|
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
We
are not alone in our thinking about development of the
Griswold Airport property. Here is what others
have said about the proposal and the property:
Hartford Courant
January 17, 2008 -
After DEP proposed final decision on Zenon system
January 16, 2008 - Bob
Englehart praying for Hammonasset, vilifying DEP
January 15, 2008 - On
DEP land swap to create easement for development
December 31, 2007 - On
adjacent Young's Village & Dudley Village
July 22, 2007 - Our
Marshes Are Dying
April 22, 2007 - The
Canaries Under the Sound
New Haven Register
January 17, 2008 -
After DEP proposed final decision on Zenon system
May 5, 2007 - On DEP
land swap to create easement for development
New Haven Advocate
December 27, 2007 -
Extensive article on the history of this controversy
The Source (Madison)
March 6, 2008 - Madison
Landing Permit Hearing Set
July 12, 2007 -
DEP Hearing Concluded, Process
Continues
May 10, 2007
- SGOD and Leyland Debate on Several Fronts
December 14, 2006
- SGOD: Our Job Has Just Begun
The Shore Line
Times (Madison/Guilford)
January 16, 2008
- DEP Issues Ruling on Madison Landing
State Senator Ed Meyer, Vice Chair Senate Environment
Committee
"The Hammonasset River and State Park, with their
adjacent wetlands, are among the finest natural
resources of Connecticut and the entire Northeast.
Any commercial development of these fragile sites would
be a devastating invasion of public resources."
(personal communication, 2006)
"This is another land use decision that is based on
property tax demands and not on good environment and
quality community considerations. That's why the
commercialization of this unique property is a
disaster." (The New Haven Register, 12/15/2006, in
response to DEP decision to grant tentative approval for Zenon wastewater system permit)
Attorney General Richard Blumenthal
"There's
good grounds for questioning whether this system is
effective in treating sewage and wastewater."
(Hartford Courant, January 17, 2008, after DEP released
proposed final decision on Zenon system)
"I have been a staunch opponent of development of this
property because it would pose an environmental threat
to sensitive ecosystems in both Long Island Sound and
the Hammonasset River." (correspondence, 2005)
The People of the State of Connecticut
SGOD's petitions have more than 2000 signatures from
concerned Connecticut citizens, accompanied by many
impassioned statements. The online portion of the petitions can be found
here. We also have 1000+ additional signatures on our
written petitions, which are not currently posted online.
Clay Cook of Old
Saybrook commented: "Despite what many people may say,
this really isn't complicated. We either can have
special and unique areas set aside for all to have and
enjoy, or we can lock these places up for the use of a
few and receive a few pieces of silver as compensation
for our sin. Either the public officials will act in the
interest of all the citizens or they will be bought by
their greed and claim to have done it for the good of
all: and in the dark of the night as they remember their
actions, even they won't believe what they've said.
Hilary D. Koreeda of Fairfield commented:
"Please stop
overdeveloping this state! The wetlands and the
shore should be preserved for the future, so that all of
our children have the opportunity to enjoy them.
Restoring habitat for animals is far more difficult than
preserving it in the first place. Please stop
allowing people of privilege to take away resources that
belong to everyone."
The Audubon Society
"As is widely known, Hammonasset is the crown jewel
in the state park system. It is also arguably the most
important site in the state for scientific and
environmental education...The now virtually undeveloped
Griswold Airport site functions as an important buffer
zone to the fragile salt marshes and, by extension, to
the Hammonasset River and Long Island Sound itself."
(Henry Ferris, former president of Menunkatuck Audubon,
2002)
Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
"The coastal management
decisions we make today determine
the extent to
which future generations will be able to enjoy this
vital area
where the land meets the sea." (Coastal Management
Manual, 2000)"
Connecticut DEP, Office of Long Island Sound Programs
"The
wetlands surrounding this site include some of the
largest and best areas of high marsh in
Connecticut."
(report June 2002)
Trout Unlimited
"The airport sits directly
adjacent to a
state
treasure, the Hammonasset Beach State Park...The
state should be actively restoring and protecting its
rivers, not permitting their further deterioration."
Southeastern New England Marine Educators
"A project of the scope of
Madison Landing has the potential to
single-handedly alter the salt marshes
bordering the Hammonasset State Park, a resource which
belongs to everyone in the state." (November 2005)
Citizens for a Clean Hammonasset River
"Our forebears left this natural treasure for our use
and enjoyment; we must demonstrate good stewardship by
protecting it for all who follow."
King's Mark Environmental Review Team
"Because the airport lies directly adjacent to the
park, any activities or alterations on the property are
likely to have a direct impact on the biological
integrity of the salt marsh system and associated
wildlife." (2002 report)
"The property
is part of a larger, intact salt marsh complex, which is
directly linked to 919-acre Hammonasset Beach State Park
and Natural Area Preserve,
one of the
most significant breeding and migratory bird stopover
areas on the Atlantic Coast."
(2002 report)
Ev Cassagneres, Pilot & Aircraft Historian
"I personally knew Jack Griswold, who created the
airport so many years ago. I used to keep a 1936
Ryan ST there...Not only do I have a deep concern for
our natural habitat and the local environment, but for
the saving of this old and wonderful airport...That
airport, with careful and detailed planning, could be a
great asset to your community." (See his entire
letter
here)
Return to Top
of Page
|
