St. Thomas More’s Expansion Threatens Our Community

St. Thomas More’s Expansion Threatens Our Community
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We, the undersigned residents and supporters of Middletown, respectfully call upon the Burgess and Commissioners to carefully evaluate and reconsider the proposed expansion of St. Thomas More. This expansion poses significant risks to the character, charm, and quality of life in our community, threatening the balance between responsible growth and the preservation of our historic town. For decades, Middletown has thrived as a place where residential harmony and small-town charm are cherished. However, this proposed expansion would disrupt this delicate balance, introducing increased traffic, noise, and infrastructure strain while undermining property values and obstructing cherished scenic views. As stewards of our community, we believe in fostering growth that aligns with Middletown’s character and values. We urge the Town Council to protect our neighborhoods, safeguard our investments, and preserve the unique qualities that make Middletown such a special place to live and visit. With this petition, we seek to unite the voices of our community in advocating for thoughtful and measured decisions regarding St. Thomas More's proposed expansion. Let us work together to ensure that the future of Middletown reflects the shared values and vision of its residents. Please join us in signing this petition to protect Middletown’s character and integrity.

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Why is this important

Petition to: Stop the approval of the variance to allow St. Thomas More’s Expansion
"We, the residents of Middletown, are urging the Town Council to reconsider the proposed expansion of St. Thomas More. While the institution has long been a valued part of our community, this expansion threatens to disrupt our town's character and charm. Key concerns include: Zoning Conflicts: The expansion transforms St. Thomas More from a small neighborhood institution into a larger, commercial-like presence, disrupting the balance of our residential area. Increased Traffic and Noise: Current operations already create significant disruptions. Expanding will further burden Prospect Street with congestion and disturbances, negatively impacting residents’ daily lives. Unfair Building Standards: Residents are required to adhere to strict zoning regulations, while this proposal allows for a three-story building in a historic residential neighborhood, raising questions about equitable enforcement. Impact on Property Values: Research shows that commercial expansions in residential neighborhoods lower property values, making homes less desirable and diminishing the investments of homeowners. Strain on Infrastructure: Prospect Street is already slated for costly improvements. This expansion will increase the financial burden on taxpayers and exacerbate the strain on infrastructure. Loss of Scenic Views: The expansion will block iconic sunset views from Prospect Street, permanently altering the town’s landscape and diminishing Middletown’s unique charm. By signing this petition, you are standing up for the preservation of Middletown’s character, the protection of our neighborhoods, and the responsible management of growth. Let’s ensure that any development aligns with our town’s values and does not come at the expense of our community. Join us in opposing this expansion by signing below."