To the Editor:

Citizens of Newtown, you may be aware of the proposal of Wharton Equity Partners (WEP) to build a mega warehouse tractor trailer hub at Exit 9 off Interstate 84 (intersection of Old Hawleyville Road and Mount Pleasant Road).

This structure will consist of a 345,000 square foot warehouse covering eight acres with 76 loading bays for trucks. In addition there are to be 350 parking spaces for employees.

The maximum potential for operating hours will be 365/24/7!! This proposal also includes a road cut onto Mt Pleasant Road to be used as both an employee and emergency exit.

As presented at the April 7 Zoning hearing, WEP stated the daily rotation of at least 200 trailer tractor trucks. It is my opinion that those trucks unable to access the warehouse will cruise our side streets until space is available.

Think of the wear and tear that just one 80,000 lb truck can do to our infrastructure. The most disturbing part of the WEP proposal is the noxious diesel emissions of Nitrogen Oxide (NO2).

There will be pollution in every form, air quality issues, noise, traffic — all a potential threat to health and safety.

Newtown zoning regulations for this project (M-2A zone) require a project in the zone provide for significant economic development activities without adversely impacting the basic character of the surrounding neighborhoods or overburdening the natural or built environment. It also requires the land in the district will be developed as a cohesive unit where the development of any parcel will complement the district as a whole.

A pedestrian-friendly environment and transit access must be considered in the design of the site as well under the regulation. The WEP proposal does not conform to this regulation!

The Planning and Zoning Commission will continue its public hearing of this project on May 5. Your attendance at this meeting is vital — every voice counts.

Robert L. Rau, Phd

Newtown

Editor’s note: Dr Rau is the former Chairman of the Newtown Economic Development Commission.