Commission seeks clearer records and checks on conservation easements after Greenlee Road development questions

Members of the New Canaan Conservation Commission raised concerns on Jan. 9 about whether conservation easements and town-owned open space are being identified and monitored before development occurs, following public queries about activity on Greenlee Road.

Why it matters: Commission members reported that neighbors had expressed worry that conservation-easement restrictions near a subdivision on Greenlee Road might not be enforced. The commission noted that easement records are placed on land records and that the town planner and the New Canaan Land Trust have roles in monitoring those easements; however, members said the town should maintain a clear inventory and periodic inspections.

What was said: Commission members said they spoke by email with town staff (Sarah Carey) and with Rob Fryer, president of the New Canaan Land Trust. Fryer told the commission he personally visited the Greenlee Road site and, using a GPS watch, judged the easement boundary had not been disturbed but that his check was not a formal survey. Commission members emphasized the value of formal, scheduled inspections and a centralized list so easements are identified before construction.

Statutory and procedural notes: Participants referenced a Connecticut public act on tax treatment of donated conservation land (cited as Public Act 6-128 during the meeting) as context for earlier town policies; commissioners said they would check whether the town has an ordinance implementing that state provision and might follow up with town councilors on the subject.

Next steps: The commission agreed to invite Town Councilor Christina Ross to a future meeting to summarize work she had compiled on town-owned open space and to coordinate with the land trust on inspections and possible student or intern research to digitize and update records.