Inaccurate Claims By IPN

To the Editor:

I am Rich Boritz and am a candidate for Legislative Council District 3. I would like to correct a couple of inaccurate claims made in the IPN’s position statement reported in last week’s Bee article [IPN Candidates Pledge to Dismantle FFH Authority, Fight “High Density Housing”]. First, Newtown does have a long-range plan for growth and development. Second, the Fairfield Hills Master Plan does not include a recommendation for high density housing.

The claim that Newtown lacks a cohesive vision for growth and development and that “what currently serves as a long-range plan changes each year with the whim of our elected officials” is not true. Newtown’s development has been guided since 2004 by its Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD). This outlines a vision for Newtown’s development that, I believe, voters support. The POCD maintains the character of the town and preserves our land resources. It proposes a balanced approach to housing and commercial development. It defines long-range goals for municipal, school, and recreational facilities that takes into account population growth and the needs of people of all ages. It also addresses transportation and pedestrian needs for our growing community. I have seen the Inland Wetland Commission at work and followed the recommendations made by the Conservation Commission for many years. These agencies have relied on the POCD to guide their actions. Recently, a pedestrian plan has been proposed that will link the center of town with walkways. This is another example of our elected officials relying on the POCD for guidance.

The second inaccuracy refers to the claim that the public has not had an opportunity to influence the development of the Fairfield Hills campus. The revised master plan has not been created in a vacuum. I recently spoke with Paul Lundquist, a member of the Fairfield Hills Master Plan Review Committee, who shared a bit of his experiences with me. The review committee began their work in 2010 by first focusing on the 2005 master plan. They then held focus groups, public comment sessions, and ultimately surveyed the entire town. More than 1,000 citizens provided their ideas. The committee has now submitted final recommendations which includes a mix of uses — small businesses, community recreation, open space, and government facilities. All in keeping with the character of the town.

It is easy to seed distrust of elected officials by accusing them of wasting tax money or making poorly planned decisions. It is also easy to say that government needs to be more transparent, or that taxes should be lower. These positions require little reflection and thought. They are “hot-button” issues that appeal to many of us. It is much harder to take the time to learn the facts and influence decisions about the issues that affect us. These require investigation and reasoned public discussion.

Rich Boritz

30 Still Hill Road, Sandy Hook                           September 25, 2011