On behalf of the individuals below, we ask that you deny the application to build an 11-Lot cluster subdivision at 148 Oswegatchie Road and to preserve the historical significance of the area by requiring R40 lots.
The Oswegatchie Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There is so much history in the Oswegatchie Colony, from the Nehantic Indians who originally inhabited the land to the stately homes built around Sandy Point in the 1800’s and early 1900’s. The historic Oswegatchie House, a hotel that reached its heyday in the 1920’s, became as famous in her time as Newport or Watch Hill today.
A single trolley track line, connecting with the “New Haven to Boston line,” brought visitors and summer residents from New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts. The trolley served both the Oswegatchie House and the Konomoc Inn, located on Park Drive, as well as a boarding residence for quarry workers who came from New London on the trolley car to mine the stone from the quarry in East Lyme, across the Niantic River. Part of the trolley stop platform can still be seen near the mailbox at Laura Fitch’s former home at 133 Oswegatchie Road.
We feel that a subdivision with all 11 homes clustered on small parcels abutting Oswegatchie and Shawandassee Roads, does not fit with the character or appeal of the colony. With the probable addition of 2 cars per household, not including older children and guests, 22 or more cars will be added to this small neighborhood. This will contribute to a substantial increase in traffic along the already perilous eastern portion of Oswegatchie Road with its narrow width and sharp S-curves.
Many of the residents of the Oswegatchie Colony have already submitted letters referring to the historical significance of our district, the additional traffic, the added pollution into the Niantic River via Keeney Cove, and the negative effect that the development will have on our property values. We oppose the 11-lot cluster development and ask that you maintain the R40 zoning designation.
