Newtown Selectmen Review Capital Projects, Discuss Pootatuck River Culvert Repair Plan

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Board of Selectmen met on Sept. 29 to review the town’s 2027–2036 Capital Improvement Plan and hear updates on infrastructure projects, including plans to repair flood damage at the Housatonic Railroad culvert over the Pootatuck River.

First Selectman Jeff Capeci opened the meeting, joined by Selectmen Michelle Embree Ku and Dan Cruson, along with Finance Director Glenys Salas, Public Works Director Fred Hurley, Town Engineer John Curtis, and Facilities Manager Sean Heslin. Several residents attended to ask about delays in the Town Attorney’s response concerning the deed for 6 Commerce Road.

Capital Improvement Plan Review

Facilities Manager Heslin, recently appointed to his role, introduced himself and discussed a facilities survey distributed to town employees to assess maintenance concerns. He reported steady progress on the library’s HVAC system upgrade and outlined upcoming improvements to the Tax Office aimed at enhancing security and customer service.

Selectman Ku asked about future plans to link handicapped parking at the library to the rear lot. Heslin said there is currently no timeline for that work. Ku also raised questions about whether window replacements at Edmond Town Hall would include newer installations. Salas clarified that only original windows would be replaced.

Discussion continued on the library plumbing project, with Ku expressing concern that consecutive-year scheduling departed from past practice. Salas and Heslin said the tighter schedule was both practical and cost-effective.

Flood-Damaged Culvert Restoration

Town Engineer Curtis presented detailed plans for the repair of the Housatonic Railroad culvert over the Pootatuck River, which sustained major damage during August 2024 flooding. The National Resource Conservation Service and its Emergency Watershed Protection Program would provide 75 percent of the project’s estimated $454,000 cost, with the remainder shared among Newtown, Bethel, Aquarion Water Company, and the Housatonic Railroad.

Curtis said the project would restore the river to its original width, stabilizing embankments to prevent erosion and helping Aquarion’s well fields return to service. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Department of Public Health support the plan, he noted. However, while Bethel has been informed, it has not yet committed to the funding, and Housatonic Railroad has not agreed to participate.

Curtis and Hurley said the town had explored alternative options, but the cost of independent restoration exceeded $1 million, and federal and state agencies could not fund work on privately owned property.

Police Training and Community Center Funding

Ku also asked about the regional police training facility being developed through the Western Connecticut Council of Governments. Capeci said WestCOG plans to form a nonprofit to manage the site and is pursuing an existing building rather than constructing a new facility, which would be prohibitively expensive.

Ku further inquired about potential changes to matching funds for a Newtown Community Center project. Capeci said Parks and Recreation Director Matt Arinello would attend the next meeting to address questions.

The meeting adjourned at 9:11 p.m.