OLD LYME PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011
PRESENT WERE: Chairman Harold Thompson, Robert McCarthy, Steven Ross, Chris Kerr and Alternate Stephen Martino seated for Connie Kastelowitz.
OPEN SPACE ACQUISTION – AMES PROPERTY
Diana Atwood Johnson presented the commission with a map that outlines using various colors the protected land areas in town. She explained the ownership that each color represented on the map of the protected parcels which includes town owned land, open space land, Old Lyme Conservation Trust, Nature Conservancy, conservation easements, federal land, and open space land that was acquired as a result of subdivision approvals.
Johnson stated the Open Space Committee has been negotiating with Steven Ames since 1996 or 1997. Johnson oriented the commission with the parcels that surround the Ames property. She stated the Open Space Committee has presently reached an agreement with Mr. Ames to sell the 71 acres of land (8-1 Evergreen Trail, a portion of the Parcel 23/2) to the Town of Old Lyme for permanent protection as Open Space at a price of $10,000.00 an acre. In addition Mr. Ames has offered and agreed to donate to the Town his fee interest in approximately 35.42 acres of land (41 Whippoorwill Road, Parcel 23/2/B1) that currently is encumbered by a Conservation Easement in favor of the Town of Old Lyme. She noted that this parcel will also be permanently protected as Open Space.
She noted that this piece has many great characteristics. She stated it is the headwaters for the Black Hall River. She also noted that over the years two Native American sites have been identified in this area and noted that one is located on this property. Johnson also presented the commission with a map that identifies all the important and historic cultural resources in the town. She further noted that the Plan of Conservation and Development states that the town needs to preserve these treasures. She also refereed to the 1996 Open Space Plan which identified this parcel as a site to be protected. She also noted that this parcel meets 5 of the 7 characteristics of open space land as well as 7 of the 10 priorities outlined as being important to the Town of Old Lyme.
Johnson also noted that the Conservation Trust is trying to purchase two of the adjoining parcels. She stated the goal is to partner together in this venture. She further stated, if however, they are unable to purchase the property then the Open Space Committee would pursue purchasing it themselves.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Thompson informed the commission that Sean Mulligan will no longer be serving on the commission. He also noted that he had spoken with Connie Kastelowitz and she indicated she would be submitting a letter of resignation. Thompson noted that he thanked her for her service and all her knowledge and expertise she brought to the commission. The commission also discussed moving some of the current alternate members up to regular members. Harold Thompson made a motion to table this item until the February meeting. Robert McCarthy seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
AMEND AGENDA
Harold Thompson made a motion to amend the regular meeting agenda to add an item to discuss the Open Space Acquisition as presented by Diana Atwood Johnson concerning the 70 acre Ames parcel. Robert McCarthy seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
OPEN SPACE AQUISTION – AMES PROPERTY
Chris Kerr recused himself from the discussion.
Steve Ross stated he felt this was a good deal for the town as well as the residents of the town and also fair to the property owner. He further stated he felt it was an excellent parcel to protect and thought it was a good use of the funds that the town has been allocating each year for open space purposes. Martino concurred with Mr. Ross. McCarthy stated given the location he also felt it was the right thing to do and only expressed concern that all of the funds would be used for this purchase.
Steve Ross made a motion that the Planning Commission indicate that it is in favor of the Open Space Acquisition of the Ames Property. Stephen Martino seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
READING AND APPROVAL OF THE DECEMBER 9, 2010 MINUTES
Steve Ross made a motion to waive the reading and approve the Regular Meeting minutes of December 9, 2010 as submitted. Robert McCarthy seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
READING AND APPROVAL OF THE DECEMBER 28, 2010 MINUTES
Steve Ross made a motion to waive the reading and approve the Special Meeting minutes of December 28, 2010 as submitted. Robert McCarthy seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Kim Groves
Land Use Administrator
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