Bad Neighbors

At Rock Ridge Country Club

To the Editor:

Bad Neighbors.

What thoughts do those words conjure up for you?

Newtown is full of quiet, secluded, “unimproved” country lanes bordered by mature oaks and stone walls. We moved our family 18 years ago to one of these ideal locations. We chose the property because of its beauty and serenity. Towering oaks, and beautiful pines, lined the roadside of the tranquil unpaved dead end. Between April 4 and April 5, our peace and seclusion was shattered. Our neighbors at Rock Ridge Country Club clear cut every tree along the roadside across the frontage of our entire piece of property. I begged to save one tree to shade our home, which they agreed to. When my husband came in the house, they cut off every branch to a height of approximately 40 feet and left it somewhat butchered and useless for shade. It now looks like a telephone pole.

Years ago when a petition was circulating against the new clubhouse, I called the club and asked questions and became educated on the issues. We did not blindly sign. Several broken windshields came and went. We didn’t complain. We gathered the golf balls out of our lawn and gardens never saying a word.  We put up with awakening to the noise of them grooming the course during the wee hours of the morning, much earlier than they were supposed to, especially on tournament weekends. We have been good neighbors.  I wish I could say the same for Rock Ridge.

Not one person from Rock Ridge Country Club gave us the courtesy of a warning or had the decency to walk over and talk with us. They simply cut everything down because they could. They said the green was dying when we called them over. Did it take cutting down 20 or more 50- to 100-year-old trees to save it? I think not. They now have an extra hour every night to play because the trees will no longer block the setting sun. We now have a view of the entire golf course and they have a view of us. No more trees to deflect the golf balls that will now hit our house and cars with greater regularity as we are in a direct line as they come careening towards us. No privacy, no shade, no trees. No communication. We don’t count.

We were told the president would be asked to come over and tell us of their proposed “beautification” plan — a hedge of six-foot conical trees to be planted that are not indigenous to the area. Can’t wait! That will look so much better than 100-year-old oak trees! So far, three days later, he has not made contact, nor has any other member of the board. We are not surprised as his actions, and those of the board, thus far have been cowardly and egocentric.

Right now I’m not feeling it is “Nicer in Newtown.” Anyone out there looking for golf course property?

Sincerely

Dawn Lynn Adams

Pleasant Hill Road, Newtown                                          April 9, 2012