Official: Vernon/Ellington Field Purchase Ready For Closing

VERNON/ELLINGTON, CT — A closing date can now be scheduled for a $1.193 million purchase of land in both Vernon and Ellington that would be turned into athletic fields, a wetlands preserve and an improved Hockanum River corridor.

The plan cleared its final major regulatory hurdle Monday with an endorsement by the Ellington Planning and Zoning Commission.

Vernon Town Manager Michael Purcaro said once the deal closes, the first phase of the project can begin "as soon as possible." Phase 1 included land grading and one of the fields.

The second phase, which does not have a formal timetable, includes a second field and rest rooms.

The fields would be regulation length for both soccer and lacrosse, according to the plans.

The land could accommodate third field if a third phase is adopted.

The purchase has been a year-long collaborative effort with Ellington officials and it's been close to six years since the concept was first bantered about. The plan is to also partner with local lacrosse and soccer clubs, officials said.

The money for the purchase is being taken from Vernon's general fund by using extra revenues from money management, officials said. No borrowing has been proposed.

The parcels are currently leased farmland and wetlands, roughly behind the CVS and Walgreens stores between Windermere Avenue and Route 83, officials said. Here they are:

• 21.52 acres assessed in Ellington for $799,660 and listed for $550,000. Vernon received an appraisal of $455,000 and made a successful bid of $445,000.
• 9.9 acres along the Hockanum listed for $27,270 and bought for $20,000.
• 11 acres in Ellington assessed at $378,000, listed for $399,000 and bought for $278,000.