Borough of Newtown

The Borough of Newtown Historic District Commission Newtown, Connecticut Regular meeting minutes April 24, 2025 Edmond Town Hall lower meeting room, 45 Main Street A regular meeting of the Borough of Newtown Historic District Commission was held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, in the lower meeting room of Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street, Newtown. Present: Stephanie Gaston, chair; Betsy Kenyon, vice chair; Karen Boyle, Commissioner; Sarah Phillips, Commissioner; Mark Poirer, Commissioner and Greg Smith (Alternate). Absent: Bruce Walczak (Alternate). Call to Order Chairman Stephanie Gaston called the regular meeting to order at 8:12 pm. Approve Minutes Motion was made by Mark Poirer to approve the minutes of December 19, 2024, as submitted, which was seconded by Karen Boyle. Sarah Phillips abstained, having not been present. There was no further discussion. Motion approved. Old Business Vice Chair Betsy Kenyon said the commission had lightly discussed having a meeting to go over items that will be coming at the commission, to have set answers to – solar panels, composite materials, fences, etc. She would like to have regulations in black and white, ahead of being presented to the commission, and would like to schedule a time for the commissioners to meet. Chairman Stephanie Gaston suggested going online and looking up other historic districts, who have these items as part of their rules and regulations. The wording can be adapted to the Borough Historic District Rules and Regulations. Ms Phillips said fence height should be clearly stated. Ms Gaston said she’s getting different answers from different Town officials regarding fence height. Mr Poirer said there are some historic districts that say which side of the fence has to face which way. The “bad side” should face the property owner, not the neighbor, according to some regs, he said. Following discussion, it was decided to have a workshop on July 24th. Location to be determined. The Commissioners divided up subjects to research ahead of the workshop, so they would have different topics ready to discuss that night. New Business Sarah Phillips opened a discussion about educating all residents to the historic district, through a public event. Ms Phillips thought an event could be scheduled to let people know when an application is needed, how applications should be completed and what to include, and why the process is the way it is. She would like the information to be more accessible, and make sure people are aware of the website and other information. Ms Gaston suggested planning something for the fall. Mr. Smith has done research on grants for historic properties and this information could also be presented at the public event. Suggestions were also made to invite Maureen Crick Owen; to talk about the website; Ben Cruson, to talk about the history of the district; and others who could present related information. A possible location could be the Meeting House. The Ram Pasture Bridge ceremony has not been scheduled. The bridge has been installed, and Ms Gaston said it looks great. Ms Phillips said the Ram Pasture sign has been refurnished and reinstalled, and also looks great. A smaller version of the Ram Pasture sign will also be installed on the opposite corner of the property. Adjournment Having no further discussion, Mark Poirer made a motion to adjourn, which was seconded by Greg Smith. Meeting adjourned 8:32. Respectfully submitted, Shannon Will Clerk April 26, 2025 The Borough of Newtown Historic District Commission Newtown, CT Est. 1996