Thank you

Editor:

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the people of the 30th District who have re-elected me to represent them in Hartford. Thank you for your confidence and trust. The support and gratitude that I have received while campaigning over these past months has been overwhelming. I will continue to represent all the people in Berlin and Southington and look forward to returning to session.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you, to each and every one of you for trusting me to represent you.

State Rep. Donna Veach

Editor: 

During this week of Thanksgiving, I'd like to take a moment to send a message of tremendous gratitude. Although the election did not go the way I had hoped, it is in these moments between breaths where we grow; and as I have caught mine, I wanted to acknowledge the gratitude that emerges from that space.

Thank you to those who voted for me and believe that there is a better way to treat people who may hold differing points of view. Don't ever lose sight of that perspective. It is that optimism that reveals our better angels, which are needed more now than ever.

Thank you to those who want to make this world a better place to raise a family.

Thank you to those who believe a true democracy should still exist, that government is there to raise up people when they are down and to provide a hand to those who may need it.

Most of all, thank you for creating special moments during this campaign where I saw the good in people looking to create positive change.

I truly appreciate your faith in me and thank you for your votes of confidence.

Thank you.

Denise McNair

Editor:

A current proposal exists that would permanently alter the landscape and scenic vistas of the Chamberlain Highway in South Kensington. The property, located at 2107 Chamberlain Highway, is a 19-acre parcel which sits between the Bostrom Tree Farm and Fontanella Farm.

H2O Farms is proposing to build two three-story (30-foot) buildings that will each be approximately five acres in size. The buildings will be used to grow lettuce hydroponically.

A project with a footprint of this size will permanently alter the landscape and vistas of this area. The current view of open fields, rolling hills and trap rock cliffs will become marred and obstructed by these massive structures.

Secondly, these structures will yield very little to no tax revenue for our town. The operation avoids paying standard property tax, as it technically qualifies as an agricultural operation.

Lastly, the proposal is not consistent with our town’s Plan of Conservation and Development. The POCD denotes this space as an area that should be preserved for its natural beauty and geologic/topographic features. Additionally, it proposes investigating this area for a possible state scenic road designation.

The Planning and Zoning commission has opted to hold a public hearing on this matter to allow for input from the community. Interested parties should attend this public hearing on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall or via Zoom.

Peter Zarabozo