Date: Fri 27-Aug-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

Save-Fairfield-Hills-float

Full Text:

Advocacy Group Plans To Float An Idea In The Labor Day Parade

BY STEVE BIGHAM

The group which calls itself "Save Fairfield Hills for Newtown" will take its

case to the streets next month with members marching in the Labor Day Parade.

The group favors the town purchase of the 186-acre core campus of the former

state mental health hospital. Members believe the town needs that land for

future uses. One fear, they say, is that private development could overwhelm

the area with housing. Their biggest fear, however, is that Fairfield Hills

will go down in history as a lost opportunity for Newtown.

"We're just a group that's very passionate about our town," said member Jill

Beaudry.

A large contingent of marchers are expected to follow a "Save Fairfield Hills

for Newtown" float in the September 6 parade. Also, as part of the group's

petition drive, members of the group will be set up at the book sale and in

front of The Pleasance.

"Our request is to the first selectman that he convey to the state the town's

interest in Fairfield Hills," noted Ruby Johnson of the petition. "We want him

to call a town meeting to vote on this."

Currently, three private developers have presented their plans to a joint

committee of town and state officials. That board is now mulling over the

three proposals and is expected to pick one of the three sometime this fall.

Before selling the land to the top firm, the state must provide the town with

right-of-first-refusal on the land.

On September 9, the three developers will make their final pitch to the public

at a meeting in the Newtown High School assembly room. "Save Fairfield Hills

for Newtown" will not be speaking at this meeting, but members are hoping to

hear from Richard Harrall, whose firm has been studying the financial

implications of the town's purchase of the property.

"There are a lot of people who are in agreement that the town should buy it,

but they want answers. I want financial answers, too," noted Mrs Beaudry.

In an effort to dispense information, "Save Fairfield Hills for Newtown" has

scheduled presentations with such groups as the Parent Teacher Association

(PTA), Newtown Bridle Lands, the Lion's Club, Newtown Women's Club and the

Junior Women's Club.

"Save Fairfield Hills for Newtown" will hold a public meeting next Wednesday

(September 1) at 7:30 pm in the Memorial Room of the Congregational Church

house on Main Street. The public is invited to attend and to ask questions

concerning town purchase of Fairfield Hills and the proposals of the three

development firms seeking to buy the property.

Poll Update

The latest results of The Bee 's Vox Populi poll on its Web site shows both

the development firm of Becker & Becker and the Town Purchase Plan running

neck and neck each with 40 percent of the 230 votes cast. Becker & Becker

plans to preserve and adapt the buildings for new uses, housing, 5/6 school,

hotel and public recreation.

Wilder & Balder, which plans to demolish most of the buildings, put up housing

and build a golf course, checks in with 17 percent of the vote in the poll.

SBC Associates, which proposes to demolish most buildings, build housing, a

retail village and hotel, has received two percent of the vote in the informal

Web site survey.

To vote in the poll, go to The Bee 's Web site at www.thebee.com.