Connecticut Senate Bill SB00449

Connecticut 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/18
• Refer: 3/7/18

Caption

An Act Concerning The Disposition Of The Former Seaside Sanatorium Facility.

Impact

This legislation emphasizes the importance of preserving public access to the shoreline, requiring any proposals for the site's usage to incorporate provisions for the maintenance of public access along the coastal area. By doing so, the bill seeks to balance developmental interests with environmental conservation and public enjoyment of coastal resources. The directive to preserve a corridor of at least one hundred feet landward from the shoreline is a notable element that aims to enhance community engagement with local natural resources.

Summary

SB00449, known as the Act Concerning the Disposition of the Former Seaside Sanatorium Facility, aims to assess and establish the best use for the property previously designated for the sanatorium in Waterford. The bill mandates that the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection, along with other relevant state officials and the chief elected official of Waterford, consult to prepare a request for information about potential uses for the facility. The goal is to ensure that its future use aligns with public interests and environmental standards.

Contention

Discussions surrounding the bill may include points of contention regarding the optimal balance between development and conservation. Stakeholders might express concerns about what 'highest and best use' means in practice, as it must align with both economic viability and ecological sustainability. Potential opposition could arise from local advocacy groups worried about overdevelopment which could threaten the ecosystem or diminish public access to natural areas. The bill's provisions suggest a prioritization of comprehensive reviews and public input into determining the future of the Seaside Sanatorium property.