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"If this development is approved it will have a very negative effect on the groundwater and aquifer underneath the land," resident Mary Baier said. "To be able to protect this aquifer through a land transaction is unique opportunity that will pay off for future generations. I hope that the town will continue its talks with the Trust for Public Land and be a leader in the state when it comes to land and water conservation."
"Having a third party negotiator like the Trust for Public Land will allow us access to all information and appraisals concerning this piece of property," Susan Massino said during Monday's meeting. "Also, the Trust for Public Land is well positioned to receive grants and private donations as a non-profit organization and they will negotiate a fair price for the land and not overpay for it."
"It is imperative that we work together to ensure that this land is not developed any further in order to sustain the quality of life we enjoy in this community," Jan Beatty added. "I implore the board to work diligently in trying to preserve this parcel."
Resident Dave Chase, who is a member of the "Keep the Woods" community organization formed to prevent the Ethel Walker School land from being developed, asked the members of the board to comment on what they believe the fate of the property should be.
First Selectman Thomas Vincent pointed out that the board had made an offer to purchase the land from Ethel Walker in 2004, which was rejected, and that talks would continue between the town and the school in order to find a solution that all parties can be happy with. Vincent also pointed out that a lawsuit, filed by the "Keep the Woods" group on Monday appealing the decision that the Simsbury Conservation Commission made to amend the town's wetland map of the Ethel Walker property, prevents the board from discussing their negotiations with Ethel Walker with the public.
"We have met with the Trust for Public Land and outlined a plan with them, but because of the lawsuit made against the town and the Conservation Commission, we cannot speak any further about this issue at this time," Vincent said.
"I have been encouraged by the talks we have had so far, but I am very discouraged and disappointed by this lawsuit," board member John Hampton said. "We have been united in wanting to keep this conversation going and we hope the public will support our efforts so we can move forward."
"If the plans to develop the Ethel Walker property is approved and goes forward, we believe that this appeal is the only avenue we can take to prevent that from happening," 'Keep the Woods' member Karen Brand said. "We will do whatever we can to appeal the decision to change the wetlands maps as we see this as the only way to keep this land that we all love so much."
"If the development should proceed, we aim to ensure that it adheres to all regulations at every step," Susan Massino, who is also a member of "Keep the Woods," explained. "It is not a lawsuit it is an appeal of the map decision by the wetlands commission. If the development process does proceed we feel that it is imperative that the delineation of the wetlands associated with our drinking water aquifer is accurate. Again, this is not a lawsuit against the town, it is for the protection of our wetlands and our water, and a map amendment is the first step."
