Killingoworth Selectmen Support Purchase of Welter Property

At the September 9 Board of Selectman meeting, Killingworth Land Conservation Trust came forward to ask for support in their purchase of the Welter Property. They specifically requested the monies from the town's Open Space Fund to go towards the purchase. The Board of Selectman voted unanimously supported the decision, and now First Selectman Catherine Iino will take the next step and go to the Bard of Finance to approve the $9,708 transfer of funds.

"This is a critical property it connects to Parmelee Farm to Platt Nature Center," said representatives of the Land Trust. "Currently, there is a parking lot, about 30x60 feet, at the Welter Woods entrance. So, people are able to park and walk on the grounds of Welter and make their way to Parmelee as well."

The Welter property was purchased in June by the Land Trust for $300,000, of which half was paid for and half is in a mortgage. They are looking to raise about $100,000, of which they have about 1/3 of that amount. 

"Currently, there is $9,708 in the Open Space Fund, and we feel this purchase is a logical place to put that money," the representatives continued.

The Board voted to support the transfer of funds.

"I support putting money towards this project," Iino stated at the meeting. "Our town has plans for conservation and development, and we support that goal. These dollars were set aside for this reason exactly. We're grateful that the Land Trust is pursuing these opportunities."

This is not the first time the town has aided in the purchase of property for he Land Trust. In 2000, the town donated $5,000 for the purchase of the Cranberry Bog on Pond Meadow Road. 

Even though the Trust still needs to raise a significant amount of funds by January, as they later explained, they were confident they would be able to follow through on the purchase one way or another.