LETTER: Vote No On Proposed Felician Sisters Zone Change In Enfield

ENFIELD, CT — There appears to be misconceptions as to the reasons the immediate surrounding neighborhood, of which I am a part, are not in favor of the zone change to 1297 Enfield Street proposed by the Felician Sisters of North America, Beaver Falls, PA. We are not opposed to the local chapter of the Felician Sisters in continuing their good work and are not against the proposed interior renovations of existing buildings into senior living apartments. We are against a zone change that will permanently remain with the land and provide a new owner almost unlimited powers to raze the campus and construct whatever they desire should the Felician Sisters of North America decide at some future point to sell the property. Concerns regarding this zone change proposal include:

1. It is my understanding that there will be no direct financial benefit to the local chapter but that the Felician Sisters of North America and partner, Community Builders, Boston, MA, will receive all revenues.
2. The Town of Enfield, by way of its current 12.5% ratio, meets the State of Connecticut community goal of 10% low income, affordable housing. With several other approved projects in queue there is no need for this type of housing on the Felician Sisters unspoiled campus.
3. The Enfield Montessori School would be stuck in the proposed Special Development District (SDD) creating a major safety concern for students and staff.
4. Increased traffic on Enfield Street, South Road, and Post Office Road.
5. Historical charm and character of Enfield Street will be affected.
6. It is unknown what affects a future sale of the property would have on the 99-year land lease being granted to Community Builders.

The above are but a few of the concerns the abutters have leading us to urge the Planning and Zoning Commission to vote NO on the proposed zone change. We hope you agree and that you would sign our petition. To do so please call me at 860-745-1315.

Nikki A. Price
Enfield

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