To the Editor

My neighbors and I would like to thank the Planning and Zoning Commission for their concern and consideration in regards to the proposed mixed-use project in Hawleyville.  The meeting went late into the night and all of the members of the commission were very gracious in listening to our comments and concerns.  They did not rush us and were very attentive. They seem to understand how a development of this magnitude would impact the traffic and this neighborhood.  This proposal includes the construction of a 24,900 square foot church,  180 rental apartments in six buildings, and a 4,160 square foot diner. These buildings would be located along route 25, Covered Bridge Road and Hillcrest Drive. This is between the I-84 Exit 9 ramp and the traffic light at the intersection of Route 25 (Hawleyville Rd) and Route 6.

If you travel this section of road, you know how bad the traffic can be, especially at commuter time or if I-84 is backed up.  It is already a congested area, and with the addition of approximately 500 cars exiting and entering from Covered Bridge Rd onto Route 25 daily, that is a recipe for disaster.  That does not include the increased cars from the church traffic or the diner.   Both Covered Bridge Road and Hillcrest Drive are dead end roads.  We have 6 houses on Hillcrest and 2 on Covered Bridge.  Our roads, needless to say, have minimal traffic.  As of now, the driveway entrance to the apartments is off of Hillcrest Drive.  It seems impossible, to me, for this road to accommodate that much traffic.   As a neighborhood we have always been concerned that there is only one way in and out.  Add the additional cars from the apartments and the church and there is potential for a real tragedy when there is no other exit.  Not to mention the abundance of wildlife that will be displaced and lost.

We know Hawleyville needs development.  And we welcome smart, sensible, safe development.  We are hopeful for a resolution that is agreeable to all involved.

Respectfully yours,

Janet & Cole McKeown

10 Hillcrest Drive

Debbie Heath

12 Hillcrest Drive

Ed & Chris Adams

6 Hillcrest Drive

Terry Curry

4 Hillcrest Drive

Debbie & Vern Gaudet

1 Hillcrest Drive

Linda & Tim Nobes

2 Covered Bridge Road

Joanne Knees

3 Covered Bridge Road

Barbara Johnson

Hawleyville Road

            August 24, 2015