The Hewitt Property Committee minutes March 17, 2009
The committee met at 7:00 at the High School Media Center. In attendance were Bill Peterson, Brian Rathbun, Ron Lewis, Marsha White, Eleanor Banker, Kip Taylor, Robley Evans, Mary Cooper and Curt Moussie. Absent were Lou Steinbrecher, Frank Eppinger, Charles Steinhart V, Robbin Donahue, and Anne Nalwalk
Since there were no volunteers to take on the work of the committee’s Secretary the Chairman will do his best to act as both.
Chairman Peterson set out the goal of finishing our recommendations to the BOS by the time of the annual town meeting. It was agreed that any proposal for the “Green Gables” property needs to be in writing before it can go further.
The required work on the dam was discussed. Per the DEP all trees within 25’ feet of the base of the dam must be removed. This will include the ancient Sycamores on the west end of the bridge. The committee urges that no trees beyond the 25’ mark be cut.
Also discussed was the ongoing issue of what to officially call the property. Hewitt Farm, Hewitt Property, Hewitt Acres. Old Plains Farm and various other iterations of these have been proposed. Eleanor Banker is going to research the property for any historical names the land may have had.
The issue of leases on the property was discussed. The Dew Drop lease was of particular concern because the vacant building is not being improved.
A long discussion ensued from the reading of the draft recommendations documents which was a synthesis of the committees do’s and don’ts lists. This will be revised and presented again at the next meeting.
The issue of replacing the planks with a bridge over the stream by the cemetery was discussed and all agreed it was a priority.
The letter from Mr. and Mrs. Kallen was also brought up.
The issue of deer hunting with bow and arrow and control of invasive plant species were also briefly discussed.
The Botanical Society of Connecticut is tentatively set to survey the property on July 18.
Our next meeting will be on April 21 at 7:00 p.m. at the High School Media Center. This will be our regular meeting night and place for the rest of the year.
William Peterson, Chairman
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