Date: Fri 08-Nov-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

greenways-selectmen

Full Text:

Selectmen Debate Two Views Of The Greenways Concept

B Y S TEVE B IGHAM

A year ago, the Board of Selectmen formed the Greenways Committee to look into

the creation of a townwide trail system linking all town open space.

But there appears to be conflicting views on the Board of Selectman regarding

the greenways concept: should greenways be an anti-development tool or a

recreational resource?

First Selectman Bob Cascella believes the Greenways Committee can be a "piece

of the puzzle" in the town's efforts to maintain the quality of life in

Newtown. As he points out, in order to establish this system of trails, pieces

of property will need to be acquired, thus, helping to preserve open space in

town.

"We're looking to maintain the ambiance of our community. To that end, the

Greenways Committee can be very much a part of that," said Mr Cascella. "The

big issue is the quality of life. Greenways upgrades that."

The first selectman believes Newtown's future isn't so much dependent on how

well it controls the construction of houses. The key, he said, is to maintain

the town's character.

However, Selectman Gary Fetzer, who chairs the year-old committee, says the

greenways are intended to establish a trail system for recreational purposes

and has nothing to do with controlling over-development.

As he explained it, the trail would simply provide low-intensity recreation

for hikers, cross country skiers, horseback riders and mountain bicyclists.

Mr Cascella last week received a letter from Gary Davis of the Iroquois Gas

Transmission System, which stated the company's support for the plan, but

before the gas pipeline company can can authorize use of its Land Preservation

and Enhancement Program funds of up to $450,000, more details of the proposal

are needed.

Iroquois donated several hundred thousand dollars to the town in the late

1980s when a partnership of US and Canadian energy companies which constructed

and operated the $375-mile pipeline that runs through a portion of Newtown.

The first selectman is anxious to see the Greenways Committee come up with

some concrete plans for the trail system sometime soon because the Iroquois

pipeline funds won't last forever.

"It's going to mean (members of the Greenways Committee) are going to have to

roll up their sleeves and put out a product," Mr Cascella said.

The Greenways Committee is scheduled to meet Tuesday.

Among the information requested from Iroquois are maps identifying potential

trail system routes, easement acquisition, identification of open space

acquisitions, an explanation of how the trail system would improve

environmental quality, a time line, and a budget.

The idea for a trail system was originally proposed in October of 1995 by

Conservation Commission Chairman Donald Lawrenson.