To the Editor:

I would like to say how happy my neighbors and I were to read the Editorial Ink Drops from the January 31, 2020 edition. Thank you!

It was so encouraging to read those words. For those who have not seen it, it was about the importance of town meetings and the ability for the public to be able to speak and offer their opinion on the topic without being harassed or intimidated. Which is exactly what happened at the January 16 P&Z meeting regarding a second gas station in Hawleyville. I’ve written several letters opposing this project so I’m sorry that I’m repeating myself yet again, but it bears repeating.

This is a terrible project. This will be the second gas station within 1/4 of a mile on Route 25 near Exit 9. It will not add many jobs, as Corrine Cox pointed out at the meeting; it will not improve the quality of life for the people in the Hawleyville area; I can’t imagine it will bring a lot of revenue to the town. It will, however, add to traffic and congestion, it will increase a risk for accidents, it will increase pollution. That’s great.

To keep attending P&Z meetings for years and fighting a losing battle with this developer, who is also building the apartments at Covered Bridge, and then to be attacked by their lawyer was truly a low point. So to read the Editorial Ink Drops was so encouraging. Somebody else was paying attention. Somebody else was saying no! This is not how the citizens of this town should be treated. I understand the mention of the adage “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” I’m not sure there is enough honey at this point.

Once upon a time, the bumper stickers said Nicer in Newtown. Some people should remember that.

Thank you.

Janet Mckeown

10 Hillcrest Drive, Newtown February 4, 2020