A plan for a Route 25 soccer complex that has gained the support of at least 100 Newtowners may require the developer to hire an independent engineer to review environmental impacts of the fields’ synthetic turf. A conservation activist and two members of the town’s wetlands commission are asking for the developer of the 33-acre property to pay for third-party review that will study the development’s impact on the environmentally sensitive wetlands surrounding the nearby Pond Brook. The developer gave the wetlands commission a letter of support signed by what appeared to be more than 130 Newtown residents in favor of “a state-of-the-art outdoor soccer facility designed to provide a top-tiered experience” with “high quality synthetic turf and shock absorption for safety and optimal ball control.” Guidera said she felt “strongly” that “toxins and PFAS will not be good for the environment” and that she was “not in favor of the turf,” according to meeting minutes. A handful of residents spoke against the soccer field proposal during the Oct. 8 hearing, citing concerns about water quality. Two others spoke in favor of the development, saying it was preferable to the controversial apartment complex alternative from 2023.

https://www.newstimes.com/news/article/newtown-soccer-fields-artificial-turf-route-25-21109834.php