A Manhattan builder has appealed the town of Newtown’s denial of a 136-apartment project near Newtown High School, adding to the growing list of housing-related lawsuits the town is facing. In fact, the appeal marks the fifth legal challenge in just four months, including three appeals and two lawsuits over various housing developments. The builder argues the Planning and Zoning Commission wrongly denied the project, citing lack of a water connection commitment. The town meanwhile, claims it will vigorously defend its decisions, as conservation groups push for a building moratorium.