Council moves on potential purchase of Chippenee Golf Course and considers taking back West Cemetery management

The Bristol City Council took steps to pursue municipal acquisition of the Chippenee Golf Course and to consider taking back management of West Cemetery and its associated Peace Dale Cemetery.

Council referred Chippenee Golf Course (116 Marsh Road) to the planning commission for a Connecticut General Statutes section 8-24 report and authorized the mayor to enter into a letter of intent with the property owner, F.W. Blasius Jr LLC, to potentially purchase the property pending appraisal and due diligence. Council members said any purchase would likely be bonded, and that debt capacity makes a municipal acquisition feasible if the appraisal and community review support the plan.

Separately, council introduced an item concerning the West Cemetery Association, which has for decades managed West Cemetery under a nonprofit arrangement. The association informed the city it no longer believes it can adequately manage the cemetery. The council discussed that perpetual care funds, a Barnes Family Trust and operating accounts exist as part of the association’s asset base and that those funds would transfer to the city if the city assumes management. Council referred the matter to the real estate and parks commissions for review and called for public meetings with stakeholders, including families with interments at the cemetery.

Why it matters: acquisitions and assumption of cemetery management have financial and stewardship implications—both require appraisals, possible bonding and careful planning to avoid undue taxpayer burden while maintaining sacred grounds and public amenities.

Next steps: staff will await appraisal results for the golf course, pursue the 8-24 referral, prepare a letter of intent as authorized, and schedule stakeholder meetings regarding cemetery stewardship and operational transitions.