Planning Commission Discussion of “Historic” Farmhouse on Toll Bros Property

This discussion tool place at the October 18, 2022, Newtown Township Planning Commission Meeting. Speaking are Craig Deutsch, Planning Commission and Joint Historic Commission (JHC) member, and Greg Adelman of Toll Brothers. Mr. Deutsch questioned Mr. Adelman about a potentially historic farmhouse on the site proposed to be developed by Toll Bros. An agreement between Toll Bros and the township calls for the developer to demolish the "existing house" on the 98-acre Open Space Parcel - which will be given to the township - remove it from the property, and grade the property to the satisfaction of the Township Engineer. Mr. Adelman said that he did not believe the barn is of historic significance and it is slated to be demolished. He agreed, however, to allow the JHC to have access to the property before any such demolition. UPDATE: On December 14, 2022, Craig Deutsch and Bill Mahler – members of the JHC – visited the property and said that they had discovered a "major" Historic Resource. It should be noted that before any such demolition takes place, the JHC must approve the permit to demolish.