While at least two of five council members said they probably will vote in favor of the annexations, state, county and school district representatives and preservationists are concerned that the town of about 5,300 residents won't be able to cope with an additional 1,200 homes and close to 3,000 people. There needs to be a limit.
Government needs to be more cautious when approving developments.
The four annexation proposals would put houses on some of the finest farmland in the state and change the town's general land-use plan. Middletown's nonbinding comprehensive plan suggests maintaining a band of agricultural land around the town to protect its rural character. The proposed annexations invade that plan. Council members acknowledge they face a tough road convincing residents of the benefits of annexation, despite an initial lack of public reaction. I don't know if people held off at the last meeting because there's no vote until February.