To the Editor:

Isn’t it ironic?

For over the past two years we have been wearing masks in an attempt to avoid breathing in air that would be dangerous to our health. Yet now, the Planning and Zoning Board is entertaining the notion of inviting the arrival of a behemoth threat — the Wharton Proposal — to impact the quality of life of Newtown residents with implications of air pollution, water pollution, insufferable traffic, noise, and light pollution, to name a few sinister effects.

One can read the principles which P&Z is based on:

*to lessen the congestion in the streets — 200 tractor-trailers going in and out, possibly 24/7/365 and circling the streets like a cab at an airport

*to secure safety from fire, panic, flood, and other dangers — warehouse fires occur regularly in other communities

*to promote health and the general welfare — noxious pollution within 500 yards of two schools for little children!

*to provide adequate light and air — our air will be compromised with deadly exhausts

*to prevent the overcrowding of land — there is wildlife on this property that would be displaced

*to conserve the value of the buildings and land — might ponds and aquifers be polluted?

*to encourage the most appropriate use of land throughout the Town of Newtown consistent with soil types, terrain and infrastructure capacity — this is a residential neighborhood!

There are certain decisions in life that go beyond the letter of the law — or dollars and cents. They require good judgement, common sense, and compassion.

One must wonder if any good judgement, common sense or compassion is being brought into play by P&Z. Borrowing the words of former senator Joseph Welsh during the McCarthy hearings, I would ask the Planning and Zoning Board, “Have you no sense of decency?”

Approval of the Wharton Proposal would be a dereliction of duties.

Beth Holland

Newtown