On a Mission to Stop the Swap

Dear Governor Dannel Malloy,  

I am writing to you to urge you to Decide NO on SB1196 Section 10 concerning the Haddam Land Swap part of the land conveyance bill which is slated to be discussed and voted on in the Senate and House of Representatives. 

You have the power to resolve this issue.  This is NOT surplus land.

Along with many other concerned citizens, last Saturday I took a site walk of the 17.4 Connecticut River view parcel in Haddam which is part of the Clark Creek Wildlife Management Area that the state purchased with conservation funds.  The deed indicates that this land should remain as open space for the enjoyment of residents in perpetuity.  There's no question what the intent of the seller and the buyer (our DEP) was at the time of the sale.  If you haven’t had a chance to review the language in the warranty deed, here it is for your convenience. 

It states “Warranty Deed (Vol 263.pg 319) ….a prime natural feature of the CT landscape, has high priority recreation, fishery, and conservation value, and is consistent with the state comprehensive plan for outdoor recreation and the state plan of conservation and development, and should be retained in its natural scenic or open condition as park or public space.”   

There are NO other examples of state land in CT being conveyed to a private
developer for their economic gain.  Residents have repeatedly requested
information concerning any similar transaction from the DEP and from Senator
Eileen Daily, who's backing this bill.  Although Senator Daily has made
assurances that this doesn't set a precedent, neither she nor any other
government agency can cite one other example.  This transaction WILL set
precedence.  The land is in an area designated as one of the most scenic places
on earth by the Nature Conservancy. 

This will have a chilling impact on future open space and conservation land
donations as people who are considering donating the land to be used by future
generations will see that it could be sold to the highest bidder at the whim of
a town, region or state.  Their generous donation will be for nothing and
against their stated intent.  Some residents living in the Connecticut River
valley have already indicated that if the swap goes through they will not donate
any of their considerable land holdings to the state or land trusts.  This goes
against the wishes and generosity of the original donor whose intention was that
this amazing land, with stunning views of the Connecticut River, be forever
available to the people of Connecticut in perpetuity.

As you may have heard, there are serious questionable issues surrounding
the changing assessments of the 17.4 river view acre parcel and the 87 acres
near Cockaponsett state forest in Haddam.   Many believe this is aimed at making these parcels appear to be similar in value (a requirement of land conveyance) when in fact the 17.4 acre parcel is far more valuable being originally purchased at $1.35 million and later assessed at $1,550,000 in 2009.  However in 2010, the assessment for this land plummeted 72%.   This assessment defies logic.  The original value of the 87 acres is just a fraction of what the river view parcel is. 

These assessments need much closer scrutiny before any vote by the Senate or House takes place.    
 
The developer's conceptual plans for this river view parcel clearly show them
building on the Connecticut River front Eagle Landing State Park.  What's next –
will they try to swap more undesirable land and take away this amazing state
park from Connecticut residents? 

Attached are some pictures from the site walk.   I urge you and your fellow
lawmakers and public officials to take a walk and see it for your selves. 
You'll notice the parcel's proximity to the Connecticut River, the amazing river
views, the wildflower meadow area and then the luscious green forested area with
many trees and ferns.  There's a vegetable cellar on site that hearkens back to
the olden days.  Hawks and turkey vultures soar overhead.  We found Jack in the
Pulpit flowers, many other beautiful plants and birds, a robin's nest with four
blue eggs.  This is NOT the sand pit and dumping ground that the Riverhouse
Partners and Sen. Daily have described.  If it's so horrible, why do they want
it so badly?

While economic development and jobs are important, preserving this wonderful gem of nature with a stunning river view is equally as important.  Please keep in mind that the water is contaminated in this area.  Significant infrastructure improvements in the form of public sewers, a public water system, and widened roads would be needed to make this project a reality.  Surely there is other land available that's not in such a sensitive environmental area for the developer to pursue for this
project.  
 
This land was given to us residents.  It's a gift by the state purchased with
conservation funds - with our tax dollars - for us to enjoy forever.   These
17.4 acres belong to the residents of Connecticut.  We have not had an
opportunity to vote on this project in public forum, referendum or town
meetings. 

Please Stop the Swap and have this parcel of land removed from the land
conveyance bill.  Please Decide NO. 

Best regards,

David Boston