Selectmen approve $3.02 million purchase of Codfish Hill property, refer plan to Board of Finance

The Bethel Board of Selectmen voted to approve and recommend that the town buy six parcels on Codfish Hill Road for a purchase price of $3,000,000 and pay $20,000 in closing costs, for a total acquisition cost of $3,020,000. The motion, read by a selectman, directs the town to pursue all required approvals including the Board of Finance review, a town meeting and a referendum.

The selectman who moved the measure said the Planning and Zoning Commission issued a positive report under Connecticut General Statute 8-24 and that the board intends to work with the Bethel Land Trust to pursue state open-space funding and Highlands grants to help conserve the property. "Our goal would be to, essentially, sell the property to them," the selectman said, adding that the transfer to the Land Trust would likely take about 12 months.

Board members praised the opportunity to acquire one of the town's remaining large parcels. The chair called the purchase "an incredible opportunity" and thanked colleagues for pursuing Highlands grant eligibility that could offset costs. The motion passed on a voice vote and the board authorized the designated first selectman to execute instruments and take actions necessary to facilitate the purchase, subject to the listed approvals.

Next steps include referral of the approved motion to the Board of Finance for review and then presentation to the town meeting and, if required, a referendum. The selectman said the town will coordinate with the Bethel Land Trust to pursue reimbursement or resale that would aim to recoup most of the town's cost when open-space funding is secured.