Land Swap Opponents Take Their Case to Haddam Selectmen

Opponents of the Haddam land swap took their case to the Board of Selectmen on Wednesday, criticizing the board for not taking a more active role in the measure while it was pending before the state legislature for the last few months.

One resident asked First Selectman Paul J. DeStefano to contact Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and ask him to delay signing the bill.

“I urge you to call him tomorrow and ask him to hold off for a while,” said resident Arte Abbott.

The General Assembly about a week ago approved the omnibus land conveyance bill, which contained the proposal for the state to swap 17.4 acres of conservation land it owns in Tylerville with 87 privately owned acres in Higganum. Under the deal the owner of the Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station would get the 17.4 acres, which abut their banquet facility overlooking the Connecticut River, and would pursue plans to construct retail and other associated developments on the land.

The development group has said it wants to create a resort destination, similar to Mystic, at the site. The 87 acres, which abut the Cockaponset State Forest, would be added to that park.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has yet to sign the conveyance bill. A spokesman in his office said Malloy is still reviewing it. State Rep. Phil Miller, D-Essex, who also represents Haddam, has said the governor is likely to sign it because he does not have line-item veto power and the bill contains numerous important land conveyances.

About a dozen residents attended Wednesday’s meeting in Haddam, and several told the three selectmen they were displeased that the board did not hold a referendum on the land swap plan while it was pending in the state Senate.

DeStefano said that since the measure was a state initiative, there was no local mechanism under which to hold a referendum.

Other residents complained that the land swap proposal could increase traffic in town and have other detrimental impacts on the quality of life here, with only the hope that the development proposed for the 17.4 acres might bring additional local tax revenues.

That comment sparked an emotional reaction from DeStefano, who said the project holds the promise of a better life here for many if it can help jump start the local economy.

“Our country is in crisis, our state is in crisis, our town is in crisis.” The town, he said, needs all the financial help it can get.

“We have to have hope. My heart tells me there’s an open opportunity here.”