Newtown EDC Advances Brownfield, Fairfield Hills, And Rail Trail Projects

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Economic Development Commission met Oct. 21 at the Newtown Municipal Center to discuss progress on several town projects, including brownfield assessments, Fairfield Hills campus improvements, and new business initiatives.

Commission Chair Jeffrey Robinson called the meeting to order and noted no public attendance. The commission unanimously approved September meeting minutes and filled its vacant vice chair position by appointing Fran Pennarola to serve through January 2026.

Brownfield and Redevelopment Progress

Economic and Community Development Director John Voket reported continued collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) on the $610,000 Fairfield Hills Duplex Roof Project. Environmental testing for the brownfield remediation is expected to begin within weeks, followed by a construction bid process aimed at early 2026.

At the former Batchelder property, the town is working with the Connecticut Brownfields Land Bank and the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) to secure additional grant funding for environmental testing. NVCOG has already applied for a $200,000 brownfield assessment grant, with results anticipated in mid-November.

Environmental work is also underway at the town-owned 28 Glen Road site, where a $70,000 Phase 2 assessment is progressing with field sampling scheduled to begin in the coming weeks.

Fairfield Hills and Infrastructure Initiatives

Voket said the town is finalizing plans for installing permeable pavers at up to three locations on the Fairfield Hills campus to improve stormwater management. Lease agreements for redevelopment projects at Fairfield Hills are being refined, and the town has completed appraisals on four vacant duplexes to prepare them for private marketing.

A recent evaluation by LANGAN engineers of traffic and pedestrian conditions at Fairfield Hills was well received, with a final report expected by year’s end.

Rail Trail and Energy Projects

Efforts to extend Newtown’s rail trail are back on track following new legislative support in Hartford. The Connecticut Department of Transportation has authorized access across an abandoned rail crossing, and the town is applying for a $165,000 Department of Energy and Environmental Protection grant to advance the project.

Meanwhile, discussions continue on repurposing the Batchelder property for a potential green energy project. Several firms have expressed interest in the site, and further redevelopment proposals are expected later this fall.

Business and Community Engagement

The commission reviewed a busy month of business development activities, including ribbon cuttings for Tikka Masala Restaurant, Wheel It Forward, and The Quilt Shop by Lois. The next ribbon cutting is scheduled for Nov. 5 at the Newtown Wellness Collective on Glen Road.

Voket also highlighted Newtown’s participation in the upcoming “Free Business Owner Workshop – From Chaos to Clarity,” co-sponsored with Bethel and Ridgefield, scheduled for Nov. 12 at Greenwood Features in Bethel.

The department continues to expand communication efforts through the Newtown.org website and social media, which have seen steady growth in engagement. Two new digital monitors have been installed at the Municipal Center to display meeting schedules and community events.

Other Developments

The EDC and ECD staff recently supported the installation of a “listening bench” at Fairfield Hills as part of Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. Officials also attended the groundbreaking for Claris Design Build’s new headquarters at the former Taunton Press campus.

Voket reported ongoing discussions with developers interested in acquiring properties at both Fairfield Hills and 3 Main Street, the former police department building, which recently received a clean environmental assessment.

The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. The commission’s next session is scheduled for November.