Statement from the Office of the First Selectman in regard to last week’s decision by the Planning and Zoning Commission on historic district status for Bruce Park:
First Selectman Fred Camillo is applauding the decision made by the Town of Greenwich’s Planning and Zoning Commission to confer historic district status on Bruce Park without any opposition.
Consideration of the historic district status must now go before the Representative Town Meeting and Mr. Camillo will work closely with the Friends of Bruce Park to get the item on the RTM’s call for October. Conferring historic district status on the Park has already been unanimously done by the Board of Selectmen and Mr. Camillo says it will be a priority for him as the RTM begins its review.
“Bruce Park is one of the jewels of Greenwich,” Mr. Camillo said on Friday. “This began as a resident effort and it is one I am proud to have supported. Working with the Friends of Bruce Park, I have been pushing for approvals of a Historic District status and it has been great to see all the support for this plan from Town government and the community. Hopefully this is something we get done for future generations so they can enjoy Bruce Park as it is meant to be enjoyed.”
Historic District status would allow for extra levels of protection when there are proposed developments in Bruce Park. The Board of Selectmen had approved a committee to examine the park in January 2022 and seeking the designation has the support of the Historic District Commission as well as the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Camillo said the goal is to get the item onto the RTM’s call for October with the hope of having the approval granted by the end of the year.
“The beauty of Bruce Park is something we should all want to protect,” Camillo said. “Bruce Park is the oldest public park in Greenwich and as a Town native, I know its value. Residents have treasured the Park for both passive and active recreation for decades and with its beautiful roadways, ponds, trees, pathways, sculptures and gazebos, it’s clear to see why this is important to residents. I’m proud of the work the Friends of Bruce Park has done on this project and I am eager to continue working with them as we bring this before the RTM.”
