Borscht Belt Deli's Mike Dalewitz Remarks After ZHB Denial

Mack's Newtown Voice

The Borscht Belt Deli appealed the township’s notice that the neon sign in its window is in violation of the township’s signage ordinance that prohibits “any sign which is illuminated by inert gas or any form of exposed tubes…” (read “Borscht Belt Delicatessen Seeks Variance to Allow Neon Sign in Window”; https://sco.lt/58eUaW). The Newtown Township Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB) heard the case at its January 4, 2024, meeting; https://www.johnmacknewtown.info/4jan24zhb.html but put off its decision until its February 1, 2024, meeting. In a January 31, 2024 Facebook post, the deli owners asked supporters to "make their voices heard" before the February 1 meeting, fully expecting the ZHB’s “Final Answer” to go against them “even though we proved our case by a mountain of evidence.” (listen https://sco.lt/5l1x7A). The ZHB’s answer DID go against them in a 3-1 vote. After the decision, the deli’s co-founder, Mike Dalewitz met with about 15 people outside the meeting room. He urged them to continue the fight. “With your involvement,” he said, “we can send a powerful message to local authorities and demonstrate the significance of preserving cultural landmarks and equal justice. Together, we can work towards fair and just enforcement of codes, ensuring that no one is unjustly targeted in the future.”