To the Editor,

I write today with a heavy heart and a profound sense of disappointment following the recent decision by the Board of Selectmen to discontinue our beloved historic road. As a community, we came together — over a hundred strong — to passionately advocate for the preservation of this vital piece of our town’s heritage.

But I find myself asking: were our voices truly heard? Or was it merely a matter of semantics and procedure? Did our impassioned pleas and well-reasoned arguments hold any weight in the decision-making process?

It was a scene of community unity and shared purpose as residents, young and old, spoke eloquently about the importance of saving our historic road. We highlighted its significance not just as a pathway but as a link to our past, an irreplaceable part of Newtown’s identity.

Yet, within moments, our hopes were dashed as the vote to discontinue the road was cast. The speed with which the decision was made leaves me questioning whether the concerns of the people were genuinely considered or if our input was merely a formality.

Our community’s heritage is not just a footnote in a meeting agenda — it’s the heartbeat of Newtown. It’s about preserving our identity and ensuring that future generations can connect with our history.

I knew our First Selectman had already made up his mind before the meeting even started. However, the disappointment I feel towards the second selectman, especially given the fact that his father was our esteemed local town historian, is profound.

I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the one selectman who stood with us and voted in favor of preserving our historic road. Your support did not go unnoticed, and it means a great deal to all of us who cherish Newtown’s past and future.

Moving forward, I implore our town leaders to reflect on this decision and to consider the broader implications for our community. Let us not overlook the voices of those who cherish Newtown’s past and are committed to its future.

As we navigate the aftermath of this decision, let us remember the importance of civic engagement and the power of collective action. Our voices matter, and they deserve to be heard and respected in decisions that shape the future of our town.

Sincerely,

Terry Hennessey

Newtown