Council approves 2-year extension for Happy Trails Farm lease amid debate over public access

The Danbury City Council voted Oct. 9 to extend the lease for Happy Trails Farm at 36 Mountainville Road, approving an ad hoc report and lease terms that allow the tenant to continue operating the horse farm under a time-limited extension.

During public comment and council debate, resident Steve Flanagan urged the council to deny the extension and take possession of the property now, arguing the city had already purchased the land and should open it for public recreation and trails. "I understand that the subcommittee recommendation for an extension of that lease... makes no sense," Flanagan said, arguing the public paid for the property and should not be denied access.

Corporation counsel Dan Casagrande and members of the ad hoc explained the proposed extension language. Casagrande noted the drafted extension (section 2.03) permits the tenant to operate Happy Trails in a substantially similar manner for a defined period not to exceed two years from the commencement date specified in the extension. Council members expressed differing views: some said the family’s continued occupancy helps maintain and secure the parcel until the city is ready to develop it as public parkland; others said the city should press to remove restrictive codicils that limit public access.

Councilwoman Gartner moved to accept the ad hoc minutes and recommend extending the lease with an ending date set in the motion; the motion passed after debate. The record shows the motion carried with two members recorded as opposed; the meeting transcript does not list the full roll-call tally for that vote in the captured lines.

The council framed the extension as a pragmatic step to preserve maintenance and safety while staff and an ad hoc committee plan longer-term public uses, seek grant funding and build out trails or passive-recreation infrastructure. Council members said the extension provides breathing room to pursue grants and plan improvements before the city opens the parcel for broader public use.

Next steps: the council’s ad hoc and staff will continue planning and outreach with the property owners and seek funding to prepare the parcel for public use. The council asked staff to pursue opportunities to remove or renegotiate deed or lease restrictions where feasible.

Sources: Public comment by Steve Flanagan; ad hoc report and corporation counsel comments by Dan Casagrande; council debate and Oct. 9 meeting record.