To the Editor:

Many thanks to Senator Hwang and Representatives Mitch Bolinsky and Marty Foncello for championing Proposed Bill No. 673 for changing the State designation of 6 Commerce Road to Open Space and Recreational Purposes.

Town open space is believed by many to be hugely important to the prosperity of town residents. The value of open space is well documented in our Plan of Conservation and Development, POCD. The 6 Commerce Road property has been popular for recreational use for many years and many residents want it to remain undeveloped. This property is hugely important when you consider that the Newtown Conservation Commission has no budget for purchasing land for preservation of open space and recreation.

Several development plans to 6 Commerce have failed because of resident opposition and concern for protection of natural resources including erosion and pollution of Deep Brook, a Class A trout stream, and water bodies affected downstream. This property has been in limbo for many years, and we have a chance, once and for all, to preserve it. Help by contacting our representatives to show support for Proposed Bill 673.

Holly Kocet

Newtown