Law Will Add Hearings

To FFH Lease Deals

By Kendra Bobowick

Governor M. Jodi Rell signed Public Act 07-218 in July, opening another window through which residents can witness town business. “Governor Rell believes that it is extremely important for citizens to voice their opinions to their elected officials,” Staff Assistant Jeff Litke explained in an e-mail this week.

Effective October 1 of this year Newtown’s Board of Selectman — along with other municipal heads — will be required to schedule hearings specifically for property deals. Stated in summary, the act requires, “public hearings on the proposed sale, lease, or transfer of town land or buildings...before giving final approval.”

The measure will affect the process for the redevelopment of the Fairfield Hills campus. The former state hospital buildings and surrounding grounds now owned by the town present a checkerboard of buildings either crossed off for demolition or marked for reuse. In fact, the bill’s pending enactment nearly coincides with real estate dealings at the campus, which became clearer Wednesday morning.

“We will announce a series of leases on buildings in the next few weeks,” said First Selectman Herb Rosenthal during a press conference detailing work to date at the campus. “Three [lease negotiations] are near completion.” A fourth tenant is also considering the campus, along with a larger developer, Mr Rosenthal said. Silverware, linens, and tables for two may accompany one prospective occupant. “Some leases under consideration include a restaurant,” Fairfield Hills Authority Chairman Robert Geckle confirmed.

One lease arrangement has already been approved, ahead of the October 1 date. Also revealed in detail were architectural renderings and an overall scope of work involved in private developer and resident Peter D’Amico’s plans for the Newtown Youth Academy, an indoor sports facility. He already has his blueprints, architectural drawings, money, and proper town approvals in hand and is ready to knock down Fairfield House to build an indoor sports center, the Newtown Youth Academy. Already in review by attorneys is one other deal that may conclude before the deadline, Mr Geckle said.

He and others are aware of the public act, and that deals raised after October 1 will be subject to the new law.

“It’s just another step,” Mr Geckle said. “We have no problem with hearings and people voicing their disapproval or support. That’s how it works.” Soothing any suspicions that prospective projects have been fast-tracked because of the nearing date, he confirmed no timelines have been changed. “That is a true statement,” he said.

Others share Mr Geckle’s outlook.

Attorney Will Rodgers, who is also the Legislative Council chairman, asked, “What’s the harm of greater public input into a process?” He sees no complication with adding another hearing before acting on a lease, he said. “It is no problem to tack on another public hearing before acting on a lease.”

The hearing is not open to a vote. The first selectman explained, “People can come and comment, then whoever ultimately would approve would move on it.” He continued, “It’s not a vote.”

Mr Geckle has the same understanding. “It’s a hearing on a transaction, no vote, just a chance to see what the transaction is.”

Further, lease agreements are not subject to votes. “The structure is not such that leases are approved by voters,” Mr Rodgers said. Per a special ordinance, the Fairfield Hills Authority members are able to negotiate leases and make recommendations to the Board of Selectmen. The selectmen ultimately approve lease deals.

Where Did It Come From?

Public Act 07-218 is a response to a Danbury transaction. Like Mr Rodgers, Mr Rosenthal had also learned of the bill and its background from local legislators. Proposing the house bill was 110th District Danbury Representative Bob Godfrey. According to a link from his website, www.cga.ct.gov/maps/Townlist.asp, the bill has a specific purpose: “To provide greater transparency and public participation in municipal land transfers by providing for notice and hearing.”

Pubic hearings will be announced through local media. In summary, the act requires, “The town must publish at least two hearing notices in a newspaper serving the town. It must publish them two days apart, the first one between 10 and 15 days before the hearing and the second at least two days before the hearing. The requirements apply to properties whose fair market value exceeds $10,000.”

Fairfield Hills negotiations, and all others in town that fit the stipulations, are subject to public hearings, Mr Rosenthal confirmed.

Unlike all forms of municipal governments, Newtown already holds doors open to the public. “Our charter requires a town meeting,” Mr Rosenthal said.