To the Editor:

There is a development proposal in Newtown where the land, Castle Hill #s 20 and 60, is a documented site of at least four sensitive archeological sites: two Native American/Indigenous sites, one 18th-19th Century colonial site, AND one road, Reservoir Road, that is part of the historical Revolutionary period Rochambeau Trail — already identified and listed in the National Registry of Historical Places. Oh, and wetlands and sited Bald Eagles, Eastern Cottontails, and other species that are either endangered or “sensitive.”

Our town Inland Wetlands Commission approved the proposal, under duress by one vociferous and belligerent commission member whose reported comments about “undue burden on the developer” makes this Borough citizen think maybe his interests lie more with the development than with protecting wetlands or open space. This IWC approval has been appealed by Newtown Forest Association (of which we are members), whose Nettleton Preserve would be quite negatively impacted by poor, non-sustainable engineering practices in the current development plans. We live directly across from Nettleton Preserve and already know, can see, how boggy and wet the area is.

The Newtown Conservation Coalition (NCC), of which my husband and I are also members, received a letter from the Office of State Archaeology regarding the historical significance of Reservoir Road and the Castle Hill parcels where George Trudell wants to build 117 cluster homes. The State Archaeologist, Sarah Sportman PhD, has submitted this letter to the Zoning Board of the Borough of Newtown, where the property lies, and whose approval is a needed next step for the developer. The head of NCC spoke with Ms Sportman recently and she emphasized that not only is Reservoir Road on the National Registry of Historic Places, but its unique significance lies in the fact that this section of the Rochambeau Trail is one of very few that remain undisturbed, and where people can go to experience what Colonial troops experienced.

Senator Blumenthal’s office is also involved at this point, as is Congressman John Larson, who championed the designation of the Rochambeau Trail.

Allowing our section of Rochambeau’s Trail to be disturbed — and possibly “discontinued,” ie, given to the developer for free — to make way for a cluster home development is not in Newtown’s interest, nor is it a good look, especially as the nation begins celebrating the Revolution’s 250th anniversary. (There’s more sketchy business here, too, as part of this complex story.)

The first public hearing by the Borough Zoning Board is May 22, 7 pm at Newtown Middle School (11 Queen Street, Newtown). We implore all citizens, Borough residents or not, to attend this meeting and voice concerns you have for this ill-conceived project that threatens historic, cultural, and nature preserve sites right here in the heart of our beautiful town.

Sue Torrey

Newtown