On Tuesday, February 18, the Economic Development Commission recognized commissioner Bruce Walczak for completing the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) certification. CCM is the state’s largest nonpartisan organization of municipal leaders with a goal of improving everyday life for every resident of Connecticut.

Walczak shared, “It was worthwhile,” and that he really enjoyed his time learning from the group.

Following Walczak’s recognition, Arnie Berman introduced himself as a new commissioner on the EDC. Berman shared he became friends with Walczak through the Newtown Lions Club, and Walczak encouraged him to join the commission.

“I care a lot about the town,” Berman said at the meeting. Though only being a resident for three years, he said that he knows “the town has a lot of fiscal constraints,” and that he is “about trying to find solutions.”

Liaisons And Adhoc Groups

At the last EDC meeting, Jeffrey Robinson, the chair, tasked certain commissioners with working with other groups and commissions. The subgroups included a Fairfield Hills liaison, a marketing and outreach subcommittee, and a sustainable energy adhoc group.

The EDC is made up of a diverse group of commissioners. Some are environmentalists and are tuned in to environmental issues, some are real estate agents with a knowledge of leases and developments, and some have tech backgrounds and have experience working with large and small-scale companies.

Not every commissioner attended the last meeting, but Robinson was still able to gather a little bit of information from each group.

Walczak informed the commission that he has plans to meet with John Voket, the director of Economic and Community Development, but wants to meet as the EDC first.

“I wanted to meet from the EDC first, and then bring John in,” Walczak shared. He asked Robinson what his idea is regarding marketing and outreach for the EDC.

Robinson responded, “Assisting or coordinating with [Voket] and Kim [Chiappetta] on marketing Newtown and getting Newtown out there, and getting the EDC put in a favorable light … and that we are trying to do good things for the town of Newtown.”

David Cervero, the vice chair of the EDC, was not in attendance at the meeting. He was put in the Fairfield Hills liaison position and is tasked with working with members of the Fairfield Hills Authority to bring accurate, up-to-date information about the property and its development to the public. The liaisons are Authority members that are working on a first draft of that information. The commissioners briefly looked over it, though not much discussion was had.

Commissioner Fran Pennarola discussed what he is working on with the Sustainable Energy Commission regarding the Batchelder site. He didn’t have much to share, but said, “I think it’s an interesting site. I think a lot of money will have to be spent by somebody there.”

Robinson added, “As [Voket] said last time, I think he’s working with some of our representatives both in Congress and state level to see if he can get some grant money.”

New Businesses On South Main Street

Towards the end of the meeting, Commissioner Tracey Pertoso informed the commission about two new businesses that opened recently on South Main Street: Angelina’s Italian Deli at 150 South Main Street and The Ranch Pub at 160 South Main Street.

“Angelina’s deli has opened … the place is packed, it’s delicious … I was really happy to be in there when they were telling everybody before the storm that they had run out of everything that they had,” Pertoso said.

Robinson said, “I drove by there this morning, and it was jammed!”

Pertoso also shared that the Ranch Pub also opened. “Ranch Pub opened as well, I have not gone over there yet, but that’s been pretty packed. I’ve seen a lot of great response to that.”

Following Pertoso’s updates, the meeting was adjourned.

Reporter Sam Cross can be reached at sam@thebee.com.