Chronology of the Campaign to Save Bennetts Ponds (Most recent events first) May 1999 Eureka V LLC submits petitions to P&Z to amend text of CDD zoning regulations to allow construction of a mixed use development, including hotel/conference centers, golf courses, condominiums, and single-family houses. Apr 1999 Board Of Selectmen approve $30,000 to provide independent environmental study of Bennetts Ponds property after ROSA's petition to P&Z. Mar 1999 U.S. Representative Jim Maloney and Danbury Mayor Gene Eriquez, question the logic of a large-scale development on Bennetts Ponds property in March 1 Danbury News Times article. 125 area residents brave snowstorm to attend ROSA's first public forum on Bennetts Ponds ROSA members, other residents propose various amendments designed to aid Bennetts Ponds preservation and properly define "open space" in Ridgefield's Plan For Conservation And Development at March 9 P&Z open hearing on the Plan. Some ROSA suggestions appear likely to be incorporated in final Plan. Ridgefield Board Of Selectmen unanimously adopt proposal delivered by State Representative John Frey, encouraging the pursuit of the purchase of Bennetts Ponds property. In April, Danbury Mayor Eriquez added his support for this resolution by signing a joint letter with Abe Morelli sent to the DEP. Jan 1999 ROSA incorporates as a not-for-profit group, announces mission to preserve property Ridgefield Conservation Commission unanimously votes to support the idea of the acquisition of the Bennetts Ponds property for open space. Connecticut DEP commissioner Art Rocque Jr., responding to ROSA inquiry, calls for purchase of Bennetts Ponds property as part of CT Natural Resource & Heritage Trust. ROSA asks town government to obtain potential selling price for Bennetts Ponds property from owners. Eureka names $32.5 million price tag, approximately 4 times purchase price. Dec 1998 Eureka unveils preliminary development plans: 500,000 sq ft commercial space, 200-room hotel/conference center, 27-hole golf course, 250 residences July 1998 Future ROSA member makes inquiries to town officials and IBM representatives as to why the property was not purchased by the town for $8 Million. No clear explanations emerge from either side. Investigation is chronicled in August 20, 1998 Ridgefield Press article written by Macklin Reid and Ellen Burns Apr 1998 Town pays $7.45 Million for the 59-acre Ippoliti property (for school site, subsequently turn down by voters) Feb 1998 Eureka V LLC pays $7.97 Million for 679-acre "IBM property" now known as "Bennetts Ponds" Jan 1998 Private Ridgefield citizen (future ROSA member) Debby Mandelbaum submits application to consider IBM land for acquisition under CT Natural Resource & Heritage Trust 1996 Town purchases Friedman property in Ridgebury for $16 Million (significantly over market value) in order to settle lawsuits filed against the Town by Friedman and his partner, and to reduce the density of development on the land. Town creates subdivision and roads on the property and subsequently resells 59 single-family lots on 159 acres to Pinnacle Developers of NJ for $11.6 Million. Ridgefield P&Z requests that the Board of Selectmen initiate discussions with IBM for the acquisition of the property. First Selectman Sue Manning indicates a meeting is scheduled with IBM representatives in mid-June. 1994 IBM releases stewardship report outlining a plan to maintain the property in largely undeveloped state. The plan notes environmental and ecological significance of site. 1974 IBM proposes construction of corporate training center, including a heliport, on their recently acquired property. Opposition within the town to the heloport forces IBM to withdraw plans.