Tolland Officials Investigating Complaint About Merrow Road Land

TOLLAND, CT — Tolland Planning and Zoning officials are investigating a complaint from residents about illegal land clearing at 53 Merrow Road.

Tolland Director of Planning and Community Development Heidi Samokar confirmed the investigation Tuesday.

Neighbors said the complaints center around accusations of tree cutting close to residential lots without a permit.

Samokar said she could not comment further.

The Tolland Town Council approved a purchase-and-sale agreement with SDWilliams LLC for 53 Merrow Road in February. The land abuts both the Exit 68 commuter lot and homes on Woodfield Drive.

SDWilliams is the outright owner after paying one buck for the land.

According to an agreement with the state, the property can only be used for commercial development and use of the property for any other purpose would result in the immediate reversion of the land back to the state, according to land records. The town of Tolland is not entitled to any proceeds related to the sale of the property.

The property in question has been available since 2011 and no other purchase or
development offers had been submitted, according to council meeting records.

Town officials said the plans are currently going through a multi-tiered regulatory process.