Open Space Group

Protests Funding Cut

By Steve Bigham

Disheartened by the Board of Selectmen’s recent decision to cut a request for $150,000 for an open space purchase, local conservationists are now on a mission to remind residents and town officials of just how important land preservation is to Newtown.

“We’re a little hot under the collar,” admitted Rob Sibley, a member of the town’s open space task force, which was created two years ago. “We’re standing there in front of them doing everything we can to make it clear how important open space acquisition is. It’s up to them to make the wise choice.”

Earlier this month, the selectmen removed the $150,000 request from the budget despite objections of resident Judy Holmes, who said the town can no longer ignore the fact that valuable open space is being gobbled up. Members plan to go before the Legislative Council later this month to urge that the money be restored.

In removing the Conservation Commission’s request earlier this month, the selectmen stated that the proposed purchase of Fairfield Hills includes the acquisition of more than 100 acres of open space. That purchase will be meeting the town’s open space needs in a very big way, they said.

But the purchase of Fairfield Hills is far from certain, say members of the Conservation Commission and Open Space task Force, and in the meantime other potential open space parcels are being developed.

“When this administration came in, I thought you had a commitment to acquiring open space,” Mrs Holmes said to the selectmen earlier this month. “Any commitment you make to open space now will be reflected down the road. If open space isn’t a priority, what are we working for?”

Of course, a special appropriation could be made sometime later, but Mrs Holmes said her group is looking at several parcels right now. By the time the money comes around, the open space will be long gone, she told the selectmen.

First Selectman Herb Rosenthal said the town could not legally create a fund that carries over from one year to the next, unless it is placed in a capital reserve fund. The money was never added during selectmen’s deliberations earlier this month.

Mrs Holmes joins other conservation members who feel they have not received the financial support they need to complete their charge of finding ways to preserve the character of Newtown. And it is the character of the town that is at issue here, according to task force member Al Goodrich.

“I really think the character is the thing. We have people who write to The Bee who say they moved here because of its character and rural charm. And now look what’s happened,” Mr Goodrich said.

This week, Mr Rosenthal reasserted his commitment to open space. “I agree with open space purchases. Last year the Conservation Commission recommended the purchase of the Torrance property, 10 acres, for $145,000. This year, I’ve been working on the purchase of Fairfield Hills, which will include 125 acres. Also, I’ve been working for over a year on the preservation of the Kelda lands – 650-700 acres of which are in Newtown. In addition, I’ve been working with a realtor and the State of Connecticut for over a year to purchase 200 acres (at an unspecified location,” Mr Rosenthal said.

Local conservationists say the town can essentially buy open space land for half price. A new state grant helps towns acquire open space by providing matching funds. Mrs Holmes and her group were hoping to use the $150,000 from the town, plus the state’s $150,000 matching grant, to purchase 57 acres at an unspecified location not far from Dickinson Park.

“The value that’s incumbent in land purchases is shown daily on how developers fight over the smallest parcel,” said Mr Sibley, who has heard rumors of developers flying in planes overhead in search of available land. “If ever there was money you would not want to cut it’s open space, especially since there are funds to match it. The state has put together an incredible program and every town is taking advantage of it… except for Newtown.”

The Board of Selectmen created the ad hoc Open Space Task Force in October 1999 to help address many of the issues which had come about due to the town’s so-called development “explosion.” It was charged with looking out for the best interest of the town’s open space. It has also worked to form more clearly defined trail systems, and, according to one observer, attempt to foster goodwill in the community.

The selectmen agreed to form the panel upon the requests of local horse riders, hikers, forest association members, and other open space supporters. Many of these requests were prompted by disputes with homeowners over property lines. Some fear the days of hiking or horseback riding through back pastures are gone. Subdivisions are going up farther out into the woods, creating friction between those who live there and those seeking to enjoy the great outdoors.

The Open Space Task Force has been working under the direction of the Conservation Commission.

Under a proposal submitted by Mr Rosenthal, the committee was asked to make recommendations regarding the acquisition or preservation of open space in order to maintain or enhance the conservation of natural or scenic resources; protect natural streams or water supply; promote conservation of soils, wetlands, beaches, or tidal marshes; enhance the value to the public of abutting or neighboring parks, forests, wildlife preserves, nature reservations, or sanctuaries or other open areas; afford or enhance public recreation opportunities; preserve historic sites; implement the plan of development adopted by the planning and zoning commission; and promote orderly urban or suburban development.