What Have We Learned

In 50 Years?

To the Editor:

Did you read the “Way We Were” in the March 9, 2007, issue of The Bee (page C-5)?

Under March 15, 1957, is reported a bit of history. “A standing-room-only crowd of almost 600 electors reached early and nearly unanimous agreement Friday night when they voted down a proposal that Newtown purchase the Aiken property adjacent to Edmond Town Hall to be held for future expansion of the town hall facilities. Selectman … explained that he voted against the ‘extravagance’ because the town has ample land at the present town hall site, adequate for the foreseeable future.” Read the article for yourself.

In 2007 some of our leaders are telling us we don’t need to preserve land at Fairfield Hills for future community needs. We may never need a new school, a swimming pool at Dickinson Park is an extravagance, the police department doesn’t need more space right away, and let’s not make plans for moving the Newtown Hook and Ladder Company.

We are looking into a recreation center/senior center/swimming pool. Unfortunately, no land at Fairfield Hills has been designated as the site of the facility, but they keep letting citizen think it would be allowed there.

Will future citizens look back on 2007 and shake their heads in disbelief. Have we learned nothing in the last 50 years?

Ruby K. Johnson

16 Chestnut Hill Road, Sandy Hook                          March 14, 2007