Changes for North Haven Trails Association

Speaking before a full room of members at the Recreation Center on Tuesday night, North Haven Trails Association (NHTA) President Ron Penton began with the announcement of new developments and possible new changes of direction the group would need to consider going forward.

The current state of the economy, said Penton, has created unfavorable circumstances for owners of properties where the group had proposed its original Quinnipiac River trail system. In turn that has affected the owner’s relationship with NHTA.

An additional set-back came with another property’s recent management change-up. Penton said these developments make it necessary to redirect the group’s energies, at least for the immediate future.

"I’m not closing the door on this (section)," said Penton, "but we might have to take a little bit of time off."

Penton told the group, "We’ve all said in the past that if a problem arose with a property in the proposed trail, we would just go in a different direction for awhile. None of us expected this big a change of direction, but I think there’s a possibility that we may, in a year or two, ask ourselves, 'Why didn’t we start here to begin with?'"

Penton, along with NHTA board members Sal Bonito and Fran Notaro, then approached the town. Penton said it was First Selectman Mike Freda who suggested the idea that the group look at a different section of the river.

The section now being contemplated is in the southern part of town, behind the developed lots on Universal Drive. Penton remarked that these properties, unlike the upland properties in the original trail system, are already fully developed to the maximum extent. That fact alone, said Penton, might potentially make it easier and perhaps quicker work for the group. To this, Penton pointed out the developed lots being considered have property in the form of land and woods behind them.

“It’s actually a beautiful view of the marsh from there,” said NHTA member Jim Reilly.

“It’s gorgeous,” Penton replied. “I’ve canoed up and down there and it really is beautiful and like the upland part of the river, very few people have seen it.”

Penton said while this part of the river was tidal marsh, unlike the upland parcels, members saw the value of the area. They discussed the location for ease of accessibility, the attraction as a nature area, and the potential interest for birders. A number of members who canoe were also excited at the prospect of possible boat launches.

“So what I suggest,” Penton continued, “is that we give this a try— redirect our efforts, short-term, to this southern section.” 

Penton assured the group that all the previous work done, the mapping and plotting was not wasted. He said with that work done, when the economy changes, the group can quickly move back to re-institute that plan.   

Penton said the group should walk this new land being considered, and look it over, continue to work with the town and talk to owners of the properties being discussed.

Response from members in attendance was positive and came without hesitation. Member Annette Gattilia said of the change, “It just might be a blessing in disguise.” Member Hugh Davis seemed to have the voice of the group— offering up a hearty “Go for it!” as the meeting wound down and adjourned.

The North Haven Trails Association will hold its next meeting on October 18, 2011, the third Tuesday of the month. The public is always welcome to attend. To learn more about the group, you can go online to NorthHavenTrails.org.