New Britain Twp. adopts public contracting ordinance favoring union shops – Bucks Round-Up – July 25, 2025
New Britain Township adopts public contracting ordinance favoring union shops
New Britain Township’s Board of Supervisors this week passed a “responsible contractor ordinance” (RCO) including a litany of stipulations for all contractors and subcontractors performing public works projects valued minimally at $500,000. Most controversially, the legislation demands that firms hired for such projects participate in a Class A Apprenticeship Training Program. The federal and state labor departments tend to bestow Class A recognition on programs run by labor unions. Earlier this year, State Senator Jarrett Coleman (R-Lehigh/Bucks) proposed legislation to ban apprenticeship program requirements and other measures that discriminate against nonunion labor in public contracting.
DA: Hilltown homicide was targeted, no ongoing threat to public
Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn confirmed this week that the shooting death of an 89-year-old Hilltown Township woman was a “targeted homicide.” Anne Turner was found dead in her Rickert Road home on the evening of July 10, having suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Speaking on WBCB’s Justice For All, Schorn assured residents that there is no broader danger to the community. “We have information we may be releasing soon,” she said, adding that a specific public appeal will follow. While the motive remains under investigation, Schorn praised the ongoing efforts of Hilltown police and county detectives. Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Hilltown Township police the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office.
Northampton approves $1.1M in intersection safety upgrades
Northampton Township’s Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to move forward with long-anticipated traffic safety improvements at three key intersections along Newtown-Richboro Road. The $1.1 million project includes a new signal at St. Leonards Road and upgrades at Holland Road and Rock Way–Spring Garden Mill Road. The contract was awarded to T. Schiefer Contractors Inc. of Doylestown. While some residents raised concerns over potential traffic slowdowns, Supervisor Bob Salzer pointed to 69 reportable accidents in the area over the past decade. “This is purely a safety issue,” Salzer said. “I will be shocked if it has a negative traffic impact.”
Credit card skimmer found at Warminster Costco, suspects sought
Warminster Township Police are investigating a skimming device found at a register in the Costco on Veterans Way. The tampered register was discovered on July 19. According to officials, the device was placed to steal customers’ credit and debit card information. It remains unclear whether any data was compromised. Police are seeking two male suspects, whose images have been posted on the department’s Facebook page. Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Jillian Voit at [email protected] or call 215-672-1000. Consumers who shopped at Costco that day are advised to monitor their financial accounts.
Newtown-area communities regulate EV charging machines
The townships of Newtown, Upper Makefield, and Wrightstown this week jointly enacted new rules for electric vehicle charging stations that operate in any of the three municipalities. Wrightstown’s Board of Supervisors approved the rules at a Monday meeting, following the other two communities. The ordinance allows the stations at residences so long as property owners locate the machines either in garages or on outside walls behind a building’s setback line. Residential property owners may not charge fees for the stations’ use nor allow them to fall into disrepair. Commercial or institutional properties may however allow public use and collect fees. Other rules aim to guarantee accessibility for those with disabilities, avoid blockage of sight triangles, ensure adherence to lighting ordinances, and prevent equipment damage.
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490. Bradley Vasoli is the senior editor of The Independence.
