On October 5, 2000, The Ridgefield Open Space Association launched a petition drive to secure the Bennett's Pond property for Ridgefield's future. With the help of ROSA's attorneys and the review and approval of the Ridgefield Town Counsel, we have prepared two petitions - one to acquire the northern parcel (approximately 458 acres) as open space, and one to acquire the southern parcel (approximately 155 acres) for open space, recreational or other municipal purpose.
The process we are undertaking entails three steps:
- ROSA volunteers will gather signatures representing 5% of Ridgefield's electorate (presently 750 signatures) on the petitions. These petitions will be submitted to Ridgefield's Town Clerk who will verify each signer as an "elector" of the Town of Ridgefield. She will forward the petitions to the Board of Selectmen who must then call a Special Town Meeting.
- At the Special Town Meeting , the electors of the town will vote to decide whether or not to hold a referendum on the questions contained in the petitions; if an affirmative vote is taken, the Town Meeting will set a date for the referendum.
- A town-wide referendum will then be held to allow the people of Ridgefield to decide the future of Bennett's Pond by voting "yes" or "no" to acquire each parcel.
We will be doing neighborhood canvassing, as well as collecting signatures on the weekends in various locations in town. We'll send out email messages periodically to let you know the dates, times, and places we'll be collecting signatures if you would like to sign. Valid signatures may be taken only from those who are registered voters in the Town of Ridgefield.
We have prepared a brochure entitled "The Bennett's Pond Petitions: Questions and Answers" which explains more about the property, why we are circulating these petitions, and how the process of eminent domain can be used to save the Bennett's Pond property.
If you would like to volunteer to help with the petition drive
