Date: Fri 13-Oct-1995

Publication: Bee

Author: KAAREN

Quick Words:

CEPEC-Exposition-Center

Full Text:

Candidates Spar Over Exposition Center Issue

B Y K AAREN V ALENTA

Earl J. Smith Jr, Democratic candidate for first selectman, said he opposes

the proposed exposition center in Hawleyville and criticized First Selectman

Bob Cascella this week for his support of the concept.

The proposed Connecticut Exposition and Performance Events Center (CEPEC)

"would generate little tax revenue and could have a potentially large

environmental impact, as well as create mammoth traffic problems," Mr Smith

said.

Mr Smith said he was convinced after concerned residents who are members of

the North Newtowners Homeowners Association discussed the project with its

designer, Greg White of Noetic Engineering of Bethel, at a meeting in the

Hawleyville firehouse on September 28. Mr White and Joy Brewster, proprietor

of Cassio Kennels on Mt Pleasant Road, have proposed construction of a more

than 100,000 square foot exhibition hall on a 40-acre parcel across Route 25

from the Hawleyville Post Office.

"In that meeting, the more people talked, the more it was obvious that serious

problems could be created by this project," Mr Smith said. He said the area's

water supply was not far from two large failing septic systems at condominium

complexes in Brookfield. "This demonstrates the fragile nature of the water

system in the area for both Brookfield and Newtown," he said.

But most significantly, he said, the traffic problem has not been properly

addressed. The exposition center may be near Exit 9 of I-84 but visitors

coming from places like Brookfield, New Milford and Trumbull certainly won't

be using the inter-state highway, he said.

"The first selectman of Brookfield has expressed concerns about possible

traffic problems on Route 25 in Brookfield if this project is approved," he

said. "As a good neighbor we should be aware of the needs of neighboring towns

as well as the needs of our town We should cooperate with Brookfield to oppose

the CEPEC."

Mr Smith said it was not likely that the developer would have the $2 million

to $4 million needed to run a sewer main from the Bethel line to the

Hawleyville area and the alternative proposal to use a recycling septic system

at the exposition center could cause odor problems for the neighbors.

He criticized Mr Cascella for not opposing the project.

"Early on the first selectman was reported in the newspapers as being in favor

of the project before traffic studies and environmental impact studies had

been done," he said. "Apparently the first selectman did not do his homework."

In its 1993 town plan of development, the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z)

designated semi-rural Hawleyville as a site for future commercial and

industrial development. The town has been eyeing 400 acres there as a location

for industry in a move to broaden the local tax base. The state has approved

conducting a traffic study of the Hawleyville area to gauge its development

potential.

Mr Cascella said on Wednesday that when the exposition center was first

proposed in June "it looked on the surface like it could possibly be

worthwhile for our community."

"But after plans were reviewed by Planning and Zoning and everything was put

on the table, the traffic problems alone bode very ill for it," he said. "I

don't support the project, but I do not want my office to influence the

Planning and Zoning vote. On the other hand, I'm not afraid to look at new

initiatives and speak out when a proposal is made."

Ms Brewster has asked the P&Z for a zone change for 80 acres off Route 25 from

Residential to M-5 Industrial. She also is seeking revised zoning rules which

would allow exhibition halls to be located in M-5 zones and would allow such

halls to be as tall 50 feet. The exhibition hall would be built across Route

25 from the Hawleyville Post Office.

The CEPEC proposal will be on the agenda for the P&Z meeting scheduled for

October 19 at 8 pm in Edmond Town Hall's Alexandria Room.

Mr Smith said he fears that the existence of "10 silent partners" in the

development group which would build the exhibition hall could affect any

"gentleman's agreement" which may be made with the town. "The situation could

change greatly in the future, especially if the hall is eventually sold," he

said. "Everything is too iffy, nothing is defined. It isn't a well thought-out

plan."

Mr Smith said he has not made up his mind yet on whether to support or oppose

the proposed rezoning of land in Hawleyville to an M-5 industrial zone.

Mr Cascella criticized his Democratic opponent for opposing projects but not

coming up with constructive plans of his own.

"Why doesn't he tell us what he would do better and how he would do it," Mr

Cascella asked. "I think he's shooting Scud missiles that are missing their

marks."