Date: Fri 23-Apr-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

Open-Space-task-force

Full Text:

Group Seeks To Take Up Open Space Issues

BY STEVE BIGHAM

Horseback riding and hiking are usually peaceful activities -- an opportunity

to enjoy the fresh air in places off the beaten path. But run-ins with

homeowners in recent years has taken the fun out of it, according to local

equestrians and hikers.

That is why a group of Newtown residents recently met to discuss their

concerns regarding open space and the need for a clearly-defined trail system

in Newtown.

In a letter to First Selectman Herb Rosenthal, Cindy Fogliano-Blackman

proposed the creation of an open space task force to address many of the

issues which have come about due to town's development "explosion."

A group consisting of horse riders, forest association members, and other open

space supporters met in February to discuss:

the need for an open space task force,

the need to enforce violations over town open space,

the need for land use board to hold developers responsible for marking open

space before development begins,

the need to inform residents who are encroaching on town-owned property that

they are in violation,

the need to hold real estate agents accountable for how they sell Newtown

properties and open space areas,

the need to market trail easements as a positive aspect of land ownership,

the need to enforce illegal use of motorized vehicles on trials and open

space.

The Board of Selectmen is expected to invite the group to an upcoming meeting.

Judy Holmes, a member of the Conservation Commission, said she would like to

see better markings for Newtown's open space. She would also like to see home

buyers be better apprised of where easements exist around their homes.

"This would help clear up a lot of misunderstandings that are occurring all

over town," she said.

Much of this misunderstanding is brought about by the town's recent growth.

Subdivisions are going up further out into the woods, creating friction

between homeowners and those seeking to enjoy the great outdoors.

Currently, the town of Newtown has no accurate map of its open space,

according to Mrs Holmes. That makes it difficult to make any long-range plans,

she said.

The Greenways Committee was formed a few years ago to address many of these

conservation issues. However, the group has reportedly disbanded.

Mrs Blackman-Fogliano was unavailable for comment this week.