Up-Zoning Could Affect You

To the Editor,

If you are anything like me your free time has become an increasingly rare commodity. I use this statement as an excuse for my cursory reading of the first two articles appearing in The Bee concerning our zoning board’s plan to up-zone certain areas in Newtown, including mine.

Through my naivete and pre-conceived notions, I assumed that this proposal would only affect lots that have not been built upon; or in other words it would not apply to existing homes such as mine. I was wrong. In my initial reading of these articles I missed the big picture, failing to see the true impact of this sweeping zone change. And although in rereading these articles I can see it clearly now, I would like to take this opportunity, in plain English, to tell you that if you currently live in an area proposed for up-zoning and this proposal passes your house will not be “grandfathered in.” If passed, your existing structure as it sits will not be affected; however future construction projects may be impacted by these new zoning regulations, possibly requiring you to obtain a variance.

On January 6 there will be a continuation of the first meeting. This will take place in the Canaan House Conference Room, Fairfield Hills, 7:30 pm.

James Swift

11 Cedarhurst Trail, Sandy Hook  December 26, 1999