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ROSA Update - December 20,2001

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After three years, countless meetings, public hearings, and the efforts of many open space advocates and public officials, Ridgefield at long last took title to the 458-acre north parcel of the Bennett's Pond property!

On Thursday, December 20, 2001 at 3:30 pm, Town Attorney Monte Frank recorded the Certificate of Taking on the Ridgefield Land records, thus conveying title to the land to the Town.

Town Attorney Monte Frank (far right) records the "Certificate of Taking" in the Ridgefield land records, officially conveying title to the 458 acres to the town. Witnessing the event are (left to right) First Selectman Rudy Marconi, Town Clerk Barbara Serfilippi, and ROSA President Ellen Burns.

Words cannot quite convey the elation felt by all those who have worked so hard and so long for this to happen. We will certainly be celebrating tonight, and taking our first (legal) hike on the land this weekend.

ROSA organized a celebratory hike on December 23. Nearly 50 ROSA supporters enjoyed the beautiful clear day, along with hot mulled cider, cookies and brownies at the midpoint of the hike. For many, it was their first glimpse of this beautiful land.

There is still much work to be done, including securing the 155-acre south parcel, as well as the efforts to preserve McKeon's Farm and other important lands. ROSA will continue to work toward the acquisition of both of these parcels, aiming for Ridgefield's 30% open space goal.

The Core Committee would like to acknowledge the efforts and hard work of our elected officials, without whom this property could not have been saved: Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi, Selectmen Barbara Manners, Steve Zemo, and Peter Yanity, and State Representative John Frey. We will be forever grateful to them, as will future generations of Ridgefielders who will enjoy this beautiful land as open space in perpetuity. We are also very grateful for the hard work, perseverance and good advice of our town attorneys, Monte Frank and David Grogins of Cohen and Wolf.

To our supporters - Thank you for your time and enthusiasm, and your moral and financial support. It wouldn't have happened without you.

We made a difference!

Ellen Burns
ROSA