Middlefield Selectmen Oppose Haddam Land Swap

The Middlefield Board of Selectman on Monday night voted to support the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters in its opposition to a controversial land swap in Haddam.

The  proposal, which is currently under review by legislators, was brought to the attention of the board by Middlefield resident Marianne Corona, who said she was concerned about future implications should the proposal be approved.

"This was bought with public open space money, just like much of the land in Middlefield. We're afraid of setting a precedent of what would happen in the future if this is allowed to happen," Corona said, while urging the board to show their support in opposition to the land swap.

The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters opposes Section 10 of Bill 1196 as a violation of the commitment the state made to the public and the seller to protect this open space in perpetuity, a statement from the group reads.

Selectwoman Mary Johnson said she has followed the controversy closely.

"If the state of Connecticut just decides to do this land swap it's going to influence people in the future to not want to give their land to the state of Connecticut as open space because they will have broken the trust when the property was sold," Johnson explained.

First Selectman Jon Brayshaw indicated that he would have liked more time to review the issue, but because the state legislature is set to adjourn on Wednesday, he voted in favor of supporting the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters.

Selectman Ed Bailey abstained from the vote because he said he did not have enough information.

Editor's Note: For the letter from the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters in opposition to Section 10 of Bill 1196, click .