To The Editor:

I strongly oppose Vessel Technology’s bid to build two four-story apartment buildings on Oakview Rd. Numerous other sites in Newtown would provide better housing. Readers who agree are encouraged to attend the December 5 Planning and Zoning Meeting.

When I moved to Connecticut in 2017 I was amazed that residents of Watkins Dr off Oakview Rd were required to approach and depart from the north via Berkshire Rd. Soon the challenge of driving on Oakview Rd became very obvious. Oakview is old, with storm drains that invade the roadway. Sight lines are impossible. Shoulders are lacking. In at least two locations, even my small car cannot safely pass an approaching car, so cars reasonably pull over to allow an oncoming car to pass. Some cars fail and have lost rearview mirrors. Around 2015, due to safety concerns, the town refused a high school request to allow a few teachers to enter and exit from Oakview Rd. Clearly, Oakview Rd is considered dangerous and needs special arrangements to minimize traffic conflicts.

If all this is the case with just eleven homes facing Oakview Dr, I cannot fathom how Vessel Technology seeks to add two four-story buildings with 132 apartments to enter and exit via Oakview Rd. The traffic study Vessel presented does not anticipate the impact of traffic from 132 apartments on Oakview Rd or Berkshire Rd. Accidents are highly likely and there is no bus system.

The issue is not just driving on Oakview Rd. I often walk a short distance to the high school athletic field. In that brief space, there is insufficient room for a walker on the road and no safe shoulder on both sides. This proposal creates an unacceptable environment for people to live. Driving is dangerous and challenging but there is also no safe walking place. Numerous studies note the importance of locating residents with reasonable access to outdoor life. This proposal fails.

Other safety issues exist, including storm water runoff in an area where the Pootatuck River is already exposed to wash off. The apartment sites lack secondary escape roadways. Planned car parking is far too low and there is no street space for overflow. This is unacceptable.

Newtown needs accessible housing and I applaud that goal. It needs to be in a location that will accommodate traffic and residents’ needs.

Katherine Simpson

Sandy Hook