Seeking ‘Sustainable Economic Development’—

Rerooting Agriculture In Newtown

By Kendra Bobowick

The Economic Development Commission is literally laying the groundwork for renewed agricultural interest in Newtown.

“The reality is, farmers can’t grow corn on 20 acres and make a living anymore,” said Economic Development Commissioner Brian Aumueller. He and others formed a focus group to generate ideas to boost the farming industry in town.

Is this an overlooked sector? “Yes,” Mr Aumueller said.

The group also seeks a means of protecting the town’s roots with the future in mind.

Mr Aumueller expressed a desire to “preserve the past,” saying, “We were a farming community once, that’s what it comes down to.” He also noted, however, that the town’s foundations have begun to blur.

“Without options, someone sells [their property] and it could be to a developer,” he said.

He sees another scenario that further smudges the lines between past and present, saying, “Everyone wants a farm so there are not 50 houses next to them, but no one wants to be next to a farm.” The recent focus group aims to find ways to help local agriculture.

Mr Aumueller voiced one central question asking, “How do you support them and move forward? This can’t survive without local support.”

For example, “How do we get business to the vineyard?” he asked.

One idea he mentioned involved local produce incorporated into Newtown dining. He said “Local farmers wanted to see if maybe restaurants could put something [locally grown] on the menu.”

The future may leave farmers behind, he fears.

Also drawing attention to the farming industry in Newtown is Elizabeth Stocker, director of community development.

She issued a newsletter to the Chamber of Commerce explaining, “The [farming] sector goes all the way from that first farm-fresh tomato of the season to a cool glass of locally grown and bottled wine to observing your children compete in their first riding session.”

Overall, her article underlined the focus group’s mission to “formulate a campaign that will help residents identify locally grown and harvested products and to educate consumers about the important role that agriculture plays in Newtown.”

Like Mr Aumueller, she also “invites resident to see what we have locally.” Ms Stocker said she hopes the focus group can be part of efforts to raise awareness and involvement from the community toward local business.

She said, “Sustainable economic development, you can call it.” Her article provided to the chamber also states, “If someone put their mind to it, they could probably feed, clothe, shelter, furnish, and entertain the family without leaving Newtown!”

Drumming up the interest is key.

Expanding on the remarks written in her article, she said, “We all need to eat and if we continue using farms for development, where are we going to get our [bread]?”

Aside from preservation, Ms Stocker is also concerned about bolstering the local economy. She hopes to see “orderly economic development” while “keeping in mind the character of town,” according to her article.

Expanding on those thoughts, she continued, saying she does not want to see Newtown develop “into a land of high-rises.”

She picked up similar desires from the focus group. “So many people thought that the town’s character is an important part of their life,” Ms Stocker said.

Newtown’s Plan of Conservation and Development Vision Statement also embraces local preservation. The document states, “The purpose of the Vision Statement is to provide a commonly agreed to understanding of what life should be like in Newtown in 10 years…”

The statement itself offers further detail, explaining, “The goal is to…protect and enhance the picturesque, rural, historic New England setting…We will work together as a town to promote and protect open space, farmland and trails throughout the town and always maintaining an environmentally active position protecting out aquifers, wetlands, and other ecologically sensitive areas.”

Mr Aumueller anticipates additional group meetings. The Economic Development Commission encourages businesses to contact them directly at, 270-4271.