To The Editor:

I would like to clarify my comments as represented in the [12/12/14 Bee] article entitled “Residents, Officials Express Views On Housing At Fairfield Hills” as the way they are presented, well outside the context of what I was saying, is misleading.

I did acknowledge that the proposed zoning change is meant to attract developers.  Also, after speaking to the crux of my argument, I advocated we wait on housing.  The way it is written, without mention of the point I made several times during the meeting and in my letter to the editor last week, presents it in a way that makes it seem as if I said we should do nothing on the campus and see what happens.  That is absolutely not the case. 

What I stressed several times during the meeting that the article failed to capture is that Newtown is actively investing in FFH, and I feel we would be best served to let those investments play out before we start making concessions. There was no mention in the article of the $11.5 million dollars in the CIP over the next five years to take on the cost of razing the buildings.  $3.5M each year for the next three and $1M in year 5.  This is all on page 29 of the BOF Recommended CIP 2015-16 to 2019-20 which is before the Legislative Council now. Those financial investments to the site and allowing for rentals are both parallel efforts with the same agenda relating to the same property and are not mutually exclusive. 

Overall, in spite of the frustrating format, I felt it was a very productive meeting.  We learned more about what is driving this proposed change.  I was also surprised at how many residents were suggesting we do not develop FFH and reserve the property for our own needs.

For anyone interested, most of what I said was from a prepared statement I gave to the moderator and asked that she attach to the minutes.  It is very similar to what I said in a letter to the editor I submitted on December 2nd.

I recognize that most residents cannot attend every public meeting and The Bee is their only source of information as to what is going on in town. They can typically expect very thorough reporting.   We are fortunate to have a service with such integrity.   That is also why I feel so compelled to clarify my comments and point out the oversights in the article less they be misconstrued.  Still, I would count myself as a satisfied subscriber.

If there is every a question about anything I say in a future meeting, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Thank you very much,

Ryan W. Knapp

11 Jeremiah Road, Sandy Hook     December 9, 2014