Berlin to Receive $61,000 Grant Protecting Open Space

As part of an effort to protect open space across Connecticut, Berlin has been awarded a $61,750.00 Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant to assist in our local effort. These funds will be used to purchase 15.74-acres adjacent to the town’s 420-acre Blue Hills Conservation Area. Additionally, the town will add parking near Summit Wood Drive which will provide access to a trail we plan to have connect with the Metacomet Trail.

The topic of acquiring this property came up during one of our Town Council meetings. At that time, I initially had some concerns and requested a visit to the location. I’d like to thank The Foreman of Berlin’s Community, Recreation and Park Service who offered to show me around the location to ease some of those original concerns. After visiting the site, I agreed to write an accompanying letter in support of our Development Director/Grants Administrator’s application.

Obtaining this grant truly took a team effort and I’m grateful to the other members of the Berlin delegation who joined in my effort to obtain this adjoining parcel of land. The additional 15.74-acres will provide more recreational area for hikers and other visitors who want to enjoy the outdoors.