Proposed $800,000 Land Purchase Goes To Special Town Meeting In Guilford: Here's What To Know

GUILFORD, CT — A special town meeting to consider the proposed $800,000 purchase of approximately 63 acres on Durham Road from Bartlett Land Corporation is scheduled for 7:30 pm. on Oct. 22 at the Community Center in Guilford.

The land is adjacent to Connecticut Water Company property, the Sportsman’s Club and other properties, just north of the Lake Quonnipaug beach parking area.

The town says the purchase would protect the 548-foot summit of Quonnipaug Mountain, part of the trap rock Metacomet Ridge that rises over Lake Quonnipaug.

The largely undisturbed forest area features wildlife living among oak, hickory, sugar maple, black birch, witch hazel, spicebush and sassafras, according to the town.

"Protecting these 63 acres of open space could allow us to blaze a walking trail up to the summit, opening a new perspective of the natural beauty that makes North Guilford special," First Selectman Matt Hoey said in a notice about the special town meeting.

In addition to a trail up to the summit, another option would be a switchback trail beginning near the Scout-built kiosk at the northwest corner of the beach parking area, the town noted, saying an old logging road near the peak could be incorporated into a trail.

Environmental Planner Kevin Magee told the Board of Selectmen last month the purchase would preserve forest blocks and wildlife habitat, prevent runoff issues affecting Lake Quonnipaug and allow expanded trail networks and recreational opportunities.

The purchase would be paid for using bonding made available by the $10 million bond authorization approved by voters in April 2022, the town said.

Guilford plans to apply for open space grants from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection that are expected to offset up to two-thirds of the purchase cost. Appraisals and surveys are underway.

Registered voters and others qualified by statute to vote at town meetings may vote on the proposed purchase on Thursday.

More information on the land can be found here.