A petition on Change.org has been started in opposition to a proposal from Panda Power Company to build a plant in New Milford at the site of the old Century Brass Mill.  The online petition was started by a group called Parents Opposing Panda. 

The Texas-based company is looking to build a 550-megawatt natural gas powered plant. 

Some of the concerns listed on the petition page include added noise and light pollution and possible harm to the environment. 

Proponents of the project, including New Milford Mayor David Gronbach say the project would put the property back on the tax rolls and add jobs in New Milford.  Gronbach says the Panda Power project will add 300 to 500 construction jobs, 30 full-time jobs and tax revenue estimated between $6 million and $10 million per year.  He notes that Panda will still have to meet state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, federal Environmental Protection Agency and Connecticut Siting Council requirements.

There are public hearings scheduled for November 9th at 7pm at Sarah Noble School and on the 10th at 1pm at Town Hall.