Joan Coe
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Platinum Board Member
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ETHEL WALKER LAND DEAL - VOTE "NO" - 2006/11/02 08:26
This letter was published in The Simsbury Post. It was written by David C. Balboni
What happens if the School does not reach an agreement with TPL
> or the funding does not come through?
>
>
>
> Preservation is everyone's first choice. However, it's important to
> recognize several key points about the development plan that has been
> proposed:
>
>
>
> * It involves the development of less than 63% of the land on
> the west side of Bushy Hill Road.
>
> * With 103 lots, the plan proposes far fewer than the 200+ that
> zoning laws would entitle us to develop.
>
> * The development will not have a negative impact on the riding
> program; we are actively involved in expanding and renovating the riding
> facility (a $7.7 million project) and remain completely committed to our
> riding program, which is stronger than ever and is a key admissions
> draw.
>
> * Every aspect of the land including wetlands, vernal pools,
> animal migratory patterns, and potential archeological sites, has been
> surveyed and taken into account.
>
> * We are aware that a portion of the land sits atop an aquifer
> and have been studying this issue in depth.
>
> * None of the houses would be visible from Bushy Hill Road.
>
> * The development would have strict restrictions regarding tree
> cutting, fertilizer use, hard paved areas, etc. There would be seven
> miles of pedestrian and equestrian trails and we anticipate that the
> open space would be an appealing attraction for potential home buyers.
>
> * Should an agreement with TPL fail to come to fruition and the
> School resorts to developing the land, the School would NOT act as the
> developer. The School would hire a developer and outline the various
> environmental and design restrictions in advance of the sale.
>
> * We have studied the tax issues in depth and have received
> expert advice on how to structure the sale to avoid incurring property
> tax liability should the property be subdivided.
>
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