Qualified Vacant Land Classified As Open Space In East Windsor

EAST WINDSOR, CT — An ordinance passed at an East Windsor town meeting on Aug. 19 makes it possible for certain qualified vacant land, comprised of four or more acres in excess of the minimum building lot size, to be classified as open space. This will allow for the land to be assessed at a lower per-acre rate.

"East Windsor’s pristine rural character is why many of us choose to live here," First Selectman Jason E. Bowsza said. "The town understands the need for economic development, but we want to do that in a smart way. This ordinance will help keep the more rural areas of our town bucolic for years to come."

Conservation Commission Chairman Albert Grant said, "The East Windsor Conservation Commission encourages landowners to preserve wild areas and keep farmland in production. Open space serves as a valuable resource for biodiversity, protection of environmental quality, recreation and agriculture including food security. It also contributes to preserving the town’s rural character that residents enjoy."

"I want to thank and congratulate the people who worked so hard on this ordinance for a very long time, especially the leaders on the Conservation Commission," Bowsza added.

Another way for landowners to receive financial benefit from preserving their land is by the sale of development rights to permanently protect the land. There are several programs for this, and the East Windsor Planning Office or the Conservation Commission can help direct interested landowners to the right information.

Applications for the program are available on the town’s website.

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