Stockburger Redevelopment In Newtown Borough Moves Ahead

NEWTOWN, PA — Despite concerns over the project's fit with the surrounding neighborhood, the planned redevelopment of the former Stockburger property at State and Court streets is moving forward.

While Newtown Borough Council granted final land development approval for the project at its Dec. 8 meeting, some council members and several neighbors expressed concern during the meeting over the historical appropriateness of the renderings that were presented to council.

The plans call for demolishing the former Stockburger auto repair garage at 215 South State St., remediating the site for environmental hazards and constructing four 3-story twin homes with four detached garages and eight parking spaces. It also involves redeveloping a gravel parking lot into four three-story twin buildings, each with two units.

Project architect Carol Quigley presented alternative renderings to the borough at its Tuesday meeting in the hopes of appeasing council members who were concerned about the buildings fitting in with the historical character of the street.

After lengthy discussion, the council was split in a 3-3 vote on whether to approve the updated renderings, and Mayor Charles Swartz was asked to break the tie.

"We're going to move forward with this," Swartz said, and the motion was approved.

Swartz had previously noted that the height and density of the proposed development is consistent with existing twin buildings on Court and Penn streets.

The project is expected to break ground in the spring.

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