Rauschers Farm
Update 4/1/2008
I believe that closing on the Rauscher farm property should be a number one priority at this point in time. As you may or may not know, the grant money ($353,600) is in jeopardy as the timing of signing off on the special condition (Wekepeke CR) has been slow and that's an understatement. The CR is supposed to be a mutually agreeable instrument.
Up to this point the state has stalled or been lass than responsive in it's responses. The first counterproposal we sent was approximately June 1st 2007. The Board of Selectmen didn't receive a response until after the grant award with the special condition in December. The town met with representatives from the EOEEA/DCR and they seemed to be willing to step up the progress. Another counter was submitted March 20th and there has been no movement again. We were promised a fast turnaround.
The motion has passed to close on the farm and soon. If anyone tries to derail this closing, as there seems to be an undercurrent of activity I've observed, The town will pay dearly with a lawsuit from Pulte Homes. In the end we'll get nothing for our money. So to whoever is involved in this activity, Stop Now, If you really care about the best interest of your town!
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2/2008
It has been my honor and pleasure to have been involved in saving Rauscher's Farm for future generations of Clintonians. A place where we can all enjoy quiet moments and the beauty of nature right here in Clinton. My thanks to all who banded together and labored to make this a reality.
As Chairman of the Open Space Acquisition Committee (OSAC) I can say that this was truly a team effort, and could not have been done without the help of all. This Includes the Friends of Rauschers Farm (FORF), CGCT, Clinton Conservation Commission, many officials and you the people that came out and voted not once, not twice but three times and made this a success.