Groton Open Space Association

Council Unit OKs Wright Resolution On 5 Open Spaces

GROTON–The Town Council Committee of the Whole approved May 24, 2005, by a vote of 6-3 a resolution by Councilor Elissa Wright intended to ensure that five town properties acquired with open-space funds are securely dedicated to open space.

Ms. Wright’s resolution was approved and sent to the town attorney for fact-checking and proofreading only. Following the review, the resolution is to be returned to the council for final action and approval in a regular session.

Voting for the resolution were Councilors Peter Bartinik, Heather Sherman Bond, Frank O’Beirne, Paulann Sheets, Harry Watson and Elissa Wright. Voting against were Councilors Natalie B. Billing, Catherine Kolnaski and Thomas Skrmetti.

The resolution would clarify on the town’s land records that the five properties involved were purchased with funds raised by an $8 million open space bond issue in 1988. Ms. Wright said that without specific information in the records future generations could “lose track of the fact that said properties are restricted and dedicated in their use for open space, conservation and recreation.”