she must step down from her role.”

Maher sang Scaia’s praises, recognizing her work in digitizing payroll for the Borough and spending time learning QuickBooks. He added that she was “instrumental” in Borough business. Phillips said it would be “hard to see [her] go.”

Gaston said that the board will “miss” her, and told her to “move back.”

There were two people who were appointed to Scaia’s roles: Kath Gardner as clerk and John Fletcher as treasurer. The appointments were accepted unanimously.

During the Historic District portion of the meeting, Phillips informed the board that Betsy Kenyon and Stephanie Gaston expressed interest in being reappointed as co-chairs of the Historic District. Those reappointments were also accepted unanimously.

Legal Fees, Borough Zoning, Other News

Following Scaia’s treasurer’s report, she informed the board that there was one bill remaining from the 2025-2026 fiscal year for $99. She informed the group that there were no other line items to pull from, and a special appropriation was needed to settle the bill.

Gaston made the motion and it passed unanimously.

“Legal last fiscal year was just over $58,000, so it was less than the previous year, which was $66,000,” Maher said. Gaston said he hoped that trend continues.

Maher then read the zoning officer’s report. The first item on the list, 69 Main Street, drew a lot of attention from the burgesses. This particular property has been mentioned several months in a row.

There still has been no building permit issued despite the ongoing construction. Two concrete slabs and a 10 by 20 foot garage/shed have been added. Maher read in the report that violation letters are pending and a stop work order is in place.

Madzula opened the conversation. “I got a problem with that one … If we got regulations to fine people or cease and desist them every day and slap them with a fine or take their property away, we gotta do it. Those slabs have been out there for over three months.”

Madzula added it has been illegal for months as there have been no permits. He suggested to take the property away. He also said it has become a “laughingstock” and is “concerning.”

Gaston said he agreed with Madzula: “I think zoning needs more teeth.”

Maher responded that he has asked Joe Chapman to enforce Borough zoning regulations several times. He added that neighbors are calling him complaining about the construction. Maher admitted he is just as “frustrated as you two guys.” He called the situation “ridiculous.”

Gaston suggested the zoning enforcement officer serve them with a $100 a day fine starting soon. Madzula said he thinks the time has “unfortunately come.”

“It’s a very powerful argument for the people who say, ‘What the hell do we have you for?’ And clamping down is a very powerful demonstration of why. It’s bigger than being ‘nice.’ It’s institutional credibility,” Schwarz said.

Maher carried on, saying that he was approached by Bob Geckle regarding The Meeting House’s front area that needs some masonry repairs. Geckle asked if the Borough would chip in some money. He proposed $1,500. The motion passed unanimously.

Schwarz then offered an update on the peddling ordinance, saying it was “stuck in the town.” Solicitors will be taking a break for the colder weather, so Schwarz suggested taking a different approach and bringing it back to the Borough over the next few meetings.

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Reporter Sam Cross can be reached at sam@thebee.com.