Streetscape, Glen Upgrade May Claim Sandy Hook’s Christmas Tree

By Kendra Bobowick

Plans to revamp the streetscape of Sandy Hook Center nudged a tender nerve recently, while additional talks to improve a minipark known as The Glen struck it directly.

At the center of both the town’s Sandy Hook streetscape project and the Newtown Forest Association’s (NFA) glen property occupying the corner near Sabrina Style on Washington Avenue is the 35-foot fir traditionally decorated with holiday lights. A tree-lighting celebration takes place at The Glen each December. But as changes are poised to sweep through that area, town officials and forest association members took a closer look at what is often referred to as Sandy Hook’s Christmas tree. The NFA proposes taking it down.

Aware of concerns and the pride felt by locals for Sandy Hook’s centerpiece, including Sandy Hook Organization for Prosperity (SHOP) merchants, First Selectman Pat Llodra said, “We are sensitive of the tree and we know how [business] owners delight in its presence.” The SHOP organization promotes area businesses, and sponsors events including the tree lighting. (See ExperienceSandyHook.com.)

Expressing her own pride in this Newtown tradition, she said, “We love the tree, it’s grand, especially during the holidays you can see it from afar.” She also shared concerns that “it’s too large for the area.”

In recent days, Deputy Director of Land Use Rob Sibley, NFA President Bob Eckenrode, and Director of Planning and Community Development Elizabeth Stocker met to talk about both changes at The Glen and the town’s streetscape project — this includes plans to redo sidewalks, curbing, and changes to the street and intersection.

Referring to the Christmas tree as an “icon,” Mr Eckenrode said, “We assessed it. The reality is, it’s way too big.” He also explained, “We are loathe to cut it down.” Based on an arborist’s assessments, the tree could begin to deteriorate in coming years, he said. As the NFA reworks The Glen, he intends to replace the tree with “something smaller — in scale.”

Mr Eckenrode saw two choices: leave the tree for coming years, then cut it, or consider cutting it now as part of the work in the area. The topic arose as much as a year ago when NFA members noted that the tree is “dwarfing everything.” Recently Mr Eckenrode suggested replacing it with a different variety, and something easily maintained.

He will not make this decision alone. “We’re working with the town and SHOP to come up with a solution,” he said. “We’re approaching this as an opportunity for the NFA; we want to improve the property there.”

Stressing that the tree should remain is SHOP President Michael Burton. “The tree and The Glen are a focal point of SHOP’s efforts in Sandy Hook,” he said. Referring to the yearly tree-lighting celebration, he said, “[The tree] is a big part of our existence. We hope it’s going to stay.” He fears that if the tree is replaced, “it won’t be the same.” He said, “It would cost a lot of money to find a tree that has the same impact.”

Mr Burton said, “I know there are concerns that it’s too big,” but with the past year’s two severe storms that tore down trees and knocked out power, he noted with approval its durability. “It’s weathered storms in the last year,” he said.

With both the streetscape and The Glen in mind, Mr Sibley said, “Ultimately, I think this will be a great project and I am glad to be a part of it.”

Mrs Llodra also noted, “The streetscape will greatly improve the intersection. So, with a look at The Glen, there is a need to upgrade and refurbish. It’s looking a little bit worn.” She believes that the opportunity for improvements to The Glen is now.

Mr Eckenrode feels this can be a community activity including SHOP, the town, and NFA. “I think we can make a big difference to improve the center at Sandy Hook. I think the final project will be something that residents and Newtown citizens will appreciate and benefit from.”

In an e-mail this week, Mr Eckenrode wrote: “Our property called The Glen will be much the same as it is now with updated plantings and a small informative kiosk. This will continue be in harmony with town and SHOP plans for the area. We look forward to working with town and SHOP to make this all happen. It’s a wonderful spot and deserves our best efforts to enhance an already charming location.”

Mr Sibley hopes to see the many changes in Sandy Hook on paper. “I met with a landscape architect and have drawings coming so we can all take a look and get on the same page,” he said.

Mrs Llodra said, “No action will be taken unless all are at the table and have had opportunity to express ideas and concerns. SHOP, the town, NFA are the three critical members,” she said, not excluding “anyone in the area that may not be a member of one of those formal bodies.”

Mr Burton said, “We are happy to talk about it, we hope to get together with them.” SHOP also has an active streetscape committee that has met with town officials. “We try to stay involved with the project,” he said.

 

Streetscape

“Streetscape is coming through,” said Mr Sibley.

According to Director of Public Works Fred Hurley, activity could start as soon as late spring. But first, “We have to let the utilities work their way through,” he said. AT&T is putting in new poles, then the town can begin new curbs and street alignments, he said.

Once poles are in place, then CL&P will move its powerlines and the state will change the signal patterns, Mr Hurley said. What is the timeframe? “We are looking at late spring/summer is as accurate as I can give you now.”

As plans progress, Mr Sibey hopes to coordinate work with the NFA’s efforts at The Glen. “What can we do to help that little spot?” he asked. He likes the area leading down from the street to the Pootatuck River. “River access to The Glen is something that all residents can enjoy.”

Ms Stocker said the town has received a $100,000 Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant through the state to cover construction, engineering, and materials “as far as it will go.”

The town has also approved a total of $1 million in capital improvement plan (CIP) funds at $200,000 a year over a five-year period. Ms Stocker said, “That’s why we devised a streetscape program, we can’t do it all at once. We are doing the intersection first. The Glen, that’s part of the intersection.” The town is also trying to make owners in the district aware of planning, she said.