White Elephant Or White Knight?

To the Editor:

There has not been much progress in the development of the Fairfield Hills property. The answer lies to a large extend in the dismal economic climate, but only partly. The main obstacle to what certainly looks like a logjam is the fact that under its contract with the state, Newtown cannot sell any of the land it acquired. Contracts cannot be broken, but they can be renegotiated. There is always a trade possible if both parties have something the other side wants. In this case, I suggest that the town negotiate with the state to allow it to sell some or all of the land to users acceptable to both sides. The proceeds of such a sale to be split according to a formula between the state and the town. The state can surely use the money and the town can also, but more important the logjam, in my opinion, will be broken and progress in finding a suitable application is possible.

And who would be a suitable new owner? There are, I am sure, many. I will mention a few. A medical center is one of prime importance for Newtown. In part to save people the trip to Danbury to see a specialist, but also to have an emergency facility near where severe accidents and other trauma cases can be given immediate help where perhaps minutes spell the difference between life and death. If Danbury Hospital is not interested, perhaps St Vincent’s in Bridgeport is.

I have mentioned and pursued without success a nanotech tenant, but some of the prospective sources may reconsider if the land can be bought. A special deal with the state may also be possible for locating their own nanotech center (which was never created) here if the price is right.

Other uses could include an antique center, a spa, or a music center. Whatever the approach, it must have some new and original ideas. The old methods seem to be at a standstill. Let us move forward!

Oscar Berendsohn

34 Appleblossom Lane, Newtown                           December 8, 2010