Date: Fri 19-Feb-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

council-scenic-roads

Full Text:

Council Oks Scenic Rd Ordinance Revision

BY STEVE BIGHAM

A proposed revision to the town's controversial scenic road ordinance was

approved by the Legislative Council, 9-2, Wednesday night.

The council had expected a large turnout from residents, especially those from

Washbrook Road. They have been outspoken against the council and its ordinance

since their road was denied scenic road status last April. No one showed up

for the hearing.

The revision adds language that clarifies that a road is not guaranteed scenic

road status simply because it meets a list of criteria -- such as having old

trees, stone walls, ponds, etc. That confusion has caused a great deal of

misunderstanding and hard feelings over the past ten months.

The scenic road ordinance, approved by the council two years ago, was designed

to give Newtown's most rural and rustic roads protection from further

alterations. However, Newtown has many scenic roads, and the council ran into

problems when it told Washbrook Road residents their road was not worthy of

scenic road status.

The Washbrook Road residents first criticized the council's April decision.

Then, they criticized the proposed revisions. Don Hammalian's letter published

in the December 5 edition of The Newtown Bee claimed the proposed revisions

were in direct conflict with the intent and spirit of the enabling state

statute.

He and his fellow Washbrook Road residents were notably absent Wednesday.

"Much ado about nothing," noted ordinance committee chairman Will Rodgers as

the hearing was closed.