Preserving Newtown

And Saving Money

To the Editor:

I would like to commend The Newtown Bee “Editorial Ink Drops” for its perceptive comments on open space:

“We are both proud and encouraged that the people of Newtown continue to commit $2 million annually for the acquisition of open space, including vulnerable tracts of farmland when they become available. The town’s Open Space Acquisition Program remains fully funded over the next five years in the current Capital Improvement Plan, despite recurring, and fortunately unsuccessful, attempts to divert the money to other projects. Those who would siphon off this investment in the town’s future don’t seem to understand that open space isn’t just about scenery. Converting open space into houses or malls, or warehouses does generate value, but mostly for a few individuals. But what does it mean for a town?

“Additionally, the Rutgers researchers found that for every dollar increase in open space expenditures, average house prices rose $3.15 — a direct 315 percent return on investment for property taxpayers. Apply that in Newtown, and we find that our $10 million investment in open space over the next five years will yield $31.5 million in added value to homes. Where else in the budget does that happen? Now we understand why character means so much to realtors.”

 I hope voters remember in November that it was the Board of Finance that initiated the town’s Open Space Acquisition Program. I can represent that, contrary to the IPN whose Legislative Council members attempted to remove it from the annual budget, the entire Board of Finance — John Kortze, Jim Gaston, Harry Waterbury, Mike Portnoy, Joe Kearney, and I — strongly support the continued funding and operation of the town’s Open Space Acquisition Program. Its continuation will help preserve Newtown’s pristine charm while saving taxpayers money.

 Thank you.

Very truly yours,

Marty Gersten

Democratic Candidate for Board of Finance

90 Birch Hill Road, Newtown                              September 29, 2009