I am writing to clarify my opposition to the zoning change and consequent proposed development of land at the base of and behind Williams Street in New London, the so-called 0 Stonebridge Drive (“0” because at the moment the “Drive” is dense woods and wetland).

I’ve read the city’s Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD). The proposed zone change from R-2 to R-3 and its inevitable development consequences contradict the principles and values stated in the POCD almost without exception. In fact, the plan specifically states that the area near Connecticut College and Williams Street is unsafe and should be addressed (page 54). Are we to address it by creating an even more complex mess?

Among the principles stated in the plan and contradicted by the proposed zoning change/development:

“… direct housing to areas already served by proper utilities and transportation infrastructure.” (page 39)

“Conserve and restore natural environment, cultural and historic resources, and traditional open space.” (page 70)

“… New London must maintain and enhance existing open space and explore opportunities to create additional open space.” (page 50)

“Renovate under-utilized and vacant buildings” (page 38)

I am aware of the difficulty of finding an even minimally affordable place to live. Despite working since the age of 16, I was unable to purchase a home until I was in my 50s. However, I do not believe that any benefits of this development outweigh the disadvantages. The apartments are not particularly “affordable” when one-bedroom units rent for $1,650 per month.

To build this development, the natural landscape will be ripped apart. The landscape in question provides a wildlife corridor towards the Connecticut College Arboretum, a unique jewel of New London that is open to all — humans and wildlife. This corridor allows birds, deer, coyotes, foxes, turkeys, bobcats, raccoons, possums and untold numbers of amphibians and microscopic creatures to pursue their rightful lives. Like us, they are residents of New London and deserve our consideration. The forested land also provides natural flood control, helping to absorb runoff from increasingly frequent flash floods, and natural climate mitigation to stave off the effects of climate change.

The creation of a new, undoubtedly congested intersection directly across the street from the historic Deshon-Allyn House (built 1829) and within a few seconds’ drive from the existing busy intersection to turn onto Briggs Street towards the bridge is poor city planning. The Williams Street hill behind Conn College is a frequent running route for Coast Guard cadets and Conn College students, and for New London's walkers and bicyclists. The potential for accidents with such an increase in traffic is obvious, not to mention the destruction of a pleasing prospect directly across from a historic home. In 2015, a student was killed in a hit-and-run accident near the Route 32 side of campus. The proposed development will make the Williams Street side equally dangerous.

There are funds available from Connecticut’s Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program to purchase open space in urban environments. Since this land is wetlands and contiguous to the arboretum, it is an environmentally important tract. New London should apply for a grant to purchase the land from Shiloh Baptist Church.

When I consider the extent of new infrastructure necessary to support this R-3 development, and the consequent destruction of the natural environment, I can only hope that the P&Z commission will deny the request for this R-3 zone change which is not in compliance with our issued POCD. There are other locations in New London that would support four-story apartment buildings with far less destruction required.

Mary Budzik lives in New London.