To the Editor:

In the last year an agency has been preparing estimates of valuations of residential and commercial real estate. In 2012, the same company's estimates were open to scrutiny, especially in regards to the mistakes made in valuations for senior condo owners. It would be worthwhile for Newtown seniors to attend a special discussion panel organized by the Newtown League of Senior Voters at the Senior Center on March 24, starting at 4 pm.

The discussion will focus on how economic growth and development impacts Newtown's current residential and commercial values. Examples will be cited comparing Newtown's economic growth in the last few years with other neighboring towns and how this impacts real estate taxes.

Newtown's location in Connecticut makes it very suitable for economic development. A number of corporations, builders, and retail developers have offered feasible proposals for economic development which would have added significant tax revenues. They were rejected and this economic development went elsewhere.

Participants will have the opportunity to listen and learn about why some proposals are accepted and others rejected. Participants will have the opportunity to develop a better understanding of how economic development or the lack thereof impacts current residential and commercial real estate taxes in Newtown but also in Connecticut.

Dr Rudy Magnan

60 Watkins Drive, Sandy Hook          March 8, 2017