Planning and Zoning

Planning & Zoning Commission is responsible to promote the orderly and coordinated development of the Town and the general welfare and prosperity of its residents. The Commission controls and directs the use and development of property in a municipality or a large part of it by dividing it into zoning districts. The Commission regulates the principal and accessory uses permitted within these districts.

Roy Meadows

As a Planning & Zoning Commissioner, “I will attempt to balance the needs of the community with the desires of developers while maintaining the New England character of Newtown. Projects should be evaluated against Newtown’s Plan of Conservation and Development, and we must always evaluate the impact of a project on our traffic situation. Land use issues must be given a fair and complete public hearing with all opinions taken into consideration. The land use decisions must cope with the impact on our community that has been created by the high housing density permitted under Connecticut’s Affordable Housing Regulations.”

Roy has had a long-term interest in land use; he first served on Newtown’s Zoning Board of Appeals in 2007. He most recently has served on Planning and Zoning and is currently P & Z Vice Chairman.

Roy Meadows has lived in Newtown since transferring to Connecticut to work for Union Carbide in international licensing in 1989. He has a chemical engineering background, and he spent his early career working in Union Carbide’s Engineering Department in South Charleston, West Virginia.

Roy is an active member of the Appalachian Mountain Club and Trout Unlimited. He enjoys fishing, hiking, bicycling, and almost any outdoor activity. He, along with his partner Jane Brymer, are avid collectors of antique cast iron cookware and belong to two national collecting organizations.

Gregory Rich

""My extensive knowledge of state and local building, fire, and health care codes and experience in governmental regulatory compliance brings insight into the Planning and Zoning Committee."

Served in US Navy for 22 years, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer

Graduate of Marist College BS and MBA

Currently working at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Bridgeport, CT - 2018– 2021

Senior Manager of Facilities

Experience:

Supervises 45 tradesmen across various engineering disciplines at an 800,000 square foot 497 bed hospital, a 76 bed behavioral health unit and 125 off-site units.

Manages the maintenance and upkeep of all assigned facilities.

Ensures compliance with all local, state and federal standards for life safety, building and environment of care.


Supervises the operation of a self-contained electrical and steam generation plant. Manages phased replacement of aging machinery.

Kersti Ferguson

My name is Kersti Ferguson and I am running as an Alternate for the Planning and Zoning Commission. The reason I have decided to run is because of my concern last Spring when the extremely over reaching Legislation regarding zoning was being proposed by State Legislature that would take local decision making out of the hands of Newtowners. This legislation would favor developers like those who wanted to take down the Inn over local residents. I felt strongly that I wanted to get involved and have all the voices of Newtown, regardless of political affiliation, represented to protect yet enhance what makes Newtown so special.

I was born in Savannah, GA . After graduating High School early I chose to come to NYC and enter the Fashion Industry. While attending college courses I was represented by the Ford agency as a Runway / Print model. Although I have a keen eye and interest in fashion my zest and intrigue is in Real Estate and investing which eventually won over and led me to my current position. Currently I work in NYC in the real estate sector specifically in marketing of high-end luxury properties. My professional duties often include interfacing with local zoning and historic commissions in bringing these projects from a vision to reality. Having done this for over a decade I have been successfully involved in multiple transactions resulting in well over 250 million dollars in sales.

Together with my husband in 2011 we chose Newtown as our forever home where we welcomed our son Jack, who is in 2nd grade and attends Head O’ Meadow. We looked at several towns to live in CT as well as Westchester, but this rural and charming small town with a flag pole in the middle, combined with sophisticated yet genuine folks whom we are honored to call our neighbors stole our heart.

In my private time my hobby is my historic 1790 home in the Taunton area of Newtown. Together with my husband, we have performed a gut renovation devoted to keeping the architectural details intact of this wonderful property yet bringing it into the 21st century for modern living today. All being said, I am my happiest when curling up by the fire with a good book surrounded by my family and pets. We recently added a new member to our family, a Doberman puppy we named Enzo. Prior to the pandemic I enjoyed getting involved at my son’s school, HOM and hope to resume again this year.

Dennis Bloom

Dennis served on the Planning & Zoning Commission for many years, before returning to the role. "I want to make sure the zoning laws are carried out correctly and that favoritism isn’t shown. You have to do the research and know the laws."

Dennis has lived in Newtown for 30 years. He graduated from Henry Abbott Tech before serving in the US Army form 1971-77 where he was stationed in Germany.

He is a self-employed caterer (Full Bloom Catering) & driver of Newtown Senior Center bus.

He lives with his wife Barbara and son William.

Alternate Members

Brian Leonardi

“I'm running for Planning & Zoning Alternate because I have a deep-seated desire to contribute to my community and country. While it may not share the spotlight of national politics, state and local elected officials have the opportunity to debate and mold issues that have a direct impact on matters that affect each and every one of us. As an attorney with nearly a decade's worth of experience, I believe that I have the skill and temperament to serve in a role that requires attention to detail and the ability to read, interpret and draft statutes and ordinances. I look forward to serving in a capacity that allows me to further the interests of our amazing town, balance the interests of our neighbors, and comply with applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.”

Work Experience:

· Assistant Vice President, Legal & Compliance - Sompo International Holdings Company, Ltd. (2019 - Present)

· Compliance Counsel - HomeServe USA Corp. (2014 - 2019)

· Associate - NewOak Capital (2013 - 2014)

· Elizabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, J.D., Cum Laude (2011 - 2013)

My wife, Elena, and I are the proud parents of our two daughters, Avianna and Marcella, who both attend Hawley Elementary School. We moved to Newtown in July 2016 and have fallen in love with the community and charm that makes Newtown such a special place to live.


Connie Widmann

I am excited to serve on the Planning and Zoning commission as an alternate, as I have a strong background in real estate a love for Newtown and a commitment to the community. This is a beautiful town and I would like to be a part of making good sound decisions for the future of our town. I believe I have a strong understanding of the needs of the community and the affects the planning and zoning commission have on our future. I have a balanced opinion and able to listed to others opinion and take them all into consideration before making a final decision. As an alternate I believe it will be a great experience to learn all that goes into being on the Planning and Zoning Commission.

I have two children. Jimmy Widmann, currently working for Barnum Financial as a financial analyst. My daughter Sarah Widmann is a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology.