Newtown Borough mulling new ‘town center’ – Bucks Round-Up – November 18, 2025
Newtown Borough mulling new ‘town center’
Newtown Borough is currently considering plans for a new “town center” as envisioned by developer Jim Worthington. The Newtown Athletic Club owner hopes to develop an eight-acre property along Newtown Creek, with 125 luxury apartments, a 15,000-square-foot public plaza near Centre Avenue for events and community gathering, green space, and other amenities. A wall along the plaza stage will display a timeline showing the history of Newtown Borough, according to plans described last week to Newtown officials. Calling the spot Liberty Centre, Worthington told borough leaders he wants it to “be like a mini-Rittenhouse Square,” referring to the Center City Philadelphia park.
Upper Makefield officials anticipate holding the line on property taxes
Upper Makefield supervisors this month granted preliminary approval to a 2026 spending plan that keeps the township’s real estate tax rate at 6.45 mills, with no increase on the horizon. Under that rate, a home assessed at $70,000 would see a township tax bill of about $451 next year. Earned income taxes would likewise remain unchanged at 0.5%. The proposed budget totals roughly $14.18 million across all funds, with the $9.17 million general fund supporting police, administration, public works, and other vital services. Township Manager Gregg Schuster said the plan maintains current operations without major changes and puts Upper Makefield on track to enter 2026 debt-free. The spending blueprint sets aside money for a new fire engine in 2028, two additional police cruisers, and paving work on at least six roads. Funds are also earmarked for stormwater upgrades and a grant-supported streetscape project along Route 532. A final vote is scheduled for December 2, with residents encouraged to review the proposal and weigh in beforehand.
Falls Township Police seek help in locating missing teen
Falls Township Police are asking for the public’s help locating a missing nineteen-year-old woman. Keara Kersey was last seen ten days ago in the unit block of Village Lane in Levittown before taking an Uber that dropped her near Asbury Street in Trenton. She was wearing gray baggy sweatpants and a blue-and-black sweatshirt. Anyone who sees Keara should call 911 immediately. Tips can be directed to Detective Gregory Small at 215-302-3306 or [email protected]. Anonymous information may be left at 215-949-9120 or [email protected].
Bucks IU recognizes Hunger and Homelessness Awareness week
As Bucks County marks Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, the Bucks County Intermediate Unit is spotlighting the often-hidden educational challenges facing children in unstable housing. Through the Education of Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness program, the Bucks IU supports school districts across five counties, ensuring students can remain enrolled and engaged even when families lose housing. More than 7,100 students in the region experienced housing instability last school year. IU leaders say their team works quickly with districts and county agencies to secure transportation, maintain enrollment, and uphold federal protections. Events this week include staff discussions on housing instability and a “Wear Red” day on November 21 to show support for affected families.
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490. Bradley Vasoli is the senior editor of The Independence.
