Newport Daily News 2.13.06

Open space group looks for land

By Matt Sheley/Daily News staff

Preserving open space across Middletown remains a priority.

Recently, the town's Open Space and Fields Committee reiterated its interest in protecting environmentally sensitive and important parcels in the community.

Mason Hawes, chairman of the open space group, said the volunteer board has been in confidential conversations recently about several strategic properties surrounding the Kempenaar Valley between High Street and Valley Road.

Thus far, Hawes said the focus has been on the almost 50-acre Valley site, but any property that ranks high according to the town's criteria are of interest.

"We're in discussions and hoping to move forward on one and there are a couple others that we're working on getting something done," Hawes said. "This definitely benefits the whole town because open space is good for everyone."

Last summer, the open space committee announced a campaign to help protect strategic land in Middletown in response to continuing development pressures.

As part of that effort, local leaders streamlined the process for landowners to talk with the town privately and donate or sell their property, conservation easements or development rights.

Since then, there have been numerous discussions with property owners in the Valley area, envisioned by some eventually as Middletown's version of Central Park. Amenities talked about there include nature trails, a walkway stretching to Easton's Beach in Newport, an amphitheater and dog park.

"Many times, property owners are not aware of all the advantages," Hawes said. "That's one of the reasons we're here: To help explain all the benefits. Sometimes, they just see it as a tax benefit, but there's so much more these donations can accomplish."

"Middletown is committed to preserving and aggressively improving the quality of life for all residents," said Town Councilman Louis P. DiPalma, liaison to the open space committee. "Issuing and supporting this (request for information) is in clear alignment with this commitment."

For a copy of the open space committee's acquisition policy or for other terms and conditions, contact town Finance Director Shawn J. Brown at 846-4478 or e-mail at sbrown@middletownri.com.

Open space officials said all correspondence concerning potential land acquisitions will remain confidential. Additional information about the open space group is available online at http: //www.middletownri.com/open_space.htm.


	Newport Daily News 2.13.06 Open space group looks for land By Matt Sheley/Daily News staff Preserving open space across Middletown remains a priority. Recently, the town's Open Space and Fields Committee reiterated its interest in protecting environmentally sensitive and important parcels in the community. Mason Hawes, chairman of the open space group, said the volunteer board has been in confidential conversations recently about several strategic properties surrounding the Kempenaar Valley between High Street and Valley Road. Thus far, Hawes said the focus has been on the almost 50-acre Valley site, but any property that ranks high according to the town's criteria are of interest. "We're in discussions and hoping to move forward on one and there are a couple others that we're working on getting something done," Hawes said. "This definitely benefits the whole town because open space is good for everyone." Last summer, the open space committee announced a campaign to help protect strategic land in Middletown in response to continuing development pressures. As part of that effort, local leaders streamlined the process for landowners to talk with the town privately and donate or sell their property, conservation easements or development rights. Since then, there have been numerous discussions with property owners in the Valley area, envisioned by some eventually as Middletown's version of Central Park. Amenities talked about there include nature trails, a walkway stretching to Easton's Beach in Newport, an amphitheater and dog park. "Many times, property owners are not aware of all the advantages," Hawes said. "That's one of the reasons we're here: To help explain all the benefits. Sometimes, they just see it as a tax benefit, but there's so much more these donations can accomplish." "Middletown is committed to preserving and aggressively improving the quality of life for all residents," said Town Councilman Louis P. DiPalma, liaison to the open space committee. "Issuing and supporting this (request for information) is in clear alignment with this commitment." For a copy of the open space committee's acquisition policy or for other terms and conditions, contact town Finance Director Shawn J. Brown at 846-4478 or e-mail at sbrown@middletownri.com. Open space officials said all correspondence concerning potential land acquisitions will remain confidential. Additional information about the open space group is available online at http: //www.middletownri.com/open_space.htm.