To the Editor:

Legal documents have now been filed protecting the High Meadow as open space in perpetuity. This represents a long and arduous process by members of earlier conservation committees and others to protect this valuable parcel from development for the benefit of all residents and not a specific interest group. And yet the meadow is still threatened.

The Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial Commission wants to develop a portion of the High Meadow, placing a memorial smack dab in the middle of the open space. The SHPMC says they only need 0.85 acres but this figure is deceiving since it does not include a proposed road, parking lot, and excavation to run power lines to the site for security lighting and cameras.

The proposed road runs right up the middle of the open space and will require felling of trees and stump removal causing further degradation to wildlife habitat and disturbing the natural setting val-ued by trail users.

This plan is not only contrary to the intent of the open space designation but allowing this exception puts the High Meadow in jeopardy for future development proposals.

Holly Kocet

2 Karen Boulevard, Newtown         March 1, 2016