Stage Set For Zoning Showdown Over Neon Signs In Newtown Township

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — The stage is set for a showdown in the township over neon business signs.

On Wednesday night, the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to oppose a zoning board appeal by the Borscht Belt, which is seeking a variance for a neon window sign.

Supervisor Phil Calabro made the motion to send its solicitor and the township's zoning officer to a zoning board meeting in early November to defend the township’s sign ordinance, which states that “any sign illuminated by inert gas or any form of exposed tubes is prohibited.”

"It's important that we send our solicitor because of the abuse that has been done by this deli in regard to breaking the zoning law," said Calabro. "We need to stick up for our zoning laws."

The hugely popular Jewish deli, which opened last May in the Village at Newtown South, was sent a violation notice by the township after the township received an anonymous complaint over its neon “Borscht Belt Deli” window sign.

The eatery’s co-founder, Mike Dalewitz, submitted an appeal to the township’s zoning hearing board, which is scheduled to be heard on Nov. 2.

In his appeal, Dalewitz is seeking a variance to allow the sign. He points to at least 17 other electric window signs throughout the township, including seven in the Village at Newtown South Shopping Center.

According to township solicitor Dave Sander, the township’s zoning officer has subsequently notified the owner of the shopping center regarding other tenants with signage in violation of the zoning ordinance.