Date: Fri 13-Aug-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

parks-recreation-Kazan

Full Text:

Parks and Rec Eyes Kazan Property Off Route 34

BY STEVE BIGHAM

As Newtown's population continues to grow, the Parks & Recreation Commission

is coming to the realization that a third town park may someday be needed.

"With the way this town is growing, Dickinson and Treadwell parks are becoming

saturated," noted Parks & Recreation Director Barbara Kasbarian.

With the town's future in mind, P&R Commission members now have their eyes on

a 150-acre piece of land off Route 34. The land, located along Route 34 and

Old Mill Road, is owned by well-known Hollywood film director Elia Kazan, who

has placed tight restrictions on the property. Further expansion or

development of the property would not be possible.

"They want to preserve it. They do not want it developed. They don't want to

see a subdivision go in there," explained Pat Linnell of Century 21/Scalzo

real estate.

The Kazan family is selling the land under a conservation easement with the

Housatonic Valley Authority.

Mrs Kasbarian believes the land would be suitable for ballfields, as well as a

park. "This would be more for a park, not just as athletic fields," she said

The property, which also includes a house, a pool, a tennis court and a

14-acre pond, is on the market for $1.35 million. It is just one of several

properties around town being looked at by Mrs Kasbarian and Rita MacMillan,

land-use director.

"Right now this is just pie in the sky, but we're looking at it. It's

beautiful property," Mrs MacMillan explained.

Understanding the town's current needs, Mrs Linnell informed the town of the

Kazan listing. "The property is another option. If the town needs that kind of

property, it is a good alternative," Mrs Linnell said.

With 60 percent of the property being reasonably flat, Mrs Linnell believes

the it does have potential for ballfields. However, there may be obstacles

presented by the conservation easement and due to the wooded nature of the

land.

Amaral Property

The lengthy process of turning the former Amaral property on Elm Drive into

ballfields took a step forward recently as the Parks & Recreation Commission

completed interviews with four landscape architectural firms. The board has

chosen Milone and MacBroom of Cheshire as the front runner, but the project

must still receive approval from the Board of Selectmen and Legislative

Council.

If hired, the firm will conduct a feasibility study to determine placement and

type of ballfield(s) best suited for the property. The study will include

investigation and analysis of the site, preliminary design drawings, final

plan specifications, and cost estimates for completing the project.

The firm is seeking $20,000 for its services.

Feeling the space shortage more than ever these days, sports enthusiasts are

anxious to find out if the land is usable for ballfields. The long, narrow

field along Elm Drive and adjacent to Dickinson Park was a key acquisition by

the Parks & Recreation Commission two years ago. The property is oddly shaped

and will require careful planning if it is to be used as a sports venue.

It costs about $100,000 to build a new ballfield.

The town of Newtown purchased the property from the Amaral family for $400,000

using Iroquois Land Preservation Enhancement Program (LPEP) money.

Currently, there are 25 ballfields in Newtown that are available to the town.

However, most of the fields are on school property, often causing schedule

problems.

Bathrooms Delayed

The material to be used in the construction of a new bathroom at Dickinson

park arrived more than three months ago. However, the toilets have still not

been installed.

According to Mrs Kasbarian, no contractor has responded to any of the town's

requests for proposals. The total project is expected to cost around $100,000

to complete.

"Hopefully we'll be doing something after Labor Day," Mr Kasbarian said.

Also, the nine tennis courts at Dickinson and Treadwell parks are expected to

be resurfaced sometime after Labor Day. The P&R Commission plans to put the

project out to bid next week.