Proposed Development Estimates $78M in Increased Earnings

O,R&L, the development company hired by the Riverhouse,  presented a report which details the proposed benefits of developing the 17+ acre parcel of land that abuts the Riverhouse property.

According to the proposal, the development of the property could potentially increase Haddam tax revenue by nearly $400,000 and create over 1,400 jobs in the process. The creation of jobs, accordng to the proposal, would increase earnings to the local economy by about $78 million.

Additionally, the proposal states that the swap of the property would preserve 87 acres of open space and "remediate environmentally contaminated land" in the process of its development.

The Riverhouse, in a recent mailing to the residents of Haddam and East Haddam, stated that "we believe the land exchange represents meaningful conservation, smart growth and economic opportunity in the form of real jobs for our residents and their children...and bring a needed lift to existing area businesses". 

The swap proposal is contained in a land conveyance bill pending in the state senate. The measure calls for trading just over 17  acres in Tylerville that overlook the Connecticut River for 87 acres in Higganum that abut the Cockaponset State Forest.

The swap is backed by state Sen. Eileen Daily, D-Westbrook. Recently, Rep. Phil Miller, D-Essex,  proposed an amendment that would remove the proposed swap from the current bill.

Opponents argue the swap would destroy a picturesque natural habitat that overlooks the Connecticut River and the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam. They also argue it would dampen future sales and donations of open space to Connecticut.