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Politics & Government

Downtown Open Space Approved by Selectmen

The open space mere blocks from the town green is termed a forest park.

The arc of green above the shops on Main Street from a hill packed with ledge in the heart of downtown will remain a part of the Branford landscape in perpetuity, following a series of approvals at the meeting Wednesday night.

The acceptance of seven acres of land by the town as open space was accompanied by the selectmen’s approval of a conservation restriction that will be managed by the Branford Land Trust. Two other parcels were also accepted in this deal to be used as possible access to the property. 

The land, which abuts properties on Ivy and Cedar streets, is mere blocks from the .

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Stan Konesky, who has a home on Ivy Street, said that the preservation of the land, which accompanied a settlement concerning a proposed development of age-restricted housing called Founders Village, has now given residents in the area peace of mind.

Years of discussion preceded last night’s approval, Mr. Konesky said—a remark that confirmed.

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“There will be no development on that site,” DaRos said.

Research conducted by those who did not want to see development take place on the hillside had shown that the grant of conservation restriction by the town of Branford to the Branford Land Trust, which was one of the measures approved last evening, was the way to go, Konesky said.

Seeking to clarify the use of the land, Bill Horne, director of the Branford Land Trust, said that the term “open space” as applied to the property is construed broadly. 

“It’s a forest park. It’s not a grass park,” he said.

noted that he himself has hiked on the hill, where passive recreational uses, such as hiking, will be allowed.

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