Finding Common Ground

To the Editor:

A short walk through Fairfield Hills reveals a campus in distress. The Rosenthal administration ignored the call to preserve FFH for town needs and ignored the referendum that defeated the administration’s master plan to develop a corporate park. (August 2003) Over 400 citizens assembled in the Middle School in February 2007 and spoke forcefully that Bridgeport Hall, the former dining hall, was not an appropriate replacement for Edmond Town Hall. Arrogant leaders ignored the people’s expressed desires and moved forward to create a corporate park.

At the January 5 selectman’s meeting, we learned that renovations to Bridgeport are delayed because the Department of Environmental Protection is testing the plastered walls to determine if the level of asbestos mixed in the plaster requires plaster removal and treatment as hazardous waste. At the 11/30/2000 Legislative Council meeting, Mr Rosenthal reported, “Initial indications from the plaster testing show less than one percent asbestos which would not have to be abated. The testing standard used was not the final standard necessary if you go to the point of doing renovations — additional testing would be necessary.” Apparently such tests were not done prior to commencing renovations; thus, the DEP stepped in. Now, the selectmen refuse to accept responsibility for this action and instead continue to blame anonymous phone calls to the DEP.

Furthermore, the same administration signed the purchase agreement with the state which reads, “…the town of Newtown will be responsible for environmental clean up and any demolition required for the town’s future plans.” (5/21/2001)

Meanwhile, Hawley Realty asked for a 30-day extension of the deadline to begin renovation of Newtown Hall for medical offices. Previously, they were granted two 90-day extensions for a total of seven months. What’s the problem? It’s a secret.

A proposed lease for Woodbury Hall has surfaced. The Glen Mountain Holding Co., LLC would make a one-time payment of about $675,000 for a 20-year lease, but the town must provide parking, gas, electricity, etc to the building. The principal occupant would be VCA, one facility of this chainlike veterinarian hospitals. Our three local veterinary hospitals will face difficult times with the town subsidizing VCA by providing the land and granting significant tax abatement.

Controversy will continue until all the selectmen agree to allow the people to vote on more than one plan for FFH. I suggest #1 preserve all of FFH for current and future municipal needs: someday a new town hall, new senior center, new community center, new police station, and about 2030 a new high school. #2 Same as Plan 1, but allow Woodbury and Newtown Halls for economic development. #3 Keep the old buildings and let the FFH Authority gradually find someone who will take them at fire sale prices and impoverish the town with continued budget requests for more money. Only voting will settle this issue.

Ruby Johnson

16 Chestnut Hill Road, Sandy Hook                         January 7, 2009