Planned Design Of Bank Will Not Enhance Sandy Hook

To the Editor:

In response to last week’s letter to The Bee from John Trentacosta, president of Newtown Savings Bank, praising the design of their new Sandy Hook branch, I wish to make the following comments. Mr Trentacosta states he is writing in response to a few letters to The Bee in opposition to his design of this building. I would like the bank to know that the many letters to The Bee are just the “tip of the iceberg.” There are, in fact, hundreds of Newtown residents opposed to this design, and a petition is currently circulating appealing to Newtown Savings Bank to change the design of this project.

Mr Trentacosta implies that the approval process provided the residents of Newtown the opportunity to make public comments about this project.

1. I don’t know of anyone who is against Newtown Savings Bank coming to Sandy Hook

2. We all have busy schedules, so why would we attend town meetings about a project we do not oppose?

3. Newtown Savings Bank has always built lovely buildings in the past; therefore, I could not imagine they would stumble on this project.

To the best of my knowledge, the first time the public saw an architect’s rendition of this building was in July, which was very far into the approval process.

It is also my understanding that the Architectural Review Board gave approval of this design in May without releasing photos to the public for comment. I believe, at that time, the board consisted of only two people.

Mr Trentacosta states that this building will tie together the disparate architectural designs of Sandy Hook. I do not understand how a factory-type building on that corner enhances the village of Sandy Hook. A Colonial or Federal-style building, built of brick or clapboard (with a slanted roof) would be far more attractive.

This project has been approved, and we have no power to stop it except for public opinion. It is my hope that Mr Trentacosta and the Board of Newtown Savings Bank understands hundreds of Newtown residents believe this building is completely inappropriate and, as a gesture of good will, change the design.

Jean Sander

211 Walnut Tree Hill Road, Sandy Hook                August 30, 2010