The sources for this Deep Dive podcast detail the specifics and subsequent rejection of a zoning variance request submitted by the Newtown Athletic Club (NAC). to the Newtown Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB) on 4 December 2025 . The request was to legalize an improperly located sign.
The NAC was seeking relief to allow a wall sign, installed in 2019, to remain in its current location facing the Newtown Bypass, violating size restrictions and the distance requirements stipulated in the municipal code.
According to the briefing document, the NAC claimed the placement was due to an "inadvertent installation error" that contradicted a previous 2014 decision, which led to a zoning violation notice issued in 2025.
During the hearing where the application was ultimately denied, the board chair expressed concern on the record about the Township's unusual silence on the matter, suggesting a potential issue with selective enforcement of sign ordinances.
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The sources for this Deep Dive podcast detail the specifics and subsequent rejection of a zoning variance request submitted by the Newtown Athletic Club (NAC). to the Newtown Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB) on 4 December 2025 . The request was to legalize an improperly located sign.
The NAC was seeking relief to allow a wall sign, installed in 2019, to remain in its current location facing the Newtown Bypass, violating size restrictions and the distance requirements stipulated in the municipal code.
According to the briefing document, the NAC claimed the placement was due to an "inadvertent installation error" that contradicted a previous 2014 decision, which led to a zoning violation notice issued in 2025.
During the hearing where the application was ultimately denied, the board chair expressed concern on the record about the Township's unusual silence on the matter, suggesting a potential issue with selective enforcement of sign ordinances.
A 29 November 2025 NewtownNow.com article outlines the controversial and abrupt closure of Rocco’s at the Brick, an upscale restaurant located inside The Brick Hotel, stemming from escalating conflict between the operating tenants and the hotel owner, Verindar Kaur.
The immediate point of failure was an alleged threat by Kaur to revoke the essential liquor license, which the restaurant’s management claims necessitated their immediate shutdown after Saturday service. However, Kaur publicly denied issuing this threat, stating she was surprised by the closure and that the restaurant was free to vacate the premises.
Beyond the licensing dispute, Rocco's management cited long-term issues related to the leased space, including concerns over water damage, mold, and a broken boiler, while Kaur maintained the building was in good repair. Following the closure, police were called to oversee the tense removal of restaurant equipment, and Rocco's management announced they are now seeking a new location for the concept on Sycamore Street - most likely Guru's Indian Restaurant, which was recently put on the market. More on that here... https://sco.lt/5Oc4Xo
Mack's Newtown Voice
The sources for this Deep Dive podcast detail the specifics and subsequent rejection of a zoning variance request submitted by the Newtown Athletic Club (NAC). to the Newtown Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB) on 4 December 2025 . The request was to legalize an improperly located sign.
The NAC was seeking relief to allow a wall sign, installed in 2019, to remain in its current location facing the Newtown Bypass, violating size restrictions and the distance requirements stipulated in the municipal code.
According to the briefing document, the NAC claimed the placement was due to an "inadvertent installation error" that contradicted a previous 2014 decision, which led to a zoning violation notice issued in 2025.
During the hearing where the application was ultimately denied, the board chair expressed concern on the record about the Township's unusual silence on the matter, suggesting a potential issue with selective enforcement of sign ordinances.
