Does open space have a new definition?

To the editor: Numerous developments are being proposed or are in various stages of approval for Bellvale, Amity, Edenville and Union Corners Road. Recently applications were submitted for all the way down to the New Jersey line on Blooms Corners Road and all along Newport Bridge Road and all along Amity Road. All told that would be about 150 homes in the immediate vicinity. What happened to open space? The cumulative effect all of these developments will have on our water, air, aquifer, wetlands, schools, roads and traffic is frightening. In attending many Planning Board meetings since May 17, 2006, I have seen that numerous developments are going to be clustered. Each development is reviewed separately. Because of the extreme density, poor soils and rock ledges of some of the new developments it will be necessary to provide municipal water and sewer systems throughout Warwick. I attended a work session where sewer treatment plants were discussed. Who wants to live near raw sewage being pumped out and trucked out throughout our town? I was a member of Community 2000 and at no time was this the intent for saving our open space and to keep Warwick beautiful. To overbuild clustered housing on inappropriate land and leave the unbuildable wet lands as the “gift” of open space is not only against the principles of zoning and against the master plan but violates environmental concerns such as the aquifer, federal and state wetlands, endangered species, scenic roads and ridge lines and global warming. Developers have a right to develop where the laws allow. Where the zoning allows. Where the soils allow. But for our town to be excited about putting in sewer treatment plans, municipal water and sewer and building over aquifers and wetlands, violating endangered species and ruining the views along our lovely country roads makes no sense. Do you have any idea what it smells like near a sewer treatment plant? In five years there will be hundreds and hundreds of new homes all over Warwick and it may no longer be a place I wish to live. How about you? Kathryn Lomax Warwick