1971-11-16 eJTJ r.�S of T r{, CON3 VJ1TIO J o0� 1SSiON
Nove*Kber 16, 1971
Those present were A . Pengston, Chairman, A. Benson, A . 'qeimann,
Murray, Dr. L. Chotkowski and M. Clapp.
Absent : Dr. V. Rin •rose, J. Paskiewicz
Agenda
Chairman Bengston reviewed the minutes of the October meeting. Mr. Murray
willcontact owners of flood plain and wetland area, so that the area northeast
to Middletown Road from the Sage nronerty can be reserved for open space wetlands.
A total of 216 acres is involved .
Dr. Chotkowskimentioned two owners of contiguous property in that area who
might he willing to give land for conservation.
Webster Park. Mr. Bengston reported that the state highway department can t
obtain federal approval of the route which would cut off 14
acres of the park.
Sage Property. Mr. Benson asked about plans for the area. He does not favor
a stadium. Mr. Bengston noted that the Conservation Commission
is charged with responsibility for deveonment of it, and stressed
that itshould be assumed.
Dr. Chotkowski added thatnothing should be done without the
approval of the Conservation Commission.
Ragged mountain Mr. Murray reported that he had met with Stalley Foundation
renresentatives and lawyers regarding the pronerty, and dis-
cussed future use, including nature and hike trails. Person-
1 . nel from the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation (Philadelphia) will
look over the area . The Department, or vironmertal Protection
representative suggested a letter to the Park and Recreation
Commission from Conservation on our concern over nroner devel-
opment consistent With the use specified in the application.
Property owned by _Tischell and 'graham (34 acres) is available
for '34,000. Survey would he n1,500. The DFP has encouraged
2. acouisi.tion of it.; reasonable assurance is given that. feds
will contribute 50 per cent. There would he no commitment
from the state.
If the part were extended to the Reservoir and the New Britain
line, a total of 70 acres would he involved, at a cost of $175,000.
This would be a new proiect, including new applications. The
3. Stanley Taoundation would nick un the survey costs. The ques-
tion was nosed about whether the town would be interested
qtr. in nutting up 25 ner cent of this cost -- a resolution would
he needed. Mr. Murray will discuss the nossibilities with
Mr, P.N. Jackaway, Town Counsel.
Dr. ^,hot kowski nronosed that a. resolution be presented to
Ir.
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C0NSRVATIO'r - movemher 16, 1971
town meeting, which would support in principal acquisition
of the total 70 acres to extend the park to Shuttle Meadow
Ave. The mostion was seconded by A . Benson and the vote
in favor unanimous.
Gypsy MothConference. n letter was read regarding a state conference on
Typsv moths, and Dr. Chotkowski was appointed repre-
sentative of the commission. The meeting is in
'iiddletown on December 4.
Acouisition of land
at Berlin Ft. and Grove. The Park and Rec. Commission requested acquisition
of 25.6 acres behind the Hubbard School for sports
and family picnics on "rounds that it was dangerous
for children to cross highway to Sage. A letter from
Mr. 1,TcGlong, Recreation Director, to the Board of
Selectmen recommended such acquisition.
Mr. Bengston stated that he did not think that ac-
quisition of land for recreation purposes such as a
swimming pool was the responsibility of the Conserva_
tion Commission. He emphasized that the primary
s
r interest of the Commission was not in planned
recreational activity, but in conservation of land,
and that current acquisitions should be considered
carefully.
Conservation Grants. Notige of the Ford Foundation program was read, but nO
Z action tamken. Five thousand dollars is the top grant,
and anything over 1750 must be max matched.
New 3usiness: Dr. Chotkowski suggested approaching New Britain again
in re the Glen brook. Mr. Murray suggested that a
1. letter be written to YAyor Pac in regard to it, with a
copy for the new chairman of the Water Board.
2. Dr. Chotkowski also proposed that the Commission purchase
open space land around well sites in the south end to
prevent potential pollution. He suggested that such
action be taken in conjunction with activity of the
water and sewer commission. The chairman replied that
he did not think such open space acquisition was the
responsibility of the Conservation Commission. Rather it
was that of the .Mater and Sewer Commission to protect
water supply sources.
Adjournment to January 1972. 10:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
11. Clapp