The Newtown Board of Selectmen recently ratified lease agreement with a local business that plans to renovate Stratford Hall for use as a brewery.  The proposal was approved because it's consistent with the master plan for business development in Fairfield Hills.  The Town of Newtown will still own the building and replace the roof, but First Selectman Dan Rosenthal says the new tenant will do a lot to bring the building up to standards. 

Mark Tambascio of My Place Restaurant and, a local architect and developer, are moving forward with the plan under the name M&D Brewery.  The plan calls for food and beverages inside, with food trucks and a pizza oven outside. 

Rosenthal believes this will encourage other commercial enterprises on campus.  Newtown acquired the former state hospital in 2004.  While there is some existing bond money for the roof replacement, the town could contribute more for utility connections, some exterior work and any remediation.