Update from Conservation Commission

The Torrington Conservation Commission recently acquired a 3.3 acre parcel of undeveloped land near the intersection of Newfield Road and Winsted Road using monies from the Open Space Fund. Property developers are required to add to this fund when they are unable to designate an area as open space in a proposed subdivision. Typically, when a subdivision is proposed, there needs to be a certain amount of land designated as "open space" rather than building lots. This allows for watershed  areas to be maintained and allows a proposed housing development to have areas of community use. This "open space" balances the need to maintain the rural feel of certain parts of Torrington with the pressing need to add tax revenue producing residences to our community.

This particular property that the Conservation Commission has acquired will be extremely helpful in establishing the Torrington Trails Network, a system of trails that we hope will provide miles of outdoor recreational opportunities to residents of Torrington and the surrounding area. An outdoor trails network would thus bring in tourists and additional revenue for our local restaurants and stores. This Newfield Road property brings us one step closer to creating a trail that connects the Red Mountain Ave Trail to Sunnybrook State Park.

For more information please view http://www.torringtontrails.webs.com/

Stephen Michna, Torrington Conservation Commission, Commissioner

The Conservation Commission meets the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm in the Torrington City Hall (Room 324 unless posted otherwise)