Democrats Would Promote Newtown’s Commercial Centers, Wedding Vendors

By John Voket

In their latest position paper, Democratic First Selectman Candidate Gary Fetzer and running mate Joseph Hemingway acknowledge local efforts to recruit companies that may seek to relocate to Newtown. But given the current  financial climate, the top of ticket Democrats believe Newtown must also encourage new entrepreneurial startups, while at the same time focusing on retention, including and especially “the backbone of all communities — small business.”

The pair see Fairfield Hills as a logical venue to create a Newtown business incubator project. But the candidates would further explore providing incentives to startup businesses that would consider relocating to other areas of town “once successful and needing to expand.”

“A Fetzer/Hemingway administration will look to build upon the competitive advantages of the various distinct business areas in Newtown,” Mr Fetzer explained in a September 22 release. “Sandy Hook is a quaint village, situated on a picturesque river with easy access to several trail systems. Restaurants and antique shops are within easy walking distance. Working with the Chamber of Commerce and Sandy Hook merchants, we can build upon those strengths and market the area as an ideal weekend locale for hiking or biking.”

First, the candidates would seek to secure sufficient parking for potential visitors, and then look to expand the trail system so that scenic routes of various distances are available for hikers, mountain bikers, and even bicyclists.

“Maps could be created that list the various routes, with attractions, scenic vistas, and historical facts,” the Democrats suggested.

Mr Fetzer and Mr Hemingway recognize Hawleyville has its own potential for economic growth given its proximity next to I-84. The pair, however, would seek to “ensure that its future is not suffocated by the presence of a hazardous waste transfer station.”

“If we allow this to happen it will dominate any efforts to continue its resurgence and endanger local residences,” Mr Fetzer said referring to an ongoing controversy between the town and the Housatonic Railroad over the proposed expansion of a waste transfer station in Hawleyville Center.

The candidates point out there is prime commercial acreage zoned for a corporate park, a hotel, or a conference center in the area, but they would seek grants to underwrite extensions of sewer hookups with Bethel further east, thus reducing the cost of construction.

 A Fetzer/Hemingway administration would also work with the Chamber of Commerce and the Borough of Newtown to help promote the community’s “quintessential New England appeal and position our community as an affordable small wedding destination locale.”

“What this might entail is the bundling of services already available, many already on the Meeting House website, and then marketing the destination package,” the candidates suggest in their release. “The wedding party could stay in the center of town and guests could get rooms at nearby hotels. Within easy walking distance, numerous restaurants could offer rehearsal dinners. Perhaps using special weekend passes, young guests could watch a movie at Edmond Town Hall, walk down to the teen center, or use other recreational facilities.”

The initiative could incorporate recreational opportunities and venues like the gym at Edmond Town Hall, or a local health club.

“The actual wedding and reception could be held at various indoor or outdoor venues capped off by a carriage ride and wedding pictures at the famous flagpole overlook on Castle Hill,” the release states. “The advantages are that local merchants such as florists, caterers, musicians and others would see increased business. It would also provide added revenue for the Edmond Town Hall and the Meeting House.”

Mr Fetzer and Mr Hemingway believe collateral benefits would come as a result of more people getting to know the town, which could be beneficial for the local real estate market.

“Perhaps new businesses would sprout up or expand to meet additional needs. It is a question of putting all the pieces together and marketing the concept,” the release concludes. “As the old adage goes, you don’t sell the steak, you sell the sizzle.”