Broader Debate Needed On

Open Space Subdivisions

To the Editor:

Sometimes major changes in a town are adopted under the radar screen. Could Open Space Conservation Subdivisions (OSCS) be just that?

Previously the Planning & Zoning Commission (P&Z) has adopted changes in style and location of housing by creating special zoning districts such as “over 55” housing, FFH, elderly housing, Sandy Hook Design District or the aquifer district, each of these districts clearly delineated by a geographical boundary.

Now OSCS is being proposed by P&Z, allowing for the clustering of many houses on “postage stamp” lots, surrounded by open space. The interesting part of this concept is that OSCS is not limited to any particular area or zone. It can occur in any residential district, half acre, one acre, two or three acres.

This proposed zoning has the affect of changing the look of the community, across the entire community.

It seems that rather than leaving this decision to adopt OSCS to five volunteers on P&Z, a broader debate involving the entire community, including the selectmen and the Legislative Council, is surely needed.

Gary Tannenbaum

Pond Brook Road, Newtown                                            July 6, 2004