Uproar for using open space for a Bus Parking Lot

The Shelton Board of Aldermen did not expect this response when the news leaked out that a school bus park was being considered for the Wiacek farm property rather than open space but let us start from the beginning. The Wiaceks have owned the land in question for over 100 years when it and surrounding property was all farmland. Roughly five years ago, the family applied for a sub-division and, to avoid a wetlands problem, deeded three plus acres of wetlands to the city. Though the city recognized the proximity of the property to the School and its value as open space, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved the sub-division for upscale homes. This was the beginning of a comedy of errors. Realizing the mistake, Eminent Domain was quickly executed by the Board of Alderman with a bond referendum following for three million dollars for purchase of the land as Open Space. Under those conditions of usage, the public voted approval of the bond issue and here we are. With the property having been approved for a subdivision by the Planning and Zoning Commission, the value of the property increased. It is my understanding that the financial settlement between the City and the Wiaceks is presently under appeal.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Land development
• subdivisions