Monthly Archives: August 2006

http://www.courant.com/news/local/fv/hc-simboard0829.artaug29,0,6174389.story Board Moves To Save Preservation Plan Phased-In Spending May Beat Objections To Ethel Walker Deal By DIANE STRUZZI Courant Staff Writer August 29 2006 SIMSBURY --In a last-minute effort to revive a land deal to preserve 420 acres at the Ethel Walker School, the board of selectmen unanimously recommended spreading the funding for the acquisition over several years.The approval Monday night was met with applause from audience members who earlier this month saw the board of finance defeat a proposal for a one-time appropriation of $11.1 million toward the acquisition."I think this agreement reflects a common-sense approach to…

http://www.courant.com/news/local/fv/hc-simwalker0826.artaug26,0,7750739.story Land Issue To Be Discussed Board To Consider November Vote By DANIEL P. JONES Courant Staff Writer August 26 2006 SIMSBURY --The board of selectmen will meet in a special session Monday to discuss the town's stance on the Ethel Walker School property.Board members met Friday afternoon in a closed-door session but took no action.Those who support preserving more than 400 acres of the school property as open space are hopeful that the issue can be put before voters on the November ballot."I'm looking forward to a resolution of this," said Diane Nash, a founding member of Keep…

http://www.courant.com/news/local/fv/hc-simland0817.artaug17,0,7467829.story Land Deal Might Get On Ballot By DIANE STRUZZI Courant Staff Writer August 17 2006 SIMSBURY -- Voters might still get a chance to say whether they support the town's preserving more than 400 acres owned by the Ethel Walker School.A day after the board of finance rejected a proposal to appropriate $11.1 million toward the effort, some town officials say they are confident that the issue, in some form, will be on the November ballot."I have faith that the town boards and commissions can work out arrangements so it's on the ballot," First Selectman Thomas Vincent said…

http://www.courant.com/news/local/fv/hc-simland0816.artaug16,0,6746931.story Board Denies Funding For Land Action Will Keep Question Of Appropriating $11.1 Million To Preserve Property Off Ballot By DIANE STRUZZI Courant Staff Writer August 16 2006 SIMSBURY --The board of finance on Tuesday night rejected a proposal to appropriate $11.1 million to preserve 420-plus acres owned by the Ethel Walker School, ending the chance of putting the question to voters on the November ballot.The five board members also defeated a proposal to set the appropriation figure at $5 million.No one would make a motion to consider $8.5 million, even though finance board Chairman Paul Henault urged them…

http://www.courant.com/news/local/fv/hc-simland0815.artaug15,0,6026033.story Land Preservation's Price Weighed Officials To Discuss Issue Tonight By DIANE STRUZZI Courant Staff Writer August 15 2006 SIMSBURY --An emotional debate about town preservation of 420 acres owned by Ethel Walker School centers on price.That issue is likely to be the main topic tonight when board of finance members discuss the proposed land acquisition. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Eno Memorial Hall on Hopmeadow Street.Last week, the board of selectmen recommended the town appropriate $11.1 million toward purchase of the land primarily along Bushy Hill Road that includes forest, trails and wetlands. The figure…

http://www.courant.com/news/local/fv/hc-simland0810.artaug10,0,2421543.story Board Agrees On Land Deal Town Selectmen Support $11.1 Million Conservation Proposal By DIANE STRUZZI Courant Staff Writer August 10 2006 SIMSBURY --After listening to more than an hour of public comment Wednesday night - much of it in support of conserving more than 420 acres owned by the Ethel Walker School - the board of selectmen recommended the town appropriate $11.1 million to preserve the property.Initially, the board considered passing a resolution that included an appropriation for only $8.5 million. But Selectman John Romano asked to increase the recommended appropriation to $11.1 million. Romano's request was met…

http://www.courant.com/news/local/fv/hc-simland0809.artaug09,0,57662.story Board Takes Up Land Purchase Issue By DIANE STRUZZI Courant Staff Writer August 9 2006 SIMSBURY --In a pivotal but preliminary step, the board of selectmen will decide tonight whether to move forward on preserving 424 acres of land owned by the Ethel Walker School, acreage that was once slated to include a subdivision of luxury homes.The main issue - how much the town is willing to spend to buy the land. In June, the school and the Trust for Public Land, a national nonprofit conservation organization, reached an agreement, offering to sell development rights to the town…

http://www.courant.com/news/local/fv/hc-5brf0808_2.artaug08,0,3465413.story Board To Review Land Acquisition August 8 2006 SIMSBURY - --The board of selectmen will review a proposal to acquire a tract owned by Ethel Walker School, at a special meeting to be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the Eno Memorial Hall Auditorium on Hopmeadow Street. The selectmen will discuss and possibly approve a resolution concerning the land, according to a town meeting agenda. The private school once considered building luxury homes on part of the 424 acres and is offering to sell development rights to the town for $13.85 million. The land, on Bushy Hill Road,…