Farmers’ Market Issue

Has Not Been Forgotten

(The following letter has been received from Borough Warden James Gaston for publication in The Newtown Bee.)

Dear Ms Carmody:

Thank you for your letter of July 12, 2009 expressing your support of a farmers’ market in the Borough. Please allow me to also thank you for the tone and civility of the letter. Indeed, I also believe that a kind expression is the most persuasive. I sincerely respect your 83-year residency in Newtown and would hope that some of our other residents and elected officials learn such etiquette. I have received a number of other letters from seniors supporting a farmers’ market in the Borough. A commonality found in the letters was the respect, courtesy and politeness shared in each.

Please know that my wife and I also support a farmers’ market in the Borough. It is my understanding that nearly all Borough officials and residents also support a farmers’ market in the Borough. Of course, the object is to secure its position within the legal framework of zoning. I’m sure you recall how Borough zoning was enacted long before Town zoning and that Town zoning was created after a racetrack in Botsford was nearly forced on the Town. In 1960 the Town zoning referendum passed by 3 votes, thereafter, a referendum to repeal zoning failed by 17 votes, and yet another repeal referendum went forward. I’m sure you agree that public officials must uphold their oaths, not look the other way, but apply the law equally to everyone. Zoning for a farmers’ market cannot readily be amended, as, were farmers’ market simply added, the Borough would also have to permit any and all businesses to not only have farmers’ market but also flea markets, furniture markets, rug markets, etc. As you might expect, not only would this create a traffic nightmare, but also in essence, defeat the purpose of zoning in its entirety. This is why the Town does not have farmers’ market in its zoning either. It does have it in its Sandy Hook Design regulations which limit it to that single area location. The Borough has a Village District, but it comprises nearly the entire commercial zoning area of the Borough, thus, we cannot just write it into that regulation. So, we needed some old-fashion hard thinking. With the help of Borough zoning and our skillful Borough counsel, Don Mitchell, we have put together a proposed ordinance that would return the farmers’ market to the Borough — on town property. I suggest that there is no better place to have the market than at the Edmond Town Hall! As we all know, the Town Hall will move to Fairfield Hills shortly and the use of the building as an Arts and Culture Center would be significantly enhanced by a farmers’ market. On August 11, 2009, at 7:30 pm, at Town Hall South, the Borough will take up the proposal. I would hope that you would be able to make said meeting. All are welcome.

Thank you again for your kindness.

Sincerely,

James O. Gaston, Sr

Warden, Borough of Newtown

PO Box 164, Newtown                                                       July 23, 2009