Date: Fri 23-Jul-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

P&Z-laundromat-Sandy-Hook

Full Text:

Plan Would Bring A Coin-Operated Laundry To Sandy Hook

BY ANDREW GOROSKO

Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) members are considering a proposal

intended to help revitalize Sandy Hook Center with the construction of a

laundromat, store and five apartments.

Builder Michael Burton, doing business as Pootatuck Properties, LLC, is

seeking a special exception to the zoning regulations to build a

1,900-square-foot laundromat, 900-square-foot store and five apartments at 102

Church Hill Road.

At a July 15 P&Z public hearing on the proposal, P&Z members learned the

town's Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) has endorsed a sewer

connection for the project.

P&Z members received 193 letters of support for the project from area

residents. P&Z took no action on the application. Action is expected at an

upcoming meeting.

Alan Shepard, an engineer representing the applicant, told P&Z members, "This

is a good start for Sandy Hook... It allows for additional development in an

orderly fashion."

But not all those at the hearing supported the proposal.

Resident Nancy Burger of 175 Walnut Tree Hill Road asked whether a laundromat

is needed. There would be a total of 42 washers and dryers in the facility,

she said, adding that most residents already have laundry facilities. Ms

Burger asked why the applicant wants new construction for the project when

there are vacant buildings in Sandy Hook Center. She asked what hours a

laundromat would be open and inquired about its appearance.

Businessman Bill McAllister, the acting president of Sandy Hook Organization

for Prosperity (SHOP), said he is involved in the development proposal and

likely will be the principal in the project.

"There is no other laundromat in the town of Newtown," he stressed. "We have

sewers now. Sewers are of more than adequate capacity," he said. The proposed

laundromat would be open 16 hours daily, he said.

Businessman Raymond Costanzo, proprietor of 100 Church Hill, said a laundromat

would be an asset for the area. Parking proposed for the project is adequate,

he said.

But resident Michele Camarata of 191 Walnut Tree Hill Road said that although

the town does not have a laundromat, it does not need one.

Resident Trisha Curry of 189 Walnut Tree Hill Road claims she does not

understand the need for a local laundromat.

But resident Daniel Doherty of 3 Fir Tree Lane said it is good to have a

laundromat available during the dry season to prevent domestic water wells

from running dry.

Resident Liberta Dalipi of Misty Vale Road feels there is no need for a local

laundromat. A laundromat will not attract good people, she claimed, adding it

will bring out-of-towners to Sandy Hook Center.

In response to those questioning the need for a laundromat, Mr McAllister said

there are many septic system failures in Sandy Hook, resulting in the need for

a laundromat where laundry can be done without environmental consequences.

Having access to a laundromat can provide an environmentally-sound laundry

alternative for families living along Lake Zoar who have failing septic

systems, he said.

Sandy Hook lakeside communities with failing septic systems include

Cedarhurst, Pootatuck Park, Riverside, Shady Rest and Great Quarter, Mr

Shepard said.