To the Editor:

The state’s “affordable housing regulations” have provided developers with free reign over communities that have strived to maintain their country living character. Clearly, our elected P&Z members and their land-use officials think they will mitigate the impact of such rampant development by reaching compromise agreements with potential developers who will (if necessary) bully our agencies by threatening affordable housing. 

Over the years, my neighbors and I have experienced that designated housing zones can be and are changed to meet the requests of potential developers.  In the 1990s, our neighborhood of homes suffered a massive change as over 200 age-restricted condominium units were built, after the first developer initially threatened affordable housing in order to secure an EH-10 zone change. This zone change ostensibly changed the character of our neighborhood forever.  Now, another developer is utilizing similar tactics – the implied threat of affordable housing – to force Newtown's P&Z Commission to bend to his will.   As a result, my home will be surrounded by another 200 multi-dwelling housing, with up to three-story construction (certainly out-of-character with my neighborhood).

Clearly, there is something woefully wrong with regulations that don't respect the integrity and long-standing character of a neighborhood and that places the rural/suburban character of that community at the mercy of developers who simply seek to profit.  We are told continuously that there is virtually nothing that can be done to prevent such development because the “affordable housing regulations” would allow even greater density.

Though I am not opposed to affordable housing in all communities, I am opposed to allowing a specific area in town to be repeatedly blighted by developers who have no commitment or personal interest in maintaining the integrity of a community that prides itself on attractive, friendly neighborhoods for those seeking to escape the anonymity of suburban sprawl.

When a law that was designed to diversify housing opportunities in communities is used as a cudgel by developers to destroy the character of a neighborhood, it has lost its purpose and needs to be amended to reflect the needs of the community and protect those homeowners who have been long-standing tax-paying citizens.

I would like to see the P&Z Commission consult with the town attorney and first selectperson's office to “think outside the box” and explore collaborating with nearby communities: Brookfield, New Fairfield, Bridgewater, Southbury, Woodbury, Oxford – who will be facing similar threats as the rural/suburban character of all our communities is systematically destroyed by the onslaught of speculative development.

Let's fight to ensure that it will remain “Nicer in Newtown.”  It is time for our elected leaders to become both creative and aggressive in standing up for what we love about our community.  I hope that you will send a message by attending the January 15th P&Z Commission meeting at 7:30 at the FFH Town Hall or communicate directly with our selectperson's office.

Respectfully submitted,

John R. Bestor

24 Walnut Tree Hill Road, Sandy Hook   January 7, 2015