The Queen Street Property

To the Editor:

There have been several letters to the Legislative Council and to the editor of The Bee with reference to the houses and land on Queen Street. I do not write on behalf of the Legislative Council, although I believe my opinions are those held by a number of members.

The decision on the disposition of the houses and land on Queen Street rests with the decision to or not to acquire Fairfield Hills. If we do not buy Fairfield Hills, the Queen Street property probably will have to be used for municipal purposes immediately or in the future and so could not be sold.

With regard to Habitat for Humanity’s request for a house for $20,000, I myself had suggested that use several years ago, but not at the suggested price. The house requested is an excellent house and at auction or sealed bid could realize a sale price of, perhaps, $200,000 in “as is” condition.

In the town’s annual 2000-2001 budget there are allocations of about $43,000 for all non-profit groups, exclusive of Youth Services Newtown, which assist the citizens of Newtown. Were the town to sell that one house for $20,000 the taxpayers would be giving up in the neighborhood of $180,000 to one group to benefit one family. While the cause is a just one and its supporters truly wonderful, kind and generous people, the town must perhaps regrettably spend tax money to build schools, municipal buildings, parks, ball fields, roads, etc.

Hopefully the Fairfield Hills situation will be resolved soon!!

Sincerely yours,

Melissa Pilchard

Legislative Council Member

6 Poor House Road, Newtown                            September 25, 2000