First Selectman Pat Llodra, Director of Planning George Benson, Economic Development Coordinator Betsy Paynter, and Grant Coordinator Christal Preszler have renewed the community’s “Newtown is Open for Business” initiative.

This new team of economic development leadership for the town is committed to supporting responsible, environmentally sound development, creating a strong local economy and increasing the tax base to offset the residential tax burden for residents.

According to Ms Paynter, who recently took over day-to-day economic department work, Newtown is committed to providing a reliable and friendly development process, including a Fast Track Permitting Process for appropriate large-scale commercial and industrial developments.

The town is also offering potential developers a project team — led by senior elected, appointed, and staff officials — dedicated to reviewing a developer’s  formal proposal with an objective of reaching tentative project approval within 45 working days.

To begin Fast Track Permitting Procedures, a developer/owner/businessman should contact Mr Benson at 203-270-4276.

Then Land Use Department staff will meet as soon as possible with the developer to review and discuss the proposed project for compliance with town zoning and wetlands regulations. Land Use Department staff and those of affected town agencies will meet as often as necessary with the applicant to facilitate initial project approval within 45 working days.

Town reviewing agencies move these projects to the head of review lines during the entire Fast Track Review process.

Once a proposed plan and any revisions are completed, a final preapplication meeting will be held with Land Use and Building Department representatives and those from any agency or commission involved in the project. During this meeting, technical details of the project will be discussed and any new issues resolved prior to formal application to the appropriate town regulatory commissions.

Learn more about Newtown development opportunities by visiting newtown.org, or the Economic Development page at newtown-ct.gov, or contacting Ms Paynter at 203-270-4281.