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Ridgefield Adds New Open Space After Town Vote

RIDGEFIELD, Conn. – A 28-acre parcel on Old Stagecoach Road was approved for purchase as open space by the Ridgefield Conservation Commission after a town vote Wednesday night.

Benjamin Oko presents the 28-acre property at Old Stagecoach Road that the Ridgefield Conservation Commission wanted to buy. The purchase was approved by the town in a special vote.

Benjamin Oko presents the 28-acre property at Old Stagecoach Road that the Ridgefield Conservation Commission wanted to buy. The purchase was approved by the town in a special vote.

Photo Credit: Alissa Smith

Residents filled the large conference room in the Town Hall to listen to a final discussion and to vote on the purchase. Although the town ultimately approved the purchase, concerns were raised.

The property will be purchased for $825,000 with funds provided by the Conservation Commission. Those funds, said resident John Katz, can be used only to purchase open space. The purchase was made with money from tax-free donations to the commission, he said.

Benjamin Oko asked for, and had approved, an amendment to the purchase agreement that would give the Conservation Commission the option to sell a 3-acre lot off Ledges Road. This 3-acre lot was the subject of the most controversy and confusion.

Most of the confusion came after Oko said, “At the end of the day, we might want to keep this property” and not sell it. Selling the lot would necessitate another town meeting for approval.

Some residents at the meeting said the commission should not purchase land for open space only to sell it later. First Selectman Rudy Marconi said this would set a precedence for the commission. Oko denied that, saying that was why the commission was putting the option upfront to the town.

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