We are pleased to announce the Connecticut Department of Transportation's (CT DOT) written confirmation of their approval of a new lease agreement with the Town for the state-owned land at Allen’s Meadow which allows for the following not currently allowed under the existing lease:
- Community gardens
- Turf fields
- Lighting
- A seasonable bubble, including a concrete pad for air handling and heating equipment
CT DOT will be providing a new lease agreement for consideration by the Board of Selectmen.
The Parks and Recreation Department will continue to manage the community gardens program.
For over 10 years, residents and/or the Town have sought an appropriate location for a third turf field with lights. A subcommittee of the Parks and Recreation Commission previously identified the fields at Allen’s Meadow. The current Board of Selectmen concurred and identified the state-owned land at the front of Allen’s Meadows preferable to the town-owned land at the back of Allen’s Meadows.
At a meeting in June, the Board agreed to recommend a bonding referendum for a proposed turf field at this May’s Annual Town Meeting. We think the ability to now add a seasonal bubble is an exciting and unique opportunity for the entire community. The Allen’s Meadow location means any proposed turf field and bubble can be utilized by the entire community, as compared to existing fields and recreational facilities on school properties, which are not accessible during school hours and are prioritized for use by the schools after hours.
Also at Tuesday’s Board of Selectmen meeting, the Board will discuss possible sources of funds, including
- Town bonds, as above
- Monies from the Town’s Turf Fund. Over the last serveral years, lighting fees charged and collected for usage on the current turf fields have been accounted for in the fund to be used for future turf field related expenses.
- Contributions from the Wilton Athletic and Recreation Foundation (WARF), $60,000 of which was received following the Board of Selectmen’s decision in June.
- Donations made either to WARF or directly to the Town.
The ability to use this state-owned land in new ways is a big step towards bringing the 10+-year effort to reality. We are extremely grateful for CT DOT’s support and the advocacy of State Representative Tom O’Dea. Tom represented a portion of Wilton up until the recent redistricting.
You can watch/comment on Tuesday through this Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84432638840