Council Takes A Broader View

Than The Bee

To the Editor,

In response to the recent editorial in The Newtown Bee on the Queen Street properties:

When the opportunity came before the Legislative Council to acquire the Queen Street property there was much discussion as to the future use and disposition of the land. The decision to purchase the property was made in an effort to prevent development of the property into a use not fitting with the long-range objectives of the town. In addition, there was sentiment expressed to preserve the “open space” and scenic beauty provided by this property.

During a recent finance subcommittee meeting in which this topic was discussed, I believe that the chairman’s comments on this property have been taken totally out of context in the editorial. The chairman stated that the tax revenue that would be generated by these properties would not be sufficient to offset the incremental costs incurred by the town should these houses be sold.

I resent the implication by The Bee that the Legislative Council is opposed to the construction of moderately priced housing. Our rationale not to sell the Queen Street properties does not “implicitly encourage more mega-mansions and the destruction of the ordinary modest house.” We are approaching our decisions with a much broader view than The Bee. While people may not agree with Mr Studley’s analysis, at least someone is thinking as to the long range implications of how our decisions will impact the town.

I believe that the last sentence of your editorial summarizes the thought process of myself and several others on the Legislative Council. The council does take time to reflect that the issues before them are not just about numbers. The work we do is about people and serving the interests of the town not just for the near term, but for many years into the future.

Brian C. White, C.P.A.

 Member of the Legislative Council

60 Castle Meadow Road, Newtown  February 16, 2000