To the Editor:

According to the South Main Village Design District guidelines, and Design Review guidelines, the apartment project did not meet most of the requirements. It should have been turned down right away. I heard this stated by a former Planning and Zoning board member at a meeting in December 2021.

Robert Sherwood, the architect, applied first for a three story apartment building at 35 South Main Street, Newtown, CT.

The height, 39 feet, was an issue. The parking was a problem, and the biggest issue was the traffic already on South Main St. Most residents and board members were not in favor of the project. At a final meeting, where a vote would be taken with no comments from the public, all three bills were voted down. The board mentioned that a car parts store and a gas station were two other possibilities.

Sherwood came back with a two story apartment plan. He took four feet off the height and made some decorative changes. They underestimated the parking needs to 27 apartments and guests and the traffic survey. After the residents spoke, Mr Sherwood and the board did not address our concerns. Prior to voting, several panel members were very complimentary to Mr Sherwood. This seemed inappropriate. Then, they immediately went to a vote and voted to pass all three measures.

Many residents at the meeting felt this was a done deal before the meeting started. Is this the way zoning issues should be handled in Newtown, CT?

Sincerely,

Marlene L. Danko

Newtown