'Very Large' Pool Party Draws Controversy In Newtown Twp.

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — A large pool party held in Newtown Township over the weekend has raised concerns among residents. But local officials say false rumors have blown it out of proportion.

On Saturday evening, a local resident hosted the "very large" party at a house on West Chester Pike, said Leonard B. Altieri, III, chair of the Board of Supervisors, which is the township's elected governing body.

The party was advertised online, had security guards present, and brought an influx of cars parked at nearby Drexel Lodge Park, Altieri said.

It ended around 10 p.m., causing significant traffic by the location, Altieri said. There was one minor crash.

But Altieri said no criminal laws were violated, so police didn't shut down the party.

"The Township does have zoning laws regarding commercial activities in residential properties and ordinances about parking in public parks for purposes other than using the park," Altieri said on social media. "The resident is being made aware of these laws."

"There is no reason to believe at this time that the resident will not cooperate with the Township to cease the activity," Altieri continued. "In the event it does not stop, the answer is in the civil court, not the criminal justice system, unless criminal laws are broken."

False rumors about the party have spread on social media, including claims that guns were brandished in the area. There were no gun-related incidents, the township supervisor said.

Posts claiming the township supervisors prevented police from responding to avoid a "racial incident" are also false, Altieri said.

"Our police department, one of the most professional around, operates according to the laws and Constitutions of the Commonwealth and Country," he said. "Township supervisors are not involved with the criminal justice process or police enforcement matters."

There was only one call to police, which reported a fight at the Drexel Lodge parking lot early in the evening. But a responding officer determined that was unfounded., Altieri said.

Replies to Altieri's statement show mixed reactions, including the following comments:

• "So I can rent out tables and sell alcohol in my yard? Good to know!"
• "They advertised the party. I thought it was a joke. Are you saying it was nothing more than a little house party that people blew out of proportion?"
• "So I’m curious is it okay to have a big party and rent spaces in your yard or charge for tables, waitress service, etc and even rent rooms out in the weekends? Damn sounds like an easy way to make some cash!"
• "Some of the stories were sounding a little stretched, some included a Gun, and Strippers, it's funny how what actually happened, got stretched so far out of proportion."