A proposed canopy at Donetelli's Italian Steakhouse in Newtown Borough was denied after a 3-3 council vote was broken by the mayor, requiring the structure to be removed or modified before the restaurant's opening.
The Newtown Borough Council has denied approval for a canopy installed at the soon-to-open Donetelli's Italian Steakhouse, located at the historic Brick Hotel in Newtown Borough, Pennsylvania. The decision came after a 3-3 tie among council members, which was broken by Mayor Tara Grunde McLaughlin, siding with the recommendation of the Historic Architecture Review Board (HARB) to reject the canopy.
The vote took place during the council's regular meeting on Wednesday. The canopy, which had already been installed on the Washington Avenue side of the building, was intended to provide shelter for restaurant guests waiting for tables or entering during inclement weather. However, the council's decision means the canopy must now be removed or altered to meet HARB's standards before the restaurant can proceed with its opening plans.
Historic Standards and Council Debate
HARB, which oversees the preservation of Newtown Borough's historic character, unanimously recommended denial of the canopy, arguing that its design detracted from the historic appearance of the Brick Hotel. According to HARB chairman Jim McAuliffe, the board felt the canopy's shape and size dominated the building's facade and did not align with established preservation standards. The board suggested that a traditional awning, similar to what previously existed, would better maintain the building's historic rhythm and appearance.
Not all council members agreed with HARB's assessment. Councilor Kris Bauman argued that the canopy did not harm the building's historic integrity and noted that neither canopies nor awnings were part of the original structure. Bauman supported allowing the canopy to remain, stating it did not impact the building's structure or appearance in a negative way. However, Councilors Josh Phillips and Julia Woldorf sided with HARB, expressing concerns about the canopy's effect on the streetscape and the town's historic character.
Community Input and Next Steps
The restaurant owner addressed the council, explaining that the canopy was installed to improve guest comfort, especially during bad weather. Several residents also spoke in favor of the canopy, describing it as a positive upgrade compared to previous temporary structures and an improvement for the community. Despite this support, the council ultimately upheld HARB's recommendation.
With the denial, Donetelli's Italian Steakhouse must now either remove the canopy or submit a revised design for HARB's approval before opening. The Brick Hotel, located at the intersection of North State Street and Washington Avenue, is a prominent historic structure in the heart of Newtown Borough. The council's decision underscores the borough's commitment to maintaining its historic standards while balancing the needs of new businesses.
How the Process Works
In Newtown Borough, exterior changes to buildings within the historic district require a certificate of appropriateness from the council, typically following a review and recommendation by HARB. The council's vote is final unless a revised proposal is submitted. This process is designed to ensure that new developments and renovations respect the borough's historic character and architectural guidelines.
