Bucks County · Newtown Township · #13171
4-lot single-family subdivision on Penn Street
Southern side of Penn Street, between South Elm Avenue and Pheasant Run, Newtown Township, PA · 4 homes, single-family homes · 5.0 acres
About this project
This plan subdivides a vacant 4.95-acre site into four single-family detached lots of 30,000 to 49,025 square feet. It also creates an open space lot and a stormwater basin lot, with a cul-de-sac extension of Lafayette Street to serve the homes. Public water and sewer are intended to serve the development.
County recommendation: No position
Issues raised: Several street and sidewalk waivers requested without stated reasons, Parcels to be consolidated but plan does not show consolidation, Tree removal along neighboring property lines, Park and recreation land dedication or fee not addressed, Bradford pear street trees are a state-banned species
- Applicant
- DC at Lafayette, LLC
- Plan type
- Preliminary subdivision
- Land use
- single-family
- Zoning
- R-2 High Density Residential
Filing history
- 2026-09-09 · #13171 · Preliminary subdivision · 4 lots/units
County review packet (meeting materials) →
Map pin is approximate.
The full picture AI research · Nov 2, 2026
The plan would divide a vacant 4.95-acre site on the south side of Penn Street, between South Elm Avenue and Pheasant Run, into four lots for single-family detached homes. The lots would be roughly 30,000 to 49,025 square feet, which is large by suburban standards. The plan also sets aside one lot for open space and one for a stormwater basin, which holds and slowly releases rain runoff.
The homes would be reached by extending Lafayette Street into a cul-de-sac (a dead-end street with a turnaround). Public water and sewer would serve them.
An online summary of an April 2026 township planning commission meeting appears to describe an early sketch plan for this site, called Lafayette One. Neighbors raised concerns about traffic, wildlife habitat and construction vehicles. Using Penn Street for access instead was also discussed. That was an informal review, not an approval.
What it could mean nearby
- Traffic: the Lafayette Street extension would put new cars on a dead-end street. Neighbors raised traffic and construction-vehicle concerns at the early review.
- Housing: four new single-family homes on large lots would be added.
- Open space and stormwater: the plan includes an open space lot and a stormwater basin. Woodland preservation and sidewalks were discussed early on.
- Utilities: public water and sewer are intended to serve the homes.
Where it stands
A subdivision plan was filed with the county in September 2026, after an informal sketch review in April 2026. Next, the township planning commission and supervisors usually review it and vote on preliminary and final approval, sometimes after changes to address comments.
- Sep 9, 2026 Latest county planning filing for the subdivision
- Apr 21, 2026 Township planning commission held an informal sketch plan discussion of the Lafayette One proposal
Want to weigh in? The Newtown Township planning commission and board of supervisors review subdivision plans at public meetings, where residents can comment. Check the township website for agendas.
Who's behind it
DC at Lafayette, LLC
Around the web
- Newtown Planning Commission: Lafayette One development sketch plan discussionScoop.it (Newtown News of Interest) · Apr 22, 2026Summarizes an informal April 2026 planning commission review of a four-lot, roughly five-acre subdivision with a Lafayette Street cul-de-sac, including neighbor concerns about traffic, wildlife habitat and construction vehicles.
Planning terms explained
- Sketch plan
- An early, informal drawing shown to the township for feedback before a formal application is filed.
- Subdivision
- Dividing one parcel of land into separate lots that can be built on or sold.
- Cul-de-sac
- A dead-end street that ends in a circular turnaround.
- Stormwater basin
- A shallow basin that collects rain runoff and releases it slowly to reduce flooding.
- Open space lot
- A lot kept free of homes, often for preservation or common use.
Researched by AI from public sources on Nov 2, 2026. It can make mistakes, so check the linked sources and the municipality before relying on it.
Scope estimate for contractors
Estimated construction value: $2.2M
- ~128 roofing squares
- ~4 HVAC systems
- ~4 kitchens / 8+ bathrooms
- ~11,200 sq ft of finished living space
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