KILLINGWORTH, CT — The Killingworth Committee on Aging continued exploring potential sites for senior affordable housing Aug. 26, discussing properties near routes 80 and 81 and plans for further talks with the Killingworth Land Trust.
Chairman William Joyce told the committee he had spoken with a real estate agent about a 35-acre, percolation-tested property along Route 81 toward Higganum. The property is listed for approximately $699,000, although the owner may consider $600,000 while retaining life use of the property, according to the minutes.
Committee members discussed potential challenges associated with such a life-use arrangement but took no action on the property.
The committee also examined property west of town near Route 80 that had previously been proposed for a solar farm. Member Amy Roberts-Perry said three or four properties on Chestnut Street are listed under the Perkins name. She said a property with solar panels is owned by a New Haven LLC that the committee had not yet investigated.
Roberts-Perry agreed to research the properties and prepare information and a map for the committee's October meeting. Members also hope the Killingworth Land Trust can provide additional information about surrounding properties.
Joyce reported on discussions with the chairman of the Killingworth Land Trust concerning the committee's previous proposal to pursue senior affordable housing on the Middle Roast Meat Hill property.
According to Joyce, the Land Trust's previous opposition stemmed from concern that the housing proposal could overlap with or encroach upon the organization's role and work involving the property rather than being treated as a separate initiative.
Joyce invited Land Trust representatives to attend the Committee on Aging's October meeting to discuss affordable senior housing and the committee's work in the community.
Committee member Ellen Leslie also discussed providing residents with more information about the Committee on Aging, including its purpose and role and how available land might potentially be used for senior affordable housing.
Leslie said she would wait until the budget process concludes before posting the information so it can receive the community's full attention. She plans to provide draft language to committee members for review before anything is posted on the committee's behalf.
Members also briefly discussed working with the town assessor to identify other potentially available properties.
The committee took no votes concerning any of the potential housing properties.
In other business, the committee voted 3-0 to approve its July 29 special meeting minutes and separately voted 3-0 to approve a $50 recording secretary's invoice.
The Aug. 26 meeting was held at Killingworth Town Hall and called to order at 6:03 p.m. Joyce, Leslie and Roberts-Perry were present at the start, with Cheryl Fine arriving at 6:22 p.m. Municipal Agent for the Elderly Mercedes Ricciuti attended as an ex-officio member.
The committee's next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. at Town Hall. The Aug. 26 meeting adjourned at approximately 6:35 p.m.
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