What Could Be Griswold’s Future?

What could the 42-acre Griswold site look like in the future if the town purchases it…or if the town doesn't purchase it?

Architect Duo Dickinson provided the Board of Selectmen with some possible answers to those questions at the board's Monday morning meeting. He displayed a series of schemes overlaid on an aerial photo of the airport property. One board showed the property as developer LeylandAlliance has proposed-a 127-unit condominium community. A second showed that property as it might be divided for 26 or 27 single- family homes.

The next series of boards showed three other options for use of the property, options that could be undertaken if the town purchases the property.

"These are doodles," Dickinson said. "Any firm ideas would be

determined later."

The presentations were meant to generate discussion around ideas, he said.

Should town residents agree to purchase the site, he said, "It would be crazy to rush to judgment" on how best to use it. He recommended a year of discussion and planning take place before decisions are made on the use of the property.

"This is a unique site. In just one weekend we compiled a list of 24 uses that are all complementary," from playing fields to a bird watching platform to a canoe and kayak launch to walking trails to a playscape to a picnic pavilion, Dickinson said.

Dickinson listed three distinct

issues with the site. The first is renovation of the property. It has served for decades as an airport. Old buildings must be removed, the airstrip torn up, and other toxic elements removed.

The second is use of the uplands on the site.

"The uplands are perfect for the development of recreational fields," he said, noting that he believes there is a need for development of more playing fields and that they can be constructed and yet remain environmentally correct.

The third issue is defining and developing passive recreation

elements.

"It's all possible," Dickinson said.

He presented three quick scenarios for town use of the property. Each showed three or four playing fields, a canoe launch, viewing platforms, and walking trails. Each divided the site between active and passive uses.

Again, he emphasized, "These are just ideas meant to show the possibilities and to start a conversation."

During his presentation, Dickinson made a strong plea for purchase of the property.

"This is a seminal moment in the history of the town," he said, urging voters "even in this bad economy" to "make the decision to save something that is irreplaceable."

Sensitive to the many different opinions being discussed around town, First Selectman Fillmore McPherson said he would consider allowing other groups with differing opinions to speak at future Board of Selectmen meetings.

"I am personally in favor of this purchase, but the town needs to be informed about all opinions," he said.

The question of the purchase will go to a referendum now set for

Jan. 26, 2010. (Please see accompanying story on Page 1.)