To the Editor,

I propose that the building of 67 additional apartments in the Hawleyville area at the intersection of Routes 6 & 25, does pose a health and a safety issue to the public. Roads here are already overburdened. They are not wide enough and there are no designated through lanes on the right to pass people waiting to turn left.

When exiting the apartments onto Route 6, it will be right turn only. Because of this Hillcrest Drive will be opened up into the back parking lot. Hillcrest Drive has a steep hill, sharp turn and is in disrepair. At the P&Z meeting, Mr Hua the traffic “expert” for the apartments stated “ the levels of service would remain the same with the exception of Covered Bridge Rd at the intersection of Route 25.” That is absolutely untrue. There was no mention of level of service on Hillcrest. That will undoubtedly increase. There are six houses on this road. It will be used as a cut through, not only by people at the apartments, but by people avoiding congestion at the light turning right. Mr Hua also said the only issue would be a longer wait turning onto Route 25 from Covered Bridge. We all know how patient people are (wink, wink). When people lose patience, there is an absolute safety concern. I live on Hillcrest. Route 25 typically backs up. And not at the morning/evening rush hours, which are the times Mr Hua referenced. It’s often random hours in the middle of the day.

There is concern about runoff into Pond Brook which is across from the apartments. If water is polluted and contaminated that is a health and safety risk. We already have an issue with water in Newtown.

Please attend the next P&Z meeting to voice your opposition to this project.

Janet McKeown

Newtown