Time For The People To Be Heard

On FFH Housing

To the Editor:

Do you favor housing at Fairfield Hills?    

Asked another way, do you favor the sale or lease of town-owned property to a wealthy developer to enrich himself more? Will the owner and occupants pay more in taxes than they require for town and school services? Past experience from many studies answers the last question easily. “By now, it is fairly well accepted that residences cost the town money.” “…the general trend is that taxes increase with population.” (Vermont League of Cities, 1989)

So why would such a housing proposal, 160 apartments at FFH, even be considered? Local special interest groups, like the Newtown Economic Development Commission, are always present to promote their agenda. Businesses feed off of other businesses. Gas stations feed off of shopping trips for groceries, hardware, and clothing as well as visits to our tempting local restaurants. These businesses help to make life in Newtown convenient and friendly. Like homeowners, they pay taxes, too. Businesses are a proper concern for the commission.

Housing is beyond their charge. Nevertheless, at their March 15, 2011, meeting they unanimously passed this motion. “Mr S… made a motion that the EDC support responsible commercial development including a limited residential component at Fairfield Hills. Mr H… seconded the motion.” During the discussion of housing, one member preferred fewer than 160 apartments, one preferred age-restricted housing, another preferred beautiful townhouses. They were informed that a parking garage is permitted now under the current FFH zoning.

Would the town construct this garage and where would it be located? What will happen to the two baseball diamonds next to Cochran House? Currently, the Cochran House parking lot is used by the many baseball teams that play there. Would the promised additional playing fields be deleted? Will Relay For Life still find a home at FFH? Will the town reserve land for a future ambulance and police facilities? Will we ever erect the much-needed recreation center? Oh, yes, and that missing swimming pool may never be constructed if housing takes over.            

Is there any chance that the people of Newtown will be heard? Yes. The Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing of the movement to rezone FFH to allow for housing, Thursday evening, April 7, at the Newtown Municipal Center Meeting Room.

Mark you calendar! April 7 at 7:30 pm. Check the time and place on the town website. Be there! Let your voice be heard.

Ruby Johnson, PhD

16 Chestnut Hill Road, Sandy Hook                          March 30, 2011