Fairfield Hills — What Next?

To the Editor:

The Fairfield Hills Master Plan Review Committee presented its final report to the Board of Selectmen on November 7. The 12-member review committee set a new, very high standard for all town boards, commissions, and appointed committees for the conduct, lively debate, careful and solid research, compromise, and amazing citizen involvement. The result is an outstanding 103-page report. I urge all citizens to read this document, but if you are pressed for time, at least read the first 12 pages and/or the executive summary at the end. Pages 21–56 contain the online poll results conducted by the professional polling company, The Harrison Group. Access the report at www.newtown-ct.gov News and Announcements is on this home page. Next to it Click on View All. Click that and you will see the link to the FHMPRC on the second page.

On November 7 the Board of Selectmen agreed to take no action on the report until after the election. Now, the time has come for the selectmen to decide how to proceed. The report is 126 pages. If you have limited time, read the first 16 pages and then the executive summary at the end. Generally speaking, the report speaks of FFH as a “Destination” for the people of Newtown. In order of preference, the report shows broad support for 1. Cultural Arts (indoor and outdoor facilities) 2. Recreation (playing fields, indoor and outdoor activities like the popular trails) 3. Emergency services (ambulance and police) 4. Land set aside for future town buildings 5. Limited commercial development, such as a restaurant, ice cream shops, etc, which accommodate the needs of visitors.

Millions have already been spent at FFH, and if the town is to keep within the borrowing guidelines now in place by the Board of Finance, very little additional bond indebtedness can be taken on by the town in the next few years. Until more of the town debt is paid off, only limited expenditures for demolition or improvements at FFH will be available.              

What should the selectmen do now? Appoint a new committee to map the campus following the recommendations of the Master Plan Review Committee? Appoint a feasibility committee to determine if the 40–50 acres of flat land can actually accommodate these recommendations along with the necessary parking? Should several members of the Master Plan Review Committee be asked to serve on the new group? Should representatives of the cultural arts proponents, sports, emergency services, etc, be included? If a school is closed in the next five or so years, should the vacant building be used for town services?

The selectmen could simply ignore the FFH Master Plan Review Report and do nothing thus allowing the present FFH Authority to go forward with plans it desires. What is the best move for the selectmen? Any ideas?

Ruby K. Johnson PhD

16 Chestnut Hill Road, Sandy Hook                     December 7, 2011