OLD LYME CONSERVATION COMMISSION, OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE
BUSINESS MEETING / 1/13/06
The monthly business meeting of the Committee was called to order at 8:30 a.m. by Chairman George James. Present were members Amanda Blair, Jenn Hillhouse, Diana A. Johnson, Connie Kastelowitz, Ted Kiritsis and Dave mcCulloch.
The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted as printed.
George gave an update on the Lea Griswold property to wit: Tim Griswold has not yet received from TNC a copy of their bargain sale procedures. Matters under question include asking price of $1.4million for 53 acres, BHClub having purchased an abutting property may not buy Lot #1 on Buttonball, the appraisal for Old Shore Rd is high, BHC
will still pay 50% and a bargain sale could be $900k leaving the Town to pay $450k. None of the above is firm.
George presented the end of the year report and praised the Planning Commission for their work on regulations. The report was approved by the members present. Discussion then ensued on the following.
The proposed workshop agenda would include easement text with discussion on perpetuity, easement ownership, enforcement of easement requirements and accessibility of recreation land to all lots in development.
Discussion on Land Acquisition Protocol (draft #4) followed. Adoption of the protocol moved by Connie, seconded by Dave and amended by Diana with the following additions: #4 line 2, insert “designated” between “other” and “member”; insert the following after “not” in #3, line 3 :” Prior to submission to Conservation & Planning, a vote to acquire the property must be taken on the complete proposal.” The motion as amended was passed unanimously.
The duties of the Open Space Manager were approved.
A capital budget request would ease the property acquisition process.
A list of properties which could be considered was distributed. Steve Ames has plans for 139 acres, has sold one lot of 8 acres and states we will be offered more land.
Election of 2006 officers was held with absence of Crosby, Griswold & Hoxby noted. George declined service as Chair per outside pressure. Ted nominated Diana, Dave seconded and she was elected unanimously as Chair. Jenn nominated, Diana seconded George to serve as Vice Chair, and he was also elected unanimously.
George reported the OLCT is working on the acquisition of Nancy Griswold’s 26 acres and the Filosi property just South of it off Four Mile River Road.
Cummings property plans are still incomplete. There are 15 points of contention in the development plans
FMTM (Aria) still in wetlands consideration. 3 crossings are proposed.
Foster: The status is unknown. George has written them about the proposed walkway
and parking area. The agreement with the Town of O.L. ended 12/31/05 and further work must have a new agreement. George will write the Selectmen re clean up and the ROW. Ted will also get information and complain.
100 Acres (Cherrystones) Tim G. has spoken with Andy Montanaro who states the project is underway. Diana suggests attending the Selectmen’s meeting 1/17 at 4 p.m. and requesting that the Town buy the property.The property consists of 2 parcels, one, the restaurant and parking, and the second, the balance of the parcel (27 acres).
Strategies: ? focus on partial property purchase, or even ROW, Bargain Sales, donation of easements (good tax deductions), need for latest information on bargain sales.
Diana complimented George on the incredible job he has done, and all members concurred.
THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE 2/10/06 AT 8:30 A.M. AT TOWN HALL.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:20.
Jennifer G. Hillhouse
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