State Building Inspector Addresses Local Builders

The Newtown Builders Association met at the new Hot Shots Restaurant on Monday, April 10, with over 40 area builders and realtors in attendance. Christopher Laux, AIA, state building inspector, was the guest speaker.

The meeting started with an open discussion of the ways the building community could assist in meeting the request for more open space planning for future subdivision. Kim Danziger, president of Danziger Homes, told about his attendance at the recent Newtown Plan of Development open meeting, at which most of the comments from the audience concerned interest in planning for more open space in Newtown.

The builders agreed that it was up to the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) to allow for the use of concepts such as cluster housing to make more open space available.

A unanimous vote was taken by the builders to contribute to a fund which will be used in this year’s municipal elections to support candidates who want to make changes that will make Newtown a better place to live.

Mr Laux told about the coming residential code changes planned for introduction in the year 2004. His information was directed to the builders’ need to plan for the expense of the changes in pricing their new construction homes. The flexibility of the state building inspector’s office and their ability to assist in solving problems that confront local building officials and the builders was emphasized by the state building inspector.

Mr Laux said he can be reached at 860-685-8310 for any information on residential or commercial building codes.