Letters to the Editor

Planning and Zoning Public Hearing

Another exception to our zoning regulations

To all residents of Goshen who are concerned with preserving our wonderful, rural way of life:  We are not sure if you are aware, but at a recent Planning &Zoning meeting the request was made to change a 15 acre property on Rt. 63 North, from agricultural to commercial status.  Originally, the application was for agricultural purposes.  Now a special exemption is being made to change it to a commercial property as the owner’s decided not to build a home there.  These changes create precedence so it will be easier the next time to make another exception.  I don’t know about you, but I live in Goshen because it is a rural, agricultural town without all the commercialization of Torrington or even Litchfield.  The quaint ambiance of Goshen is what draws many people to move here.  They don’t mind the drive to get to work or to shop, because at the end of the day they get to come home to peace & quiet in “The Land of Goshen”. And what about the immediate neighbors in the area and the associated increase of traffic, noise and light pollution.

It will just be pickleball to start, but as you know, any smart businessman will want to expand.  We can’t blame them for that, but I do not think it is appropriate to change an agricultural zone to a commercial one.  Find a commercial property to accomplish these goals.  There are plenty of vacant properties in Torrington and the customer base will be larger.

There will be a public hearing and vote on this zoning request change on February 27^th.  Please come and express your opinion.

Craig & Dolores Spring
Goshen, CT

Civil Discourse

It is an established American freedom that property owners put out lawn signs.  We see them before elections, along with American flags. I have seen these signs on local roads the past weeks: “God, guns, Trump” and “Make America Smart Again” and “F@$%&k Democrats”. These signs beautify our local roads?  My father was an immigrant stationed in London during its fire-bombing in WWII. Then he served in Normandy, France. My mother, daughter of immigrants, worked in a munitions factory during WWII. My sister was a NYPD detective. My time was spent in Boston Public Schools, CJR, Torrington Public Schools and for 17 years—Northwestern Community College.

Signs which are hostile, disrespectful, and unintelligent are not what I see as American.  I place American flags on my lawn, not because my family and I paid for our freedoms, but because I am grateful for my freedoms. I am grateful for the service and sacrifices of our armed forces, teachers, police, nurses, and all essential workers. We all have the right to  our opinions.   But think about that the next time you are advertising your opinions. They are a reflection of your depth of thought and the respect, or lack of respect, for those who serve, whether you agree with them or not. Let’s return to civil discourse.  The best opinion is the one you make with your vote.

Jim Kelleher
Goshen