Letter to the Editor: Developing Everything But a Conscience

As I sat through the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting in New Milford, there was one question that came to mind: When does it end? When does the Department of Environmental Protection STOP granting permits to build on flood hazard areas and wetlands? When does the DEP finally start protecting the environment instead of promoting the interests of developers?

The application to build additional parking area for Sanzari's Newbridge Inn was well thought out. Two homes in the flood plain would be demolished and the engineering of the new parking area would actually increase the ability of the land to absorb water in rain events. 

Then I sat in amazement as the lawyers for the Fellowship Gospel Church, the next application, relayed the information that the DEP had granted permission to BUILD on flood plain property, even though it was "ill-advised."

Next the application to build adjacent to New Milford High School was heard. If the Suez/United Water property is not totally in the flood plain, it is definitely in the flood fringe. Any development of that type of property is exactly the kind of development that Rich Henning of Suez/United Water blames for the increase in the frequency and severity of flooding that has plagued New Milford. So why in the world is Suez/United Water selling that property to Hekemian for development? And why does the DEP allow it? 

While it is hypocritical and underhanded for Suez/United Water to reap profits from this kind of sale, it can be blamed on the quest for the almighty dollar. And Hekemian knows how to develop everything but a conscience.

But where is the DEP? They are supposed to be looking out for US, not the developers. Again I wonder: When does it end?

Lori Barton, New Milford