Groton Open Space Association

GOSA Buys Option On Former Sheep Farm On Hazelnut Hill Road

GROTON — The Groton Open Space Association announced Oct. 24, 2008, that it has purchased an exclusive option to acquire a 65-acre property on Hazelnut Hill Road targeted for development as a residential subdivision. The option agreement with Groton Lenders, LLC, of Woodbury, CT, foresees a sale to GOSA in the fourth quarter of 2009.

GOSA anticipates that approximately two-thirds of the $858,500 purchase price will be financed by a state grant and that the balance (about $300,000) will come from private donations by individuals and philanthropic institutions. A fund-raising drive will begin immediately. GOSA indicated that donations should have attractive tax consequences to donors because it is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.

“Raising the money is a challenge that must be and will be met,” said Priscilla W. Pratt, GOSA’s president. “We have a one-time chance to save a unique and beautiful tract of land. We hope our supporters will be as generous as ever in our continuing effort to preserve Groton’s wonderful natural heritage.”

The planned GOSA purchase will ensure that the land will be preserved in perpetuity as public open space. The property, earlier a sheep farm, slopes southward from Hazelnut Hill Road, down to and including Fort Hill Brook. It is covered by many meadows, exceptional trees and woods, and it adjoins other forested acreage.

At the southern end of the property, there is a ten-foot waterfall, the highest in Groton, where Fort Hill Brook cascades over one of the many ledges on the old farm. Fort Hill Brook meanders down to Mumford Cove, a pristine recreational area with fishing and large shellfish beds.

GOSA has focused on the Hazelnut Hill property for several years.The farm first was proposed for an age-restricted condominium development and later for a 33-house residential subdivision. GOSA cooperated with developer Otto Paparazzo to help create a plan that would preserve the beauty of the tract even after buildout. The group led by Mr. Paparazzo, Groton Highpoint, LLC, later sold the land to Groton Lenders. Ground never was broken for the development.