The Newtown Economic Development Commission and I are optimistic that the increase in commercial inquiries will result in new activity as we roll out our new web site, see ongoing projects move to completion and new ones move into the construction phase. The commission rolled out their new web site www.newtown.org earlier this month and is already seeing new activity for local business expansions and relocations. The web site and branding project are part of the commission's strategy to stimulate business growth and development in Newtown. The web site provides the tools necessary to learn more about available commercial real estate and the local business climate. Links to CERC's Site Finder allows visitors to search for properties in Newtown and provides information on the labor force, housing, consumer spending and other demographic information needed to make business location decisions.
There are three ribbon cuttings and a ground breaking planned for this spring. A new Union Savings Bank branch office is now open at the Plaza South complex on South Main St. (Rte. 25). Their official opening will occur in April and shortly thereafter The Learning Experience will be hosting their grand opening. Construction of a third building at Plaza South is well under way and the ground breaking for the fourth building is expected in coming weeks. Coldwell Banker Scalzo Realty is representing the property while Hawley Construction Corp. is the building contractor.

This month is showing encouraging activity with home builders and commercial developers coming in to the town offices to begin the building permit process. The pace of activity is most definitely on the rise. The Hawleyville Post Office has opened in their new location joining Papa Al's Pizza and Hawleyville Wine and Liquors in the new shops on Barnabas Rd.

Betts Sq. on Church Hill Rd. is attracting its share of tenants to Sandy Hook Center. Phase II at Betts Sq. is close to completed and is the most recent of many projects that are planned for this quaint historic hamlet. Sandy Hook center is an attraction for residents and visitors who are finding that it has an exciting assortment of restaurants, retail shops, apartments and recreational opportunities (hiking, fishing) within walking distance of each other. The area has sidewalks, landscaping and streetlights that combine nicely with the renovated historic buildings to provide an attractive and cohesive feel to the district. Now that the weather is warming, visitors to Sandy Hook feel welcome to stroll and enjoy their stay. Michael Burton Builders is the owner/contractor of Betts Sq. and Atherton & Associates is representing them.

Claris Construction Inc. of Newtown was instrumental in gaining land use approvals for the proposed Newtown Veterinary Hospital on Mt. Pleasant Rd. in Hawleyville. This project involves the construction of a new veterinary surgical hospital having 16,500 s/f of space and related parking. The hospital is expected to operate 24/7 and will create 20-30 construction jobs and 51 permanent jobs within five years. They expect to move forward with the construction phase this spring once the financing is secured. Advantage Realty Commercial is representing the property owner.
Dr. Joseph Young is expanding his family eye care practice by moving to a new location in the borough of Newtown. Dr. Young is currently located in the Borough Village Shopping Center and will move into an office building on Church Hill Rd. Another 6,400 s/f office building on Church Hill Rd. is seeking tenants and would make a nice location for medical uses.

The town is expecting Walgreens to move forward with site preparation for a new 15,000 s/f pharmacy on South Main St. The site has existing structures that will be removed and some site grading will be necessary for the proposed building. Land use approvals are in place. The fit out for the Pacific Asian Bistro & Hibachi Restaurant at the Highland Plaza on South Main St.will be complete later this spring. The 6,100 s/f restaurant will join Snap Fitness, Nanavaty, Nanavaty & Davenport Certified Public Accountants and the Highland Storage Company at the center. Saugatuck Commercial Real Estate is representing the property owner.

Newtown's Economic Development Commission is ready to help businesses to grow locally and to provide assistance to new companies who seek a Newtown location. We are ready to help you get your business up and running as quickly as possible in a Newtown location. The commission invites visitors to its web site at www.newtown.org to learn more about Newtown and all we have to offer.

Elizabeth Stocker, AICP, is the director of economic and community development, Newtown Municipal Center, Newtown, Conn.