Date: Fri 14-Jul-1995

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

a6-ice-rink-Murtha-Hawleyville

Full Text:

P&Z OKS AMENDMENT TO ALLOW ICE RINK

B Y A NDREW G OROSKO

The Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) has approved a zoning amendment which

would allow an applicant to seek town permission to build an indoor ice

skating rink on industrially-zoned land.

The P&Z's July 6 action doesn't approve plans for any specific indoor ice rink

construction plan, but simply creates the regulatory mechanism by which such a

facility could be sought by an applicant.

Mary Ann Murtha of 102 Boggs Hill Road with her husband, Thomas, applied for

the zoning rule change which allows them to seek permission to build an ice

rink as a special exception to the zoning regulations. P&Z members have more

latitude in ruling on requested special exceptions to the zoning regulations

than on more typical requests.

The Murtha's are interested in building an indoor ice rink on Barnabas Road in

Hawleyville.

Mrs Murtha told P&Z members July 6 that an indoor ice skating rink would be an

asset for the town. Without local access to ice, parents find themselves

driving long distances so their children can practice hockey, she said. Beyond

the driving distances involved, it's difficult to secure a good time slot for

hockey practice, she added.

Youth ice hockey is a growing sport, she noted.

"We think we could do a good job for the town," she said. The ice skating rink

proposal would be a non-profit operation, she said.

The presence of a local ice rink might prompt Newtown High School to form an

ice hockey team, she said.

Mrs Murtha said town officials she has dealt with on the ice rink topic have

been helpful. Mrs Murtha thanked a group of parents who attended the July 6

P&Z session to speak on behalf of youth ice hockey and ice rink construction.

P&Z Chairman John Deegan stressed that the regulatory approval granted by the

P&Z only creates a mechanism through which ice rink construction could be

sought and doesn't endorse the construction of a specific ice skating

facility.

Up until the P&Z's action on July 6, the town's zoning regulations hadn't

addressed indoor ice skating rinks, so, such rinks were therefore prohibited.

Residents' Views

Resident Martin Schnurr of 16 Rose Lane said he has lived in Newtown for about

one year. The presence of an ice rink in the community where he formerly lived

was a valauble asset, Mr Schnurr said. "An ice ink in this area would be a

tremendous asset for the youth," he said. Youth hockey teaches discipline, he

said.

Mark Korotash of 18 Shepard Hill Road said an indoor ice rink doesn't produce

external noise or odor. Such a facility would give residents needed

recreational opportunities at no cost to the town, he said.

Edward Walsh of 4 Longview Heights Road said having a local rink would improve

Newtown's sense of community.

Dan Lasley of 22 Valley View Road voiced his support for a local ice rink. Mr

Lasly told P&Z members there is more local support for ice rink construction

than evidenced by the people who had attended the meeting to address the

subject. About 20 people attended to support the ice rink concept.

Christopher Hoeffel of 36 Deep Brook Road said there is a great local need for

an ice rink. Ice skating is a wonderful activity, he said.

Gail Schottinger of 12 Possum Ridge Road voiced her support of the ice rink

concept, adding she hopes the P&Z also supports the idea.

Jim Setz of 127 Poverty Hollow Road said "The Murtha's have a good idea here,"

adding that ice rink construction could be the best thing that has ever

happened to Newtown.

Paul Brautigam 0f 30 Birch Hill Road said the location the Murtha's have in

mind for an ice rink is a perfect one, noting it would allow for easy access

from other towns.

The Murtha's construction concept involves building a 35,000-square-foot

indoor ice rink on a 10-acre parcel on Barnabas Road in Hawleyville near

Northeast Utilities' district service center. The envisioned ice rink would

include seating for about 500 people, a pro shop, snack bar, locker rooms,

lavatories and mechanical/maintenance room, plus parking for about 150

vehicles. The projected construction cost is approximately $2 million.

Beyond ice hockey, ice rink project supporters see a rink as a location for

recreational skating, figure skating, and potentially for a Newtown High

School ice hockey program.