Please help shape Ridgefield's future and vote in the Town Referendum on Tuesday, February 24!!
Poll Location: Yanity Gym ONLY
Hours polls open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The development of the 40-acre Schlumberger site represents a great opportunity to improve Ridgefield's future. Ridgefielders should vote based on what they see as the most important goal and use for the property, as well as the best way to achieve it.
Here are 2 different opinions on evaluating the Charter Proposal.
Alex Karsanidi - Why Vote YES!
I support the sale of the 9.8 acre sale to the Charter Group as a win-win deal for Ridgefielders. The town gets $4.3 million versus $4 million offered by previous bidders, which means we have recovered $5.55 million of the $7 million we spent for Schlumberger, plus this and the Zemo project is estimated will generate significant tax revenue well over $500,000 annually. And, we still have 30 acres of the land left to sell or use for other town purposes.
Regarding concerns expressed about density, it’s my understanding the project will be 54 age restricted units in 6 buildings spread over 4.7acres, with the 5.1 acre remaining open space. I would certainly call this respectable use of the land, while affording residents their privacy and not infringing on neighbors. In addition, the majority of residents will be either retired or beyond having school age children and adding to the school budget. They may also not be working and have much effect on rush hour traffic, especially if the South Street/Bypass Road and Old Quarry Road could be improved for smoother traffic flow.
But most importantly, this project will afford our Seniors the opportunity to continue living in Ridgefield and contributing to our towns future.
Ellen Burns -Why vote NO!
The Big Picture: The parcel is an integral part of the entire 40 acres. Following two referenda defeats, the Selectmen agreed to appoint a citizens’ committee to help plan the future of this property. Instead of allowing that process to work, the Selectmen sought more bids for the 10-acre parcel.
Price vs. Density: Although the developer has stated the “coach home” prices start at around $450,000, they will likely increase if the market allows. In rejecting the Toll Brothers’ deal, and now faced with this one, we traded fewer units for nearly twice as many (somewhat) lower priced ones. The prices can go up, but we’ll be stuck with the higher density.
The 8-30g moratorium is temporary: The Selectmen did not require a 10% deed-restricted affordable component, so this project will set us back by creating 54 new units of market-rate housing. I am no fan of 8-30g, but it’s the law and it’s not going away.
Sewer Allocation: The 40-acre parcel had an allocation of 58 units, and the vast majority (54) will be transferred to the developer (worth over $300,000), leaving just 4 for the remaining 30 acres. Let’s do a plan for the entire 40 acres, and do it right.