Newtown Developers Ordered To Stop Work After Illegal Beech Tree Removal

A development project in Newtown that threatens a historic farmhouse was ordered to stop on Tuesday after a beech tree was illegally cut down.

Maintaining the beech tree in its original state was a condition which McGrath Homes’ Villas of Newtown agreed to when they were granted Land Development approval in 2006.

The development has been the subject of much discussion lately due to a historic 1840s farmhouse that developers want to tear down and replace and that the Township Planning Commission is trying to protect.

The future of the project remains up in the air.

“It’s hard to say where things will go from here,” says Township Supervisor Jennifer Dix. “McGrath (John J., CEO of McGrath Homes) blatantly violated the original land development agreement and our Township ordinances by his actions yesterday. Our attorney will be reviewing the next steps. It would be my hope that it can be resolved quickly since this neighborhood has been under construction for 8 years and the residents deserve closure.”

More Patch articles on the historic farmhouse:

Planning Commission Recommends Saving Historic Farmhouse

Commission Advises Against Demolition Permit for Historic Farmhouse

‘Historic Gem’ at Risk as Developer Seeks to Backpedal on Restoration Agreement

Developer Proposes Moving Newtown Farmhouse, Making It An Office Building