Danbury council approves purchase of Happy Trails farm with two‑year leaseback to seller

The Danbury City Council voted to purchase the Happy Trails farm on Nov. 7, approving terms that include a two‑year leaseback to the seller and authorization for the mayor to execute purchase and related documents subject to corporation counsel changes.

The council received the ad hoc committee report and Councilman Perkins moved to approve the acquisition and leaseback. Councilmembers who spoke in support described the parcel as a once‑in‑a‑generation chance to reconnect Rogers Park with Old Quarry and Terry Wild Park, preserve open space and provide opportunities for environmental education.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to restore some of the acreage that was lost at Rogers Park," Councilman Paul Rotello said, arguing the sale price is fair and that long‑term benefits outweigh near‑term costs. Councilmembers emphasized the property’s role as a potential gateway for the Norwalk River Valley Trail and its value in keeping sensitive wetlands and habitats intact.

Some council members raised fiscal questions about the appraisal. Rotello noted the appraisal relied on a Central Connecticut farm comparable that he said was not representative of the parcel’s character as a horse farm and questioned whether the valuation methodology captured the property’s true market context.

Supporters said the purchase would protect the city from future development pressure on the parcel and that a grant allocated for open‑space acquisition would cover costs, reducing direct tax impact. The council approved the motion by voice vote.

The council did not provide a roll‑call tally in the record; the motion passed after general assent was recorded as “the ayes have it.” The next steps are finalizing documents with corporation counsel and executing the purchase and lease agreements under the authorized terms.