What Is The Rush?

To the Editor:

Last week, an attempt was made by the first selectman to push through legislation at the state level, which would create a Fairfield Hills Authority to manage the implementation of the Master Plan for Fairfield Hills. Fortunately, this legislation was not approved. Unfortunately, it is expected to be reintroduced at the next meeting of the legislature beginning on June 16.

Subsequent to the failure of this legislation, the Legislative Council approved the establishment of a Fairfield Hills Authority at its meeting on June 4. The council will now discuss changes to the proposed bill at its next meeting on June 18. I urge you to attend this meeting and voice your opposition to the creation of this authority for the following reasons:

According to the Town Attorney David Grogins, the negotiations for the acquisition of the Fairfield Hills property have hit a snag. The previously expected signing date of July 15, 2003, appears to be in jeopardy. The follow-up process for environmental and water issues that must be resolved before the town can take title to the property could last six months or more. This would push the final disposition date out until the spring of 2004. What is the hurry to create an authority when it could be another year before Newtown can take title to the property?

The proposal for this authority indicates it will be governed by the Master Plan for Fairfield Hills. I know the Ad-Hoc Committee for Fairfield Hills worked very diligently to create a plan with broad-based appeal to the residents of Newtown. However, the plan as presently written is more of a “wish list” than a specific plan. Because of the fluid nature of this so-called plan, the proposed authority would have carte blanche to decide “what,” “where,” and “when” at Fairfield Hills. In addition, the first selectman has repeatedly said he will present this plan to Newtown residents for a vote. That hasn’t happened yet and shouldn’t happen anytime soon because this plan must be reworked. What is the rush?

There are no provisions in the proposed authority to prevent anyone who is presently in town government from serving on this authority or being hired by it. Shouldn’t there be an imposed delay before any ex-town officials, legislators, advisory board, or committee members can serve on or be hired by this authority?

I believe it is appropriate to use the time we will have before Newtown takes title to this property to rework the master plan and explore other alternatives to the proposed Fairfield Hills Authority. As I indicated at the last Legislative Council meeting, “We have a unique opportunity to create something special at Fairfield Hills –– something that will enhance the quality of life in Newtown for generations to come. Let’s not rush into a decision we may regret later.”

Sincerely,

William Sheluck, Jr

36 Greenleaf Farms Road, Newtown                            June 11, 2003