Ridgefield News
August 29, 2001

Bennett's Pond Hearing

Bennett's Pond: Public Hearing Another Milestone On Path To Resolution

First Selectman Marconi answers a question from the audience about the Town's bond rating and continuing ability to issue bonds at favorable rates. He and Controller Jay Wahlberg (left) just met with bond rating agencies in Manhattan and were pleased that the just-issued $65 million worth of debt was priced at 4.2-4.3%, very favorable rates historically.

About 150 Ridgefielders turned out for tonight's hearing. Most were the same people who have attended previous hearings and meetings on the future of the Bennett's Pond property.

Aug. 29 -- At tonight's public hearing on the upcoming Bennett's Pond referendum, the same people made the same arguments that have been heard at numerous hearings and meetings over the last two years. It's doubtful that anyone's mind was changed. The good news is that the town is one step closer to the goal First Selectman Marconi has been pursuing since he took office: enabling the townspeople of Ridgefield to make an informed decision on how to deal with the 600+ acre property, the last large open space in Ridgefield. The next step is on Sept. 12 - another Public Hearing and Town Meeting to finalize details on the Board of Selectmen-proposed referendum to acquire the property for $11.6 million. Assuming approval by the Town Meeting, a town-wide referendum will take place on Sept. 25.