First Selectman Ed Edelson applauded the Connecticut State Senate’s May 30 passage of a bill that will preserve and protect land owned by the Southbury Training School and ensure its continued use for agricultural purposes.
The bill reinforces a long-standing commitment on the part of the state to preserve the property, and continue its agricultural use.
“I am so pleased to see that both houses of the Connecticut legislature unanimously passed the Southbury Training School Farmland Preservation,” said Edelson. “This is something that many environmental leaders in our community have been seeking for so many years.”
Edelson applauded Gov. Dannel Malloy for his work in getting the bill passed.
“Over the past two years, I have been working continuously with the Governor's office to see how we can get this legislation crafted,” he added. “His leadership and commitment to farming, open space, habitat management and the Southbury Training School farmlands in particular have been clear throughout the process.”
Southbury’s representatives also played a vital role in the passage of the bill, and Edelson recognized their efforts as well.
“Of course it has taken the cooperation of many others including Southbury's Representative Arthur O'Neil who has been behind this legislative change for many years” said Edelson. “Senator Rob Kane's support has also been critical. I only wish that Dr. Marc Taylor could be with us to see this important goal achieved. Now it is up to all of us to make sure these premier farmlands are used to reinvigorate local farming in Southbury.”
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