HARTFORD, CT – Senator Tony Hwang (R-Newtown) today testified before the Government Oversight Committee in support of two crucial land conveyance bills aimed at improving environmental sustainability land use and supporting the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary Foundation both parcels of land are in Newtown.
The two pieces of legislation, Senate Bill 1562 and Senate Bill 1564, address important amendments to previous land conveyances, ensuring that both open space preservation and community-driven initiatives remain a priority.
“Both of these bills present the unique opportunity to balance economic development with environmental preservation and sustainability, and establishment of land protection area and a non-profit institution that can be beneficial in both aspects,” remarked Senator Hwang. “At the end of the day this can be an asset to all taxpayers and environmental stewardship.”
Senate Bill 1562 – An Act Changing the Authorized Use of a Parcel of State Land Previously Conveyed to the Town of Newtown seeks to remove the deed restriction on a parcel of state land originally conveyed to the town for economic development purposes. The bill would allow for the land to be repurposed for open space or recreational use, prioritizing the environmental and social value of this land for the residents of Newtown.
Senator Hwang emphasized the importance of land preservation, saying, "We have an important societal responsibility to protect, and to teach that to our community and future generations. Open space and ecological preservation is of utmost importance. Changing the current economic development conveyance to open space and recreational use will allow Newtown to preserve valuable green space and provide a safe, accessible place for future generations to enjoy. It is a balance, but ultimately this can be a win-win opportunity."
Senator Hwang also highlighted that Deep Brook, which runs close to the property, is one of only nine streams in Connecticut with a Class 1 Wild Trout Management Area designation. This status reflects its high water quality and support for naturally reproducing cold water species such as wild trout. Senator Hwang emphasized that the brook must be protected to maintain its ecological integrity.
Senate Bill 1564 – An Act Amending a Prior Conveyance of a Parcel of State Land to the Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation, Inc. – aims to amend a prior conveyance of land to the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary Foundation, Inc. The amendment would remove the technical language restriction on leasing the parcel and permit the land to be used as security for a loan, providing the foundation with the financial flexibility it needs to continue its mission. This change was guided by CT State Attorney General’s office to legally ensure the foundation to secure funding to support its programs, including animal therapy and community outreach and provide collateral protection.
“I understand concerns regarding the use of state-conveyed land as collateral, and I do not take this step lightly. Over the past 12 years, the Foundation has raised more than $9 million in contributions, operated without debt, and maintained a track record of conservative financial management,” stated Jenny Hubbard, President of Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary. “This history of sound stewardship is precisely why the risk of foreclosure remains a highly unlikely scenario. Nevertheless, should such an event ever occur, legal safeguards are in place to ensure the parcel’s use would remain aligned with the original conveyance purpose. We are unwavering in our commitment to protecting the land entrusted to us and to honoring its intended role as a sanctuary and nature preserve for generations to come. We will continue to prioritize strong financial governance, resource efficiency, and donor accountability as the foundation of our operational and mission-driven success.”
Support for both bills reflects Senator Hwang’s leadership in listening to his constituents . This proposal reflects a commitment to supporting his community and fostering opportunities for an alternative method of sustainable economic development, while protecting environmental education and sustainability while empowering nonprofit organizations to thrive and achieve its mission.