Date: Fri 11-Dec-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

P&Z-open-space-scenic-property

Full Text:

P&Z Proposes Preserving Scenic Views

to go with photo

B Y A NDREW G OROSKO

The Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) has formulated an inventory of local

views deemed worthy of preservation during a time of continuing rapid

development.

P&Z members December 3 reviewed a report on notable local views prepared by

James Scavone, a student planning intern who has worked at the town's land use

office for the past several months.

The town's 1993 Plan of Development and Conservation contains a plan depicting

a proposed open space land network and guide to future open space

acquisitions.

That plan states "Key vistas in the town should be formally recognized and

designated. Protection of these sites through open space set-asides or

creative site planning can ensure their enjoyment by future generations."

That plan contains a map depicting the location of various scenic views or

vistas which P&Z members want preserved during continuing development

pressure.

Scavone's task was to inventory the key vistas deemed worthy of preservation

in the 1993 plan of development. The views are those available from public

vantage spots.

"If these scenic views can be protected through the use of such tools as

subdivision regulations, zoning regulations and historic preservation, the

residents of Newtown will be able to enjoy these views for generations to

come. Thus, the unique, rural open character of Newtown, its visual quality

and significant landscapes and natural areas will continue to attract and

provide pleasure to its residents and visitors alike," Scavone writes in his

report on vista preservation.

The report includes 17 vistas, 15 of which were described in the town plan of

development, and two of which were found through Scavone's research.

Scavone's report includes photographs depicting the vistas and diagrams

delineating their parameters in terms of compass directions.

The Views

These vistas include the views: westward from a house at 13 Farm Meadow Road

toward a forested valley and ridge; southeastward from a pasture on Orchard

Hill Road toward a forested valley; westward from a point on Great Ring Road

toward three ridges; northward from the intersection of Yogananda Street and

Silo Road toward a forested valley; southwestward from 4 Orange Pippin Road

toward a sloping dense forest; southwestward from the crest of Castle Hill

Road toward a forested ridge; and northeastward from a natural gas

transmission line right-of-way on Parmalee Hill Road toward densely forested

multiple ridgelines.

Other vistas include the views: northeastward from Parmalee Hill Road toward

multiple ridges; northward from intersection of Parmalee Hill Road and

Butterfield Road toward fields and forested hills; westward from the

intersection of Butterfield Road and Georges Hill Road toward multiple ridges,

houses, a field, a red barn and stone wall; southeastward from Pheasant Ridge

Road toward a forested valley, farmland and houses; eastward from Route 25 at

the Newtown/Brookfield line toward ridgelines and a field; and northward from

Barnabas Road toward a ridge, field and houses.

Other vistas include the views: northward from the end of Whipporwill Road

toward a field, ridge and houses; eastward from Old Castle Drive toward the

Main Street flagpole, Newtown Congregational Church, The Meeting House,

Trinity Episcopal Church and Fairfield Hills; westward from 14 Old Castle Road

toward a farm, ridge and houses; and the view in all directions from the

summit of Holcombe Hill, the highest point in town. Holcombe Hill is a land

preserve owned by the Newtown Forest Association.

P&Z members complimented Scavone on his report, adding there are many more

vistas suitable for inclusion in the inventory.

P&Z members plan to submit Scavone's inventory of local vistas for comments at

a public hearing, possibly to be held sometime in January. After the hearing,

P&Z members will act on formalizing the list of views worthy of protection.