Recently OK'd Land Deal Would Preserve Avon History, Enhance Rec

AVON, CT — A recently approved property purchase by the Avon Town Council may not only expand future recreation offerings, it just might preserve some local history as well.

The council has unanimously approved a $375,000 appropriation to purchase 645 West Avon Road, a nearly 2-acre parcel near a local park and the Avon Senior Center.

Local officials voted 5-0 to purchase the 1.91-acre property at the council's last meeting May 4.

In doing so, the town is securing the property for a future, yet-to-be-decided use.

But, considering the parcel's proximity to the Avon Senior Center site and the Sycamore Hills Recreation area, expansion of offerings there are likely in the future.

And when that future is decided, town officials said they hope to work with the Avon Historical Society about some sort of commemoration at the site.

That's because 645 West Avon Road does have a little bit of history to offer.

From 1824-1862, noted abolitionist Edward Woodford lived at that site, according to town and historical society officials.

In addition to opposing slavery, Woodford, according to the town, also was a farmer and an accomplished cartographer.

The original part of the structure still standing at the residential site dates back to the 1800s, according to the town.

As part of council discussions, the Avon Historical Society and the town would come up with some way to commemorate the site's history, either via some sort of historical display or preservation of the historic portion of the house there.

Some residents nearby did express concerns at a public hearing prior to the council vote.

For example, neighbor Pamela Prenal, who has lived next door to the site for a decade, said she opposed the purchase, expressing concern that it would lead to more activity and noise.

Prenal said she would rather have a single-family residence there instead of a municipal site, regardless of the use the town would have for the property.

She said "there would be more noise, construction of we don’t know what, and more traffic."

It is zoned (residential) "right now" and she would prefer it remain such and she would like the neighborhood to stay as cohesive as it is right now without further encroachment on their privacy, according to Prenal.

Others had similar concerns at the hearing, but others supported it.

For example, Plymouth resident Victor Mitchell Jr., whose parents owned the property prior to the current owner, said Avon would be better if it purchased the site and didn't develop it, suggesting a community garden.

That, he said, would take the property back to Avon's agricultural roots, before chain stores like Starbucks or Whole Foods arrived in town.

Council members, after closing the hearing, said they appreciated those concerned, but added they might be better off with a town neighbor as opposed to a residential one.

Council member Barbara Ausiello said the town shouldn't pass up a chance to purchase such a historically vital piece of property in Avon.

According to the town, funding would come via a supplemental appropriation from Avon's general fund balance, with the general fund being reimbursed with cash from the 2023-24 capital improvement budget.

As part of plans, the town would lease the residential site to the property seller for a year. Once the seller leaves, then the town would demolish all or part of the house and restore the property.

The town, tentatively, plans to officially close on the property in June or July of this year.

For the minutes of the May 4 Avon Town Council meeting, click on this link.

From March 27: 'Avon Land Purchase Hearing For Senior Center/Park Postponed: Update