To the Editor:

Next week the citizens of Newtown will have only one chance to get it right. Despite the many years of surveys and questions that have all shown that the majority of its citizens do not want a housing component as part of any development at Fairfield Hills, the question is once again being pushed upon us. We are being asked to believe that this is so essential to “saving” Fairfield Hills, regardless of the fact that approving housing will change the character of this citizen owned property forever.

We are asked to believe that these will only be one- and two-bedroom apartments when we know that it never seems to work out that way. We are asked to believe that the developers will not, partway through the construction, inform us that they cannot complete the project financially without altering them to three-bedroom apartments.

We are being asked to believe that there will never come a time when the “residents” of Fairfield Hills will come into conflict with the “townies” and that their rights will never supersede ours because, after all, they live there and we don’t. They will have the first rights to parking and use of the area at all hours. Closing at sunset will be a thing of the past.

We need to recognize that what we have done to create a beautiful open space for Newtown, one that is used by so many for so many reasons will be at the mercy of developers who really don’t care what we’ve done except that they can make a profit with it. We’ve built a park and, for the price of rent, it may be turned over to folks who have no real vested interest in Newtown. Can we afford the increased budgets that comes with an increase in demand for essential services like police, volunteer fire departments and education? No amount of taxes collect by this development will cover the cost to the town and it will be up to us to subsidize it with our taxes.

Perhaps we need a compromise. Perhaps we should zone Cochran House as senior living units and that should be the only residential use of Fairfield Hills. There is certainly a need. Just consider the waiting list at Nunnawauk Meadows. Senior housing is actually the least expensive residential housing for a town. There is little demand on essential services and infrastructure and a reduced need for parking. Imagine how we could serve those who want to age in a town that they love and in such tranquil setting. With the new senior center within walking distance, it just makes sense.

As I said, we only get one chance to get this right. Let’s not make a mistake that can never be corrected.

Regards,

Gary Sheehan

72 Queen Street, Newtown October 28, 2020