To the Editor:

This letter is in response to the Sandy Hook Stables article [“Maine Man Proposes Large-Scale Horse Facility In Town”] dated June 28  in The Bee. I wholeheartedly support the idea of this private venture and I humbly ask the editor of The Newtown Bee to get behind this grassroots effort and endorse the project because it can help the town in multiple ways.

The first being a source is tax revenue for the town. As a business owner, I understand the importance of bringing new businesses to a town like ours. As I see our taxes going up as property values decline, increasing our tax roll is as important as ever.

The second, would be to bring a world class equestrian facility to Newtown. The peripheral business that would be able to feed off this project would affect other small businesses in a positive way.

Third and most important,  would be to bring a business that can heal our town. We run a small farm at our property here in Sandy Hook, and the healing power of animals is amazing. We see it everyday. The idea of bringing in a business that could change the perception of our town, from one of tragedy, to one of healing and good memories formed by this great place, seems to be a win-win for everyone.  A place that can bring families together and create lifelong memories seems like an opportunity that we should take advantage of.

I would ask others who feel strongly about this project to voice your opinion. Now is the time to act. As a community we should welcome the ability to change our town’s perception and create opportunity for positive change as we move forward and heal. All is needed is some positive feedback from the town and town officials. There are investors and sponsors in place.

 Opportunity does not knock twice.

Respectfully submitted,

Rick Bayuk

Baybrook Farm & Rescue

85 Great Ring Road, Sandy Hook  July 10, 2013