Newtown Selectmen Delay Action On Commerce Road Deed, Approve Insurance Increases

NEWTOWN, CT. — The Newtown Board of Selectmen on Monday postponed action on a proposed modification to deed restrictions at 6 Commerce Road after raising legal and financial questions about the long-term impact of the change.

The proposal stems from recent state legislation removing an economic development restriction on the property and replacing it with a requirement that the land be used solely for open space or recreation. If the property were ever used for another purpose, it would revert to the state.

First Selectman Bruce Walczak said the original intent of the town’s request to the General Assembly was to remove the economic development requirement, not to permanently restrict the land to recreation. Board members questioned how the final legislative language changed during the state process and whether the restriction aligned with the town’s long-term planning goals.

Selectman Jeff Capeci spoke in opposition to altering the deed, citing the permanent loss of flexibility for a town-owned property valued at approximately $4 million. Capeci said eliminating future development options could reduce the commercial tax base and shift costs to residential taxpayers.

Due to unresolved legal questions, the board withdrew the motion and agreed to seek further clarification before revisiting the issue.

The board unanimously approved a $23,250 special appropriation for investment advisor fees, which Finance Director Glenys Salas said would be fully offset by higher-than-anticipated investment income, resulting in no net impact on the General Fund.

Selectmen also approved premium increases for the town’s medical and dental insurance plans for fiscal year 2027. Medical premiums will rise 11 percent and dental premiums 3 percent, contingent on additional employer cost-share transfers of $450,000 and $200,000, respectively, from the town and Board of Education. Salas said the increases are significantly lower than the prior year’s 20 percent medical increase and are intended to stabilize costs during the budget process.

The board adopted a revised Medical Self-Insurance Fund Strategic Plan, which outlines a multi-year approach to addressing fund deficits and rising health care costs. The plan includes a six-year repayment strategy beginning in fiscal year 2027, cost-containment measures and changes to plan administration.

In other business, the board recommended that the Legislative Council consider ordinance changes related to enforcement authority for enhanced hauler regulations and a restructuring of voting within the Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority to a one-town, one-vote system.

Selectmen voted to reestablish and rename the Recycling Ad Hoc Committee as the Waste Management Ad Hoc Committee to reflect a broader focus on solid waste issues. They declined to reestablish an ad hoc committee related to flood recovery and water supply restoration.

The board approved multiple appointments and reappointments to town boards and commissions, approved driveway bond releases totaling $7,000, and authorized tax refunds totaling $7,431.88.

The meeting concluded with no further business and adjourned at 8:26 p.m.