The Eye (Sore) Of The Beholder

To the Editor:

Mark and Elizabeth Abrahams really “hit the nail on the head” when they commented on Herb Rosenthal’s “desire to pass a blight ordinance” in last week’s paper (“What’s A Blight,” July 13, 2001). Like the Abrahams, I believe one of the biggest eyesores in Newtown is the over-development of our community. Wooded areas are disappearing way too fast, and huge homes are placed on tree-barren lots, rising from the earth like the monoliths of Stonehenge. A little dramatic, but think about it!

Treadwell Park has become yet another eyesore, due to the removal of acres of beautiful trees for a housing development. Now we can walk through the park (minus two hiking trails due to a new road winding around the back of the park), and listen to the noise and traffic on Route 84. That’s not only an eyesore, but noise pollution as well. You can’t even hear the birds sing. This huge road also cut into the woods along Philo Curtis Road, destroying yet another natural sanctuary.

Perhaps my all-time favorite eyesore in Newtown is “Mt. Mulch” on the corner of Toddy Hill and Berkshire Road. Do they really think planting white pines along the road will decrease the sight and smell from those giant mulch piles? After all, there is life beyond Mt. Mulch. While over-development destroys woods, nature, and open space in Newtown, this business shows no regard for the aesthetics of the neighborhood. This disregard and destruction of the beauty and open space in Newtown is possibly the greatest “blight” of all.

I truly believe we have grown too much. Does everything have to keep getting bigger? Do we need more construction, more roads, more giant houses and cars?  Why can’t we put a cap on growth and preserve the remaining beauty of Newtown? What’s wrong with being a small community? Caroline Knapp asks a simple question in her book, Pack of Two: “What feels right, what feels like enough?” I personally believe the over development in Newtown is an example of a town growing more than enough.... it’s simply too much. Over-development is just another word for “blight.”  

Margaret Spinner

14 Philo Curtis Road, Sandy Hook         July 18, 2001