Malloy Weighs in on Land Swap Decision

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy believes the land swap in Haddam "strikes the appropriate balance between environmental protection and economic development," one of his spokesmen said Friday.

In a statement issued today Colleen Flanagan said Malloy believes the agreement to swap 17.4 acres in Haddam for 87 acres in Higganum means the state "stands to gain five times as much land in the exchange and it specifically affords residents the opportunity to voice their support or opposition to the proposed land use on the local level. After hearing from vocal supporters and opponents, touring the property himself and soliciting the opinion of his commissioner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Governor Malloy is convinced this land swap is the right thing to do."

This is the first substantial comment Malloy has issued on the land swap controversy, which has raged in Haddam and beyond for months. Malloy signed the land swap measure into law Friday morning when he approved the omnibus conveyance bill that contained the proposal.  

Environmental groups locally and across the state, however, have decried the decision, saying it would set a dangerous precedent of giving state conservation lands to developers and could discourage future land sales and donations to the state. The issue has driven a political wedge between Democrats like Malloy and the bill's sponsor, State Sen. Eileen M. Daily, both of whom have normally been supported by environmental activists. 

Under the swap, the 17.4 acres that overlook the Connecticut River would be given to the owners of the Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station, who want to undertake retail development on the land that would complement their banquet facility.