Support For The Selectman

(The following letter to First Selectman Herb Rosenthal has been received for publication.)

Dear Mr Rosenthal:

Upon study of the “Request for Proposals” for the redevelopment of Fairfield Hills Hospital Complex, the members of the Economic Development Commission have unanimously indicated agreement with the process begun by the selectman with this instrument.

The commission has and does support redevelopment of the campus, feeling that it can improve Newtown’s economic environment and development and increase the potential for varied community services.

The commission further agrees with the areas of interest and concern to the town as listed in the Programmatic and Use Guidelines Proposal.

A public/private partnership in the development of Fairfield Hills is favored by the commission. This will allow the diverse interests of the town to focus on the immediate and long term municipal services and community development needs suggested by citizen groups. Simultaneously, the private partners can be concentrating on the development of agreed areas with more efficiency and flexibility than the town government, while having the full participation of a public partner.

The commission can assist the Board of Selectmen in the redevelopment of Fairfield Hills by adding a section to our home page www.newtown.org. The marketing strategy proposal prepared by Ms Stocker, community development director, dated January 10, 2001, is approved and supported by the commission.

Win Ballard

Chairman

Economic Development Commission

45 Main Street, Newtown               February 1, 2001