Groundbreaking For The Woods Draws Local Officials

At a ceremony held May 6, regional builder Kohl Partners, broke ground at the site of the developer’s first Connecticut community, The Woods at Newtown.

“Despite national housing reports, real estate is local, and we have not seen any decline in traffic or demand at The Woods,” said company principle Leonard Kohl, adding that about two-thirds of the first two buildings at the community are already sold.

First Selectman Joe Borst, who was on hand for the festivities along with selectmen Herb Rosenthal and Paul Mangiafico, said The Woods will bring needed tax revenue and jobs to Newtown without the drain on schools or other town services.

“This is especially beneficial at a time when the economy has slowed and state funding to towns has been cut back,” the first selectman said. “This week, what was estimated as a $50 million state deficit went up to $67 million.”

According to a National Association of Home Builders economic model, the estimated one-year local impact of building 100 homes in a typical active adult community includes:

*$22.5 million in local income

*$2.3 million in taxes and other revenue for local governments

*378 local jobs

Located in a15-acre woodland setting off Mt Pleasant Road (Route 6), The Woods is a luxury 55+ community of 132 clubhouse condominiums in nine buildings with covered parking. The condominium buildings are connected by enclosed walkways to a resort-style clubhouse. The development will include 46 townhouses with attached garages and a series of nature trails.

For information, call 877-966-3755 or visit www.thewoodsatnewtown.com.