Future Of Vacant Land Near Hammonasset State Park Discussed

MADISON, CT — Madison officials say they have had discussions with state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection officials regarding a state property near Hammonasset State Park.

Local officials say they want to ensure the vacant parcel is developed in a way that is appropriate for the area. Officials say a small retail parcel may make sense for the area.

Here is the discussion via the recent Board of Selectmen meeting:

Dave Anderson stated that there is a parcel of land across from Hammonasset State Park which is in the Town’s commercial zone. It has been vacant and wooded for roughly 100 years. The EDC Chairman, First Selectman, and Mr. Anderson had an exploratory meeting with the DEEP to see if they had plans for use of the property and to encourage the state to consider use of the property which would be beneficial for the Town.

The results of this meeting determined that the state had no thoughts on future use of the parcel. Mr. Anderson stated that now the Town had to determine what stakeholders would have interest in the parcel and then reach out to those groups to determine their thoughts.

He stated that the Town is being cautious in the progress of this potential project. The important item to note is that the Town is attempting to cooperate with the state to determine if there is a reclassification of use for the parcel.

The Town does not have much interest in acquiring the property, but would like to help the state move the progress along. He noted that with the implementation of Passport to Parks, there is more traffic to Hammonasset and to the businesses in this area which may influence the future use of the parcel in question. The Plan of Conservation and Development does not have any particular vision for this parcel of land.

The goal, however, would be to develop something that would complement Hammonasset State
Park, perhaps a small retail space. Eventually the property could be transferred from the state to private ownership if retail space is moved forward.

Mr. Anderson stated that he was hesitant to have this item on the agenda because the Town is trying to be cautious, this discussion therefore might make future discussions with stakeholders more challenging.

He stated that this is not a project at this point, it is just an exploratory conversation. With repurposing the parcel, the business district from Hammonasset State Park through Cohen’s Bagels will be almost doubled. Mr. Anderson stated that the Board will be kept up-to-date on conversations and will be asked to be more involved if the conversations progress.

Selectman Murphy asked First Selectman Tom Banisch for his thoughts on the matter and Banisch stated that there is a great potential for commercial development for which the Town does not have a lot of opportunity. However he cautioned that land acquisition projects with the state need to be approved by 75% of the legislature.