Has Planning & Zoning taken the temperature of residents in recent weeks, and determined that the fever needs reducing?

Unlike so many other projects stamped with approval by this commission, P&Z members unanimously voted No on November 7 to a proposed second gas station/convenience store in Hawleyville. The development at 13 Hawleyville would have been 2,000 feet south of a similar facility approved in February. Residents raised doubts that the proposed gas station/convenience store, occupying 5,293 square feet, was in keeping with desired development in Hawleyville; that safety of current and future occupants of single family and apartment dwelling citizens was not adequately addressed; and participants at the hearings made clear concerns regarding increased traffic and subsequent accidents in an already congested section of roadway, as well. Commission members can be commended for listening to well-reasoned, civil opinions, and professional input for an outcome with a positive impact on many who call Hawleyville home.

Following on the heels of this rare action was the P&Z’s recommendation to the Borough that modified zoning regulations for a 40-unit apartment building on the site of the defunct Inn at Newtown, 19 Main Street, not be approved. How attuned the Borough Zoning Commission is to residents will play out in that upcoming vote.

Numerous developments have been added through the creation of overlay/special zones — all of which are meant to ensure confirmation to our town’s rural character, but which instead appease developers unwilling to comply with zoning regulations in place. Questionable adherence to those specifications means the average citizen is frequently disgusted with results. Stealing away the character of Newtown one unsightly overdevelopment at a time will not grow this town.

The recent actions by P&Z give us hope. The days of zero zoning regulations ended in order that the town’s future would not play out willy-nilly; the constant creation of special zones to make a site more development friendly negates that effort.

Development with regard to public input is the pathway to retaining and growing the population. It is the architecture and beauty of Newtown, coupled with thoughtful amenities and excellent schools, that encourage newcomers to put down roots and are reasons longtime residents stay put. Residents do have to understand circumstances that surround particular properties — stay informed by attending the discussion meetings as well as public hearings. Protesting proposals is not enough; smart ideas in lieu of certain developments must be counterproposed.

The heat around 19 Main Street continues to simmer. But practical ideas in its stead are yet to come. The same can be said of mixed use development at Fairfield Hills. What is the solution when the consensus is that “something” must be done… but not at the expense of town character? Who will put forth a viable plan to improve, for instance, these two problem sites?

Respect for P&Z has been regained in the eyes of those most recently affected by development proposals, and in the eyes of others who shudder at the thought that overdevelopment — not progress — could come to their neighborhood.