Newtown Legislative Council Approves Flood Grants, Water Rate Increase And Capital Plan

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Legislative Council unanimously approved a package of flood-mitigation grants, budget actions and long-range capital planning measures at its Jan. 21 meeting, while also advancing discussion on short-term rentals and adjusting water usage rates for the Fairfield Hills system.

Among the most significant actions, the council voted unanimously to accept an $842,175 Natural Resources Conservation Service buyout grant for properties at 228 and 230 Berkshire Road. The grant is intended to reduce future flood risk by acquiring properties located in a flood-prone area. Town officials said the normally required local match will be covered by a donation from the property owners, allowing the project to move forward at no direct cost to taxpayers.

The council also unanimously approved acceptance of a $514,119 NRCS streambed restoration grant tied to damage from the August 2024 storm. The funding includes $481,986.50 in grant money and $32,132.50 in remaining FEMA funds. The project will restore the stream to pre-storm conditions and address flooding caused by the collapse of a Housatonic Railroad culvert that affected downstream properties and the Aquarion well field.

In a rate-setting action listed on the agenda, the council voted unanimously to increase the primary water usage rate for the Fairfield Hills water system from 6 to 8 percent, effective Jan. 1, 2026. Council members said the increase is intended to improve the system’s long-term financial stability.

The council also voted to refer a proposed ordinance addressing short-term rentals to committee for further review. The ordinance would permit rentals of fewer than 30 days, which are currently treated as a prohibited use under zoning regulations. During discussion, council members cited the need to balance neighborhood impacts, housing availability and property rights, with several residents addressing the issue during public comment.

Additional unanimous votes included approval of a $20,000 special appropriation to allow the town to accept insurance settlement payments related to non-monetary claims, acceptance of a $200,000 state grant to the Connecticut Brownfield Land Bank for environmental assessment of the former Charles Batchelder Co. site on Swamp Road, and acceptance of a Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program grant through the U.S. Department of Justice.

The council also unanimously adopted Newtown’s 2027–2031 Capital Improvement Plan, which outlines planned investments in infrastructure, public safety equipment and facilities over the next five years.

First Selectman Bruce Walczak reported on economic development activity, including progress on a rail-related agreement connected to the Fairfield Hills redevelopment. Finance Director Glenys Salas presented a financial update showing the town’s unassigned fund balance is projected to rise to about 10.21 percent by the end of fiscal year 2026, citing favorable state revenues and tighter budgeting in several enterprise funds.

During voter comment periods, residents raised concerns about short-term rentals, traffic safety and access to municipal meetings and records. Council Chair Laura Miller noted that public input on agenda items is accepted during designated comment periods in accordance with town policy.

The meeting adjourned at about 9:30 p.m.