Ridgefield Voters Approve Eversource Easement, Open Space Transfer At Town Meeting

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Ridgefield voters on Dec. 10 approved an easement for Eversource Energy tied to the town’s new alternative high school and accepted an open-space donation and land transfer during a Special Town Meeting that followed a meeting of the Board of Selectmen.

The evening began with the Board of Selectmen convening before transitioning into a formally noticed Town Meeting, moderated by Ed Terrell, with Wendy Leonetti elected as town meeting secretary. The warrant included two land-use items requiring voter approval.

Eversource Easement Approved For Alternative High School Site

Voters unanimously approved granting Eversource a permanent utility easement on town-owned land off Prospect Ridge Road, where the town is constructing a new alternative high school.
First Selectman Rudy Marconi said the easement allows Eversource to install, maintain and repair underground electric lines serving the site, ensuring access in the event of outages or infrastructure failures. The easement follows requests from Eversource for additional certifications beyond language previously approved by the town.

After brief public comment, voters approved the resolution authorizing Marconi to execute the easement documents on behalf of the town.

Town Accepts 11 Acres Of Open Space

Voters also approved the acceptance of 11 acres of open space on Pound Street and the transfer of approximately 0.325 acres of town land to a private property owner at 6 Palmer Court, contingent on receipt of a required Planning and Zoning Commission report.

Representatives from the Conservation Commission described the transaction as a rare opportunity to secure centrally located open space at no cost to the town, calling the donation unusually generous.

Both measures passed by voice vote, and the Town Meeting adjourned shortly thereafter.

Board Of Selectmen Resume Meeting

Following the Town Meeting, the Board of Selectmen reconvened to continue regular business, including discussion of a proposed East Ridge Historic District.

Members reviewed the year-long statutory process required to establish a new historic district, including approval of a study report by the State Historic Preservation Office and local boards. Balloting among affected property owners resulted in 10 votes in favor and one opposed, with two ballots rejected for technical errors, meeting the two-thirds approval threshold required to move forward.

Selectmen also discussed the need for a separate public hearing and Town Meeting to amend the town’s historic district ordinance before municipal properties could be formally included.

Upcoming Policy And Budget Discussions

The board briefly touched on several upcoming issues, including senior tax relief programs, the town’s form of government review, and other policy matters expected to be revisited ahead of the January budget cycle. Members emphasized the need for additional philosophical discussion before fiscal decisions are finalized.

The meeting concluded with no additional public comment and adjourned at 10:11 p.m..