AGENDA ITEM
CORRESPONDENCE
Subject:
title
MOTION to issue a letter, as contained in the draft dated December 6, 2022, to Groton Utilities Commission and Groton Town Council, to endorse and encourage public access to the Groton Reservoir to continue the development of the 14-mile Tri-Town Trail as defined on Master Plan, to traverse through the Groton Reservoir for passive recreation. the Groton Reservoir, to provide public access for passive recreation.
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Background Information:
The Tri-Town Trail Committee, comprised of members from Groton, Ledyard and Preston, began work on a Tri-Town Trail initiative in 2008. The vision was to connect municipalities, economic centers, and residential areas for the public to enjoy the beauty of the natural resources in southeastern Connecticut through passive recreation, such as hiking and bicycling.
The 14-mile Master Plan developed with a Consultant was designed to go from Bluff Point to Preston Plains Park and clearly defined the recreation trail traversing through the Groton Reservoir.
During the past fourteen years, despite many appeals, the Groton Utilities Commission has denied permission for the recreational trail to pass thru the reservoir property based on concerns regarding the safety of the of the public water supply. Although the Groton City Council, who owned Groton Utilities, received a presentation regarding the Tri-Town Trail; there was no interest to open a dialogue, noting that Groton's leaders refused to discuss the matter at that time.
In recent years there has been a change of members on the Groton Utilities Commission. Some members, including Groton City Mayor Hendricks, attended the Ribbon Cutting for the opening of the Tri-Town Trail in at the Trail Head in Preston, and they have since made positive comments regarding the recreational trail. In addition, the Groton Utilities Commission recently hired a Consultant who would be providing a Report that described what other reservoirs do ab...
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