Short-Lived Confidence In P&Z

By CURT CLARK

Published: Apr 20, 2007 12:00 am

Short-Lived

Confidence In P&Z

To the Editor:

Last Thursday, the P&Z Commission held a public hearing to receive public input regarding the modification request to amend the Fairfield Hills master plan to renovate Bridgeport Hall for a new town hall rather than using Shelton House and for an approval of a pond/water feature on the Shelton House site.

The commissioners listened to the public and the presentation from the various FFH consultants. The consultants did not provide any conclusive data using environmental studies, engineering studies, up-to-date traffic projections, updated cost estimates for demolition/remediation of Shelton House/renovation of Bridgeport Hall/creation of the pond-water feature, provisions for parking, concrete provisions for the displaced community recreational uses originally envisioned for Bridgeport Hall, etcâ¦ Basically, the P&Z is being asked to approve a conceptual plan without specific detail.

The commissioners made a prudent decision to keep the public hearing open until they received more information. They asked for studies that justify abandoning the use of Shelton House as a new town hall and a comprehensive conceptual plan of the revised FFH master plan which includes new projects such as the multipurpose recreational/cultural/senior center/pool, the skate park, ball fields, parking requirements for these projects etcâ¦

The P&Z chairman expressed concern about the impact of individual new pieces of the plan on the overall master plan. I had expressed similar concern with the piecemeal approach of implementing the master plan and in addition, some members of WeCAN, Friends of Fairfield Hills, and other citizens together formally submitted a request for information which included 44 questions related to the master plan and asked the P&Z Commission to provide answers before granting the Board of Selectmenâs request for an amendment to the current master plan. We asked that they provide the public with necessary information, demonstrate the validity of this request, and provide confidence that their decision is based on the best information possible.

When the commissioners made a decision to continue with the public hearing, I thought, âFinally, we have a group that is willing to listen to the public, ascertain all relevant information and provide the necessary answers requested by the public.â

It did not take long for my trust and confidence in this group to erode. I woke up this morning to learn that the P&Z Commission has scheduled the continuation of their public hearing this Thursday evening [April 19] when they are fully aware that majority of the public are not available to participate during school vacation week.

I am extremely disappointed that the P&Z Commission chose to hold the continuation of their public hearing without first answering all questions submitted by the public and scheduling this meeting during vacation week without properly providing notice to the public. Yes, they most likely followed the protocol by posting their meeting date on the website but who would have known about this meeting? This is another blatant attempt to bypass the voters. This type of action continually dampens the spirit of residents who truly care enough to participate.

Po Murray

38 Charter Ridge Drive, Sandy HookÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â April 18, 2007

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I have to say, I don’t understand how this project could be considered “morally wrong.” That kind of language feels more like obstruction than constructive dialogue. What is morally wrong is leaving seniors in our community without enough housing options. Right now, Newtown does not have adequate senior housing, and the few developments that exist, like Naunawag Meadows, already have waiting lists. As for the comment that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” that simply isn’t accurate. The system is broken when residents who’ve lived here their whole lives cannot find an affordable and appropriate place to age in town. Responsible development that balances environmental concerns, safety improvements (such as traffic calming measures and sidewalks), and the needs of our seniors is exactly the kind of planning Newtown should be doing. This isn’t about wanting or not wanting something in one’s backyard—it’s about building a community that takes care of its people. Please don't get scared away by the nimby mob.

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Short-Lived Confidence In P&Z

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