Newtown Planners Support "Guru" Building Rebirth Plan

At its 16 June 2026 public meeting, the Newtown Township Planning Commission granted unanimous support for the redevelopment of the former Guru’s building into a high-end restaurant. The property owner, Adam Baratta, is working with historic preservation experts to restore the structure’s nineteenth-century character while addressing its current state as a local eyesore. To facilitate this transformation, the project requires zoning relief for parking reductions and the enclosure of an existing patio to maintain seating capacity. These structural changes are necessary to bring the "functionally obsolete" interior up to modern ADA and safety standards. While a specific dining concept has not yet been announced, the owner intends to provide a premium hospitality experience that revitalizes the Sycamore Street corridor. The proposal now moves forward for additional approvals from the Board of Supervisors and the Zoning Hearing Board.