‘Slaughter’ On Orchard Hill Road

To the Editor:

People of Newtown, I invite your attention to the slaughter currently being committed on Orchard Hill Road. Someone has decided that Orchard Hill Road has too many trees, and they are clearing them. This incredible killing of trees first came to my attention when I was making one of the many trips I make every day on Orchard Hill Road. The trees on the little island directly across from the Town Players Theatre were starting to disappear. I thought this is not too bad, the Town Players always needed more parking. Maybe the town is finally going to make a small lot for them so they don’t block the street when they have a play. Of course the island is pure rock so I thought this is going to be an expensive parking lot. Little did I know. You should drive by and see what has happened to a beautiful part of Connecticut.

The denuding of the island was not good but there might be a good reason. I wasn’t feeling too bad when one of my neighbors that lives on Orchard Hill Road came by with a petition and an astounding bit of news. He said, “Have you noticed all of the red cards on the trees on Orchard Hill?” I said “Yes, but I have not thought much about it.” He said, “You should because they are all coming down.” He had a petition to see if something could be done, so I signed it and begin to think about what is happening.

Apparently Orchard Hill Road is going to be “improved.” I don’t know why, and I don’t remember seeing anything about a public hearing or in The Newtown Bee that this was going to happen. The next drive I took on Orchard Hill Road, I observed the trees that are marked and I became incensed. We are going to have our own version of Highway 25 right through the neighborhood. Now I don’t live on Orchard Hill but I live on a side street and drive that way everyday. If you think the intersection of Orchard Hill and Highway 25 is bad now, we will have a major mess or worse some dead people. At the very least there will be a new stoplight on Highway 25.

The action and method of removing the trees on Orchard Hill Road is not the responsible act of people of good faith. To date about 30 trees have been cut down and approximately 40 more are marked to go. The marked tree each have a small red tag that says these trees are planned to be removed and you have ten days to appeal. The cards are dated June 30. This seems inadequate notice. If a proper public hearing is held and it is decided that the widening of Orchard Hill Road is for the overall public good of Newtown then so be it. Many others and I will be appalled but at least we will understand. As of now I just stand amazed and sad at the wanton destruction of a beautiful group of trees. By the way, if the town really wants to improve the condition of Orchard Hill Road from the new bridge to Highway 25, they should examine the condition of the roadway and notice the potholes. There is a better way — just pave it.

Gordon D. Mounts

7 Monitor Hill Road, Newtown                                     July 10, 2004