Both Mike Mandelbaum (left) and Mike Jones (right) urged townspeople to preserve the entire Bennett's Pond parcel as open space. Mandelbaum said he believed that taking of property by eminent domain should be used only as a "last resort." He added, "We are at the last resort," and advocated passage of the measure to take the property. Jones, a former Democratic Selectman who was the first public official to speak out in favor of taking the property for open space, summarized, "We cannot afford NOT to buy this property."
[Left] Marty Carr complained about coming increases in property taxes, and questioned what price tag the town can afford for the Bennett's Pond property. He also questioned what the town's bargaining position with the developers would be, if the eminent domain measure went down todefeat in a referendum. [Right] Most of the large crowd remained throughout the two-hour-plus hearing.
[Left] First Selectman Marconi maintained a firm, friendly hand throughout the proceedings. Many speakers praised his leadership in providing for a full and open discussion of all sides of the issue. The debate was exemplary in the respect speakers showed for opponents' points of view, and by the fact that everyone seemed to be genuinely looking for the best answer for the town. [Right] Democratic Town Committee member Pat Baker read a statement from her husband Al, a member of the ROSA Core Committee. Al's statement described the uniqueness of the Bennett's Pond property as a key component of one of the largest wildlife habitats in this part of the country. He explained that the environment supported a number of threatened woodland species, and would be jeapordized by the proposed development of the site. Al, who serves on the Ridgefield Conservation Commission and is Treasurer of the Saugatuck Valley Audubon Society, was unable to attend tonight's meeting due to illness.
[Left] Lisa Maurer, an attorney, questioned the realism of the $10-11 million price proposed by those advocating taking the property by eminent domain. She argued against taking the entire parcel by eminent domain, saying the cost would make the town unaffordable to seniors and other middle income people. [Right] Traugott Keller explained that he was a former IBM executive, and recounted IBM's original plan to build a management development center on what is now known as Bennett's Pond. He argued against the current developer's proposal, saying he "couldn't stand to see the property get into the hands of an outfit like Eureka."
GO TO
Index to All the News
Brought to you by the Ridgefield, Ct.
Democratic Town Committee, Jim Diamond, Chairman
Paid for by The Ridgefield Democratic Town Committee, Edwin C. Pearson, Treasurer
