Ahead of a public hearing in front of the Connecticut General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Government Oversight two agenda items directly related to Newtown, a walk and discussion regarding the need to preserve the property as open space was hosted by Newtown Conservation Commission.

The May 5 public hearing included reviews of State Bill 1562, An Act Changing The Authorized Use Of A Parcel Of State Land Previously Conveyed To The Town Of Newtown; and SB 1564, An Act Amending A Prior Conveyance Of A Parcel Of State Land To The Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation, Inc.

The Newtown Conservation Commission walk was done May 3, with conversation focused on the need to change 6 Commerce as a piece of property that is now designated for economic development to open space. Representatives from the Conservation Commission, Candlewood Valley Trout Unlimited, The Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, and Newtown Bike and Trails Committee were all on hand to lead the discussion.

State Senator Tony Hwang also participated as did Selectman Michelle Embree Ku. Hwang was also among those to testify two days later during the May 5 public hearing in Hartford.

The Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary is at 8 Commerce Road, adjacent to 6 Commerce. Organizers had hoped, according to a pre-event release, to build support for preserving 6 Commerce.

“Not only a popular venue for hiking, dog walking and horseback riding but 6 Commerce is an environmentally sensitive area important for protecting the Deep Brook stream,” the conservation commission said ahead of its May 3 program.