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Open Space Committee Minutes 02/10/2006
OLD LYME CONSERVATION COMMISSION, OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE
BUSINESS MEETING, 2/10/06

The meeting was convened at the Town Hall at 8:00 a.m., Chairman Diana A. Johnson presiding.  Present were members Amanda Blair, Ted Crosby, Jenn Hillhouse,  Connie Kastelowitz and Ted Kiritsis, and guests Jeff Flower and Tony Hendriks.

The minutes of the January meeting were accepted with one correction: re the Cummings property plan of development, there are 57 points of contention, not 15.

Diana invited Tony & Jeff  to present their ideas re development of the Cummings parcel. Tony opened with an enthusiastic endorsement of open space then he and Jeff stated the following:  planning was started 2 ½ years ago; the parcel was one piece until the ‘50’s; it is now 2, one piece of 1.25 acres containing residences and one of 19.21 acres for which there are 6 lots proposed, none of which will have more than 1 acre of usable space; there is a quasi Town road owned by Cummings, a new road would be built to Town Road specs; open space 150’x1000’ along the river will have a conservation easement owned by the homeowners’ association; no clear cutting will be allowed; regulations must be established before being approved by Zoning; they hope to have the proposal before Planning ASAP. A continuation of the public hearing will be on the 4th Tues in Feb.

Tony then described a proposal for Broadbrook Estates (Aria), a plan denied by the Wetlands Committee. The piece bisects Stones Ranch. One lot has been approved. Plans (still in development stage) are for 5 lots on 50 acres, setting aside 16 acres for OS next to Stones Ranch. The 2500’ access road requires 3 wetlands crossings. Diana stated new plans are to be delivered today and will be discussed at our next meeting.

Diana has spoken with Jeff Sturges, the liaison between the Bd. of Finance and the non profits and OS. Our budget request will be heard 3/14. George has asked for $500,000 for capital expenditure and $96,000 for expenses.We have $220,000 in our acquisition fund & will receive $75,000 from Ben Franklin Rd. abandonment. We also have $4804 in appraisal fund and receive fees in lieu. Ann Brown states that an agenda must be posted 1 week before a meeting and minutes should be posted in 7 days. She recommends we develop a “one pager” informing developers what we desire. Keep email to a minimum.

The Wetlands Ordinance was adopted at the annual Town Meeting. Enforcement may be difficult. It is suggested that ATV’s be registered. Copies of the OS regulations were distributed to the members present.

Connie reported that the Planning Comm. is in favor of a workshop. Diana will work on an agenda. Diana stated that as there is no deal on the table re the Schmitt property, we will come back to the State to renegotiate if another opportunity arises.She has given the OS purchase protocols to the Conservation Comm. which will review them. She will also give a copy to Planning.

Elizabeth Griswold Whitley parcel: 4 lots are proposed on a long piece between Ben Franklin Rd. and Meetinghouse Lane. Metcalf is Lea Griswold and his sister’s rep. Plans have not yet been disclosed. Diana will speak with David Dangremond & Selectman Tim Griswold. Plans for this parcel and the Buttonball Rd piece could be completed at the same time. The Black Hall Club is still interested, but an update is needed.

Pedersen: Diana suggested we invite Bob Doane to discuss their OS plans for this Bill Hill  parcel. It is 90 acres,  may have 3 wetland crossings and consist of 17 lots. An OS portion would be approximately 13.5 acres.

100 Acres: no report. The Conservation Comm has written to the Selectmen recommending that the Town purchase the property.

The nest meeting will be March 10 at 8:30 a.m. at Town Hall. Crosby moved to adjourn, seconded by Kastelowitz and the meeting was adjourned at 10:45.


Jennifer G. Hillhouse