Officials Tout Newtown’s ‘Open For Business’ Attitude

By John Voket

Officials acknowledge that for some time, Newtown had a reputation among developers because of the meticulous, some say painful, process of getting commercial projects approved. But those days are over, according to officials who met with The Newtown Bee October 1 to announce the formal launch of a game-changing expedited permitting process that has already proven to be a hit among developers interested in getting shovels in the ground.

Town Land Use Director George Benson said that just within the past few days, developers working on a large commercial project at the former Lexington Gardens site on Church Hill Road were “shocked at how fast” the project sailed through local regulatory agencies for the town and the Borough.

“We are probably faster than any other town in the area,” Mr Benson said. “We’re looking at about 45 days to get you through the wetlands and the zoning process — almost unheard of. And we’re doing it while keeping the business in conformity with the regulations.”

The land use director is quick to point out, however, that those regulations have been adjusted to better fit with the needs of business owners and developers.

“In recent years I’ve seen 20 or more changes to the business regulations — things that weren’t allowed before,” Mr Benson said.

First Selectman Pat Llodra and Director of Community and Economic Development Elizabeth Stocker both said the new “Open For Business” credo represents a renewed commitment to help business people go from inspiration to ribbon-cutting as quickly as possible.

The Fast Track Permitting Process for qualified large-scale commercial and industrial developments involves having proposed projects assigned to a project team. That team, led by senior elected, appointed, and staff officials, is dedicated to reviewing a developer’s formal proposal with the objective of reaching tentative approval of the project within 45 working days.

Mr Benson said he is hoping the new, friendlier process will encourage more home-based businesses to register with the town.

“Not many people are aware they have to come to us if they are opening a home-based business,” he said. “And it wouldn’t hurt to have that business registered with the town clerk as well as land use.”

About five years ago, the town changed its regulations to accommodate what Mr Benson said is “a huge range of businesses.”

And if a tenant business is interested in a space, and is ready to occupy after a minor or major “fit-up,” Mr Benson said the administrative work and permitting “can be done in a day.”

“We’re talking about rapid turnaround,” Ms Stocker said. “Our attitude is ‘be proactive.’”

As the Fast Track system rolls out, the departments involved are anticipating there will always be a few “bumps.”

“But our goal is to work any bumps out in the application stage; identify any logistical issues and smooth out the process at the commission level,” Ms Stocker said

Developers interested in qualifying for the program should contact Mr Benson at 203-270-4276 or Ms Stocker at 203-270-4271 to start the preapproval process. Next, the Land Use Agency leaders and staff will meet as soon as reasonably possible with the developer, the first selectman, and economic development director, along with representatives of affected regulatory boards and commissions to review and discuss the overall proposed project for compliance with town regulations.

This meeting should take place once the developer and the developer’s team have formal plans in place and a commitment to buy land.

“We’re advising people to come and talk to us before they commit to buying property or opening to be sure or fine tune what it is they can or can’t do according to the regs,” Mr Benson said. “In the end, this will be a big money saver for the developer or business person, and the town. The days of going round and round, month after month with P&Z to get a small project off the ground are over.”

45-Day Timeline

During the collaborative review process, Land Use Agency staff and those of affected town agencies will meet as often as necessary with the applicant and staff to facilitate initial project approval within 45 working days. Town reviewing agencies will move the project to the head of review lines during the entire Fast Track process.

“We’re finding these days, that if there is a delay in getting a project started, Newtown is seldom the one holding up the process,” Mr Benson said.

Once the proposed plan and any revisions are completed, a final preapplication meeting will be held with the first selectman, economic development coordinator, Land Use Agency and Building Department representatives and those from any agency or commission involved in the project.

During this meeting any additional technical details of the project will be discussed and any new issues resolved prior to formal application to the appropriate town regulatory commissions.

In addition, Betsy Paynter, who is the new Economic Development Commission assistant, is available to help business grow and prosper once they have become established in Newtown.

She recently completed a mailing going out with assessment notices to commercial taxpayers touting all the services she is ready to help businesses access.

“Whether your interest is in tax incentives, small business support programs, information from the state of Connecticut and the federal government which could benefit your organization, or any other business development, we’d love to talk to you and see how we can assist your company’s success,” the notice reads.

Ms Paynter said businesses are invited to add their company name and website link to the local EDC website, www.newtown.org. They can also sign up to get regular e-newsletters from the agency, as well as breaking news bulletins by following the Newtown Economic Development Commission on Facebook.

Mrs Llodra said the idea is all part of a greater goal to begin taking pressure off residential property owners by encouraging growth in the commercial sector — which will then bolster the town’s Grand List and tax base.