Is It Too Late To Save Fairfield Hills?

To the Editor:     

The Save Fairfield Hills for Newtown movement was organized in 1998 with the clear objective of acquiring and preserving the centrally located 180-acre campus for public use. We envisioned the campus to evolve into a parklike setting with buildings to accommodate municipal offices, a community center designed for recreation, cultural activities, a wing for seniors, education, playing fields, and the beautiful open areas preserved for passive recreation. I still feel strongly that is the best and least costly plan for the future of Fairfield Hills.

A 25- to 30-year timeframe seemed appropriate to allow both immediate and long-term planning. We knew that the purchase, abatement, and necessary demolition would be costly, but we believed that it would be far less expensive to buy and hold this marvelous site rather than to wait and seek land elsewhere as each project was considered. The sharp rise in land prices and the growing scarcity of suitable land has proven that position correct. Now in possession of the land, the town could dedicate the campus for community use.

If only the selectmen, council, and FFH Authority shared that vision. They don’t. They continue to seek developers to lease buildings for commercial use even though research clearly shows “the more economic development in a town, the higher the taxes.” Furthermore, these leaders expect the citizens of Newtown to pay for the abatement of hazardous materials, demolish the unusable buildings, and provide generous tax incentives to interested developers. The town has already paid HMA Consultants $369,520, Bartley Environmental Consultants $444,943, and lawyers thousands in legal fees. I wouldn’t mind the costs so much if the campus were saved for municipal use and citizen enjoyment.

The Legislative Council or the selectmen could modify or stop this giveaway. The selectmen are running for reelection unopposed; thus, only if some new thinkers are elected to the council in November could our $20 million investment be saved for all of us to enjoy for years to come.

Let’s hear from the Legislative Council candidates. Should the citizens of Newtown subsidize commercial business at Fairfield Hills? Should the 38 acres in Commerce Park that the state gave the town for a commercial park be utilized for that purpose instead of destroying Fairfield Hills? Turn the spotlight on the council candidates. Will they Save Fairfield Hills?

Ruby K. Johnson

16 Chestnut Hill, Sandy Hook                                 October 10, 2005