To the Editor:

To my neighbors in Newtown — I am excited to be running for Commissioner on Newtown’s Planning & Zoning Commission in the upcoming November elections. If re-elected, I look forward to utilizing my legal training, professional experience, and time on the Commission on behalf of the town and its residents in the years ahead.

Every election is important, but this is especially true as we consider the critical land use work facing the Planning & Zoning Commission in 2024 and beyond. More specifically, this winter the Commission will undertake the process of updating Newtown’s Plan of Conservation and Development (the “POCD”).

The POCD, a document updated once every decade, solidifies our vision for the preservation and development of Newtown by evaluating and balancing the needs of our residents, opportunities for thoughtful residential and commercial development, and the desire to maintain our rural, small-town feel. Alongside our zoning regulations, the POCD serves as one of the guiding documents through which we evaluate every application brought before the Commission.

As many of you are aware, the scale and complexity of applications brought before the Commission has increased significantly in the past two years. One need look no further than the Wharton Warehouse, Hawleyville apartment, Mt Pleasant Road apartment, and Commerce Road apartment proposals to recognize that we are witnessing a renewed and ongoing interest in undeveloped properties across Newtown. Given this continued and strong interest, the upcoming review and update to our POCD becomes even more important to the long-term well-being of our town and its residents.

I am fortunate that I have had an opportunity to meaningfully contribute to discussion and debate surrounding these high-profile applications in my role as Alternate Commissioner. I believe strongly that I have demonstrated continued leadership and a commitment to carefully and thoughtfully evaluating each application on its merits and in accordance with the zoning regulations and the POCD. I would encourage any voter to contact staff at Newtown’s Land Use Department or any of my fellow Commissioners, regardless of political party, to inquire as to the impact I have had on these discussions since taking office.

I recognize that the political climate in our country is hyper-partisan.

Please know that I am not interested in playing those games. My sole focus as a Commissioner has been, and will continue to be, ensuring the best interests of Newtown, incorporating the views of town residents, and shielding the town from unwanted litigation tied to non-compliant zoning decisions. I am hopeful that you will recognize the value in that experience and leadership and afford me the opportunity to contribute to the important work lying ahead of the Commission. With this in mind, please consider voting for me, as well as my colleague, Connie Widmann, in the upcoming elections.

Should you wish to discuss my time on the Commission or my perspective on zoning issues facing our town, please feel free to contact me at Leonardi.NewtownPZ@gmail.com.

Thank you,

Brian Leonardi

Newtown