Fairfield Hills Expenditures

To the Editor:

A few months ago, I wrote a letter to the editor on the cost of doing business. In my letter, I indicated the total Fairfield Hills expenditures at that time were $1,295,124. An update of the ongoing expenses shows the total is now $1,736,880 representing an increase of $441,750. The increase is largely due to additional expenses for property management and consultants.

Newtown has recently paid the state $3.9 million for Fairfield Hills. An itemization of expenses for the period 2000 and prior to February 2005 is as follows:

Legal Fees, $418,150; Consultants, $397,466; Engineering, $93,627; Environmental, $401,531; Property Management, $413,172; Miscellaneous, $12,934; Total $1,736,880.

Data has been provided by our town’s financial director.

The process of acquiring Fairfield Hills has been long and costly and expenditures will continue. Therefore, it is clear that Fairfield Hills should belong to the people of Newtown, for their needs…a community center, cultural arts center, senior center, open space for passive recreation, recreation center, a site for the future school, and playing fields. Affordable housing and over commercialization of this exceptional property is not appropriate.

For more information, please visit the Friends of Fairfield Hills website www.friendsoffairfieldhills.org.

Linda E. Dunn

26 Old Bethel Road, Newtown                               February 28, 2005