To The Editor:

This letter is written in opposition to the affordable housing project proposed for Oakview Road. This project is being proposed by Vessel Technologies located in New York City. The proposal plans for the construction of two prefabricated buildings to be built on four acres at the corner of Berkshire and Oakview Roads. The two buildings will contain a total of 136 apartments and each building will be four stories tall.

Oakview Road is a very narrow road and there are areas in the road that cannot accommodate two cars traveling in opposite directions. I have been forced off the road numerous times by cars and trucks speeding on this road. The added traffic to be generated by this housing project will make a very serious safety problem even worse for all who must use Oakview Road. High school traffic on Berkshire Road is so congested in the morning that traffic at times can extend down to the I-84 overpass. This makes it almost impossible to safely exit Oakview Road. Additionally, impatient drivers will turn onto Oakview Road and speed down the road to reach I-84 East and West and Routes 34 and 25 via Wasserman Way.

It is difficult to understand why the Police and Fire officials have approved this project and fail to find any safety concerns. Cars alone have trouble navigating safely down this road. The project will add to the likelihood of more emergency calls requiring fire, ambulance and police personnel to respond. The Planning and Zoning Board members must take action to deny this proposal and town officials must be ready to fight any legal action taken in response to the denial. The safety of Newtown residents is the primary concern. This proposal must be denied and located elsewhere. Oakview Road is not the appropriate location for this project.

Paul and Susan Paquette

Sandy Hook