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September is here and our kids are back in school – fall is in the air. What a perfect time to take advantage of Colchester's outdoor opportunities, beginning with the Ruby and Elizabeth Cohen Woodlands on McDonald Road. Here you can picnic with your family, play with your dog, enjoy the ducks on the pond, read a book under the trees, meditate in the gazebo, take a walk through the fields and forests. There's something for everyone – young and not so young, single or with a family, athletic or not.
Speaking of the Woodlands, as you know the Board of Selectmen took action on June 18, 2009 to purchase an adjacent piece of property in partnership with the Colchester Land Trust, as recommended by our Open Space Advisory Committee, Conservation Commission, and Town Planner. Shortly thereafter, Town residents also approved the purchase with the understanding that funds were to come from those currently in the Land Acquisition and Open Space funds – no additional dollars from taxpayers. As part of the partnership, the Land Trust is also raising funds to pay for a portion of the new purchase. We are very lucky to have such partners as the Land Trust, as it was through the hard work and dedication of their members – Chuck Toal, Lisa Hageman, and Andy George – that a relationship was built with the owners such
that we received a purchase price far less than that at which the property was appraised.
Adam Turner, our town planner, has been working for the past 2½ months to iron out the details and contracts of the arrangement. However, we learned just last week, late Monday, that there is a different process for Open Space, defined in our ordinances, than for the purchase of other types of land. While we were surprised that no one noticed earlier, we owe much thanks to our Board of Finance chair, Bruce Hayn, for bringing the error in process to our attention. Thankfully we don't have to go back to the beginning! The Board of Selectmen took action last Thursday to send the recommendation to Planning & Zoning for an 8-24 and the Board of Finance for action. After those actions are completed and all contracts are reviewed and approved, the Board of Selectmen will again take action on the issue and,
hopefully, move it forward to a Town meeting.
This brings me to the other topic addressed at the Board of Selectmen meeting last week – discussion on a potential “Right-to-Farm” ordinance for the Town of Colchester. Many were surprised to learn there is already a state “Right-to-Farm” law and that a local one adds nothing to the current law. So, why a town ordinance? It's a policy statement, as well as an opportunity to educate the community about farming and its importance to our community. . Where we have farms, we don't have new houses being built. We have guaranteed open space. I hear the following a lot, “we need to maintain Colchester's charm and character.” Farming is our character and our culture … and it's tough – only by helping our farmers will we maintain that charm
and character that many moved here to find. The proposed ordinance can be found on our website at www.colchesterct.gov. Please share any questions or comments you may have with me. Together, we can ensure that Colchester's land use meets the needs of many while maintaining what's good for all.
Previous Selectman Notes can be viewed at
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