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Historic commission notes legal invoice on 55 Main, discusses potential land swap and cemetery options
Summary
Commissioners discussed a $135 invoice from Halloran & Sage connected to the 55 Main litigation, confirmed a new plot plan was filed with planning and zoning, and reviewed a proposed property swap plus a possible 10–14 acre purchase from the Kings to extend trails and connect town parcels; cemetery committee options were also raised.
At the June 16, 2016 meeting the East Haddam Historic District Commission reviewed administrative updates including a legal invoice related to litigation over 55 Main and several town land-conservation items.
The chair told commissioners the town had received a bill for $135 from law firm Halloran & Sage related to filing an appeal in the 55 Main litigation. Commissioners noted an earlier approval had been contingent on a plot plan that had not arrived; the chair reported that the property owners have since submitted a formal plot plan to the planning and zoning office and want to appear on next month’s agenda.
Members discussed practical consequences from a prior litigation matter (referred to as the “upper house” case): those who voted against that prior proposal were later required to give individual depositions and attend attorney meetings. The chair said potential legal follow-up could require an executive session if legal strategy were to be discussed.
The commission also discussed a proposed land exchange involving attorney Abraham Sprecker/Sprecher (the transcript uses both spellings). The swap would convey a small parcel out of town open space so the attorney could hold title to a road that provides access to an otherwise landlocked house. The chair said the Board of Finance has approved the related change and that no cash would change hands in that specific swap.
Separately, commissioners described an offer from the Kings to sell a 10–14 acre parcel to the town for about $10,000 that would help connect trails from Mount Parnassus Road through adjacent parcels and to Peter Dean’s farm; members noted steep grades and wetlands in parts of the parcel that might affect trail design. The chair said future decisions would determine how access onto the property would be constructed.
Commissioners also noted the cemetery committee’s efforts to secure acreage for a town cemetery; the Harris property near Mount Parnassus Road was discussed as a flat potential site if other options do not materialize.
No formal votes were taken on these items during the meeting. The commission adjourned at 8:10 p.m. and moved on to announce community programming for September and the July 11 celebration.
