The Cost Of Doing Business

To the Editor:

The Save Fairfield Hills for Newtown movement was organized in 1998 with the clear objective of acquiring and preserving the centrally located 185-acre campus for public use. We envisioned the campus to evolve into a parklike setting with buildings to accommodate municipal offices, a cultural arts center, community center, playing fields, emergency services, senior center, recreation center, educational space, and the beautiful open areas preserved for passive recreation. We still feel strongly this is the best plan for the future of Fairfield Hills.

A 25- to 30-year time frame seemed appropriate to allow both immediate and long-term planning. We knew that the purchase, abatement, and necessary demolition would be costly, but we believed that it would be far less expensive to buy and hold this marvelous site rather than wait and seek land elsewhere as each project was considered. The sharp rise in land prices and the growing scarcity of suitable land has proven that this was a wise decision. Now in possession of the land, we can control the development of this site that lies in the heart of our community.

Newtown has recently paid the state $3.9 million for the land, which was voted on in June of 2001, a veritable giveaway in today’s land market. But a review of other expenditures reveals Newtown taxpayers are providing a substantial financial investment in this property.

According to our town’s financial director, from January 2000 to October 30, 2004 (excluding the dates August 7, 2003–May 30, 2004 which is not yet available to us), total town expenditures to date are $1,295,124. Itemization of expenses is: legal fees, $323,351.85; consultants, $586,313.59; engineering, $55,928.93; environmental, $238,676.77; property management, $78,313.05; and miscellaneous $12,539.96.

The process of acquiring Fairfield Hills has been long and costly and expenditures will continue. Therefore it is clear that Fairfield Hills should belong to the People of Newtown — for their needs, and not to outside speculators/developers. And, it certainly is not the appropriate venue for “affordable housing,” or any housing — the people have spoken very clearly on that issue.

Consequently, we should not be selling off pieces of this property that rightfully belongs to the people of Newtown, and secondly, contrary to popular opinion, those developers will not generate any significant tax dollar relief for the citizens of Newtown.

For more information about Fairfield Hills expenditures, please visit our website www.friendsoffairfieldhills.org.

Linda E. Dunn

26 Old Bethel Road, Newtown                              November 30, 2004