Protect Sandy Hook Center’s Residential Area

To the Editor:

We are writing in response to Pat Linnell whose letter was printed in the September 2 edition of The Newtown Bee. We are among the many residents who are opposed to the plan for expansion of the Sandy Hook Design District. Our home would have been among those whose zoning designation would change from Residential to SHDD.

We certainly agree with Ms Linnell that it is exciting to see the many positive changes in Sandy Hook Center and we take full advantage of the many wonderful businesses located in the heart of Sandy Hook. However, we disagree with her view that expanding the commercial base will have a positive effect on the community as a whole. We do not see any compelling need for commercial expansion. While more commercial enterprise may help merchants in Sandy Hook center, it will not provide any meaningful enhancements for residents and it will not positively impact the many historic homes in Sandy Hook center.

Ms Linnell states that the expansion of the SHDD will “only enhance the value of the residences.” As I stated at the Planning & Zoning hearing on August 18, the only way that an increased property value will be meaningful for us is if we sell our home and, quite frankly, we plan to live here for many, many years. The antique home that we live in is the reason that we moved to Sandy Hook. For us, the value of our home is the fact that it is a historic home surrounded by other historic homes full of wonderful neighbors. The possibility that our charming home could suddenly be surrounded by commercial space with parking lots and traffic will only diminish the property value in our eyes. Allowing commerce to encroach on these historic homes is bad for the community and bad for Newtown.

We are enthusiastic supporters of the positive changes that are occurring in Sandy Hook. We have been to Steering Committee meetings for the redevelopment of Sandy Hook, we talk with other residents and with merchants in Sandy Hook and we do not believe that the SHDD expansion proposal is in line with what most people have expressed as the vision for a revitalized Sandy Hook. Residents of Sandy Hook Center presented a clear message that we are opposed to the encroachment of commercial property in our residential neighborhood. We were pleased to hear the Planning and Zoning Board respond positively to residents’ concerns on August 18 and we believe that they will continue to support the residents’ vision for Sandy Hook Center.

Christopher & Lisa Breault

13 Washington Avenue, Sandy Hook                   September 7, 2005