Newtown Planning & Zoning Continues Hearing On Proposed Senior Housing Development

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Planning & Zoning Commission on Aug. 21 continued its public hearing on a proposal to rezone land on Cold Spring Road to allow for a cluster of age-restricted housing, a plan that has drawn both support and opposition from residents and environmental groups.

Nagy Enterprises, Inc. has submitted two applications: one seeking a text amendment to zoning regulations to permit elderly housing projects with subsurface sewage disposal systems, and another to rezone 12 Cold Spring Road from R-2 to EH-10, allowing for higher-density, age-restricted single-family units.

Attorney Dominick Thomas, representing the applicant, told commissioners the project would generate significant tax revenue, preserve open space and buffer zones, and align with the town’s economic development goals. He cited a letter from Charter Realty, which manages Sand Hill Plaza, supporting the development as a way to boost local commerce.

Jason Edwards, a civil engineer, said soils on the site are suitable for septic systems and noted that nearly half of the land would remain undeveloped or preserved as open space. Developer AJ Grasso added that the plan would better protect the Pootatuck River corridor compared with conventional zoning.

Commissioner David Landau raised concerns about the aquifer recharge area, proximity to a school, and the reliance on septic systems instead of public sewer. He also requested more detailed site plans.

During public comment, supporters pointed to the project’s potential to expand the tax base and support local businesses. Opponents, however, voiced concerns about traffic, density, aquifer impacts, environmental disruption, and the affordability of the proposed senior housing. Letters opposing the plan were submitted by the Candlewood Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the Pootatuck Watershed Association.

After nearly two hours of testimony, the commission voted unanimously to continue the hearing to its Sept. 4 meeting.

In other business, commissioners approved amended minutes from Aug. 7 and adjourned at 9:19 p.m.