We, the undersigned eligible voters, are filing this petition to STOP the development proposed by Tim Draper for the land at #9 Goodhill Road in Bethel, CT named Oak Woods. As concerned residents of Goodhill Road and fellow residents of Bethel, CT, we are opposed to the 11-apartment complex proposed under 8-30g, which currently is under consideration and approval through the Bethel Wetlands Committee (on September 23, 2019).

We respectfully ask for no approval to be granted to Tim Draper for this property; not because we are against growth and development in our town, but because we are supporters of appropriately located developments.

Our most compelling reasons include:

1. Environmental: #9 Goodhill Road is adjacent to several surrounding wetland areas. These ecosystems provide habitats to many animals and plants. There has already been displacement of animals due to fill being dumped at #9 without permit the week of August 19, 2019 (25 truckloads were brought in over the course of two days). The source of the fill is unknown and is a concern due to possible contaminants. Land development practices have direct and indirect effects on Wetlands. Drainage and sediment can wash into these delicate ecosystems, forever damaging the environmental balance [3]. The building of the Oak Woods Complex is unsuitable for property #9, as the impact of such a large structure will cause more harm to the surrounding ecosystems than a single family home.

2. Safety: Goodhill Road, Taylor Avenue, and Nashville Road have insufficient road infrastructure. If the development moves forward, there will be a dramatic increase in traffic flow which will result in accidents, injuries, and fatalities. For example, Taylor Avenue, a heavily frequented “cut through road” to town, has a very dangerous hairpin turn. All three roads are narrow without sidewalks or pedestrian crosswalks. Nearby intersections cannot handle the increase in traffic that will occur if the development is permitted.Traffic has already increased significantly on neighborhood roads due to the complex at #49 Taylor Ave (Ledge Woods 18-unit apartments), another development built by Tim Draper, using the 8-30g application. Additional safety concerns include two school bus stops at the intersection of Goodhill and Taylor and intersection of Taylor and Nashville.

3. Zoning: Goodhill Road is an R-20 zone (Residential: single family homes). The proposed Oak Woods complex does not meet the requirements of an R-20 zone. Goodhill Road comprises only of single family home dwellings.

4. Geography: The construction at #9 will cause a situation similar to Tim Draper’s #49 Taylor Ave complex development, Ledge Woods Apartments. The water table was disrupted and caused flooding and icy conditions on Taylor Avenue in February 2019, which created a hazardous condition for all vehicles, including school buses. As a result, school buses for BPS were rerouted during this time period. It is to be determined if more action needs to be taken regarding the water table. We must not permit the building of Oak Woods to prevent the disturbance of the water table and its effect on roads and neighboring properties.

In conclusion, based on our information provided and cited above, the undersigned petitioners ask that you cease the development of the 11 apartment complex known as Oak Woods.

Sources:

1. Wetlands of Connecticut: CT.gov - http://www.ct.gov/deep/lib/deep/water_inland/wetlands/wetlands_of_ct.pdf