Last night, the Ridgefield Board of Selectmen voted (3-1-1) to purchase the entire Bennett's Pond property in Ridgefield (613 acres) by negotiated purchase or eminent domain. Votes in favor of the resolution came from Selectmen Barbara Manners, Steve Zemo and Peter Yanity. Joseph Heyman voted no, and First Selectman Rudy Marconi abstained.

The vote included a CGS 8-24 referral to the Planning & Zoning Commission (required under state law for proposed acquisitions of town property), and set dates for the public hearing and Town meeting vote.

IMPORTANT DATES!!!!

The public hearing will take place on WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, and the Town Meeting will be held on WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25. At the Town Meeting, a vote will be taken and (if approved) a date for a referendum will be set. Times and locations will be determined soon.

It is imperative that all our supporters be in attendance for these critical meetings and be prepared to speak in support of the acquisition.

On a parallel track, Eureka V LLC has submitted an application to the P&Z and Inland Wetland Board (IWB) for their latest attempt to develop the property. A public hearing on these applications has been tentatively set for TUESDAY, MAY 1. We must be prepared to present arguments against approval of these applications, as the process of acquiring the property by eminent domain will clearly not be completed by that date.

This is a critical time for our efforts to save this land from development - please set aside these dates and be sure to attend the public hearings and town meeting! We'll send email reminders as soon as the times and locations are announced.

Needless to say, we are extremely pleased with this vote, which provides us with a new opportunity to make our case to the people of Ridgefield. Thank you for your continued interest and support!

Ellen Burns
ROSA