To the Editor:

As a member of the public and after sitting in on the last three meetings there are a few questions that remain unasked and unanswered. I feel I need to write to The Newtown Bee.

Some of the information I would like answers for include the following:

What are the uses inside the proposed warehouse/terminal — is there a cafeteria, break-room, restrooms, sleeping facilities, showers? Will there be tables and chairs outside for eating? Where is the trash storage outside? Will it be enclosed?

Many truckers travel with an animal for company, will there be a “dog park” of sorts? Will there be any chemicals, fertilizer, pharmaceuticals or explosives stored inside? Will any of the tenants require on-site refrigeration?

What happens during a power outage? Are there generators? Location? Will there be live animals etc within the confines of the terminal? If so, what type and for how long?

What will be done to minimize the “back up truck beeping” required by law? The noise pollution will be incessant. Where will the snow removal trucks, machinery be kept — hidden or out in the open? Will there be a facility for truck repairs on-site or will it be inside the terminal?

Will there be gas, oil, diesel, electric charging stations, an area for salt/sand storage to be used at the site? Locations?

With regard to landscaping … since the applicant changed the size of the building and has thus far refused landscaping to protect neighbors since the building footprint will be smaller, will they put in berms around the building and plantings in the berms? It’s being done in many locales.

If the heat/AC units are to be placed on the roof how will they be hidden from public view? When blasting occurs will the neighbors be notified and their wells and structures (walls, floors) have a warranty for damage?

What is the applicant’s or town’s plan for queuing when trucks cannot access the driveway (applicant states “it is an unsafe driveway”). When 84 is closed, where will these trucks and employee vehicles park? What is the plan?

No information has been offered thus far.

With the changes made by the applicant at each and every meeting, has the Newtown Police Department, Fire, Health, EMS weighed in on the latest changes?

If the Special Exception Permit is approved by the Commission, local residents/and the town support facilities would be severely limited in available remedies if additional tractor trailers use the facility once the mysterious unnamed tenants and usage occupy the truck terminal space.

This is a truck terminal by definition. It is being sold to us under the guise of a warehouse. I ask that the Special Exception be denied.

Karen Martin

Newtown