The Planning And Zoning

Commission Seems Confused

To the Editor:

The Planning and Zoning Commission continues its serious consideration to rezone Fairfield Hills to allow housing on the FFH campus. A rezoning could include both an apartment complex and updating of several small houses for low-income housing. Ignoring the strong opposition expressed at two previous public hearings, the rezoning to permit housing was on its agenda again this past Thursday, October 6.

Before considering the main motion, Chairman Lilla Dean asked for a straw vote. Members and alternates were asked to vote Yes or No for rezoning FFH to allow for housing. (Member Dennis Bloom was absent.) The votes were: Alternates: Daniel Cruson Yes, Michael Porco, Sr, No, Rudolph Pozek Yes, Members: Bob Poulin No, Jane Brymer Yes, Robert Mullholand No. All three of the No responses were explained in a similar statement. We are representatives of the people, and the citizens have rejected housing. They cited two public hearings that were heavily attended as well as the recent FFH Master Plan Review Committee’s online poll results. The Harrison Group, a profession business polling company, conducted the poll at no expense to the town. The online poll showed “…at most 22 percent supported any type of housing at Fairfield Hills.” (Fairfield Hill Master Plan Review Committee report, p 14)

The chairman was next to speak or to break the tie. She did not cast her vote; instead, she responded that the town needs diversified housing, and P&Z must go forward to allow for apartments in Newtown and FFH is an excellent choice.

After additional comments, the chairman announced that the topic would not be voted on that night, but would be placed on the agenda again for the first meeting of the P&Z in December after the election on November 8.

Four members of P&Z are standing for reelection: Bob Mulholland, Mike Porco, Robert Poulin and alternate Rudolph Pozek. Two new candidates are also running: Peggy Fillion and Jane Sharpe. An unusual candidate, Deborra Zakowski, has come forward to seek election to P&Z. She is running for office as an unaffiliated petitioning candidate and has chosen not to be affiliated with any political party. For more information, visit https://sites.google.com/site/deborraz/deb-z-for-p-and-z and the Democratic and Republican Party websites.

Don’t forget to vote November 8! Our democracy depends on you participation.

Ruby K. Johnson PhD

16 Chestnut Hill Road, Sandy Hook                     October 12, 2011