Closing to be Delayed in Powder Ridge Deal

Middlefield First Selectman Jon Brayshaw said Monday that an Aug. 1 deadline on the closing sale of Powder Ridge Ski Area to Alpine Ridge LLC will be delayed, possibly as long as a month.

Brayshaw said the process is taking a little longer than expected due to the necessary permits and easements needed for the sale.

"We're gonna get this done. Everything on our end is very positive," Alpine President Dennis Abplanalp said in a phone message left with Brayshaw.

Brayshaw said Abplanalp is working closely with town planner Geoff Colegrove to make sure the work to restore Powder Ridge can begin when the deal is finalized.

"The agreement says the First Selectman can delay the closing one or more times," explained Brayshaw, who said he hoped to hand over the keys within a month.

The sales agreement between the town and Alpine was approved by voters in May, after Alpine agreed to buy the property for $1 million.

The company is required to invest at least $2 million in the property, as well as offer downhill skiing, by Dec. 31, 2013.