An Extra Incentive To Move To Fairfield Hills?

By Kendra Bobowick

The mature maples and evergreens that fold their limbs over hiking trails and park benches add to the allure of locating a business on the Fairfield Hills campus. Business incentives may also spice the mix.

The Newtown Economic Development Commission has established a Business Incentive Program designed to provide tax breaks between 20 and 45 percent on assessed value of real property. Fairfield Hills Authority members hope to institute this program for the former state hospital campus.

A recent draft for a Fairfield Hills Authority Business Incentive Program states that the authority: “[H]ereby establishes a [program] to aid in the development of the Fairfield Hills campus…the purposes are to encourage private investment within the Fairfield Hills campus…improve the physical appearance of the campus; aid in the expansion of [Newtown’s] economic base and support the town’s strategic economic growth.”

Fairfield Hills Authority Chairman Robert Geckle said, “If it’s the difference between getting somebody and not getting somebody, then it’s positive.” Borrowing the same plan nearly word for word from the economic commission, the Fairfield Hills incentives plan is in compliance with state statutes.

Though some may argue that the town is not realizing its full tax potential First Selectman Herb Rosenthal said, “I always look at it as the glass half full.”

He explained that a new business brings in new tax dollars, whether $100,000 or $50,000. “Otherwise it’s taxes you would not be getting,” he said.

Is there a downside? Mr Rosenthal said, “Not really; you have to make sure you offer it to businesses you really want.” With a more aggressive point of view, the first selectman said, “My general approach is, if this is the only way to get a company we want, we would consider it.”

Specifically, Mr Geckle wants business leaders to consider Fairfield Hills, and prefers reuse to building new structures. “It’s an additional effort on our behalf to say we really want to see buildings reused.” Liking the idea of renovating a space rather than tearing it down, he explained, “The authority and community feel some of the buildings have historic significance.”

The authority wants to retain the area’s quaint campus atmosphere. Mr Geckle said, “It has always been important to preserve the character of campus, and that includes open space — that’s part of the intent of shared parking — to preserve the campus feel.”

The town’s and EDC’s business incentive plan is available on the town’s website at www.newtown-ct.gov. How is it working? Chairman Chet Hopper said, “Very well.” Commission member Ted Kreinik agrees. “I do believe the incentives have had a positive effect,” he said. Businesses interested in the plan for Fairfield Hills or elsewhere must complete an application that is subject to review by the EDC, selectmen, and the Legislative Council. The benefit is not automatic, but considered on a case-to-case basis.