To the Editor:

As a longtime resident of the Town of Newtown, I feel it is important that residents ask tough questions concerning local finance and the sustainability of projects that are funded by taxpayers’ dollars. Recently I read an interesting article concerning funding for a new firehouse on Church Hill Road. It is my understanding that it would be paid for with a town grant. Before these funds are released I think that several questions should be answered.

1. Will other volunteer organizations be offered grants for buildings or spending as they see fit?

2. Was there an application process for this multimillion dollar grant and were there other applicants?

3. Why is the town supporting the purchase of a $500,000 parcel of residential property when we already own hundreds of acres of property in Fairfield Hills?

4. Recently news has surfaced that Newtown Hook & Ladder plans on reselling a portion of the property to a local utility for construction of storage/pumping facility. After approaching the town for funds, now they plan on reselling or flipping this property with this same town money?

5. A recent drawing in The Bee does not show the additional utility buildings that are being proposed on this property; I think we should see what is really going to be built there.

6. Will this entire project be placed out for town bid or will it simply be given to local contractors?

These and many more questions need to be answered before any town funds are released into this town project.

Paula Richardson

55 Sugar Street, Newtown             October 13, 2014