Newtown Advances Pootatuck Restoration Agreement, Adopt Vision Zero Resolution

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Board of Selectmen voted Feb. 17 to advance an agreement supporting restoration of the Pootatuck River following the August 2024 flooding and unanimously adopted a Vision Zero resolution aimed at eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries.

The meeting was held at the Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose St. and called to order at 7:33 p.m. by First Selectman Bruce Walczak.

Pootatuck River Restoration Agreement

Selectman Jeff Lundquist moved to approve an agreement between the Town of Newtown, Housatonic Railroad Company, Maybrook Railroad Company and Aquarion Water Company to pursue a formal plan under a Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) grant to restore the natural flow of the Pootatuck River. Selectman Jeff Capeci seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

According to the agreement, the August 2024 flooding damaged a railroad embankment and culvert on property owned by the railroad, causing increased water levels near Aquarion’s wellfields. The NRCS plan would address restoration of the streambed but not restoration of rail infrastructure. The town would pursue grant funding and necessary permits, with shared costs for expenses not covered by the grant.

The agreement specifies conditions regarding access, material storage and restoration requirements for both the railroad and Aquarion properties, and requires final consent by all parties once engineering plans are completed.

Vision Zero Resolution

Lundquist also moved to accept a Vision Zero resolution pertaining to traffic safety and to waive reading of the full resolution. The motion passed unanimously.

The resolution adopts a goal of zero traffic deaths and serious injuries in Newtown, sets a target of a 50 percent reduction by 2036 and elimination of all traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2041. The resolution cites Connecticut Crash Data Repository statistics showing eight traffic fatalities in Newtown between 2020 and 2024, including one pedestrian fatality and two motorcycle fatalities, among others.

The resolution notes that the town received a federal grant to develop a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan to support the initiative.

Audio-Visual Upgrade Proposal

The board heard a presentation from Sean Heslin, project manager, and Anthony Rodrigues, IT operations supervisor, regarding proposed upgrades to the Municipal Center’s audio-visual systems.
Presentation materials outlined a phased approach that includes audio upgrades, ADA compliance improvements, video conferencing capabilities, service contracts and townwide meeting space assessments. The proposal seeks $38,956 in capital funds for initial upgrades.

Walczak said discussions regarding AV improvements began in October 2025 and are intended to improve hybrid meeting capabilities and ADA compliance. No vote was taken on funding during the meeting.

Additional Actions

The board unanimously approved Tax Refund #30 in the amount of $3,541.49 and appointed Janine Brennan to the Cultural Arts Commission. Lundquist made both motions, and Capeci seconded them.

In public comment, John Vail of Buttonshop Road asked about ongoing work related to culverts and grant funding. Walczak said the town is preparing engineering designs required under the NRCS grant and that additional approvals will be needed before construction.

The board also received communication regarding WestCOG’s ADA Transition Plan assistance and shared service compliance efforts.

The meeting adjourned at 9:11 p.m.