An Architectural Atrocity

To the Editor:

I am writing to voice my support for the growing movement to stop the planned building to be located at 2 Riverside Road in Sandy Hook Center. Upon reviewing the architectural rendering of the building that will house a new branch of Newtown Savings Bank, one can only surmise: Is it an electrical plant or penitentiary? Inner city public school or AT&T switch station? One thing it is not — an appropriate architectural style for the quaint center of Sandy Hook.

How the owner and architect joined forces to concoct such an architectural atrocity is not too surprising — there are many people in our midst with no taste and no concern for the best interests of the community. What is more difficult to understand is how this building gained P&Z approval. And how Newtown Savings Bank, an institution that has done so much for our community, could defend this aberration to the blossoming streetscape. The claim by the bank’s CEO that the “architectural rendering doesn’t depict well” makes no sense. The architectural style is clearly depicted and it most definitely will not add “character, grace, and charm” to the town as he suggests.

Sandy Hook Center is poised for success. The hard work of business owners and the obvious pride of homeowners along Church Hill Road are visible as one travels down into the center of town. Look at the recent, and architecturally appropriate, renovations of Figs Bistro, the impressive three-story office building next door, and the Toro building further up Church Hill Road. That is the type of architectural context that is so desperately needed on this new project.

Newtown Savings Bank’s building on Main Street and the striking new branch in Southbury, by Bennett Sullivan Associates, prove that form and function can coexist in harmony — when you have the right team in place and when the best interests of the community at large are considered. I implore all involved — back to the drawing board! This building will occupy the physical and figurative center of Sandy Hook. If it is built as planned, it will present an uninviting and inappropriate face to our community for years to come.

Julia S. Nable

10 Walnut Tree Hill Road, Sandy Hook            September 29, 2010