Sharing The Burden Of Growth

To the Editor:

Residents who are in favor of the extension of Sebastian Way through Split Rock Road, resulting from Phase III of the Vona Mason Contractors subdivision, appreciated the opportunity to provide documentation and to speak in front of the Planning and Zoning Board to voice their concerns covering town planning and safety.

It is not our intention to delay the development of the property or to favor one neighborhood over another. Instead the idea is for all neighborhoods to co-exist where safety is maximized for all residents.

The points in favor of this view are as follows:

1) From the start, town planners held discussions with the applicant and recognized it would be beneficial to all neighborhoods if the road was extended through Split Rock Road, and at no time was this considered a cul de sac.

2) Property on Split Rock Road was previously deeded to Newtown for extension of the road should there be further development to the adjoining property.

3) The licensed landscape architect for the developer discussed a through road, required by the DPW and emergency services that facilitated the connection through Split Rock Road.  Final plans for the connection were approved, and the developer was provided with a permit by the Inland/Wetlands Commission. 

4) The Newtown Fire Department recognizes the benefits of a through road.

As the Planning and Zoning Commission continues to sort through comments by residents, and various town official committees that provide input, we ask that the concepts of safety and town planning carry the most weight in your decision, which affects residents, the town budget, school buses, balance of traffic, road infrastructure including the adjoining streets, emergency vehicles, town trucks and plows, and transportation of children to schools. 

We understand that as parents and homeowners the residents on Split Rock, Oak Ridge, and Eden Hill are all concerned about what is best for their families’ safety and the integrity of their properties. With two more developments expected on Eden Hill in the near future, additional changes will be coming to our neighborhood, and we are only requesting that everyone share the burden of growth that occurs in all communities over time.

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Sharon Cohen

8 Eden Hill Road, Newtown                                    February 10, 2009