Newtown EDC Weighs Ordinance Update, Hears Extensive Staff Report

NEWTOWN, CT — Newtown’s Economic Development Commission considered updating its decades-old founding ordinance and received a wide-ranging staff report covering brownfield grants, business activity, and Fairfield Hills planning during its Nov. 18 meeting at the Newtown Municipal Center. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

Vice Chair Fran Pennarola recommended a comprehensive review of the commission’s ordinance, noting the current version dates back about 30 years and predates the creation of the town’s Economic and Community Development Department. He said the EDC should develop updated language to reflect its present-day responsibilities and then forward recommendations to the Board of Selectmen and Legislative Council for consideration. Commissioner Tracey Pertoso agreed.

Director of Economic and Community Development John Voket told commissioners the incoming first selectman is seeking clarity on the EDC’s goals and how the commission and department can better coordinate on project oversight. He said the administration would like the EDC to outline priorities, suggest areas where it can take a more public-facing role, and propose ways to strengthen collaboration with town departments.

A procedural issue delayed action on the meeting minutes. Although a motion was made to approve the previous minutes, the commission later determined that a quorum had not been present, making the vote invalid.

The commission unanimously approved its 2026 meeting calendar, amended to include a January 2027 meeting date. No members of the public were present, and no updates were reported from the commission’s liaisons or subcommittees involving Fairfield Hills, marketing and outreach, or sustainable energy.

Voket then delivered an extensive update on current grants, business activity, development proposals, municipal collaborations, and long-term planning. His written report included updates on:

• Brownfields and environmental projects, including a $610,000 state remediation grant for Fairfield Hills duplex roofs and ongoing environmental assessments at the Batchelder property and 28 Glen Road.
• Fairfield Hills initiatives, from permeable paver installations to upcoming remediation and re-roofing work on vacant duplex buildings.
• Business development efforts, including AdvanceCT partnerships, ribbon-cutting events, wayfinding sign updates, and continued marketing of 3 Main Street, the former police headquarters.
• Transportation and infrastructure planning, such as Safe Streets for All traffic study work and coordination on the proposed Newtown rail trail extension.
• Tourism and cultural planning, including efforts toward a state-designated Cultural District.
• Training, outreach, and regional collaborations, with updates on WestCOG, NVCOG, Bethel and Ridgefield partnerships, and work with the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities.

With no quorum present, the meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m.