To the Editor:

I wanted to correct statements made by Madeline Bunt regarding the UConn Extension lease termination. It is not just a tenant / landlord relationship.

When the property was donated / acquired in the ‘50s, it was specifically designated for housing the UConn Fairfield County Extension and consolidating its programs at one site. As I stated in the article, the FCAEC was incorporated as a 501 (c) (3) charity explicitly to purchase, develop, and maintain property to conduct UConn education programs and to support UConn administration of its programs.

In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding was executed between UConn and FCAEC to define the ongoing partnership.

Yes, they were two separate entities but these legal agreements spelled out the legal parameters under which they both were required to operate. Yes, there was a lease agreement, and yes, the Deed had no specific restrictions because they both fell under the umbrella of the Articles of Incorporation of FCAEC and the Memorandum of Understanding.

It is unfortunate that Bunt states the relationship with UConn is only as a tenant. That goes against the legal intent of the property and all the donations of time, sweat equity, and money of the many volunteers that built Extension over the years to be what it is today. Prior to her involvement it was a true partnership for 65 years.

Bunt states the grounds and buildings had been run down and were a disgrace. After the SHP took over, beautiful native and pollinator gardens that the Master Gardeners installed and maintained on the property were ripped out by the SHP. Since then, Master Gardeners have been forbidden to touch any of the perennial gardens that they once maintained.

SHP did in fact renovate one of the buildings; however, it is interesting they did not make any renovations to the actual office building that houses Extension program offices — which is sorely in need of updating.

Bunt mentions that the FCAEC unanimously voted for the split. Those original Board members who voted for the split did so because certain members stated nothing would change with the support of Extension once they were two entities.

Based on my comments above, this was obviously not the case. In fact, not only was UConn Extension told to vacate the premises in February, but the FCAEC itself who maintained a small office in the education building, was also given “eviction” notice at that time.

The bottom line, I believe the Stony Hill Preserve has been trying to push out Extension since they took over the property. Since there is no current President, the Vice President, Ms Madeline Bunt, is the person leading this charge. She has refused to give out names of the Board Members and has told Extension that all contact with SHP must go directly through her.

Sadly, I am not sure that the current Board Members know exactly how badly the Extension has been treated, the land history, or the value that Extension has been to the community.

Barbara Stauder

Certified UConn Advanced Master Gardener

Brookfield