P&Z Endorses Using Eight More Portable Classrooms For NHS

By ANDY GOROSKO

Published: Oct 24, 2008 12:00 am

P&Z Endorses Using Eight More

Portable Classrooms For NHS

By Andrew Gorosko

The Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) has endorsed a proposal from the school system to installÂ more portable classrooms alongside Newtown High School, which would be used for student instruction until an expanded high school is available for student use.

The P&Z, however, placed a number of conditions on its endorsement, which was made at an October 16 session.

In a letter to P&Z, School Superintendent Janet Robinson asked the commission to endorse the school systemâs leasing eight modular classrooms, which would be erected in July 2009 on the A-Wing side of the high school, in the parking lot adjacent to Berkshire Road. Such a facility would add about 8,700 square feet of space at the site to be used for eight classrooms, offices, rest rooms, and closets.

The school system is planning for the added modular classroom space with M Space, the firm that provided the four modular classrooms now in use at the high school, Dr Robinson wrote.Â Â Â

An architect has not been hired to design the plans as a cost-saving measure, she added.

School officials expect to be able to design the added modular classroom space at the proposed location within the minimum lot setback requirements, according to the school superintendent.

The new modular classrooms would be installed adjacent to the four existing modular classrooms, in the school parking lot nearest to Berkshire Road.

Â To compensate for the 35 parking spaces that would be lost when the new modular classroom space is installed, 35 parking spaces would be created in the area near the schoolâs sports stadium.

After discussion, P&Z members unanimously endorsed the proposal to add eight portable classrooms on the school grounds.

P&Z members placed a number of conditions on their endorsement.

The school system must obtain zoning approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) in connection with the project.

Also, the school system must receive an endorsement of the project from the town fire marshal, according to the P&Z.

Additionally, the project must receive an approval for sewer service from the Water & Sewer Authority, and an approval for water service from the United Water Company, according to the P&Z.

The high school expansion project encountered a stumbling block on October 7 when voters at referendum opted against adding approximately $6 million to the $38.8 million project to cover unanticipated additional construction costs.

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The Editor suggest a meeting between the "Rock This Democracy " and the Police Commission. As a former Police Commissioner the Chief should have followed the chain of command and discussed this with the Police Commission. The Chief reports to the Elected Police Commission not our Republican First Selection. Can't help but feel this is Republican politics again making an issue out of a non issue.

Assembly Ordinance?

I support Chief Kullgren’s request to explore permitting, and cost-sharing for large gatherings. The right to protest is a cornerstone of our democracy, and I fully support the constitutional right to free speech and assembly. However, where and how often these protests occur matters. Main Street is not just a symbol — it’s a vital artery for daily life in town. When events are held there monthly, and at increasing scale, they cause disruption to residents, businesses, and traffic. While the Rock This Democracy group may describe these protests as unique or urgent, the frequency — roughly once every two weeks this spring — suggests more of a recurring series than a singular, spontaneous moment of civic expression. This isn’t about silencing anyone. It’s about fairness, public safety, and fiscal responsibility. Every time a protest happens, our police department is forced to assign resources, often on overtime. That expense adds up quickly. If any group wants to use public space regularly, particularly in a way that impacts traffic and requires police presence, then it’s reasonable for the town to consider permitting and cost-sharing — just as we do for other organized events like races, festivals, or parades. Let’s protect everyone’s rights — including the right of the community to function smoothly and the right of taxpayers not to bear undue cost for repeated events. I trust the Council to consider a reasonable path forward that balances speech with responsibility.

David, your passion for transparency would carry more weight if it weren’t routinely wielded like a cudgel. Let's set the record straight: no one is against easier access to documents or better online availability—we all want an informed public. But there's a difference between constructive advocacy and the kind of grandstanding that costs this town time, morale, and taxpayer money. You cite Ridgefield’s practices—great. Let's talk about that like adults. But instead, what we see is a steady stream of accusatory posts, legal challenges, and FOIA blitzes aimed less at solving problems and more at creating headlines. It’s not “slander” to point out that your approach often does more to divide and exhaust than to help. I’ve been at the very meetings you claim are inaccessible or opaque. I’ve seen your group turn logistical hiccups into conspiracy theories. I’ve watched as staff—who already work overtime—are dragged into another fishing expedition while real civic needs are left hanging. You’re not just pushing for access; you’re using the tools of open government to grind its gears to a halt. That’s not progress. That’s obstruction dressed up as advocacy. And the people paying for it—literally—are your neighbors. Let’s stop pretending it’s just about uploading PDFs. The issue here is how we engage. We can have real conversations about modernization without constant accusations, FOIA skirmishes, and Facebook pile-ons. Until then, I’ll continue to call out tactics that undermine, not uplift, our town.

Calls For Policies To Create Greater Transparency

The bottom line is this: costs are up, and no group—including teachers—is exempt. Ignoring Anthem’s recommended 22% increase last year may have directly caused the $2 million shortfall. Everyone has to share in the fix. That might mean higher premiums and leaner benefits. Complaints alone won’t solve the problem—realistic solutions will. I urge all Newtown Teachers to email their Union leaders and express their support for higher premiums.

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Its really easy to make assertions and cast doubts from behind a keyboard....a little too easy aparently. You might try conducting the actual research BEFORE doing it next time. If you do, you too will find that there's no need to imagine such a policy to improve public transparency and participation. Take a look at Ridgefield's P&Z meeting agendas on their website for starters. They are just one town that provide links to electronic copies of applications and other public documents, so that their commissioners and residents can easily access them and be well-informed, before meetings and public hearings occur and without making them drive to town hall (during business hours) to ask their land use staff to pull the files and make copies of them, saving everyone time (time is money), and gasoline, and missed work. Most applicants alrleady submit electronic copies, and for those who don't, it's a lot easier for a staffer to scan them once, than to have to make copies every time someone asks for them. And please don't misrepresent or slander those who advocate for smart, low impact & sustainable development policies and practices as 'anti-development'.

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P&Z Endorses Using Eight More Portable Classrooms For NHS

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