Be Ready To Move

Forward On Fairfield Hills

To the Editor:

On Monday I had the opportunity to hear Bruce Becker’s presentation regarding Fairfield Hills to the Board of Selectmen. Becker and Becker is obviously a firm with the experience and expertise necessary to manage a project as complex as Fairfield Hills. Their proposal addresses the needs of our community while preserving the beauty of the campus.

 “Save Fairfield Hills for Newtown”? That’s what the Becker and Becker plans does! Worried that the town will lose control of the property? Bruce Becker is open to a plan, which gives our town control of 140 of the 185 acres including all the open space.

Prior to the meeting I wondered why progress was so slow. I now understand the board is waiting to hear back from the state regarding important issues such as sale price and environmental cleanup. What can be done now on our part is to formulate a plan.

I urge the Board of Selectmen to be open-minded in pursuing a partnership with Becker and Becker. Their plan will benefit everyone in our community. It preserves open space, allows room we desperately need for ball fields, provides us with a beautiful YMCA facility, provides housing without putting a great burden on our school system, and will provide tax revenue. Let’s be ready to move forward.

Donna O’Connor

8 Pinnacle Drive, Newtown                                         August 8, 2000