Equestrian Center

Opposition Misrepresented

To the Editor:

My wife and I feel compelled to write this letter to The Newtown Bee, the Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission, and Newtown residents. At last night’s Planning and Zoning meeting, an application for special exception to allow the commercial boarding and training of horses and their owners at 5 Morgan Drive was discussed at length. We are concerned that the primary and most compelling reason for our opposition to this application may have been made unclear. Robert Hall, attorney for the applicant, in his closing to the Planning and Zoning Commission, stated the reason for opposition to his client’s application was the existence of eight commercial grade lights on four 25 foot high poles placed along the boundary of the subject property and the residence of neighbors on Stone Gate Drive. Mr Hall went on to suggest that something may be able to be done with the lights to arrive at a compromise. Unfortunately, errors and misstatements made during the closing statement can not be corrected by those in opposition to an application before the P&Z Commission, due procedural rules which govern these meetings. Mr Hall is correct in that the lights are a problem, and I have to admit, I’d like them to go away. However, Mr Hall could not be more wrong about the true source of our concern and adamant opposition to this application for special exception.

This special exception for 5 Morgan Drive is seeking to establish a commercial equestrian center allowing for the boarding and training of horses as a for-profit business. It is unclear to what extent this business would be allowed go to ensure its ability to realize a profit. Currently the property at 5 Morgan Drive is zoned residential/farming, and operates as a private farm. This beautiful farm borders 44 single family homes, zoned one or two acre residential, and in its current state, truly exemplifies the rural character and natural beauty of Newtown.

It’s the establishment of this loosely defined business which we so strongly oppose. Currently my wife and I, and 43 other Newtown families, live in a quiet residential neighborhood bordering this private farm. The approval of this application for special exceptions would establish a commercial presence in our neighborhood for all time (special exceptions of this type become a part of the official land record and can not be revoked). Should the zoning board vote to approve this application, the 44 families would forever border a commercial equestrian center, with vague rules governing its operation, and quest for profit. As longtime Newtown residents, we did not move here to adjoin such a commercial establishment, and will oppose any and all efforts to create such a business in our, or any other residential neighborhood. My wife and I are not alone in our opposition – over half of the 44 families bordering 5 Morgan Drive have signed a petition opposing this application.

A further point of clarification: many of those who spoke in favor of this special exception based their support on the misguided assumption that should the P&Z Commission not approve this application, a residential neighborhood would spring up at 5 Morgan Drive, thus spoiling the beauty and open nature of the existing property. The issue of a residential neighborhood at 5 Morgan Drive is not, at this time, before the P&Z Commission, and therefore should not be considered by the commission now. If at some future date the owners of 5 Morgan Drive decide to bring before the Planning and Zoning Commission a plan for the subdivision of their property, these people can at that time properly voice their opposition to this as yet unsubmitted plan. While I believe the beauty and character of Newtown is worth fighting to maintain, the limits as to what we allow in its place need to be carefully considered. It should also be pointed out that the vast majority of those who spoke in favor of this special exception reside well outside the affected neighborhood, and some, in other towns. It is our opinion that the Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission needs to listen to, understand, and give due consideration to the affected neighbors in matters such as these.

In closing, it’s not the lights we oppose, it is the establishment of this commercial business in our neighborhood! Therefore even if the lights were to be removed, we would continue our strong opposition to the special exception now before the P&Z Commission for 5 Morgan Drive, and any future applications that would seek to establish a commercial business in our neighborhood. After all, it’s not those in opposition to this special exception who are seeking to change the character of the existing neighborhood, it is the applicant.

Sincerely,

Chris & Meg Maurer

12 Stone Gate Drive, Sandy Hook                     December 15, 2000