To the Editor:

The town is making a mistake considering development in the High Meadow Open Space at Fairfield Hills.

The High Meadow is legally enforceable open space, not park, ball field, or right-of-way.  Via a map filed on the Newtown Land Records, the town agreed to perpetually preserve, protect, limit, conserve and maintain the entirety of this property.  Read: no development.

To more firmly establish its legal "intent," the town declared its express purpose to ensure the meadows remain in their present, natural and open condition, notwithstanding normal passive recreational purposes. Read: no development.

"Normal passive recreational purposes" invites the public to enjoy the meadow in all its multi-faceted glory. Hike, walk, bird-watch, run, ride horses, botanize, jog, dog-walk, stroll, cross-country ski, sit, do a Park & Rec sponsored fun run or bike race along the perimeter, sled. Enjoy the space without causing permanent change or damage.

Nothing about developing a road, parking lot, lights, yet-to-be-determined structure, and cameras counts as normal passive recreation.

Town officials made a mistake by offering the Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial Commission the High Meadow Open Space for development. People make mistakes. But when we know about our mistakes, we fix them.  Let's dispose of this proposal, find one that is legal and well-sited for the SHPMC's needs, and move on.

Respectfully,

Ann Astarita

Former Chair, Newtown Conservation Commission

Former Conservation Official, Town of Newtown

32 Lyrical Lane, Sandy Hook         January 27, 2016