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Middlefield selectmen hear Historical Society funding request and bird‑habitat concerns
Summary
At the Feb. 17 Board of Selectmen meeting, the Middlefield Historical Society requested $5,000 for America 250 activities and new signage; residents and farmers raised concerns about grassland bird habitat and a Conservation Commission land‑use policy now under development.
Bill Konefal, president of the Middlefield Historical Society, told the Board of Selectmen on Feb. 17 that the society is seeking a $5,000 line item in the 2026–2027 town budget to support America 250 events and additional historical signage. Konefal said current society spending runs about $500–$1,000 through June and that some programming is run in collaboration with the neighboring Town of Durham.
Konefal said the society is considering roughly three historical signs with a combined cost estimated not to exceed $5,000, and mentioned potential locations including Old North Cemetery and the Flat Brook Tavern. He also noted a possible future memorial should the Town Green be purchased.
Public comment then turned to conservation and land use. A resident identified only as Margarette raised questions about bird‑habitat recommendations, asked which experts had been consulted, and urged balanced representation of perspectives as the town updates land‑use practices. The Board responded that qualified individuals are involved in the research.
Michael Good, a Durham resident, cited regional Audubon work and told the board that grassland bird populations in Connecticut have declined by 60–75 percent, urging collaboration among farmers, conservationists and the community. Nathaniel Turbanowski, farm manager at Old Patamar Farm, described current farm practices: mowing twice annually (before June 1 and after Sept. 1), sale of hay within Middlesex County, and about 10 acres preserved for wildlife without mowing during nesting season.
Board members noted the town’s existing land‑use policy remains in effect through 2028 and that portions of the land at issue are under rights held by the Durham Fair; the lease may be extendable for an additional 10 years after 2028. Town officials said the Conservation Commission is drafting a land‑use policy and that a future meeting will be scheduled so the public can continue input; residents were encouraged to send comments by email.
The board did not take a budget vote or adopt a policy at the meeting; the Historical Society’s request and the Conservation Commission’s work will be considered in upcoming budget and commission meetings.
