Newtown Developer Hit With 2nd Cease And Desist Order At Controversial Farmhouse

For the second time, the developer of Villas at Newtown has been hit with a cease and desist order for attempting to do unapproved work at a farmhouse on the property, township officials said.

McGrath was served the cease and desist order last week after township officials say he began to do exterior work on the house that was not permitted. The builder has complied with the order, Assistant Township Manager Micah Lewis said.

In March, McGrath and the township reached an agreement in the ongoing controversy surrounding the farmhouse. In short, the original approval for the development called for a full restoration of the farmhouse. However, the township has since granted him approval to renovate and add to the farmhouse with modern materials, plus add additional units to the community.

According to the conditions of final plan approval, the builder is required to execute a facade easement, Lewis said.

"The exterior materials, whether existing or proposed, need to be determined approved by the Township. Once this is determined, the builder will be required to file the necessary building permit application," he said.

In June, McGrath received a similar warning from officials after he began to prematurely demolish the historic farmhouse without approval.

Contributed photo, used with permission