Tuesday evening (10/25) the Town Council disclosed the details of the
agreement with Marcap to purchase the 28 acre parcel of land that is across
the street from HealthTrax. The purchase price was 2.6mil to be paid over a
5 year period. There will be a special meeting on November 3rd at 6:00pm to
allow the public to discuss the purchase.

Courant article:
http://www.courant.com/community/newington/hc-newington-marcap-1026-20111025,0,6740982.story

Wednesday evening (10/26) the *TPZ approved the Toll Brothers applications
for the development on the Balf property*. There are approximately 20
conditions that have to be met in regards to the Open Space Subdivision
application. Toll Brothers will have to meet those conditions as well as
address the Conservation Commission before proceeding with the development.

We hope that the conditions set forth will have negative impact on the
economic feasibility of the project.
Courant article:
http://www.courant.com/community/newington/hc-newington-cedar-mountain-1025-20111024,0,3447927.story

As a group we will continue to attend TPZ and CC meetings that contain
agenda items that are associated with the residential development on Cedar
Mountain. It’s not over yet!

Thanks to everyone who have shown their support for saving Cedar Mountain,

Wednesday 10/26/2011 – 7:00 pm Newington Town Hall
*TPZ meeting,*
They will be voting on the proposed Open Space Subdivision for the Balf
property. After attending the last meeting and reading the most recent Town
Crier it appears that the TPZ will approve the application with a list of
conditions. This is an important decision that could potentially have a long
term negative impact on our town as well as surrounding towns.

Tuesday 10/25/2011 – 7:00 pm Newington Town Hall
*Town Council meeting,*
They will be discussing the purchase of the Marcap property. *Please show
your support at this meeting in regards to the purchase of the Marcap
property*. We are not sure that they will be voting on this on Tuesday but
the details of the negotiations will be discussed. This is a step in the
right direction for the preservation of what little open space we have.

Wednesday 10/26/2011 – 7:00 pm Newington Town Hall
*TPZ meeting,*
They will be voting on the proposed Open Space Subdivision for the Balf
property. After attending the last meeting and reading the most recent Town
Crier it appears that the TPZ will approve the application with a list of
conditions. This is an important decision that could potentially have a long
term negative impact on our town as well as surrounding towns.

We are committed to preserving as much of Cedar Mountain as we can and will
continue to explore avenues that will ultimately provide a clear path to our
goals.

*Remember, we have had a positive impact on these issues and everyone should
be proud of what we have accomplished. Together we can make a difference in
the preservation of open space. Let’s not loose focus on the tasks at hand !*

The TPZ continued deliberations regarding the application for the Open Space Subdivision. Comments from the Town Planner, Ed Meehan focused on how grading would encroach the 50 buffer requirement along the old highway greenway. A sanitary waste line is proposed for a section of the old highway and Ed discussed moving that line back or the developer could run it through an area within the development. He also expressed concern over the 1700 sq foot wetland and the lots surrounding it as well as the proposed fence around it. He discussed the possible removal of 1 – 2 lots that directly abut the wetland. There were a few other items discussed including a lot that may be too close to a 15% grade. The commissioners discussed the fact that if they denied the open space subdivision application Toll Brothers could come back with an as of right R20 development plan (the land is currently zoned R20). If that did happen the 44 acres wiould not be given to the town. There was also mention that a denial may result in a lawsuit. It appears that the TPZ is leaning towards an approval with a long list of conditions. We will have to wait two weeks to find out what their decision is. They must vote at the next meeting. The question remains as to what TB will do if the conditions for approval have a significant impact on the profitability of this project. Will they walk away or will they continue to persue this?

There has been some confusion as to what the conservation commissions vote
really meant in regards to this project moving forward. The project has not
been stopped based solely on the conservation commission’s denial of the
application.
The TPZ met this evening and heard comments from outside legal counsel
hired by the town. The attorney advised the TPZ that they must vote on the
application. The statutes require that the TPZ give due consideration to the
decision made by the conservation commission. The TPZ’s decision must be
based on their own regulations not the conservation commission’s. The report
of the wetlands commission is one of many factors in which the TPZ basis
their decision. The TPZ has their own separate jurisdiction and the
conservation commission has their own jurisdiction.

The TPZ meets again on October 12th and will continue deliberations
regarding their vote to either approve or deny these petitions.