Home Care In Newtown, CT

NEWTOWN, CT — The Borough of Newtown Board of Burgesses voted unanimously Tuesday to accept year-end financial reports, advanced plans for a sidewalk improvement on Queen Street, and entered executive session to discuss zoning cases, according to minutes from its Jan. 13 regular meeting at Edmond Town Hall.

Members approved the December 2025 tax collector’s report by a unanimous vote after Borough Tax Collector Jodie Enriquez reported that 98.65 percent of current borough taxes had been collected. The report showed $286,502.34 in taxes collectible for the 2024 grand list and $282,628.54 in current taxes collected to date.

The board also unanimously accepted the December 2025 treasurer’s report. Clerk-Treasurer Ann Scaia reported deposits totaling $1,100 from zoning and tax collections during the month and transfers to cover payroll and invoices. As of Dec. 31, the borough’s operating and insured cash sweep accounts totaled $461,489.05, with a separate certificate of deposit balance of $61,620.93 earning 3.20 percent interest and set to mature in February.

During his report, Warden Joseph Maher said borough officials are moving forward with applications for workers’ compensation and public officials liability insurance following discussions with the town’s finance director and first selectman. Burgess James Gaston is drafting a letter of understanding between the borough and the town related to insurance matters, Maher said.

Maher also reported progress on transportation safety planning, noting that a final draft of recommendations from the Safe Streets for All initiative is expected soon. The draft focuses on improvements in three areas within the borough.

On infrastructure, the board discussed moving ahead with a previously approved sidewalk project at 21 and 23 Queen St. Maher said the town has allocated American Rescue Plan Act funds for the work, with additional borough ARPA funds expected to complete the project. He added that Public Works is expected to remove two maple trees at 21 Queen St., saving an estimated $4,000.

Zoning Enforcement Officer Joe Chapman’s monthly report, submitted in writing, outlined activity at several borough properties, including a pending accessory apartment application on Overlook Drive and ongoing review of a Main Street project by the Building Department.

With no new or old business items on the agenda, the board voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss the Castle Hill zoning cases, then reconvened and adjourned the meeting at 8:27 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 10.

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Parks and Recreation Commission unanimously approved funding for an engineering report tied to a proposed new pool amenity and accepted its 2026 meeting calendar during a special meeting Jan. 13, while also reviewing budget pressures, facility needs and upcoming recreation programs.

The commission voted 4–0 to authorize up to $5,000 for an aquatic engineer’s report related to a proposed AquaZip'N-style pool play feature. Parks and Recreation Director Amy Mangold said the amenity itself has been quoted at $17,500 plus $1,300 for shipping, with installation and location subject to state approval and engineering review. Assistant Director Carl Samuelson told commissioners the total project cost could reach about $30,000, with an estimated six-week timeline once approved.

Commissioners also unanimously accepted the 2026 meeting calendar and approved the Dec. 9, 2025 meeting minutes.

In budget discussions, Mangold and Samuelson reported on recent meetings with First Selectman Bruce Walczak, Finance Director Glenys Salas and department heads, where aging parks equipment and staffing needs were reviewed. Commission Chair Clinton DePaolo said the department is open to revisiting equipment financing options and confirmed commissioners agreed to defer to staff on whether salary-related funding should come from the waterfront fund if a part-time secretarial position is reinstated.

Samuelson also updated the commission on a recent field use meeting, noting no major issues but warning that field maintenance costs are rising. DePaolo said discussions on a possible surcharge increase — unchanged since 2018 or 2019 — will continue, with sports groups expected to weigh in at future meetings.

On facilities, Samuelson said pricing is still being finalized for repairs to the Treadwell Park scoreboard, which may also require structural reinforcement to meet wind-load requirements. He also confirmed that installation of a new furnace at the Newtown Teen Center remains in the budget.Commissioners discussed fundraising strategies, including the possibility of an annual staff appeal and expanding partnerships for community events. Mangold said proceeds from the Rooster Run fundraiser exceeded expectations and that staff will consider dedicating a portion of future funds toward department revenue needs. She also reported receiving a $100 anonymous donation to the Park Gift Fund, designated for the Victory Garden.

The commission received updates on winter programs, completed events such as the Christmas Tree Lighting and Breakfast with Santa, and upcoming spring activities including the Easter Egg Hunt and Rooster Run. Mangold also highlighted ongoing planning for summer concerts and efforts to expand programming through partnerships, including discussions with Families United of Newtown regarding improvements to and expanded use of the Teen Center.

The meeting adjourned at 7:21 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 10.

Feeling inspired by the Winter Games? Here are a few ways to get out, stay active and make the most of the season!

Feeling inspired by the excitement of the Winter Games? You don’t have to travel far to get in on the seasonal spirit. Around Newtown, you’ll find places where families can lace up skates, enjoy indoor winter fun, or plan easy day trips to nearby skiing, tubing or sledding spots. Whether you’re looking to stay close to home or head out for a weekend adventure, these ideas can help you make the most of the season. Just be sure to double-check hours, weather conditions and reservation details before heading out.

Address: 1 Independence Way, Danbury, CT 06810

Phone: (203) 748?4498

Details: Danbury Ice Arena offers public skating sessions, skate rentals, hockey programming, and family skate times. The arena is about a 35?minute drive from Newtown. Hours vary by day and season, so check the rink’s schedule before heading out.

Address: 784 River Rd, Shelton, CT 06484

Phone: (203) 929?1711

Details: The Rinks at the Sports Center offers public skating, lessons, and hockey leagues for all ages, and is about a 30 to 35?minute drive from Newtown. Session times and levels vary throughout the week.

Address: 396 Mount Vernon Rd, Plantsville, CT

Phone: (860) 628?0954

Details: At Mount Southington Ski Area, you'll find skiing and snowboarding with snowmaking and night skiing across trails for beginners and intermediates. It's about a 50 to 55?minute drive from Newtown, making it one of the closest winter sports day?trip options.

Address: 99 Powder Hill Rd, Middlefield, CT

Phone: (860) 349?3454

Details: Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort provides skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing on terrain that's suitable for families and newcomers to winter sports. The park is an easy 55 to 60?minute drive from Newtown.

When snow hits and conditions are safe, area parks and hills become perfect sledding and winter play areas. Check local park pages or community updates for the latest conditions.

Newtown?area spots to consider:

Treadwell Park, Holcombe Hill, and Richter Park are all popular local sledding hills with gentle hills and open fields that families in and around Newtown use when there’s enough snow. Nearby Tarrywile Park also offers slopes ideal for sledding or snow play. (Source: Newtown Mom)

Further outdoors:

Southford Falls State Park — This scenic state park features wooded trails that are great for winter hiking or snowshoeing when conditions allow, and it's about a 35 to 40?minute drive from Newtown.

Bundle up, stay safe and have fun wherever winter takes you!

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CTDOT inspections show most Newtown bridges are in good shape, but some aging spans carry fair or poor ratings.

NEWTOWN, CT — Most of Newtown’s bridges remain in good structural condition, but a subset of aging spans shows measurable wear that may require closer monitoring in coming years, according to the latest inspection data released by the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

CTDOT’s National Bridge Inventory lists 88 bridges in Newtown, spanning local roads, state routes and historic crossings over brooks, ponds and rivers throughout town. The majority of those structures received “good” or “satisfactory” ratings in their most recent inspections, though several bridges recorded “fair” or “poor” scores on at least one major structural component.

A review of the data shows that many of Newtown’s older bridges — particularly those built between the 1950s and 1970s — are now entering a stage where deck surfaces, superstructures or substructures show signs of deterioration consistent with age and long-term exposure to traffic and weather.

Bridges carrying local roads such as Commerce Road, Saw Mill Road, Cold Spring Road and Route 302 generally performed well, while some lesser-traveled crossings and older spans recorded lower ratings that place them on CTDOT’s long-term maintenance radar.

A fair or poor rating does not mean a bridge is unsafe, according to the CTDOT. It means components are aging and need to be watched so repairs can be made before conditions worsen.

Statewide, Connecticut’s average bridge age now exceeds 50 years, and Newtown’s inventory reflects that trend. Many of the town’s bridges were constructed decades before modern traffic volumes and design standards, increasing the importance of routine inspections and preventive maintenance.

Town officials are expected to use the inspection results as part of future capital planning, particularly as federal infrastructure funding becomes available for bridge rehabilitation and replacement.

The CTDOT has included ratings for 68 bridges in Newtown in its most recent dataset.

How The National Bridge Inventory Rates Bridges

The National Bridge Inventory (NBI) is a federal database maintained by the Federal Highway Administration. It requires states to inspect all publicly owned bridges with spans of 20 feet or more at least once every two years.

What Is Rated

The 0–9 Rating Scale

A bridge is classified as “fair” or “poor” if any major component falls into those categories — even if the rest of the structure remains sound.

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed potential pool enhancements, Teen Center facility needs and the town’s proposed 2026–27 budget during its Dec. 9 meeting, while also approving prior minutes and receiving departmental updates.

Chairman Clinton DePaolo opened the meeting at 6:06 p.m. at the Newtown Teen Center.

Commissioners discussed the possible return of an “Aquazip'N” feature at Treadwell Pool for summer 2026. Parks and Recreation Director Amy Mangold said the feature was removed from the current budget but could be reconsidered after the budget process is completed, when updated pricing and additional information are available.

Commissioners also reviewed updates at the Teen Center, where Assistant Director Carl Samuelson said staff are awaiting word from the Facilities Department on installing coverage for a new furnace. If furnace costs are covered elsewhere, remaining funds could be redirected to improvements such as siding or accessibility ramps.

In other business, the commission noted that the town’s capital improvement plan has passed without changes. Officials also discussed a request from the Newtown Youth Basketball Association for a new basketball hoop, determining that Middle Gate School cannot accommodate the request, but Reed Intermediate School may be able to do so.

Mangold reported that the proposed 2026–27 Parks and Recreation budget is currently under review by the First Selectman’s office and the Finance Department, with meetings planned to discuss next steps.

The commission received correspondence thanking staff for repairs to lighting at the town dog park and acknowledged a $1,000 donation from the Borough of Newtown toward the Ram’s Holiday Tree Lighting and Luminaria Display. Mangold also reported staffing shortages affecting snow removal and vehicle maintenance, noting that contracted assistance may be required this winter.

Several upcoming programs and events were highlighted, including winter recreation offerings, Teen Center activities for middle school students, and seasonal community events. Commissioners approved the Nov. 18 meeting minutes with an amendment and adjourned the meeting at 7:35 p.m.

The next special meeting is scheduled for Jan. 13, 2026.