http://www.courant.com/news/local/fv/hc-farkrell0101.artjan01,0,5724810.story
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Public Invited To Examine Farm Property
Town Considers Purchasing 90 Acres For Preservation
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By DAVID PAULSEN
Special to The Courant
January 1, 2008
FARMINGTON — Krell Farm will be open to the public the next two Sundays so
residents can see what would be saved if Farmington voters approve nearly $7 million
to preserve the land from development.
The town is considering whether to purchase 90 of the farm's 98.4 acres to protect the
property. A town meeting Monday on the issue will be followed by a referendum Jan. 17.
To prepare residents for the meeting and voting, supporters of the land purchase have
arranged for two days of tours, activities and refreshments at the farm, located
between Plainville Avenue and Judson Lane south of Meadow Road.
"There is an urgent need to understand and support the Krell Farm purchase, as the
deadline for the vote is near," said Kathy Wadsworth, president of the Farmington Land
Trust, which is working with Farmington Futures and the Farmington Taxpayers
Association to support a town purchase.
They cite the land's beauty and significance and invite people, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday and on Jan. 13, to learn about the farm's history, take a horse-drawn hayride
or to bring their cross-country skis or snowshoes and tour the property on their own.
Food and drinks will be served at the farm stand.
Monday's town meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the Farmington High School auditorium,
10 Monteith Drive. No vote will be taken, but information will be available about the
proposed land purchase.
The town would spend $6,750,000 to obtain 90 acres from Patricia Krell, who would
keep the remaining 8.4 acres. The town's 90 acres could no longer be developed for
other uses, such as housing.
If the referendum passes, the town will apply to the state Department of Environmental
Protection for a grant to reimburse the town for part of the purchase price.
On Jan. 17, polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. In District 1, residents in Precincts 1
and 2 will vote at Irving Robbins Middle School, 20 Wolf Pit Road, and residents in
Precinct 3 will vote at West Woods Upper Elementary School, 50 Judson Lane.
In District 2, residents in Precinct 1 will vote at the community and senior center, 321
New Britain Ave., and Precincts 2 and 3 will vote at the Farmington Library, 6 Monteith
Drive.
Absentee ballots are available through the town clerk's office. Call 860-675-2380 for
information.
Copyright © 2007, The Hartford Courant
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