New Milford Mayor Encourages Citizens to Voice Concerns Over 72-Acre Century Brass

NEW MILFORD, CT — The following is a letter to the editor written by New Milford Mayor David Gronbach. To send your letter to the editor email wendy.mitchell@patch.com.

"Very soon, the Town will be in possession of 72 acres of cleaned industrially zoned property along the Housatonic Railroad, known as Century Brass. After decades of abandonment and pollution, the next step is to return this property to productivity. The Economic Development office is filled with studies and proposals that never came to anything, from a movie studio to waste recycling. Panda’s proposal is a serious one and it is not for me to reject it out of hand considering the following:

• The property is zoned industrial. The Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development (“POCD”) Future Land Use Plan notes this area is to be used for Industrial Uses. "For other industrial zones in New Milford, attention should focus on their continued use for industry, while carefully managing potential impacts to nearby neighborhoods." Page 70. "Support industrial development in industrial zones and capitalize on other business opportunities." Page 72. The HVCEO Future Growth Map notes this area as being a "Primary Growth Area". Page 107;

• The proposed sale price of the property is 2.8 million, $400,000 more than the appraised value of 2.4 million;

• Significant economic investment in the community including 300-500 construction jobs over 2 ½ years with an emphasis on local hiring, contractors, and suppliers;

• 30 Full time jobs to operate the plant with $75,000 per year average salary, again with an emphasis on local hires;

• Tax assessor preliminary estimated yearly revenue at between 6 and 10 million dollars per year. Property values go up when the tax burden on homeowners is decreased;

• The ability to invest in long-standing investments like the Library Modernization; a river/bike trail from Brookfield to Kent; expansion of fire department facilities and equipment; centralized sports fields; and increased investment in education and teachers.

• A plan for landscaping and mitigating measures to lessen the impact on neighbors and the community. Most importantly, a genuine desire by Panda to work with our community to mold the project to New Milford’s needs;

• Environmental and health concerns to be addressed during the option period before the property is sold, including air and water studies, approval required by the EPA and the Connecticut Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Connecticut Siting Council, which will require additional meetings and community input. The Option Agreement allows the Town and Panda to study these issues and work to address them.

When the Town decided to close Pettibone School, it was such an important decision, the community pleaded for a referendum to allow the citizens to decide. Whether this Panda project goes forward is not up to me, Town Council, or any other group. All of the Town’s citizens will have the chance to decide if it does or does not go forward, and that is a good thing. It is more than we had with regard to Pettibone.

If the project is approved, we will make sure that the impacts to the environment, neighbors, and community are vigorously defended and addressed. If the project is rejected, we will continue to work toward development of the property consistent with its industrial zoning. The need for jobs and tax relief will not disappear with this project’s rejection. As I was told growing up, “If you don’t act now, don’t complain later.” So I hope that all citizens participate in this process in a positive informed manner."

Thank you,

Mayor David Gronbach