Newtown Borough Board of Burgesses Backs Cultural District, Reviews Safety And Tree Issues

NEWTOWN, CT — The Borough of Newtown Board of Burgesses voted Tuesday to support the establishment of a new Cultural District, while also reviewing safety initiatives, tree maintenance and tax collection updates.

The resolution creating the district was presented by Edmond Town Hall Vice Chairman Betsy Paynter and Newtown Arts Festival Co-Chair Laura Lerman. The Cultural District Committee will promote tourism, economic development and community engagement in coordination with the town, borough and Sandy Hook Village. The measure was unanimously approved, authorizing Warden Joseph Maher to sign the resolution.

Maher also told the board he and Burgess James Gaston are preparing an application for the town’s insurance policy, though much of the paperwork does not apply to the borough.

The warden further reported he attended the September Police Commission meeting to present a letter outlining three proposed safety measures: solar-powered LED crosswalk signage at Main Street locations including Edmond Town Hall, a rumble strip to slow southbound traffic at the flagpole, and stationing an empty police car at the flagpole to deter speeding. The suggestions were well received, he said, and may also be shared with state officials.

Tree Work and Replanting

Tree Warden Rob McCulloch, in a report read by Clerk/Treasurer Ann Scaia, detailed the removal of dead or dying trees in several areas, including Old Road, Diamond Drive, Queen Street and Reservoir Road. The state removed trees in front of Honan’s Funeral Home, though one tree on Main Street still awaits removal. McCulloch recommended replanting in the fall, but the board agreed to consider replacements in spring 2026.

Financial Reports

Tax Collector Jodie Enriquez reported $273,406.82 in current taxes collected through August, representing 95.4 percent of the total due. Scaia reported deposits from zoning and tax collections, transfers to cover payroll and invoices, and a certificate of deposit balance of $60,954.89. Both reports were unanimously accepted.

Zoning and Historic Updates

Zoning Enforcement Officer Joe Chapman reported on multiple matters, including permits for a new coffee shop, complaints about debris and overgrown grass, and unresolved paperwork for an addition on Main Street. He also noted screening work at commercial sites.

In the Historic District, full renovations at 4 West Street were approved, with additional amendments to be considered next month, according to Burgess Sarah Phillips.

Other Business

Maher said construction at the Church Hill Road and Queen Street intersection is scheduled to begin the week of Sept. 22. Senior Burgess Chris Gardner reported summer flag and flagpole repairs are complete, with costs supported by the town.

The next regular meeting of the Board of Burgesses is scheduled for Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m. in Edmond Town Hall.