Board Rejects Plan To Move Controversial Farmhouse

The Newtown Township Board of Supervisors has rejected a plan to move an existing farmhouse and add new units to the Villas at Newtown development on Upper Silver Lake Road.

The sketch plan, which was unanimously rejected Thursday night, called for eight new units at the community. It also included plans to move the historic farmhouse 50 feet.

The issue has been controversial since last summer when McGrath Homes originally asked to tear down the farmhouse and replace it with a dozen villas.

Restoration of the farmhouse was a condition of approval when McGrath received the go-ahead to construct the 172-unit development back in 2006. However, the board and the community were split on what should happen to the farmhouse.