Ridgefield Board Advances Lakeview Property Plans, Approves Battlefield Preservation Fund

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Board of Selectpersons on April 22 approved a local vendor permit renewal, advanced steps tied to a long-running blight property on Lakeview Drive and authorized the creation of a fundraising vehicle for a proposed Main Street battlefield preservation effort.

The special meeting at Town Hall also included routine financial approvals, updates on board and commission vacancies, a discussion of a possible new town administrator position, and scheduling adjustments ahead of the town’s annual budget meeting and referendum.

Vendor permit renewed for College Creamery

The board unanimously approved a vendor permit renewal for Fabiana VanLoeser, owner of College Creamery LLC, allowing the business to continue operating its mobile ice cream service.

VanLoeser told officials the business is entering its fifth summer season and operates primarily within Fairfield County. She said the venture has helped fund her daughters’ college education, with two already covering their tuition through earnings from the business.

Selectpersons approved the renewal in a 5-0 vote following a brief discussion and confirmation that all paperwork requirements had been met.

Lakeview Drive property moves toward potential sale

First Selectperson Rudy Marconi said the town is preparing to evaluate options for 29 Lakeview Drive, a property acquired after years of legal disputes tied to blight conditions.

Marconi said the town now owns the parcel after overcoming repeated legal challenges from the previous owner.

“It took us… every three, four years that we battled with that,” he said, describing a prolonged enforcement process.

He said the board will review potential sale values in executive session, with a goal of potentially recovering municipal costs tied to the property.

“We don’t have to do anything with it, or we can try and recover the monies… which will be my recommendation,” Marconi said.

No formal vote on the property’s disposition was taken during the public session.

Board establishes battlefield preservation fund

The board unanimously approved the creation of a “Main Street Battlefield Preservation” fund under the Friends of Ridgefield nonprofit umbrella, enabling the town to begin soliciting private donations for a potential land acquisition tied to the historic Battle of Ridgefield.

Marconi said the vote was needed to formally establish the fund following prior discussions held in executive session.

“I’ve had… one person call [who] wanted to know where to send the money,” he said, noting early interest in contributing.

Officials said the fund would allow private donations to be collected while the town evaluates whether to pursue acquisition of the property, which could include preserving land associated with the Revolutionary War battle.

Board members discussed potential outcomes if fundraising efforts fall short or if the project does not proceed, with one member noting donations could be returned if necessary.

A resident speaking during public comment urged the board to support preservation efforts, calling the potential loss of the site “really, really tragic” given its historical significance.

The motion to establish the fund passed 5-0.

Refunds and meeting minutes approved

The board approved over $12,300 in tax refunds following a brief review, with no opposition.

Members also approved several sets of meeting minutes, including those tied to recent Board of Finance budget sessions, after making minor clarifications to wording and context.

Discussion included how to properly label minutes from joint or attended meetings to avoid confusion about which board formally convened the session.

Commission vacancies raise concerns

Selectperson Maureen Kozlark raised concerns about vacancies and pending retirements on the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA), describing the board as “thin” and in transition.

She said multiple long-serving members are stepping down, including one who has served since the 1990s, leaving the commission with fewer than the required five members.

“It’s a big commitment,” Kozlark said, noting the technical expertise required, particularly in wastewater management.

Members discussed recruitment challenges, including the need for candidates with engineering backgrounds and residency within the sewer district.

Officials said the town has been advertising the openings but may need to expand outreach, including contacting local engineering firms.

Scheduling changes and upcoming votes

The board adjusted its meeting schedule to avoid conflicts with a June 24 community event, opting to maintain a June 10 meeting and consider a special meeting if needed.

Marconi reminded residents that the annual town meeting will take place May 4 at the Ridgefield Playhouse beginning 7:30 p.m., followed by the budget referendum on May 12 at Yanity Gym from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.