To the Editor:

The decisions made by the zoning commission, as well as that of the board of appeals, probably play the largest role in giving our town its identity.

As Newtown residents, we may not agree on the future of Fairfield Hills, or the premature banning of cannabis dispensaries (this should have been voted on), or even on installing sidewalks (I do appreciate those). What we probably do agree on is that the integrity of a level playing field for all residents is a necessity for ourselves and our neighbors, and a necessity to keep local commerce competitive. This forum in particular is supportive of local businesses, and I have had good experiences looking up recommendations for services, as well as being able to help residents with mine. There seems to be a presupposed sense of accountability that comes with using a local business, and this is a building block for a strong community.

For local service providers using larger trucks or machinery, there has long been a don’t ask don’t tell policy. The landscaper that parks his five-ton wrapped truck and trailer behind the fence he built will not have a problem with zoning, that is until he does. Large semi-permanent tents are also practical for this purpose, and can often be used without a permit.

This laissez-faire approach certainly helps local small businesses, and they need our support more than ever since the lockdown. The problem with this approach is that many of these local service providers are actually in fact violating code (whether they know it or not), and enforcement has been ambiguous at best. This can lead to favoritism and or cronyism because if a zoning official ever had a chip on his shoulder in the case of an individual, he could pull the code violation card and do his best to make life miserable for that individual.

Should the zoning official get carte blanche on enforcing any of this as he pleases? Where does one draw the line anyway? Is the truck allowed to park there once a month when the job goes till 9 or the daughter has to suddenly see a doctor? Once a week? Is there a fine? Warning letter? Should we spend our tax dollars on more zoning policing? Should we crack down on our zoning codes and just hire services from Waterbury? What do we as residents think about this?

Brian Leonardi, it’s an alternate seat this year, but isn’t it possible that state legislature could help here specifically because of lack of ties to the town? Alan Clavette, still chairman on the Board of Appeals, what is your take on this? The ultimate question is how do we want our town to look and feel five, ten, 20 years from now. One small twist in direction now will make a huge difference in ten years. If the twist is in the making, we as residents should be cognizant of it. We (all residents, not just elected officials) are Newtown.

Hans Barth

Sandy Hook