To The Editor:

I live on Schoolhouse Hill Road and on most evenings between 4 and 7 pm, the traffic is so heavy that the cars and trucks line up from Main Street to The Boulevard.

As a result of the condition, I recently attended a meeting with the Board of Assessment Appeals to request a reassessment of the value of my house, for reasons environmentally and topographically (which are stated in their guidelines) in the event I should decide to sell my home, and the present dangers of increased pollution from vehicle exhausts.

The response from the board was that they cannot entertain this appeal unless I contact the Police Department to have them "provide proof of my claim by performing a survey of the traffic."

I then wrote a letter to Chief Kullgren requesting a survey of the road during the times of heavy traffic. His response was that this is cut-through traffic from Interstate 84 exit 9 via Route 6, heading to places like Sandy Hook and Southbury. He also added, "unfortunately, this is an inappropriate directive by the board. The Police Department does not handle such requests for home evaluations."

I then contacted the assessor's office in order to transmit this information to them and I was told that my case has been closed and there is no way to apprise them of the police chief's response. The assessor further said that my only recourse now is to go to court. I was also informed that I would have to wait until next year when the board meets again to bring my case, but the results would most likely be the same.

So the board gave me an "inappropriate directive" and their doors are closed to reconsider my request. Their suggestion that I should go to court to resolve this matter was not helpful. Retaining an attorney would cost much more than any potential reduction of my assessment.

Further, I received a letter from the board on March 13 and dated March 9 stating, “the board members acknowledge your submission but have determined that no reduction is warranted." My meeting was on March 2 and after advising me to have a survey done by the police department they didn't even wait to see if that was possible.

A message to all my neighbors suffering the same problem is to close your doors and windows, especially during the summer months, and don't expect to enjoy a summer breeze and sunsets outside after dinner.

In addition, if you are contemplating an appeal to this board for the same reasons, don't bother since it seems their only mission is to waste people's time.

George Caracciolo

Newtown