A Private Vision For A Public Project?

To the Editor:

In his letter to the editor dated November 21, Mr Rosenthal writes about “the reuse of FHH campus as envisioned by the residents of Newtown.” He goes on to state that “the RFP is based on the general recommendations of the FH Advisory Committee.” I have before me what is purported to be a copy of the Advisory Committee recommendations dated March 22, 2000. Perhaps it is pedantic of me to point out that 14 members are listed, not 18 as quoted by Mr Rosenthal. Looking at this report I see little indication of “considerable public input.” Although presentations were made by Babe Ruth, Youth Soccer, Friends of the Library, and “numerous interested citizens.”

I think that most of the members of the Save Fairfield Hills group would disagree with Mr Rosenthal’s statement that the plan put forward by the advisory committee is “very similar to” the one that they are suggesting.

A strong recommendation of the committee was the creation of a development authority, outside of the political process, which would have responsibility for soliciting bids, selecting a partner, etc. Apparently Mr Rosenthal has decided to ignore that recommendation and keep control in his own hands. And why will the Board of Selectmen consider only “modifications [to the RFP] recommended by a consensus of the Legislative Council”? Apparently public input is neither desirable nor acceptable.

If Mr Rosenthal thinks that he knows how the residents of Newtown envision the development of FFH then he has a duty to give us the details. But his position is quite confusing. He is quoted as saying on the one hand that making the RFP public “might have an adverse effect on the town’s ability to negotiate” and on the other hand that “the RFP has nothing to hide,” and then that “the document may no longer have any relevance.” Well that certainly leaves me confused. I am concerned that Mr Rosenthal’s RFP will become the canonical version of the vision for the development of FFH. To echo the comment by Mr Piesner: the development of FFH must be a mandate of the people of Newtown not a private project of the First Selectman.

Cordially

Brian Gibney

10 Checkerberry Lane, Sandy Hook November 27, 2000