Developing Views 2026 – Vol. 7

It’s been a few weeks since our last blog, which is a simple indication that the Economic & Community Development Office has been super busy.

One of the myriad business support functions the ECD Office handles are scheduling and executing ribbon-cutting celebrations for Newtown residents and others who have invested in Newtown by establishing their venture here.

Every new business our community is able to attract – and to retain for that matter – contributes to the commercial grand list that in some way counterbalances the amount of taxation applied to residential properties. While commercial growth may not evidently reduce property taxes, it contributes toward mitigating higher residential tax increases.

That’s why our ECD Office and our Economic Development Commission works closely with Newtown’s Land Use and Zoning officials, our Building Inspector, Fire Marshal, and Health District reps to ensure we are all doing everything we can — in an efficient, expedited, and economical way — to ensure every existing business requesting municipal services receives the same courteous consideration as those exploring or establishing new commercial ventures in Newtown.

That said, our office wants to welcome the two latest additions to our roster of ribbon-cutting activities: New England’s first Nurse Next Door home health care agency, and Taylor’s Designer Consignments Boutique, which opened last weekend at 3 Queen Street!

Scraps be gone

Speaking of ribbon-cuttings, I have occasionally been utilizing the app-driven and fully automatic food scraps recycling system that has been established at several sites around Newtown in collaboration with the Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority (HRRA). A ceremonial ribbon-cutting for the launch of these four collection devices was held at Fairfield Hills in January.

These secure, app-accessed bins allow residents to drop off food scraps 24/7, helping to keep this resource out of the trash diverting it from landfills and waste-to-energy plants, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By participating, residents contribute to a cleaner environment and a more sustainable community.

All you need to do to begin using these devices is download the “MetroKEY” phone app on your smartphone. Once your residency has been verified your app will be activated and you will be able to bring your food scraps to any of the designated smart bins. (Please note: only food scraps are accepted.)

Find Smart Bin Locations in Newtown at the Newtown Senior Center, Dodgingtown Fire Department, Hawleyville Fire Department, and the Sandy Hook Fire & Rescue Substation. For more details on the program, including how to sign up, download the app, and participate, visit:
hrra.org/food-scraps-dropoff-locations

Gear Up!

Finally, I want to shout out our economic development and business support partners at Connecticut’s Community Economic Development Fund Business Education Center (CEDF.com). The CEDF just announced its next Gear Up for Growth training. This is a hands-on, in-person workshop series designed for graduates of My Business Jump Start and other early-stage entrepreneurs ready to strengthen their operations, boost sales, and improve financial performance.

Over three dynamic sessions, participants will learn practical strategies to refine daily management, build a stronger brand presence, and prepare for smart financing opportunities. Leave ready to lead with confidence, drive your business forward, and turn early success into lasting achievement.

Sessions are happening in Bridgeport April 13, 20, 27, and in New Haven April 15, 22, 29. Additional series and make-up sessions are also scheduled in New London, Cromwell, and East Hartford in May and June.

CLICK HERE to learn more about this FREE program.

Submitted by Newtown ECD Director John Voket