Newtown Park was originally intended as a community, neighborhood park and has instead turned into full scale, City-Wide recreation centerpiece.

According to adjacent neighbors in the Chartwell Subdivision who spoke out during public comment Monday, Traffic, Overcrowding & Noise have become serious problems for the area.

Newtown Park was Not intended to become Chastain Park or Verizon Amphitheater, but with the City's robust concert program, events & weekly farmer's market, concerned citizens asked the City to reconsider the potential Amphitheater rental policy.

City staff recently removed the buffer of many trees and bushes that bordered the Chartwell subdivision for a trail. This deforesting of a natural barrier has increased the noise level for the residents. The Amphitheater is positioned facing the houses, putting them in the direct path of the sound waves.

One citizen urged the City to acquire park land immediately, to reduce the demand on Newtown. She indicated that undeveloped land is quickly disappearing and the City should prioritize Parks before more commercial development like the 'District'. She stated the City can always build buildings, but not Parks.

The City has allocated a $100k this fiscal year for another... Park Study.

City staff will meet with the Concerned Citizens about the issues raised and City Council tabled the Amphitheater Rental Policy to the April 27th meeting.

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'No Parking' Photo Source: Google images