Upzoning Is Legal And Effective

To The Editor:

The Planning and Zoning Commission should be praised and supported for proposing the Upzoning regulation. Upzoning is a legal and effective means of controlling over-development. Upzoning has been used in neighboring towns and other states to control development.

The people who oppose the Upzoning regulation are motivated by greed, and greed only. The opponents of the regulation care less what effect the sale and development of their property has on their neighbors and their town. Upzoning will have a positive effect for the majority of people in Newtown, and the regulation should not be struck down just to satisfy the financial investments of a handful of people.

The opponents of the regulation should understand that investing in land is like any other investment, whether it is stocks, bonds or a business. Investing is a gamble; there are risks and there are no guarantees. Newtown does not owe anyone a guaranteed return on their investments. If this is the case, homeowners and businesses in town should have regulations passed to guarantee a huge return on the sale of their homes and a profitable business.

The opponents of the regulation argue development of land in town does not contaminate the water supply. The fact is that many wells in town have been contaminated by over-development. People do not publicize their wells have been contaminated for fear it will effect the resale value of their homes.

The opponents of the regulation and other supporters of development will not be convinced until Newtown becomes another Toms River, New Jersey. Toms River is the town where large numbers of children have been diagnosed with leukemia and other cancers as a result of contaminated water supplies.

Upzoning will help control development density, overcrowding of schools and recreational programs, maintain taxes, protect water supplies and help preserve the rural character of the town. Planning and Zoning, pass the Upzoning regulation. Do not allow Newtown to become another Toms River, New Jersey. Protect our town, protect our children.

Tom Faeth

Hedge Meadow Lane, Newtown                                   March 8, 2000