There has been much public debate, particularly in the newspaper, regarding the proposal to convey Long Beach West from the Town of Stratford to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. I am encouraged that the public debate on this issue has focused on issues and ideas – not on people and politics.

I would like to clarify several facts relating to Long Beach West and outline the proposed plan for the peninsula.

First, it is important to understand that Long Beach West cannot be developed. The Department of Environmental Protection has said in no uncertain terms, that development of Long Beach West will not be permitted. This is an important, non-negotiable fact that must be recognized in the debate to determine future use of the property.

Second, over 10 years ago, the Stratford Town Council decided not to renew the over 40 plus “sweetheart” leases that a small handful of people, many of whom were not even Stratford residents, enjoyed as their own private seaside resort. That Town Council policy decision, which was debated at length over a decade ago, was one that was continuously upheld throughout the past decade and after I took the oath of office over two years ago. One of my first acts as Mayor was to ensure that the decade-long legal battle regarding Long Beach West concluded. To that end, I instructed the Town Attorney to make concluding the Long Beach West litigation one of his top priorities. I’m proud to report that all litigation regarding Long Beach West has been concluded in favor of the Town of Stratford.

Third, the Town of Stratford now owns over 40 cottages, most of which are in poor, even dilapidated condition. Not only are the cottages eyesores, but they are potential fire hazards and present the ideal secluded location for illicit activity and other non-permitted uses. The Town of Stratford cannot afford to have these cottages continue to stand on the Long Beach West property. They are not easily accessible to our police, fire and emergency medical services personnel, and the liability the Town could potentially face is significant.

After much discussion with various elected officials, review of the Town of Stratford’s plan of conservation and development and hours upon hours of conversations with concerned citizens, I have, together with our Town Council, put together the following proposal:

1. The United States Fish & Wildlife Service would pay the Town of Stratford $10 million for the use of Long Beach West. This payment of $10 million would be put into a restricted trust account, where no Mayor, administration or Town Council could spend the money without the affirmative vote of at least seven members of the Stratford Town Council. The interest generated from the trust fund could be, at the Town Council’s sole discretion, allocated for one or more initiatives, to include, but not limited to, tax relief, waterfront conservation or open space preservation. In other words, the land would yield substantial revenue on an annual basis that would benefit the people of the Town of Stratford forever.

2. The residents of the Town of Stratford would have guaranteed access to Long Beach West. This is a critical piece of the legal agreement between the Town of Stratford and the United States Fish & Wildlife Service that is non-negotiable. In other words, the citizens of the Town of Stratford, and indeed the region, would be able to enjoy Long Beach West forever and the Town of Stratford would maintain beneficial access and use of this property.

3. All structures on the Long Beach West property would be safely removed. The removal of these structures, and any needed environmental cleanup, would have to be competed shortly after the transfer and at the sole cost and expense of the United States Government. Estimates for removal and cleanup are costly, thus the benefit of having these structures removed at the United States Fish & Wildlife Service’s expense is a clear and direct benefit to the Town of Stratford.

4. A boardwalk would be built across the entire Long Beach West parcel. This would ensure easy and enjoyable access for all Stratford’s citizens and will allow specialized emergency service vehicles across the peninsula. This boardwalk would be built at the United States Fish & Wildlife Service’s sole expense.

5. A “way station” would be built that provides emergency phone service, water and restroom facilities, as well as temporary shelter facilities during inclement weather. This station would be built at the United States Fish & Wildlife Service’s expense.

Finally, I would be remiss if I did not point out that the Federal Government currently exercises jurisdiction over Long Beach West as endangered federal species, specifically the piping plover, nest on the beach. The Federal Government’s jurisdiction over the property would not change - whether or not the Town of Stratford conveys the property.

I am certain that this proposal, as outlined above, will give the Town of Stratford much needed revenue from the interest proceeds of the trust fund and Stratford residents increased and improved access to Long Beach West at the same time of protecting the environment and preserving open space - without the cost of liability and maintenance. The conveyance of Long Beach West to the United States Fish & Wildlife Service will benefit all of the parcels’ stakeholders – especially the residents of the Town of Stratford.

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