Continuing To Serve The Town

To the Editor:

On behalf of Newtown Hook & Ladder I would like to express our gratitude toward the individuals supporting our land use application. I also would like to take an opportunity to clear up a few misconceptions that seem to be filtering around that are simply not true.

It is the intent of the fire department, comprised of many dedicated individuals, to continue to serve the Town of Newtown to the fullest of its ability. The town has been accustomed to this service for many years and expects it for many more. As stated in previous presentations during the land use process, we have explored alternatives including rebuilding at the current facility, Fairfield Hills, and various other lots within the borough. They simply have not worked out financially or geographically.

Although the proposed location is unpopular to some, the town in its entirety would benefit. There is not a location in town that a firehouse could be located that you wouldn’t have opposition to its construction. Traffic problems exist at all state road intersections. We deal with these issues on a regular basis when responding to emergency calls from our current location and navigate through traffic toward Sandy Hook via Church Hill or Botsford via South Main. When there are public events on Main Street in conjunction with the Edmund Town Hall or if I-84 is backed up, the traffic congestion does not hinder our response to emergency calls. The fire department drivers are trained to deal with these situations and will continue to do so. We have proposed an attractive building, minimized our environmental impact, proposed traffic features to improve the traffic flow, and have proposed attractive landscape elements.

Furthermore, the town will continue to maintain the siren atop Edmond Town Hall and will not relocate it to the new facility.

In observations recently, firehouses are in the view of the public, built in residential areas, built on busy roads and near intersections. What we are proposing is neither unique nor common but certainly acceptable. A short drive around town will attest to the many mixed uses. Main Street and Sugar Street have nonresidential-type construction. Main Street and Sugar Street residents mixed in with the police station, a library, an inn, the General Store, churches, various commercial offices, and a town hall. The fire department will continue to be a good neighbor, protecting life and property as we have since 1883 (127 years).

Richard Camejo, President

Newtown Hook & Ladder, Co. #1

1 Patricia Lane, Newtown                                        December 8. 2010