To the Editor:

The May 31 Newtown Bee had two items pertinent to the proposed “Castle Hill” development. One explained the history and governance of the Borough of Newtown. The “Heart of Newtown” has existed for over 200 years. As described by the current Senior Burgess: “The Borough ... is dedicated to preserving the historic look, charm, and feel of a ‘quintessential New England village.’”

In a Letter to the Editor on development, the First Selectman noted rising costs and Newtown’s lack of reasonably priced homes for both downsizing seniors and first-time homebuyers. On developing green space, he stated that new taxes will result in lower taxes overall. Unfortunately, this hope is seldom borne out. The overall estimate by the American Farmland Trust is for every dollar in new taxes generated, costs to the jurisdiction are $1.15. Castle Hill will greatly increase impermeable surfaces and remove many mature trees, greatly increasing the water runoff problems already plaguing Borough residents off Castle Hill and ultimately raise infrastructure costs.

The developer proposes 117 single family homes, described during the Inland Wetlands Commission (IWC) hearings to be in the $900K to $1M range. These 117 homes, plus clubhouse, pool and pickleball courts, would be crowded into about 30 acres. Doesn’t sound very historic, charming or even part of a larger (village) community. “Castle Hill” is not designed for seniors stepping down. These will be big houses. Nor does it attract first-time homeowners, even at (maybe) pricing of $750,000 mentioned in June 3 BOS meeting.

Rarely mentioned by the developer is that access for the development is SOLELY via Johnny Cake Lane. Johnny Cake starts and stops with Mount Pleasant Rd! Rumor has it a stoplight will handle traffic. Just where will that one magic stoplight be placed?

This project has a home somewhere, but it does not belong in the Borough of Newtown.

Pat Hirsch

Newtown