Date: Fri 20-Aug-1999
Date: Fri 20-Aug-1999
Publication: Bee
Author: STEVEB
Quick Words:
Fairfield-Hills-HMA
Full Text:
Options For Fairfield Hills Won't Sway Town Budget Much
BY STEVE BIGHAM
The full-scale development of Fairfield Hills could fundamentally change the
complexion of Newtown, particularly in the center of town. Yet, the
preliminary findings of a study of the economic effects of such a development
show that the impact on the town's budget would be minimal.
The added tax revenue brought on by all the housing will create little
savings, if any, for homeowners. Also, the average cost to each homeowner
would be about $100 per year over 15 years ($1,500 total) if the town were to
buy the property.
These are the preliminary findings of the firm Harrall-Michalowski Associates
(HMA) of Hamden, which was hired this past spring to conduct an economic
development analysis for the re-use of Fairfield Hills. The study will be used
to assist the town in determining whether or not it should purchase the
186-acre core campus from the state.
Three private developers have submitted their plans for the site to the state,
but the town will ultimately have right of first refusal on the land.
First Selectman Herb Rosenthal was hesitant to discuss last week's meeting
with HMA president Richard Harrall, and would only say that many of the
figures are still being finalized and critical aspects of the study are still
under review. A final report is not expected until next month. The report will
be a key piece to the puzzle in the town's decision-making process.
Mr Harrall said he will submit a "comprehensive matrix" which will provide the
town with a framework for comparison and ultimate decision making relative to
site purchase.
"He's really analyzing things from an economic standpoint," Mr Rosenthal
explained. "Does any one of these proposals create an economic liability
against the town's purchase? Does the town significantly benefit from the
proposals or lose money on one of these proposals? Will there be an economic
drain on the town?"
When complete, the analysis will include a review of the proposals from the
three development teams, as well as an alternative approach wherein the town
would purchase the property. The study will provide a comparison of the short-
and long-term fiscal and economic impacts, as well as consistency with
community objectives.
The planning and development consultants were already familiar with Newtown
when they arrived, having conducted the Hawleyville, Exit 9 study two years
ago.
HMA has already recommended that the town not buy the land for a mixed use --
using some of the property for municipal space and some for private
development.