Commentary –

If I Owned Fairfield Hills…

By Cheryl A. Wicks

I know from my experience turning around companies that first you have to have the vision, then you can establish priorities and develop the plan to make it work. One does not finance or implement everything at once, but draws on the knowledge and expertise of others to find creative solutions to reach the overall desired goal over time. If I were independently wealthy and personally owned the wonderful expanse of property in Newtown known as Fairfield Hills, I would convert it to a community center for education, recreation and culture.

Fairfield Hills – accessible by three major routes – should not call attention to itself nestled as it is among residential properties. The parking lots, playing fields, and buildings would be hidden and protected by landscaping that would enhance the beauty of the grounds, ensure privacy of nearby homeowners, and add natural habitat.

The existing houses and apartments on Fairfield Hills property would be renovated by local builders, Habitat for Humanity type organizations, or buyers. These properties would be rented or sold as condos and homes with covenants governing expansion, upkeep, appearance, and noise. This would be where our young, senior and other less affluent or mobile residents could live. Some of this housing could also be rented to relocated executives and their families while they were house-hunting or waiting for a new home to be built. Without clearing any more land or doing any more building, Newtown could help meet the tremendous demand for this type of diversified housing. Note that these buildings previously housed residents without putting undo demands on the town’s infrastructure.

The larger buildings would be replaced or renovated to maximize their architectural beauty and up-date their systems and interiors. There would be a school with more playgrounds. There would be a gym with facilities shared by the school and the community. There would be museums and art galleries with corresponding shops that may also feature locally made crafts. SCAN (Society of Creative Artists of Newtown) as well as the town’s photography club may have their own galleries to display and sell their members’ work. There would be a theatre for live concerts and plays. A coffee shop that sold sandwiches, soup, and salad (with a place to eat outside) would only whet the appetite for other Newtown eateries.

There would be a ballroom for large fund-raisers (like the book sale) and weddings. When this room wasn’t in use, it could be partitioned off into meeting rooms. These, as well as other designated rooms, would be available for non-profit organizations and for town management meetings, and available for rent by businesses. There would be town offices with room to grow as needed. An information center would tell new residents and visitors all about Newtown and what its businesses have to offer.

Outside, augmented playing fields and parking would be screened from the road and other parts of the grounds with natural landscaping. Plenty of trash receptacles and reliable maintenance would keep the open areas clean. Hiking trails will be expanded, improved, and well-marked for people of all ages and abilities… including the handicapped. Bikes, horses, and X-country skiers would have separate – but parallel – trails. Gazebos, park benches, and picnic tables would dot the open acres to provide sanctuary and rest. Existing tennis and basketball courts would be renovated and improved.

Bird watching and nature hikes would be encouraged. There would be gardens, planters, and probably a greenhouse available either for rent or in exchange for cultivation. Community service could be satisfied by helping develop and maintain trails, signs and plant labels. Open space enhances the value of everyone’s property without needing to expand the town’s schools or placing much more of a burden on its roads and town services.

Fairfield Hills has a wealth of potential; and Newtown has a wealth of expertise and experience in its residents. Individuals as well as businesses would be consulted and asked to participate as needed. I would draw on the incredible wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and ideas they have to overcome obstacles and realize something – over time – even better than what’s envisioned here.

Fairfield Hills would become a community center without being an eyesore or problem for its immediate neighbors. It would be a place where people could relax, learn, be entertained, exchange ideas, get some exercise, meet, and share their talents and skills. It would be as unique to Newtown as its flagpole. It would draw and keep people in Newtown to patronize its other businesses. From a town management, educational, cultural, and natural perspective, Fairfield Hills would be something quite special.

Pie-in-the-sky? Maybe. Possible? This is my vision for Fairfield Hills. What is yours?

(A former senior vice president of American Banker and vice president of Institutional Investor, Cheryl Wicks was recruited by these and other major companies as a turn-around specialist. She is currently working on three books, two of which should be ready for publication this year.)