A controversial measure to give a developer 17 acres overlooking the Connecticut River in exchange for 87 adjacent to a state forest has been approved by state lawmakers.
The measure was the last significant bill to pass the Connecticut General Assembly before closing its 2011 legislative session at midnight June 8.
However, shortly after the session ended, Gov. Dannel Malloy announced the need for a special legislative session in the fall to discuss job creation. Malloy said he will be reaching out to legislative leaders in the next few days to see if there is interest in the idea.
The Haddam land swap gives Riverhouse Properties LLC a 17-acre parcel next to a banquet facility the developer operates in the Tylerville section of Haddam. Riverhouse wants to build a boutique hotel along with some shops and a restaurant on the 17-acre property that ends 700 feet short of the Connecticut River.
In exchange, the state receives 87 acres to add to Cockaponset State Forest in the Higganum section of Haddam.
The state Department of Environmental Protection originally supported the land swap when it was proposed six years ago. However, after several changes in leadership, DEP stopped advocating for the change.
Environmental groups and residents opposed the land swap, saying river property is at a premium in Connecticut, and state land shouldn’t be handed over to private developers. They fear the swap will set a precedent for future exchanges.
One of the opposition’s sticking points is that DEP paid $5.9 million for the land that includes the 17 acres, while the developer paid $400,000 for its 87-acre parcel. However, the latest property appraisal in 2009 put the value of the 17 acres at $1.1 million and the 87 acres at $1.3 million.
The measure was strongly support by economic development groups and the town government of Haddam.
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