A Joy Forever

To the Editor:

“Its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness.”

British poet John Keats, in his poem “Endymion,” 1818, appropriately describes our majestic Fairfield Hills. Monday, October 3, the FFH Master Plan Review Committee will present its final report to the Board of Selectmen at its regular meeting. Will it reflect the goals and desires expressed by citizens years past and this year in the online poll completed in May 2011 or will it lead in new directions?

The Friends of FFH conducted three earlier polls in 1999, 2000, and 2001. The results were similar in all three. The 2000 poll reached 880 citizens and recorded preferences for: open apace 19.4 percent, recreation 20.3 percent, town offices 17.6 percent, education 20.1 percent, and economic development (offices) last with 10.7 percent. Times have changed. Our high school’s latest addition is serving students, and a drop in enrollment is taking place similar perhaps to the 12-year drop experienced during 1976–1988. (4,574-3,429). Presently, pressure for school space has been delayed until sometime in the unknown future. Current zoning regulations would allow the population to increase to about 33,770 and add about 2,330 housing units. (Planimetrics Report June 2008)

Fairfield Hills is one of the most beautiful properties in our town and far more majestic than Dickinson or Treadwell Parks. FFH needs only to have the large unusable buildings demolished, Canaan, Kent, Shelton, Cochran, Norwalk, Stanford, to allow the town to gradually add town offices as needed, a cultural arts center (indoor and outdoor activities), a standalone senior center, a much needed outdoor swimming pool, an enhanced softball field, children’s playground, extended trails, and areas to rest and contemplate the surrounding beauty.

A costly venture? Yes, but we can do it one building a year. Adding desirable businesses in Commerce Park and already established business zones might help if they don’t attract too many people to move into town. Added employment opportunities would be a big plus for our citizens. Once the economy improves, however, it will take quite a few years to fill existing vacant commercial property.

But we need money, and some believe FFH can provide much needed tax dollars. Is there room for a shopping center after all our established needs and desires are fulfilled? Do we need another strip mall like several we already have on South Main Street? Such businesses need high visibility, prominent signs, and convenient parking to lure potential customers. Imagine the new FFH appearance from Wassermann Way without the beautiful, towering evergreens and the stately hardwood trees necessarily chopped down to give the passing motorist a view of these new stores.

Show your concern. Attend the Selectmen’s meeting on October 3. Let’s try again to save FFH. A Central Park for all!

“A thing of beauty is a joy forever.”

Ruby K. Johnson, PhD

16 Chestnut Hill Rd, Sandy Hook                      September 21, 2011