To The Editor:

We are residents of the Regency Community on Watkins Drive in Newtown. We do not believe the Proposed Vessel Tech. Development between Oakview Road and Berkshire Road should have entrances or exits onto Oakview Road due to safety issues for a number of the reasons stated below in this letter.

Note that back in 2015, the difficulties of the roadway led to the Police Commission rejecting NHS request For Oakview Road Access – The Newtown Bee 2015-09-04; Police Commission Minutes, 2015-01-15.

Even today as electric lines were being serviced on Oakview Rd, two police vehicles were there on either side of the service truck with lights flashing. It looked impassable or as if only one car could squeeze through with police guidance. While traveling on Oakview, we always feel a need to pull over as far as possible to the side when another vehicle is approaching from the other direction and to either proceed very slowly (10-15 mph) or stop until it has passed. The sight line is poor due to the inclines and declines that exist as well as curves.

To have a possible addition of 136 or so additional vehicles including possible service and/or delivery trucks entering and exiting, none-the-less traveling on Oakview, clearly adds to the safety issue on this road.

Please take note that Oakview is also currently being used by runners and walkers inclusive of a hiking pathway crossing from one side to the other of Oakview. Considering the challenges for drivers, the safety for runners and walkers is clearly a concern. This road has no sidewalks or alternative pathways.

Other Considerations:

The additional challenges to our EMT staff and service.

Impact on traffic congestion on Berkshire/Washington Roads, Wasserman, Church Hill/Riverside Roads as well as entrances/exits from 84.

In addition, the Regency was required to have individual trash collection due to the sensitive nature of the property — it is in the aquifer protection area. The Vessel Oakview Proposal suggests dumpsters instead. Why would this concern and/or requirement now be different? The aquifer and this land use should remain protected. In regards to the aquifer and current water use, what effects on existing residences on Oakview and Watkins in terms of water safety, usage, and pressure, might possibly occur?

As other developments very close to this location are also being planned and would only compound the negative impacts to this area, careful consideration should be given regarding the increasing problems as mentioned above before approval is given to yet another proposed development of such considerable size.

Mr & Mrs Charles Patridge

Newtown