To The Editor:

Newtown has always been a community that values its people — but we’re reaching a point where many of our longtime residents can no longer afford to stay. 34% of our town’s population is age 55 or older. Seniors who have spent decades volunteering, paying taxes, and building this town are finding few housing options that meet their needs.

As property taxes rise and maintenance becomes more expensive, many older residents are forced to leave the community they helped shape. That’s not the Newtown we want to be.

Developing affordable and accessible senior housing isn’t just good planning — it’s a community responsibility. Well-designed projects can fit comfortably within our town’s character, offering smaller, manageable homes while freeing up single-family houses for younger families. Grandparents can remain in town and participate in their grandchildren’s lives. Balanced housing keeps generations connected and strengthens our local economy.

If we truly value Newtown’s history and spirit, we must ensure there’s a place here for those who built it. Supporting senior housing is one of the most practical and compassionate steps we can take to preserve the community we love.

As a candidate for Planning and Zoning, I commit to working towards an intergenerational housing solution.

Jill Soderholm

Newtown