Speakers at the meeting raised concerns about a recent change in the county’s permitting process for Newton Green that now requires all organizations to show proof of commercial general liability and automobile insurance before using the park.

Linda DeWitt of Hampton Township told commissioners the new process “has already led to the relocation of the fourth the Declaration of Independence from Newton Green to the VFW,” and said the requirement applies “regardless of size or type” of event. DeWitt said the change will disenfranchise groups that cannot obtain commercial insurance and that Newton Green has a long history as a site for public assembly.

An event organizer whose correspondence was read at the meeting said the group elected to move its event after weighing concerns about personal liability and policing at the Green; that speaker said the choice to move was voluntary and included an anonymous donor willing to underwrite costs. A county representative clarified during the meeting that many parks and organized activities require proof of insurance as a routine practice and that the county applies a uniform requirement for liability protection.

Why this matters: speakers argued the new permit requirement can impede spontaneous or low-budget civic gatherings (memorials, vigils, free-speech events) that historically took place at Newton Green, while county officials emphasized public-safety and standard park insurance practices.

What the board did: no ordinance or policy change was adopted at the meeting. Commissioners heard public comment and published correspondence about events on the Green; the board did not announce an immediate modification to the permit process during the session.

Next steps: speakers urged the board to revisit the permit requirements so small or informal groups retaining First Amendment protections are not effectively excluded from Newton Green.