Debate continues, three months after voters agreed that the Town of Newtown should “consider commercial proposals at the Fairfield Hills campus that include a housing component, provided that a housing component would be limited to no more than two of the existing buildings, and that the renovation is consistent with the architectural vision for the property.”

There is insistence that voters were led astray by the ballot wording, that voters did not understand the impact of a Yes vote. The devil is in the details, for sure, and those details are what continue to cause dissension. Officials amended the zoning regulation text last month to reflect that leasing agreements must contain notification of public and town activities on the property, as well as special events. But human nature being what it is, will notification prevent residents from becoming increasingly possessive and eventually filing lawsuits to halt activities that make the campus the vibrant space it often is? Will green space be commandeered to create “adequate campus parking” accommodating living quarters? Can parking garages be aesthetically in keeping with the vision for the campus?

Surveys from previous years were resoundingly opposed to housing on the campus, while supportive of commercial use. With years turning to decades and buildings disintegrating, though, the majority vote this year desired to investigate if commercial use was a more likely reality with the inclusion of residential. It is unlikely that the voters who said yes to looking at all options were bamboozled. More likely, time has made it clear that all practical solutions must be explored.

Information was offered through last year’s First Selectman’s forums on Fairfield Hills clarifying the property’s history and challenges in developing it. Public input was sought repeatedly prior to the originally scheduled April referendum, as well as in July and August when Legislative Council meetings refined the ballot wording, using residents’ feedback. The final wording was publicized before the vote. Additionally, a video produced by The Newtown Bee (viewable at The Newtown Bee YouTube channel) provided opponents of a proposed mixed-use/residential development a public venue.

We need to have faith that proposals wherein commercial is only cursory to housing will not meet with any board or commission’s approval. The January meetings of the Planning & Zoning Commission made clear that any Board of Selectmen-approved proposal is submitted to P&Z, and a public hearing required. It is not a vote; but town officials want the future of the campus to be in harmony with public opinion. P&Z, it should be noted, is not required to accept a proposal approved by the Fairfield Hills Authority and/or the selectmen.

Despite the concerning statement of Land Use Director of Planning George Benson to P&Z members at the January 21 meeting, that it is “not public opinion that determines what you do. It’s your decision as a commissioner what to do,” we believe that public opinion does have the power to move officials at any point along the way.

As solutions are explored, concerns will be voiced, conversations must continue. Decision-makers need public input, as well as public trust in decisions rendered.