Council Hears Economic Development Update, Passes Latest Capital Plan

By John Voket

During a relatively brief February 15 meeting, the Legislative Council heard about several private capital developments that are under the purview of, or are being watched closely by, Newtown’s Economic Development Commission (EDC) and the town’s director of community development.

The council also approved the 2012–2017 Capital Improvement Plan, which provides a roadmap for the town to plan future capital projects along with the accompanying borrowing and logistics.

During a briefing from EDC co-chairs Margaret Oliger and Donald Sharpe, and Community Development Director Elizabeth Stocker, the council learned that the commission is still committed to a goal of increasing Newtown’s commercial or industrial development by about one percent in the next decade. The officials explained that their hope is to see that one percent shift in planned commercial growth counter growth in the residential sector.

Mr Sharpe said a one percent increase would represent a $63 million infusion of capital development, which will increase the proportion of corresponding growth on Newtown’s Grand List from seven to eight percent by 2022.

The trio then revealed an early-stage plan to create what they called a “small business incubator,” which is intended to support the nearly 3,000 home-based businesses operating in town.

Saying the idea was still in its earliest conceptual phase, Ms Oliger explained that an incubator would be a physical space that could house a bank or bank branch to specifically serve businesses. The location might also offer large or small conference facilities, or other administrative services as needs arise.

Mr Sharpe said the EDC is planning to support two planned events that will highlight a host of local businesses — a Rotary-sponsored “Best of Newtown” showcase in June, and a cultural arts festival, scheduled for September.

Sandy Hook Streetscape

Responding to a question from council member Kathryn Fetchick, Ms Stocker updated the timeline for the completion of a key component for the ongoing Sandy Hook streetscape project. Ms Stocker said with a water line extension now completed, workers will dig into moving utility services so a traffic island at the intersection of Riverside, Church Hill, and Glen Roads can be removed, and new traffic signals can be completed.

The development director said that part of the streetscape project is expected to be completed, along with new traffic signals being installed, sometime this spring or early summer.

Responding to another question about planned development at the Edmond / Church Hill Roads intersection, Ms Stocker said a developer planning a new gas and convenience mart will be seeking a zoning variance so a new building can be constructed much closer to Edmond Road. Since the current Edmond Road intersection is scheduled for realignment to create a four-way intersection at Commerce Road, Ms Stocker said the shift of any building on the site of the former Shell station would be required anyway.

During a discussion ahead of passing this year’s CIP, several comments were made about planned expenditures beyond year one — 2012-13.

Councilman Dan Wiedemann said he would like to hear from local land use officials regarding the reactivation of an open space acquisition program, slated to begin in the 2013-14 fiscal plan. The acquisition program, which is ranked at number four in priority for 2013, is requesting $1 million in bonding.

The program elevates to a number two priority in 2014 and 2015 for the same amount before dropping off the CIP in the 2016-17 fiscal year.

Fast Track FFH Trails

Councilman Paul Lundquist asked about the possibility of switching and bumping up plans to fund completion of the Fairfield Hills trails program, in place of $1.4 million requested for Fairfield Hills infrastructure improvements, which is a priority three project in 2013.

Phase two of the trails program is in the CIP and ranked fourth in 2014 for $250,000, with the final phase ranked at number nine in 2015 for $515,000.

Mr Lundquist said fast-tracking completion of the trail system would enhance the visible public benefit of capital project funding, but First Selectman Pat Llodra said that putting off the infrastructure work would create delays in other projects on the town-owned campus.

“The trail system is important, but so is the general infrastructure,” Mrs Llodra said, adding that the main benefit of the infrastructure work would be creating a more inviting and conducive environment for private investment.

The first selectman also revealed that a $400,000 state grant previously earmarked for developing a public health facility at Fairfield Hills will be shifted to cover general infrastructure now that the clinic is no longer on the drawing board.

Mrs Llodra said the infrastructure funding in the CIP for 2013-14, may now be used to complete another phase of the trail system, or possibly to demolish Danbury Hall, which stands vacant adjacent to the Fairfield Hills entrance.