Feb. 7 -- The Board of Selectman tonight officially received a massive petition calling for the Town to take over the Bennett's Pond property by eminent domain. The Ridgefield Open Space Association (ROSA) had collected nearly 2,800 signatures on two petitions - one for each major portion of the 600+ acre property. According to the Town Charter (Section 3-15), 5% of the voters petitioning the Town can initiate a referendum. The signatures actually certified tonight more than met that threshhold, representing 17% of the electorate. However, since the price tag for the acquisition could be as much as $10M, the Town's bond counsel advised that the measure should be presented to the Board of Finance prior to going to Town Meeting and to referendum. First Selectman Rudy Marconi told tonight's meeting that he was working with Finance Chair Bernie Dzielinski to secure an expedited consideration of the proposal, so that the requirement to hold a Town Meeting within 21 days could be met. [Photo, left] First Selectman Rudy Marconi (center) holds the two petition books, each with over 2700 signatures. Flanking him are Selectwoman Barbara Manners and Selectman Peter Yanity.
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