Schools And Fairfield Hills

To the Editor:

I have always believed that educating the next generation is the most important task that we adults have. Knowledge supports our free society and its economic health.

However, when the Board of Education requested a zoning change at the August 21 meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission in order to place alternative high school in a newly constructed commercial building on Route 34, I was stunned. The board proposes to spend almost $190,000 for a five-year lease for space for about 15 students.

A few days later, the Fairfield Hills Management Committee voted to support the first selectman’s proposal to spend $100,000 to $200,000 to rent a boiler to heat Canaan House during the coming winter. This committee heard a review of choices: buy a permanent boiler, move and use one the town owns, rent a boiler, or relocate town offices into portable buildings erected on the FFH campus. The members were advised that keeping Canaan heated would preserve it for future commercial use if basement water problems can be solved. Part of the expense will cover improved climate control and sealing off of unused portions of the building.

Surely, the alternative school can find a home somewhere in Canaan. The $190,000 the Board of Education would spend would go a long way toward putting a heating system into Canaan or one of the other buildings at FFH and, thus, begin the process of utilizing FFH for municipal needs. Unless, of course, students are unwelcome at FFH.

The superintendent has stated that money will be spent to have an architect report the feasibility for yet another addition for Newtown High School situated on a relatively small high school site of 47.66 acres. No one seems to be thinking of the long-term needs of our town. While it is difficult to predict future school enrollment, FFH offers a long-term solution for many, already identified municipal needs. Surely, schools should be part of any long-range plans for FFH. Today, one 80-acre parcel in Newtown lists for $3.6 million. If we don’t plan to use FFH for school and municipal needs, what price will we pay in the future if land is available.

The zoning question is in the hands of the Planning and Zoning members now. Let’s hope they make a wise decision. they usually do.

For more information about FFH visit our website at www.FriendsofFairfieldHills.org.

Ruby Johnson

16 Chestnut Hill Road, Sandy Hook                    September 1, 2004