Until 2013-2014—

Open Space Funding

Out Of Reach

By Kendra Bobowick

Open space will have to wait.

Until funds for land acquisition are available, Land Use Deputy Director Rob Sibley will “pray that we have the money in a few years,” he said Tuesday. The piggy bank for purchasing and preserving land is penniless until fiscal year 2013-2014, when $1.5 million is proposed for this purpose in the town’s capital improvement plan (CIP). Another $1 million is in the CIP for 2014-2015.

The town is a few years away from “getting our hands on funds,” said Conservation Commission Chairman Joe Hovious — if capital improvement plans come through. “The ability to acquire significant pieces of open space is gone at this time,” he said. With more than $10 million in funding spent in past years, no municipal money remains to purchase and preserve Newtown’s land. Both he and Mr Sibley, who work hard to maintain and increase the town’s natural resources, were resigned to the status quo this week.

“Unless something special comes up, unless it’s a fantastic opportunity,” Mr Sibley said he would seek a special appropriation if a parcel become available. “But, we’re not walking that path right now,” he added.

Although the concept of preserving open space is supported by townspeople, “I am sad to say that the money just isn’t there right now,” he said. Regarding town officials’ decisions to push open space funding out several years, Mr Sibley said, “I don’t fault them for making those tough decisions, but it’s painful to see this not funded.” Mr Hovious also acknowledged, “It’s a balancing act.”

Ahead of the open space in the five-year CIP are road and municipal building improvements and repairs, a new middle school roof, a Newtown Hook & Ladder building, bridge replacements, and water main extensions, among other projects.

Mr Hovious worries about the loss of open space. “Once a piece of land is gone for potential as open space, it’s gone forever.” He and Mr Sibley both work to raise sensitivity to open space as a habitat and natural resource. He also feels, “It’s cheaper to have the land off the market.”

Regarding opportunities, he said he will need to pursue special funding mechanisms, such as grant money. Unfortunately, many grants rely on matching funds, which the town cannot show, Mr Sibley said. Easements are often an answer. Mr Hovious and Mr Sibley both encourage property owners to consider easements. Property can stay with the owners, but the town might purchase the rights to development. Landowners may also consider discounted sales to the town.

Currently, Mr Sibley’s department and the Conservation Commission members are making efforts to mark, maintain, and inventory the town-owned open space, reduce invasive species on those parcels, and continue needed upkeep. “Not only do we want to purchase, but we have to maintain it in a responsible way,” Mr Sibley said.

Learn more about the town’s conservation efforts at www.Newtown-ct.gov; see Boards and Commissions/Conservation Commission.