Spreading Misconceptions

To the Editor

I just read the article in today’s Bee about the Monday, November 15, Board of Selectmen’s meeting and comments attributed to Selectman Furrier about his understanding of the powers of the Board of Selectmen with regard to Fairfield Hills.

It is amazing to me that after one year in office and many years as an appointed official, Selectman Furrier does not know the charter, duties of the selectmen, or responsibilities for development of Fairfield Hills. As it is for all property in Newtown, development of Fairfield Hills is controlled by Newtown planning and zoning regulations and state statutes, rather than by the charter, which confers all of the powers and duties granted by the General Statutes to planning and zoning commissions to the Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission. The master plan of development is a requirement of the zoning regulations for the specific zone for the property, Fairfield Hills Adaptive Reuse Zone.

Accordingly, the master plan and modifications to it have had to have the approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

The only powers that were granted to the Board of Selectmen by state statute and ordinance, “exempt from the charter” (Mr Furrier’s words), are to approve leases at Fairfield Hills negotiated by the Fairfield Hills Authority. The lessee’s uses, however, are controlled by P&Z’s approved master plan and zoning regulations.

Thus, his contention that “all power at Fairfield Hills remains with the selectmen” is false, continues a misconception, and does a disservice to his constituents who may be misled by him.

Sincerely,

Herb Rosenthal

70 Main Street, Newtown                              November 19, 2010