Changing The Rules

To Suit The Developer

To the Editor,

A legal notice in The Bee on February 18 is something that all Newtown residents may want to take note of. In simple terms it proposes to eliminate a rule that helps neighbors fight proposed development in their midst. What the rule says is: If the owners of 20 percent of the land adjoining the development object, then the development cannot be approved without the votes of at least four members of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

A lawyer for Walnut Tree Developers wants to take away the voice of the adjoining neighbors/landowners. This action comes after the developers were confronted with a petition from adjoining homeowners who used the current law to let their voices be heard against the developer’s excessive plan (proposed 133 units on 34 acres). The Planning and Zoning Commission turned this down. But the developer is preparing a new application. It would certainly help the developers if the neighbors’ voices were silenced in this way.

Our town is growing. Developments are coming, good and bad. As a neighbor, do you want to have a voice or be silenced? The Planning and Zoning meeting scheduled for March 2 will give you the opportunity to voice your opinion.

Citizens for Ethical and Esthetic Real Estate Development (CEE-RED)

Duane Jones

16 Walnut Tree Hill Road, Newtown February 23, 2000