Newtown Borough Council Fills First Ward Council Vacancy

NEWTOWN BOROUGH, PA — The Newtown Borough Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to appoint longtime borough resident Kris Bauman to a short-term vacancy on the council.

Bauman, who was sworn in by district judge Mick Petrucci shortly after the vote, was one of three first-ward residents who stepped forward to fill the opening created by the resignation of Councilor Amy Lustig.

Also stepping forward to fill the open seat were Paul Salvatore and Gregg Taylor.

Bauman will serve through the end of this year when a new councilor is elected to fill the remainder of Lustig's term.

Bauman told the council last week that he intends to run for the open seat in November and is already investigating the process of securing a position on the ballot.

While the term is a short one, it is expected to include a key vote on final revised plans for the Steeple View project, the largest redevelopment project in town history.

Between now and the end of the year, the council anticipates a final vote on the plan, which includes the redevelopment of land between Centre Avenue and the Fine Wine & Good Spirits store. Current plans include the construction of three new multi-story mixed-use (retail/residential) buildings, four new residential buildings, a public piazza (town square), and a creek walk.

Welcoming Kris Bauman, third from right, to the Newtown Borough Council are, from left, Councilor Bob Szwajkos, Mayor John Burke, Councilor Emily Heinz, Council President Tara Grunde-McLaughlin, Councilor Kris Bauman, Councilor and former mayor Dennis O'Brien and District Judge Mick Petrucci.

Bauman, who has lived in the borough since 1989, is the vice president of a development company based in New Jersey.

"I simply want to be a good steward for the borough," said Bauman during his interview with the council last week. "I have lived here a long time. I'm a committed citizen of the borough. I love everything about the borough. And I want to make sure that as we move into the future we take advantage of what we can in terms of what's modern, what's new, what's best and available while not losing sight of our history and our traditions. I simply want to do my part," he said.

In other business, the council voted unanimously to purchase and install a gaga pit at Linton Memorial Park at a cost not to exceed $3,500. Gaga is a fast-paced, high-energy sport played in an octagonal pit and enjoyed especially by ages 9 to 12.

Council also approved the purchase of two solar speed signs at a cost of $13,317. They will be strategically located at two entrances to the borough - one on South State Street near Lincoln for traffic entering the borough and the other at Washington Avenue near Elm.

"It's going to let people know what their speed is as they are entering the borough," said Chief James Sabath.

Council also approved three special event applications:

• "Music On The Street," a series of free outdoor concerts, takes place Tuesday evenings from July 11 to August 29. Presented by the Newtown Theatre, the concerts will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Greene Street between State Street and Newtown Creek.

• The Newtown Beerfest will be held on Saturday, Sept 9 from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Stocking Works on South State Street. The event is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Newtown Fire Association. Tickets are now on sale for the Beerfest by clicking here.

• A Black & White Dinner will be held on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 5:30 to 10 p.m. on North State Street in front of the historic Newtown Theatre. North State Street will be closed for the event, which is sponsored by the Newtown Theatre.

Event Reminder

• A spring and summer series of "Movies in the Park" continues on Wednesday, June 14 at Linton Memorial Park with the showing of "The Burbs" beginning at dusk. The series, sponsored by the Recreation Board, continues on Wednesday, June 21 with "Up" and Wednesday, July 12 with "Super Pets." The movies are free and open to the public.