70+ acres of open space land on Lake Avenue to be permanently preserved
Aquarion Water Company announced that the Company has filed an application with the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) for permission to sell 72.27 acres of Company-owned land located on Lake Avenue in Greenwich, Connecticut to the Town of Greenwich and Greenwich Land Trust (GLT). Due to the fact that the land is not located within an aquifer protection area or any public water supply watersheds, the land is considered surplus and is no longer needed by the Company in order to provide water service.
“Aquarion is pleased to have the opportunity to ensure the long-term preservation of this land,” said Aquarion President Donald Morrissey. “We believe deeply in our mission as stewards of our natural resources and are proud to partner with the Town of Greenwich and Greenwich Land Trust as they work to preserve vital open space in the community.”
From the Town’s perspective, First Selectman Fred Camillo stated, “This is a prime example of what we can accomplish with public-private partnerships. We are very pleased with the value we are getting for our investment in this parcel and equally pleased to protect a targeted open space parcel for the enjoyment of current and future generations of Greenwich residents.”
In addition to the 72.27 acres of land to be designated open space, Aquarion is proposing to subdivide and sell two, four-acre single family residential building lots. The subdivision plan will be submitted to the Town of Greenwich Planning and Zoning Commission and Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency for their approvals.
Aquarion plans to reinvest the $2 million proceeds from the sale of this land into capital improvements to its water infrastructure. The sale of the open space land to the Town of Greenwich and Greenwich Land Trust and the proposed residential building lots are both subject to PURA approval.
“Conserving an open space parcel of this size is critical to enhancing existing greenways,” said Will Kies, GLT’s Executive Director. “This preserve will complement the Land Trust’s existing preserves by offering public access to a beautiful hardwood forest along Converse Pond Brook and providing important habitat protection.”
Camille Broderick, GLT’s Board President added, “Preserving the 72.27 acres of Aquarion land will be our largest in-fee conservation effort to date; we are thrilled to be able to partner with the Town of Greenwich to achieve this wonderful acquisition.”
Aquarion expects to complete this land sale in the summer of 2020.
