Date: Fri 20-Aug-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

Fairfield-Hills-HMA

Full Text:

Options For Fairfield Hills Won't Sway Town Budget Much

BY STEVE BIGHAM

The full-scale development of Fairfield Hills could fundamentally change the

complexion of Newtown, particularly in the center of town. Yet, the

preliminary findings of a study of the economic effects of such a development

show that the impact on the town's budget would be minimal.

The added tax revenue brought on by all the housing will create little

savings, if any, for homeowners. Also, the average cost to each homeowner

would be about $100 per year over 15 years ($1,500 total) if the town were to

buy the property.

These are the preliminary findings of the firm Harrall-Michalowski Associates

(HMA) of Hamden, which was hired this past spring to conduct an economic

development analysis for the re-use of Fairfield Hills. The study will be used

to assist the town in determining whether or not it should purchase the

186-acre core campus from the state.

Three private developers have submitted their plans for the site to the state,

but the town will ultimately have right of first refusal on the land.

First Selectman Herb Rosenthal was hesitant to discuss last week's meeting

with HMA president Richard Harrall, and would only say that many of the

figures are still being finalized and critical aspects of the study are still

under review. A final report is not expected until next month. The report will

be a key piece to the puzzle in the town's decision-making process.

Mr Harrall said he will submit a "comprehensive matrix" which will provide the

town with a framework for comparison and ultimate decision making relative to

site purchase.

"He's really analyzing things from an economic standpoint," Mr Rosenthal

explained. "Does any one of these proposals create an economic liability

against the town's purchase? Does the town significantly benefit from the

proposals or lose money on one of these proposals? Will there be an economic

drain on the town?"

When complete, the analysis will include a review of the proposals from the

three development teams, as well as an alternative approach wherein the town

would purchase the property. The study will provide a comparison of the short-

and long-term fiscal and economic impacts, as well as consistency with

community objectives.

The planning and development consultants were already familiar with Newtown

when they arrived, having conducted the Hawleyville, Exit 9 study two years

ago.

HMA has already recommended that the town not buy the land for a mixed use --

using some of the property for municipal space and some for private

development.