To the Editor:

Why are enormous warehouse projects in the news nationwide — and so controversial?

Answer: E-commerce

The explosion of e-commerce and online sales has been a major factor in the construction nationwide of a network of distribution centers with numerous loading docks. The strategic location of these gigantic warehouses near interstate highways is a major consideration, and some proposed projects are very near residential areas.

Answer: Community protests

Warehouse projects have been met with strong community resistance in Connecticut. Fears that these distribution facilities encroaching upon neighborhoods will impact traffic, tractor-trailer pollution, noise, quality of life, and property values are a driving force for community activism. Some projects affect woodlands, wetlands and watersheds. Protests have occurred in 2021 in South Windsor and Norwalk, as well as recently in Baltimore, MD; Banning, CA; Chicago, IL; Edison and Lawnside, NJ; West Hanover Township, PA, Philadelphia, PA; North Andover, MA; Bloomington, CA, and Southeast, NY.

Many such vigorous campaigns have occurred over the last decade.

Answer: Health and safety hazards

Health hazards have unsettled residents fearing increased traffic, diesel fumes, noise, and safety hazards from stored and undisclosed materials. Moreover, catastrophic incidents have occurred. For example, a large warehouse fire near Indianapolis, IN (even visible by satellite imagery) sent toxic debris into nearby neighborhoods and required the assistance of 18 fire departments on March 17, 2022.

A massive fire destroyed a large warehouse in Redlands, CA in 2020. Town officials a year ago suddenly evacuated neighborhoods of Morris, IL for three days after fire broke out emanating smoke and toxic fumes, both stemming from a warehouse explosion of 100 tons of lithium batteries. According to fire-fighter and FEMA task-force leader Dr. Randall Hanifen, “Ultimately, it is vital for fire department leaders, training officers and firefighters to adjust their mindset when they deal with large warehouse fires. It is also crucial to remember that warehouse fires present unique challenges and require significant planning to minimize human injury and building damage.”

Warehouses are “horizontal high-rises.”

Answer: Controversial zoning without clear separation of residential and industrial areas

Zoning decisions have angered communities. According to a 2001 report in the American Journal of Public Health, “In its most basic form, zoning separates land areas into broad categories of land use — for example, residential, commercial, and industrial — with the assumption that separation of land use promotes the public health and welfare of the population. The public health community has been largely absent from or made marginal in these discussions.”

These issues are important to Newtown and also nearby communities.

The Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission is holding a public hearing on April 7, 7:00 PM at the Community Center considering a proposal by Wharton Equity Partners for a 76-truck terminal and 345,000 sq ft warehouse near residential neighborhoods. Keeping mega warehouses and large truck terminals away from homes is imperative. Concerned residents should attend the P&Z hearing and make their voices heard.

Ray Bigelis

Newtown