No doubt, Francois does not like neighborhood firehouses. Such is his right. Though Newtown, as well as nearly all the towns north, east, south, and west of us all have firehouses in neighborhoods, and, though I doubt the vast majority of those residents see their “neighborhoods” as having been “destroyed,” nonetheless, it is important to listen to everyone. If there is a better location that is feasible and safe, the issue should be addressed. In addition, even if there is no better location, the firehouse should be melded into the environment to complement, and not detract from, the surroundings. Such work is done all the time. My own experience was with the Big Y, which was built directly behind our property. The Main Street neighborhood was not destroyed, though it did take some preservation effort. Now for Francois’ letter...

My friend, Francois de Brantes stated in his letter: “A formal letter to Mr Gaston by residents in this neighborhood asking for explanations relative to this destructive action remains unanswered.” So untrue is this that I invite anyone to inspect the letter itself. It was a letter from Francois, cc’d to other residents, with no call for a reply. In fact, what Monsieur de Brantes omitted in his letter to the editor was that a short time earlier I had spent more than a hour with him on the telephone reviewing the procedures, project, and workings. What my friend, Francois omitted was, 1) that the Borough Board of Burgesses and warden have nothing to do with the project; 2) that the project has long fit within borough zoning; 3) that The Borough of Newtown Land Trust, Inc is a nonprofit 501c, unrelated to the borough; 4) that Hook and Ladder needs but a sliver of right of way of land trust property, which if not deeded can be easily taken by eminent domain; however, such a taking would needlessly impose attorney’s fees on Newtown taxpayers; 5) that any transfer of land trust property will include extensive nonclearing, nondevelopment and nonchange restrictive covenants on the land, for perpetuity; these are restrictions that will protect neighbors and which are not there presently; and 6) that Francois proposed the town take Dan Amaral’s business on South Main Street and put Hook and Ladder there.

Finally, I told Francois that as warden, I would call a public meeting in September. It appears that Francois and his legal counsel have petitioned for the same hearing with Inland Wetlands. Great, it now will be with Inland Wetlands, all deserve to be heard.

Thanks for allowing me to correct the record.

Sincerely,

Jim Gaston

18 Main Street, Newtown                                           August 18, 2010