Respecting Rules And

Regulations

To the Editor:

For the benefit of our community, the Newtown Residential Preservation Society is disappointed to learn that the Cambodian Buddhist Society has filed a request to the Connecticut Appellate Court to appeal the decision of Judge Frankel of the Danbury Superior Court upholding Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission’s decision denying the special permit application of the society to build a temple on residential property on Boggs Hill Road.

Time and effort after more than three years of litigation might be spent by this group in seeking a more suitable alternate location for their project instead of continuing to undermine the decisions of our community’s commission and now Judge Frankel.

The proposed temple and meditation garden with six 18-foot stupas and the possibility of a medical clinic and dormitories for its trainees will be the only Buddhist facility serving all of Connecticut. The expected attendance during festivals is approximately 450 and increasing. The site offers only one driveway in and out onto one of the most dangerous curves on Boggs Hill Road. The property also affords no possibility of future expansion as the society grows as anticipated by its members during hearings.

Judge Frankel, after several hearings including testimony from members of the society as well as their lawyer and after reviewing all briefs and Planning and Zoning records, upheld Planning and Zoning’s decision to deny this application. The judge’s summation of her decision was very thorough. Two of her major reasons upholding the planning and zoning denial were failure of the Cambodians to provide clear evidence that their septic system would be feasibly functional and that they could provide an adequate water supply for the number of people using the facilities that would be built on site.

Prior to the sale of the property on Boggs Hill Road, the members of this society were made aware of the fact that this was a residential area and would require a special exception in order to conduct religious activities. They ignored town warnings and held large unruly gatherings, disrupting the lives of the many surrounding homeowners. Newtown finally had to issue them a formal cease and desist order forcing them to comply with the town’s regulations.

Newtown has established zoning rules and regulations to protect the property and well-being of the inhabitants. We are all required to respect them whether as individual citizens or commercial or religious enterprises. Town citizens and taxpayers that serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission are committed to implementing the town’s codes and protecting the rural environment.

The Newtown Residential Preservation Society will continue to take an active part in upholding the denial for a special exception to the Cambodian Buddhist Society to build a facility of this magnitude at this location. We welcome Newtowners to join our membership to help save the charm and character of our community.

Richard T. Coburn, President

Newtown Residential Preservation Society

Boggs Hill Road, Newtown                                      February 28, 2006