Newtown Borough Backs Cultural District, Bans E-Bikes On Sidewalks

NEWTOWN, CT — The Borough of Newtown Board of Burgesses voted unanimously Tuesday to support the creation of a Connecticut Cultural District that would encompass parts of both the Borough and the Town of Newtown.

At the July 8 meeting held in Edmond Town Hall, Warden Joseph Maher introduced the initiative, which aims to promote arts and cultural institutions within a walkable area. The proposal was presented by Betsy Paynter, vice chair of the Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers, and Laura Lerman, co-chair of the Newtown Arts Festival. Both emphasized the benefits of state recognition, including support for tourism and cultural preservation. The Burgesses approved the resolution with the condition that two Borough members be included on the planning committee.

The Board also passed an ordinance prohibiting the use of electric bikes and scooters on public sidewalks. Burgess James Gaston authored the ordinance, and Senior Burgess Chris Gardner requested that electric scooters be explicitly included in the language. The measure will now be forwarded to the town's ordinance committee and published in The Newtown Bee.

In additional business, the Board unanimously approved the appointment of longtime resident and educator Sara Frampton as an alternate member of the Borough Zoning Commission. Frampton replaces Michael Mandarano.

Warden Maher reported that the town is currently unable to locate documentation confirming the Borough's coverage under the municipal insurance policy. A meeting with the First Selectman, Finance Director, and other officials is scheduled for July 17 to address the issue, with Maher, Gaston, and Gardner planning to attend.

Tree Warden Rob McCulloch proposed two options for maintaining the Borough’s trees: fertilizing sugar maples for $7,500 or pruning trees along Main Street and Glover Avenue for $22,500. The Board decided to postpone any action pending possible assistance from the state.

Tax Collector Jodie Enriquez reported a 98.23% collection rate for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The Board accepted her report and also approved the Treasurer’s year-end financial summary, which showed a combined balance of $477,778.91 across Borough accounts.

The Board approved special appropriations totaling more than $20,000 from the undesignated fund balance for items including fire hydrants, street lighting, legal fees, and office supplies.

In zoning updates, Enforcement Officer Joe Chapman reported several ongoing issues, including an unpermitted addition on Main Street and signage questions from a business on Church Hill Road. The Historic District Commission approved projects at Trinity Church and the Cyrenius Booth Library.

Warden Maher reported no new updates on the Queen Street/Church Hill intersection sidewalk project, still awaiting state Department of Transportation approval.

The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss the Castle Hill zoning cases. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Aug. 12 at 7:30 p.m.