To The Editor:

The opinions expressed here represent my own, not those of The Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial Commission (PMC).

The PMC was excited to have found the High Meadow site as the location for the Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial. However, the public comments that followed, at subsequent meetings, have implied that some people feel otherwise and have led the commission to make a decision that has both hurt and angered many.

Through research, I understand that changing this meadow could possibly have some ecological impact. We were not looking to change it. We were looking to enhance it. I viewed the cooperation of conservation as a gesture of care and compassion in an effort to create something truly beautiful to honor our 26.

However, without even knowing what the Request For Proposal (RFP) has to say, you have criticized, taunted, and talked nonsense about something you know nothing about. The RFP was a work in progress, constantly changing to meet town requirements, new ideas, and conservationists.

Did you know that each individual commissioner was selected for what they could contribute to this project? Did you also know that three commissioners were immediate family of our 26? If you had, perhaps you would have chosen your words more carefully.

Instead we have been met with resistance and criticism. Conservationists, it's time to realize this is not about you. It's about the broken hearts and shattered lives of Newtown. While this memorial is being created to honor the 26 lives lost that day, it is also for the healing of their families, friends, and thousands of Newtown residents who have been changed by this horrible tragedy.

Rather than showing appreciation for our recognition of your concerns you have continued to allege, criticize, and hurt. I cannot support a population that continues to do nothing but pour salt into wounds of these 26 families.

Our subcommittee has taken every concern, suggestion, and criticism and spent hours, with conservation experts. The RFP has been changed dozens of times to meet every concern. If allowed, it would have turned into something truly beautiful that would have added to, not take away from, the existing beauty and contribution of High Meadow.

Sadly we may never know, because those opposed have chosen to relay their feelings with crude, rude, and hurtful comments, reducing commission members to tears.

With heavy hearts, the commission voted to set aside all of our hard work and will now start over and again look into properties suggested by the town.

I am confident, that if we were allowed to pursue our plan for the High Meadow, we would have surprised all who were opposed. Our vision was one of improvement of that tiny piece of dirt (0.85 of 60 acres), which is now nothing more than a hayfield, filled with invasive plants and overgrowth.

You have managed to taint what would have been not only a beautiful memorial, but a breathtaking true meadow habitat in High Meadow. I hope you're proud of your win.

Respectfully yours,

Joanne Brunetti, Commissioner

Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial Commission

77 Butterfield Road, Newtown                                 May 17, 2016