Reuse Of Bridgeport Hall

To the Editor:

While we are all focused on the town budget these days, we must also realize the purchase of Fairfield Hills is approaching us. As you know, the residents approved the purchase of Fairfield Hills in June 2001 with provisions for a new town hall and seven playing fields. There have been numerous ideas, plans, charts, as well as consultant expenses, on what should be done with this 186-acre parcel. For the most part, the people of Newtown do not want commercial development, a residential hotel, parking garages, and the reuse of buildings by the private sector (commercial offices, businesses) at Fairfield Hills. The people want to have control and make decisions that are in the best interest of the people. We want to own the buildings not have them sold or leased to private entities. We want a plan that projects the quality of life by preserving the present open space for passive recreation and using the core campus for the municipal, cultural, recreational, and educational needs of Newtown.

It seems to me, the people are crying out for a cultural arts center to conduct book sales, banquets, weddings and many other activities people would like to offer in Newtown but are unable due to the lack of a proper facility. It is a fact, Bridgeport Hall has been designated as a reuse building with a minimal need for refurbishing. If you were on the Fairfield Hills tour, you would have seen that Bridgeport Hall is the perfect location for our town activities. This would also be a revenue-producing facility. Let me explain.

Newtown could mirror the program in place at Waveny Park from Ruth Lapham Lloyd. The park and house have served as an outstanding community recreation area for the residents and is open to the public. It is rented for a variety of functions –– meetings, social events, and cultural activities. Commercial use is not permitted. The fee structure for residents and resident organizations is $1,500 (rental fee), $375 (nonrefundable deposit), and bond ($750). Nonresidents and nonresident organizations are charged $2,650 (rental fee), $665 (nonrefundable deposit) and $750 (bond). The Recreational Department books all functions. Think about this… could we not have the same type of program for Bridgeport Hall? Not only would we meet all the needs of the town but we could also reach out to our neighboring towns.

Unfortunately, the Master Plan does not commit the leaders to take this direction. You will need to speak up if you feel this is a worthwhile plan.

Linda E. Dunn

26 Old Bethel Road, Newtown                                     May 19, 2003