Zoning Regulations Must Be Enforced

To the Editor:

As states in your editorial no one knows how long it will take to build out completely.

I don’t feel the majority of our taxpaying residents clearly understand what taxes are used for. So very few voted on the budget, which is so important for the town to function. I hope we do better with additional support in the future. Education of our young people is most important in today’s fast track world, we only go around once.

If I may share a few comments about growing up in Newtown. My father was born in Newtown in 1898. My dear mother who is living and 92 years old was born on King Street in Danbury. Her family moved to Newtown shortly thereafter. My mom was a member of the Alter Guild in St John’s Church for 74 years. My father and mom moved to White Plains, New York to work during the depression. I was born in White Plains, New York and we returned to Newtown in 1937. I attended Hawley School and graduated as a senior, class size was 28. Our 50th Class Reunion will take place in October, 2000. In 1944 I attended a one room schoolhouse in Dodgingtown. A coal stove for heat, bottled water and outside facilities. With the exception of being bussed to Dodgingtown in 1944, I walked from Hall Lane (approximately 1 mile each way) to the Hawley School each school day.

During a growing period our town is neglecting important items such as town ordinances. One important ordinance passed 100 percent, regarding property appearance and upkeep. Ordinances seem to fall through the cracks for more important budget items. Our town appearance is so important to our visitors, potential new businesses and future property owners.

As we drive our roads we view commercial vehicles being garaged in residential and restricted areas along with commercial supplies, dirt, stone etc. We see piles of rotting lumber, out buildings falling apart, dumpsters near the road, satellite dishes along the road, unregistered cars and trucks, a burned and boarded building on Church Hill Road, all of which are taking away from the beauty of our town. To plan on a larger population in the near future our zoning regulations must be enforced. Most taxpayers would agree.

I feel most would be willing to approve additional time for the zoning enforcement officer to spend a few extra hours observing the above violations and mailing a copy of the ordinances and possible penalties to the guilty parties. First impressions are lasting impressions.

For a small cost and extra effort it can be Nicer in Newtown.

Robert Qubick

21 Washington Avenue, Sandy Hook      May 19, 2000