Newtown Historic District Commission Approves Roof Restoration and Library Plans

NEWTOWN, CT — The Borough of Newtown Historic District Commission unanimously approved two major improvement projects during a public hearing held June 26 at Edmond Town Hall.

Trinity Episcopal Church received approval for the removal and replacement of roofing materials, gutter systems, and flashing, as well as restoration of the church steeple at its historic property at 36 Main Street. The church is addressing widespread leaks affecting both the slate roof over the sanctuary and the EPDM flat roof over administrative offices.

Church representative Jim Funk explained that while initial plans considered asphalt, the revised proposal involves reusing as much of the existing slate as possible for the upper surfaces and replacing the lower surfaces with copper. The Vermont black slate will supplement where needed, and renderings showed the anticipated patina change of the copper over time. Roofing work is expected to begin in July and conclude by September.

The application was approved unanimously after discussion.

The commission also approved the Town of Newtown’s application, on behalf of the C.H. Booth Library at 25 Main Street, for landscaping and fencing associated with the installation of a new HVAC system. Alexa Skalandunas of the library board and Facilities Project Manager Sean Heslin presented the plan, which includes demolition of an old chiller system, installation of forest green cedar fencing, and low-maintenance shrubbery intended to blend with the surroundings.

Heslin noted that while infrastructure work will begin in August, plantings will likely be delayed until spring due to seasonal considerations. The updates are expected to significantly reduce noise and improve energy efficiency. Library representatives said the existing system struggled during recent heatwaves, with interior temperatures reaching as high as 85 degrees.

Both applications were approved without opposition. The meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m.