To the Editor:

To answer Jim Gaston's question: yes, Main Street is worth preserving [Letter Hive, May 4, 2018, "Is Historic Main Street Worth Protecting?"]. He and others have done yeomen service for years, if not decades, preserving the focal point of our town. It is time for the rest of us to step up and support the proposed borough budget for fiscal year 2018-2019.

Newtown's character is not defined by the shops on Queen Street or the amenities at Fairfield Hills. It is defined by the magic that happens around the flagpole. The strength of our community is found in the largest parade in the state, held every Labor Day under the flagpole. It is found every Halloween when the residents surrounding the flagpole welcome the entire town as their guests. It is found at the holiday house tours, when those near the flagpole open their homes to thousands of snowy feet to help others in need. All of this is what makes it nicer in Newtown. It supports both our heart and our property values. (Yes, people moving into the area purchase homes throughout Newtown because of its charming center).

But Main Street is at a crossroads. If the Inn property succumbs to intensive development, then the ambulance property is next, and others will follow. Watching the Labor Day Parade from the parking lot of a 79 unit condominium complex will not hold a candle to a chair on a lush lawn or a swing on a comfortable porch. We are considering losing that for about $100 per year for borough homeowners. As a Main Street resident who spends over $300 annually for Halloween candy, I can tell you that it is money well spent. It is a nominal investment that contributes to wonderful memories for children and adults alike.

The fact is that action must be taken. The Inn's owner must do something with the property. It may make sense for him to donate it to the town or borough for tax purposes. Short of that, our options will depend on the resources available. There has been talk of a nonprofit purchasing the property. There has been talk of the town or borough taking the property by eminent domain, as the town planned for the Eichler's Cove Marina property. There are undoubtedly other options. The common denominator is that they all cost money. We cannot afford to lose options over an average $100 per household. That would be incredibly shortsighted. Further, a "No" vote on the budget would telegraph that we don't care about Main Street and our traditions - that developers or town departments have our tacit approval to strip away our charm because it wasn't worth $100 to us.

We all benefit greatly from this town and its historic Main Street. It's time to give something back. Please join me in voting "Yes" on the 2018-2019 [borough] budget, Wednesday, May 16.

Eric DaSilva

Main Street, Newtown         May 9, 2018