To the Editor:

I would like to add to the letter my wife sent regarding the second gas station on Route 25 in Hawleyville (see “Bullying Techniques Elicit Outrage, Disgust,” from Janet McKeown).

Twice at the January 16 meeting the attorney for the applicant was asked if he thought this gas station would be profitable since the size has been reduced from their first application. Both times this attorney said in his “layman’s opinion” he did not know and was not sure if there would be a profit

My question is, why would an applicant keep coming back, making changes that ultimately they are not sure will be profitable? It seems to me there is more going on here that we don’t know about. Maybe some deal in the works that is not public knowledge. Very suspicious. What businessman goes to the extremes of three P&Z meetings, and now a fourth on February 6, and hiring a lawyer, for a venture that may not be profitable?

The other obvious issue is traffic. I’m sure many Newtown residents travel Route 6 and 25 — coming and going from Target or access to I-84 at exit 9. This second gas station will be located on Route 25 between exit 9 and the light at the intersection of Routes 25 and 6. That’s right... exactly where traffic routinely backs up — almost on a daily basis — whenever there is construction or an accident on I-84. Or if the sky is blue, the sun is out, birds are singing. You get my drift; all the time. Mr Galante, the traffic expert who has spoken at every P&Z meeting for this application, stated that since the number of pumps have been reduced since the initial application, so will the traffic be reduced. I disagree. When I see a sign for gas along the highway, I pull off — I don’t make that decision based on the number of pumps at that station. There will be many additional cars in this road creating more congestion and more dangerous driving conditions. This station will be located between exit 9 and Covered Bridge Road. There will be an exit onto Covered Bridge. That is approximately 2/10 of a mile. That is just too many cars entering and exiting in too short a distance. There is a new gas station already approved and being built 1/4 of a mile north, next to the Hawleyville Fire House.

I know it’s not fun to attend P&Z meetings. We all have things we would rather do. But if you travel these roads and are fed up with the traffic here now, then I encourage you to attend the meeting on Thursday, February 6, and let them know you are opposed to this gas station.

Thank you.

Cole McKeown

10 Hillcrest Drive, Newtown January 29, 2020