A Few Unanswered Questions

To the Editor:

The good news is the vote in the town meeting went overwhelmingly in favor of both the purchase of Fairfield Hills and the building of the new 5/6 school…and it didn’t take all night to do it. Barry Piesner, on behalf of the Newtown Property Owners Association, also did a fine job questioning the time line of Fairfield Hills development and its funding needs.

However, there were a few unanswered – or more precisely – unasked questions. After only one other non-council member spoke, it was abruptly moved to put the FFH matter to rest despite the raised hands seeking acknowledgement throughout the auditorium. As someone in the audience commented out loud: “The train still runs through here.” While it was delightful that we could come to a vote without hours of repetitive discussion; it was disturbing that many Newtowner’s questions and comments were not addressed. They gave up their evening for a reason.

What about Plymouth Hall or another indoor recreation facility? When are we going to sell the Queen Street houses? How soon after purchase of FFH can we sell the single-family residences on Mile Hill South? Exactly how much and what kind of “economic development” is the council thinking about? It would have been nice if these and other questions and points of view had a chance to be voiced and addressed at our “town” meeting. Will Newtown taxpayers have to elect new town leaders in order to be involved in the development of a master plan, priorities, and a time line?

Sincerely,

Cheryl A. Wicks

2 Hitfield Road, Newtown                    June 14, 2001