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Commission gives positive referral for potential town purchase of 108‑acre Medigate property
Summary
The commission gave a positive E 8‑24 referral for the town to pursue acquisition of a 108‑acre property (referred to as Medigate/Minigay) for conservation, noting a $3 million asking price and plans to seek state open‑space and Highlands funding before transferring to land‑trust partners.
The Planning & Zoning Commission on June 23 gave a positive E 8‑24 referral supporting the town’s pursuit of the 108‑acre property commonly referenced in the meeting as the Medigate (Minigay) property off Cockfish Hill Road for conservation.
First Selectman Dan Carter summarized the negotiation status: the town has a purchase contract for the parcel group (six combined parcels) with an asking price of $3,000,000 and an appraisal consistent with that figure. Carter said the town would not likely be the permanent owner; the plan is to acquire the property, pursue state open‑space funding this fall and work with partners — Bethel Land Trust, Newtown Forest Association and state conservancies — to hold and manage the land for conservation and passive recreation.
Carter described funding pathways: the town could apply for state open‑space funds (which can cover roughly 50% of appraised value in typical applications) and pursue Highlands program funding (additional regional match). He explained the town might aim to contribute about 10% of the purchase price upfront while partnering groups apply for reimbursement/grant funding to reduce net cost.
Commissioners discussed parcel configuration, potential trail connections to Huntington State Park and Wolf Pit Preserve and noted that some parcels bordering the CTMO discussion are town owned or open space and were excluded from the CTMO map. After discussion, the commission moved and unanimously approved a positive referral recommending the town proceed with E 8‑24 review and subsequent Board of Finance and town‑meeting steps (including a public hearing and a referendum anticipated in early September).
Next steps: staff will complete required E 8‑24 materials for subsequent boards, pursue the open‑space grant application window, and coordinate with land‑trust partners for a potential transfer after conservation funding is secured.
