Members of the Newtown Democratic Town Committee spoke with citizens at Newtown Senior Center during a Lunch & Learn on Wednesday, July 16.

While eating hamburgers and hot dogs, Planning & Zoning Commission alternate member Peter Schwarz answered questions regarding the town. He discussed affordable housing first, explaining how the problem arose over time, and future plans.

“We’re trying to work what we can change in the rules, trying to make building houses more affordable,” said Schwarz.

“We want to build homes, not just houses and apartments,” he added. “We want people to come and be a part of our community and not just check a box.”

Schwarz explained affordable housing as a formula where 30% of one’s median income is considered the proper amount to spend on housing. If someone’s income is $100,000, $30,000 should go towards housing, he offered as an example.

For those making less, Schwarz said, it becomes more difficult to make monthly rent payments.

When applying for affordable housing, the Town monitors an applicant’s income, making sure people are not hiding anything, he added.

The town monitors “to make sure that people who have originally qualified don’t get raises and promotions and all of a sudden they’re making double the money,” said Schwarz, further explaining the process.

Following that, one resident asked about Nunnawauk Meadows and the possibility of expanding.

Schwarz began his response by acknowledging the age-restricted housing on Mile Hill Road is too small, and its waiting list continues to grow.

“I understand that’s a business decision from the folks who run it. They’re deciding whether they can expand it from a financial perspective,” he said.

“They do have the area, yes, but for some reason they’ve been talking about that for years,” he added.

Additional questions arose about potential plans for the remaining abandoned buildings in Fairfield Hills, regarding stores and shops, but the final plan determines that.

“Right now, we just have a sketch plan, and it’s mixed views, which is a percentage of businesses to be determined,” said Schwarz.

The event drew approximately 40 people, filling most of the tables for the midday meeting. Newtown DTC Chair Alex Villamil spent time talking with some of those seated at tables, and additional members of the local Democratic Town Committee assisted with serving and clearing food and soft drinks during the program.

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Tyler Pruneau is a journalism student at University of Connecticut interning with The Newtown Bee this summer. He can be reached at intern@thebee.com.